Dear Ellie,

Dear Ellie,

You are 2 today, sweet princess! It is so hard to believe. Time really does go so fast. You are not a little baby anymore. You are a spirited, funny, smart little girl who has me laughing about a million times and day, and sometimes wanting to pull my hair out too!

Sometimes when I am rocking you to sleep, and you remind me that I need to start singing, I think back to sitting in that same rocking chair with you when you were a tiny little one. I remember how your face would twitch into a smile as you fell asleep. And I wonder how my little baby bird grew up so fast. But the coolest thing is, as much as I miss tiny Ellie, I just love toddler Ellie so much that it isn't even funny. The conversations you have, how you have tea parties, and tickle fights and rock your baby dolls to sleep...those things are just so amazing to see. So while I sometimes wish you wouldn't grow up so fast, I also wouldn't exactly wish to keep you little.

Every day I still feel incredibly overwhelmed and blessed that I get to be your Mom. You bring so much joy to everyone around you, and your Dad and I could just not be more proud. Of course, I can also throw in that you are the world's best big sister...most of the time.

I hope you always stay as curious as you are now. I hope you never lose the imagination that dreams up dragons outside your window. I hope you keep your Dad's memory, so you remind me 3 months later that we saw a frog on THAT window. I hope you continue to care about others, just like you care about me and bring me my pretend coffee to drink. I hope you stay fearless. Or at least mostly fearless. My poor heart can't take your fearlessness sometimes. And I hope you always keep the energy to go down the slide again. Or two more times. Or five more times.

You are one amazing little girl, Miss Ellorie Mae Mason. And I love you to pieces. Happy birthday, princess!

I love you,
Mommy

Ellie the flower girl!

So Miss Ellie made her flower girl debut at Mandy's wedding this weekend.

Let me tell you, we were NOT sure how this was going to go. I mean come on, she's not even 2 yet. And you want her to walk down the aisle?

Thankfully Aunt Mandy was super-cool about everything. She didn't really care if she made it down the aisle. Or not. Or walked down the aisle and pulled her dress up over her head. No big deal either way.

Of course WE cared a little more. So both Ryan and I had a stash of white jelly beans. JUST in case.

The weekend started out with the rehearsal. Ellie did awesome walking down the aisle with the other flower girl, Maysie. 

Okay, but one thing I didn't prep myself for. Catholic wedding. Holy water.And we're not just talking a little fountain. NOPE. Kiddie pool sized. See it behind them in the pic? Oy. So yes, I spent most of the time trying to keep Ellie out of that. Keep this in mind for later.

So, after the rehearsal, we headed to a cute little restaurant for dinner. Dinner was AWESOME. And Ellie got cupcakes. And Uncle Ryan taught her to eat cupcakes frosting first. Greeeeeeat.

The next day, we got up and headed to IHOP for some breakfast. Mandy should be thankful that we cleaned up her strawberry pancake explosion.

Then it was time to get ready for the wedding. We had to be ready to go at noon for a 2pm wedding. Yup, right in the middle of nap time. This was going to be just a bundle of fun...

Ellie handled it like a champ though. Look how beautiful she looked

Sigh. Pretty girl. She was completely delirious, though, and the church had fun hallways and ramps so she was pretty much a wild woman running all over. And tackling her fellow flower girl. Oh, bean...

She did make Aunt Mandy's day though. She kept following around calling her "Pwincess". The first time she saw her was so cute. She was in awe of the pwincess.

Now, walking down the aisle. All was well, until about 5 minutes before she was set to go. She was getting a little rambunctious, so the ring bearer tried to "help" by showing her how to splash in the holy water pool. Oh. My. Goodness. Kiss. Of. Death. So of course she wanted to climb in. And splash. And make a mess. Of course, I had successfully kept her from this for hours and then 5 minues before THE WALK it all gets screwed up. So of course in protest, she starts running down the hallway. Oy. Aunt Janel was able to get her refocused though, and she walked down the aisle like a pro. 

We hung out in the back while the ceremony was going on. But both kids did great.

 After the ceremony and church pics, we went over to a local park for pics. Ellie-no-nap snoozed in the car...

 

Poor tired baby. Needless to say, she was not in a great mood for pics. Luckily, they didn't really need us, so we attempted to take a couple of our own. She was NOT cooperative. BUT, as luck would have it, we managed to get THE pic.

