What you watching on your TV?

This morning I was taking Eva to the doctor for walk-in's (her little bottom is all broken out...) Matt was taking Grace to pre-school, we were driving side by side, when I see Grace's window go down... so I drove right next to her. Grace yells over, "What you watching on your TV?" I said, "Eva's watching the SMURFs." So then - this is the movie she's watched the last 30 times she's been in the car, she says, "let me see!" So I had to speed up:-)

You calling a police man??

Grace was so funny, I shouldn't say funny b/c it started out w/ Eva getting hurt... Grace was playing in Eva's pack-n-play in the living room when she tossed a chunky set of toy keys out. The keys of course hit Eva in the head, she immediately started crying - it had to hurt (her poor noggin gets more whacks and knocks). I told Grace that wasn't nice - she said w/out looking at either of us, "I said I was sorry". I said, "That's it. T I M E - O U T!" So Grace is sitting on the couch, I went to call Matt - to complain, I mean her poor Eva is cutting teeth, her bottom hurts from the rash, the last thing she needed was to be whacked on the head by a huge set of keys. As I'm talking to Matt, Grace interrupts and says, "Mom, Mom - who you talking to? You calling a police man??" I couldn't keep a straight face, it was too funny! I wanted to tell her YES, but I couldn't fib to her...

Oh boy, what will the future hold...

Oh my gosh, I'm almost afraid to look into the crystal ball and see what the future holds. My cute, sweet, 4 year old announced tonight, "Mommy, I want to get my nose pierced - like the girl at the Apple Orchard w/ the crazy hair...." Oh goodness, 4 year old's shouldn't be saying that! I had to call Matt (he was over at the house) and tell him... after I told him Grace said, "he said - yes?" I was like no.... actually he said, "Never in a million years!" But considering she wasn't crazy about my simple no, I doubt she would have liked my answer any better.

The thought of her cute little nose with an earring in it makes my stomach hurt!!!!

Ella's birthday party...

This afternoon we went to Ella's 3rd birthday party... Grace bounded up the yard and was inside making herself at home before I could bat an eye! Eva hung on to me, she tried playing with the big kids when she could but they were so fast she had a hard time keeping up, especially with all the people. Not to mention she was tired, not much of a nap, the party started at 3:00 p.m.

It was so cute and sad though, b/c there was a 10 month old baby girl at the party, and Eva's not used to seeing too many "little people" - and this little person, was nearly the same size as she is! So the little girl kept animatedly talking to her, so Eva (sweet Eva, not the stinker who bites!) wanted to give her a hug. Every time Eva went to give her a hug, the little girl would start squawking and yelling at Eva. The mother kept apologizing saying, "she's not used to little people hugging, she plays with boys and they hit! I'm so sorry." This went on a round or two, when finally Eva not just looking sad, broke down in tears.... crying - heart broken actually that this little girl didn't return her friendship. Poor thing, I felt so bad for her.

We ended up leaving the party early to go home, I was thinking both girls might get a short nap in, but nope! Only in my dreams:-)

I hope we didn't break her!

The morning just didn't start off good - or I should say the night, since Eva was up nearly all night! Ugh! Good thing Matt is a good daddy & helps out or I'd be totally socked! We finally had Eva asleep, she was like a beast you didn't want to take a chance waking - and I have no clue why. My only guess is she's teething... she has two teeth on top and two teeth on bottom coming in. But when she cries she puts all four of her fingers from one hand in her mouth, and drools everywhere. So that's got to be it, right? Ugh - not knowing is so frustrating!

So Eva's finally asleep, but Grace is awake and we need to get ready so we can get going. We tuck Eva in tightly to the bed, surrounding her w/ body pillows. Wouldn't you know it - she still manages to roll out of bed. Thank goodness there were so many pillows she landed on them, still breaks my heart, I think it scared her more than anything.

Oh - my poor baby! Checked her body from head to toe but can't seem to even find a red mark, I hope we didn't break her!

News from Brenda...

News from Brenda, "AWWWWWWW!! The cutest thing ever. Eva knows that Breanna is leaving to go in town and she went and got her shoes out of her bag and got me a pair of shoes and brought them in the kitchen and then went and stood by the laundry room door to go. Breanna said, "where are you going Eva?" and she pointed to the door, Breanna told her she couldn't go with her and she acted sad and dropped her head down. It was the cutest thing ever."

I can totally see Eva doing this - she loves to look down at the floor all sad, and then look up at you w/ those BIG puppy dog eyes!

Toooo sweet!!!

Gymnastics....

Tonight Grace started her new gymnastics class - I just love taking her in there, we walked in the door and one of the older girls yells, "Hi Grace!" Grace leaps into her arms, and off they go. Grace had no idea who was in her class, but honestly I don't think it matters to her - she's friends w/ everyone:-) When Eva and I came back to get her, I found Grace hanging out w/ the High School Cheerleaders who have their practice there after the little girls do - like I said, she makes friends w/ everyone!