Love this one. It reminds me of Cinderella running from the ball. Perfect.

The reception was fun. E did not appreciate waiting for dinner. Shocker. But she did love to dance. And go up and down the huge staircase. But the best part of the night? Ellie asked Ryan to dance with her during the Bride/daddy dance. Ugh, yeah. Tears everywhere.

But then, more dancing shenanigans. Delirious flowergirls are super funny!

 All in all, a great wedding experience. Congrats again Mandy and Brian!

20 weeks! Still catching up...

Dear Scarlett,

Well I am still trying to catch up! You and your sister keep me a little busy these days, and so I am getting a bit behind on your letters. In good news, though, even though I stink about writing about all the fun we are having, we are STILL having so much fun that I cannot stand it. You and your sister are the best!

So, let's start with Saturday, the 14th. It was a hot day, and we decided to check one thing off our summer bucket list...strawberry picking! You spent most of the time just checking things out from the beco, but your sister had a blast. Grandma and Grandpa Mason kept one strawberry in each hand for her! I thought she was going to turn into a strawberry! Don't worry, Smoosh, I am sure you will be joining her next year!

After that, we went up to the lake to rinse Miss Ellie off. Dad and Ellie played in the water and you and I cuddled on the deck. You enjoyed the fresh air! You two snoozed a little in the car, then it was off to a couple graduation parties. You were quite the charmer as usual, giving your big, drooly grins to anyone who as holding you!

Sunday was Father's day, so we got the opportunity to celebrate the fact that you and Ellie have the BEST dad! I love watching him with you, he is just smitten over you girls! 

Monday we decided to hit the park. Of course your sister loved burning off some energy (and seeing a train even!) You were pretty content as usual and happy to be cuddled and talk to, and just take in everything around you. In the afternoon we played outside at home. Daddy moved my swing up by Ellie's playhouse so we can relax in that while Ellie is climbing and sliding. You two like cuddling in it together, too. 

Tuesday we decided to go strawberry picking AGAIN, since we pretty much had already polished off the strawberries we picked on Saturday. I guess Ellie takes after Mommy and Daddy in being strawberry monsters. There was a nice breeze so you snoozed in your carseat. I was able to pick some berries so that we actually have some to freeze, and your sister, of course was happy as a clam to eat more berries! 

After that, you guys headed back to Grandma's while I headed to the gym for practice. Grandma and Grandpa wore you guys out, because you both took great naps.

Wednesday you were up a bit early. No problem, that just means that I got some sweet cuddle time before your sister got up. You are so happy in the mornings, my little Squish! I love you. Your happy little smile starts my day off right!

We had some errands to run, then it was back home for nap time. Well, except storms rolled through and the power went out. Arg. Not good when we have a toddler who depends on her noise machines and a baby who depends on her swing. So suffice it to say it was a bit of a long afternoon for us all. 

Thursday we headed to the breastfeeding coalition meeting. We took Ellie too, which was quite an adventure. She wanted to be a good big sister and play with ALL of the babies. We got you weighed and you are still perfectly on track, hovering around that 50th percentile point at 14lbs 11oz. 

You also started playing with the exersaucer after I dug it out for you. You love it! Now if I could just get your sister to stop trying to climb in. She can climb in, but not out...which is pretty hysterical to us both....

Friday I ad to go to Chicago, so you spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa. I know that they love spending time with you and your sister, but I have to tell you. I miss you so much when I'm not with you. You two really are my sunshine. I was very glad to get home even after a LOOOOOONG day and cuddle with my favorite girlies.

So that is week 20, princess! More to come as I get back on track...

I love you, 

Mommy 

Catching up...19 weeks!

Dear Scarlett,

I'm chugging along, catching up with these posts. Wooohoooo! 

So when I left off in your 18 week post, we were on our way to Lansing for the cheer competition. Like I said, you were a trooper with the trip, even though you were in unfamiliar enironments and had your schedule thrown WAAAAAY off. We are so lucky that both you and your sister deal so well with all the craziness that is our lives.

On Saturday, Daddy and I were at the competition all day. You got to play with Grandma and Grandpa all day! You did stop by the competition a couple times so I could feed you. The pump doesn't agree with either of us these days. I can't get much out, and you don't really like to take bottles, so we try to avoid that whenever possible. You did get a couple of bottles that I had pumped previously, but those couple "live" feedings saved us both. 

Speaking of which...4.5 months and ZERO formula for you. I feel so proud that neither your sister or you have ever had formula. And I feel incredibly fortunate that nursing has been so easy with both of you. The daughter of one of Daddy's co-workers who is just a couple weeks older than you had to get a feeding tube...and I just can't image how difficult that must be. I am so thankful that you both have (knock on wood) been incredibly healthy. 

You were awesome in the hotel again on Saturday night! Phew! What a relief! The last state competition when you were still an inside baby, your sister kept us up ALL night, so I am very thankful that we were all able to get some much needed rest. 

Sunday was more of the same. Everyone loved seeing you and meeting you. And although you were a little crabbier than normal, you still gave a ton of your super sweet smiles and charmed them all. 

Monday we all needed some down time from the long weekend, so we stayed around home. You and Ellie are spending a lot of time playing together. When I am holding you sometimes, especially in the morning, she demands "Baby, LAY DOWN!" She loves laying down and playing with you, and talking to you in her high-pitched baby voice. It is the sweetest thing. 

Speaking of sweetest thing, this is probably one of my favorite pictures of you two: 

Yes, you really are sucking her thumb. How is that for teamwork? You two will continue to be the dynamic duo as you grow up, I am sure!

Tuesday we ran a couple errands. Errands are getting a bit easier with the two of you, usually. Either that or I am getting immune to the chaos. Probably a little of both. Either way, I'll take any successful Target trip I can get!

Wednesday was more cuddle time, and getting back to normal from the crazy weekend. You are starting to get on more of a schedule, where you do 3-4 shorter naps a day. It is rare that I get the 2-3 hour naps I once got from you now. Oh well, at least there is always extra snuggle time to be had!

Thursday continue our lazy week of hanging around home. While we may not be going anywhere, we certainly still do a lot. We typically take 2-3 walks a day, plus play outside. Things can get a little crazy for sure!

Friday you got to spend some time with Grandma while I worked out. You were a very good girl and still love looking at that fan, especially when you are having your diaper changed!  I made it through the work out and even got to run a couple errands before you ladies were ready to come home and take a nap. 

When Daddy got home, however, the real fun started! You got to go for your first cobra ride! Daddy loved piling all five of us in the car and driving around the neighborhood. 

What else is new? Well you are really getting into toys. You are grabbing and holding onto all sorts of stuff. O-balls, soft toys, teethers...which also brings us to this teething possibility thing. You are a drooly mess and you want to chew on things CONSTANTLY. Therefore people are taking bets that you are teething. Which seems crazy to me, but I'll roll with it. I, of course, thought Ellie was teething at this stage (but admittedly not this much!) and those teeth didn't show up on her until 14 months. So either you really are the anti-Ellie and are going to be totally different, or you are a big faker!

So, Squish, that is 19 weeks. I love that you are interacting more with others and your environment, even if that means I need to stay on my toes with you a bit more. I love you to pieces and wouldn't change a single thing about you...well except maybe I'd slow down how fast time is going by and you are growing up!

I love you so much, Scarlett!
Mommy

Ellie-isms

Okay, so this kid is FUNNY. Daily she cracks me up with something she says. Here are a couple favorites from the past couple weeks:

-Ellie was slamming her palm down on her scrambled eggs yelling "HATCH, birdie, HATCH" Um, it is a little late for that now, Ellie

-"Brush teeth" CONSTANTLY. Oh, but only with her "Pony" toothbrush. And lots of "paste". And depending on the day, the pony is either Cody or Trigger, the two horses down the street.

-To Scalett: "No cry, baby! Shopping!" Apparently she is well versed at retail therapy.

-Ellie: "Momma, sing!" So I start the Itsy Bitsy Spider.
  "No. Different." So I try The Wheels on the Bus.
  "NO." Old MacDonald?
  "NOOOO" *puts hands over ears* "Different" "This This" points to stereo.
 Oh, okay. I didn't realize I lived with the not-yet-2-year-old version of Simon Cowell.

-Oh, and she is putting things together. "Baby eat boob". Oh please don't say that in public. Sigh.

-Another favorite with Scarlett: we were on a walk with Ellie walking and Scarlett in the beco. At one point Ellie started asking for "up, up!" So I picked her up. Baby on front, toddler on the hip, leash in the hand, it was quite a sight. But then Ellie grabbed Scarlett's hand and said "High FIE!" and high-fived her...then without missing a beat "KNUCLES" and 'bumped' her. Ha!

She is so stinking funny. I love her to pieces!

Catching up...18 weeks!

Dear Baby Scarlett,

It is time for me to play catch up on these letters and get to writing about your 18th week. We have been so busy that I've gotten a bit behind. The combo of you and your sister makes for very full hands for me most days. That, blended with a crazy schedule and me trying to spend time with you both in the "present" and you see why I am a little behind. No worries, I'll catch up slowly but surely!

So, let's start off when you were exactly 18 weeks and 1 day old. It was the very last weekend we would have "free" for awhile, so we decided to head up to the beach. Your sister loved to play in the the splash pad. You were content to watch her from your blanket. You are such a happy girl...I LOVE that about you!

We, of course, had to go get pizza. Between you and your sister, I think you managed to entertain the entire section of the restaurant that we were in. You both certainly have a way about you! One lady even stopped to tell us how blessed we were to have such amazing little girls. This woman didn't even know the half of it, but Daddy and I agree!

You also "officially" turned 4 months! I just can't believe it. You are losing a lot of your "newborn" look and turning into my cute little chunky monkey!

Monday was a little bit of a rough day. You had your 4 month doctor's appointment. Which...of course, meant more shots. I know they are necessary, but seeing my little Squish hurt is so heartbreaking. 

The good news is that you tolerated them WAY better than last time. No little whimpers, thank goodness! And everything else looks perfect. You were 13lbs 13oz (56th percentile) had a head circumference of 16 inches (41st percentile) and...get this, my supermodel...25.5 inches tall! Whoa! 90th percentile. Your sister wasn't even that tall at 6 months!

Speaking of your sister, Ellie came to the appointment too, and was very big on helping. She helped measure you, and sat by your head and gave you love while you got your shots. She is such a super big sister to you, and she hates to see you upset too. She loves to tell everyone very dramatically "OH NO! Baby CRY!"

Of course after the appointment, all any of us wanted to do was just cuddle up a storm. So, that is pretty much what we did for the rest of the day. I won't complain at all to days like that, little love!

Tuesday we had a much needed "down" day. We spent time around the house, and spend a LOT of time outside. Since your sister LOVES it outside, we spend a ton of time out there. You love to chill out on your blanket and just watch everything. I can just see that little brain taking everything in! Of course keeping you out of the sun is a trick, but we make it work.

By Wednesday, things were going a little crazy in our house. I was trying to prep for a weekend away with both of you, plus competition stuff. It was just crazy! You had a couple of rough nights with sleep, which turned me into a zombie. Overall, just not a great stretch of time, and I got VERY overwhelmed. I am so thankful that in times like that, your Daddy is such a rockstar and so good about helping out to make sure that everything gets done!

Of course, I can now totally identify when I get into crazy overwhelmed mode. I mean, life is busy, but when I stop taking time to look at this face? That is when things get bad. I have to keep reminding myself that everything else can wait. Laundry may never really get folded, and there may always be half a box worth of stray cheerios scattered around the living room, but THIS, THIS is what is important right here.

Thursday we ran some errands to prep for the weekend. You were amazing and happy to chill out in your carseat the entire time, which certainly made things easier on me!

Thursday night you got to meet your Aunt Stephanie! Yay! She was in town for a wedding, so we got pizza and ice cream with her. Even though she isn't much of a "baby person" you managed to charm her like you always do.

Friday it was off to Lansing for a cheer competition. This is the first one you've been at as an outside baby, and there were so many people waiting to meet you it was crazy. You were a doll on the long car ride, and went to bed pretty well in the hotel room. Of course, that MAY have something to do with the fact that we got the motor in your rock n play replaced. It had stopped vibrating you! Apparently you like to shake! Why didn't I think of that?

So, sweet girl, that was week 18. Crazy, and hectic and definitely overwhelming at times. But even in those crazy times, I can't help but realize how lucky I am. Like the lady at the restaurant said, I get to me the Mommy of 2 amazing little girls. I love seeing you learn and grow. And I love YOU so, SO much!

I love you Smoosh!

Mommy

Sigh...

...and the overwhelmed Mommy award goes to...ME! I am so behind with these. I have a bajillion drafts started. I will be plugging away on these in the next couple days, so stay tuned!