Sometimes I wish she didn't think she was 4 going on 16 though!

My first school pick-up...

Today was the first day I got to go and pick Grace up from school... Eva and I stopped by Linne's on the way and got a donut for the two girls to share. The first day of school Grace was VERY hungry when she got out - Eva wanted to eat the entire donut w/out her but I made her wait:-) It was so cute b/c at 10:15 a.m. here comes a long wiggly line of preschoolers holding hands... they come out and have to touch the brick wall, staying behind the yellow line until a parent or guardian comes up to get them. Grace squeals, "M O M M Y!!!!" Makes you immediately melt!

We ended up staying till nearly 11:00 a.m. b/c I didn't think I was supposed to pick Jillian Antel up, but no one was there to get her. I started to panic thinking, "Oh no - Carla's entrusted me to take care of her and I've failed!" But Jillian's grandma was supposed to be there, just got confused on the times (I've TOTALLY been there before!). So Grace, Jillian & Eva ran around the parking lot playing the Big Bad Wolf until Grandma Judy came (Eva scary as she is was the wolf!).

Helping Nanni water...

First trip of the season to the Apple Orchard...

We made the first trip to the apple orchard this evening. I LOVE going to the apple orchard, or as Grace called it "AppleBee's". I think she thought that is what it's called b/c Breanna works at Applebee's and she hears Brenda say that. We were walking up and Grace said, "Mommy why are there scary crows (aka: scare crows) at AppleBee's?"

Eva loved the apple orchard too - she just like Grace did several years ago, loved picking up the apples and saying, "ball-ball". Both girls had fun eating apples right off the tree (after a little wet wipe cleaning!). And Grace didn't forget the famous apple slushes - she asked as soon as she'd finished her apple, "where is the apple juice???". I let the girls share one (added some water) and put it in their cups. Grace was like, "yes!" and Eva gave me a huge grin, I'm sure compared to plain water it was a real treat!

It's only August so I'm sure we'll go back 2-3 more times, b/c we love the apple orchard... and who wouldn't want to go, good apples, slushes, and everyone commenting on how cute my girls are!

Grace's 1st day of preschool...

Grace was so excited to go to school this morning, it was so CUTE! I went in to work late so I could be home & go with her on her first morning - both Mommy & Daddy! That had to be exciting for her too - having both of us there:-) Grace generally isn't a morning person, but got up easily. She had two pieces of toast but didn't "eat the tracks" aka: the crust - she never wants to eat when she gets up that early, good thing she did b/c by the time school was out she was hungry!

I did her hair - all cute, like Sarah does Ally's (they played together on Sunday). She looked so cute and grown-up, my little baby off to school. (sniff sniff) Eva was very excited when she saw I was home, but that made it worse taking her to Brenda's, she doesn't want Daddy to leave but really didn't want me to leave and this time no Grace - poor thing! Brenda said she didn't cry too long... makes me sad.

When we got to school and went in to her classroom, Grace showed her teacher her backpack & all her school supplies. The teacher then told Grace, "why don't you see if your Mommy can help you find your name badge & put it on..." Grace informed her, "I know what my name looks like.." and found it herself! I did get to help her put it on:-) So she still needs me some! Grace then went to play with the other little kids coming in, and we kissed her good-bye.

When Carla picked the girls up she let Grace call me (too sweet!). I asked Grace what she learned in school... did they talk about the letters? She said, "no" - so I asked, "what did you do?" She said, "we listened to a girl talk about a wolf who kept blowing down houses!" Too funny - I said The Three Little Pigs? She said, "yes!" I think she thought my Mommy skills were really working, I mean I knew what she did at school:-)

When she walked in the door at Brenda's the first thing she told Brenda was, "Brenda I'm hungry!" and it was only 10:30 a.m.:-) Guess she's going to have to eat more for breakfast, although it looks like they might start having snacks during class. Sounds like Grace could really use a snack!

When Little Eva saw Grace come in the door, she immediately went to the red bag & got Gracie's doggie/blankie and took them too her... how sweet. Looks like she did miss her!

All in all I would say her first day of school was a success!

MC-Eva?

I was taking pics of a 1 week old baby -- OH! makes you want another one;-) So tiny! I couldn't believe how big Eva looked in comparison. I had out some of Eva's old baby hats as potential props, when Eva saw them she wanted to wear one... I had to take her picture too, she looked too cute, like some little baby rapper!

A smile that is contagious...

Oh look how pretty Ms. Grace is! All dolled up for a party @ Rick & Vickie's... her smile is contagious! Earlier in the day she went to Molly's 5th birthday party. They painted their faces - and other body parts! Had cake/ice cream, played in the jumpy house... and in general just had a blast:-) Then when she got home we quickly cleaned up for her next party - such a party girl. At Rick & Vickie's Grace had a great time, so many "big girls" to play w/... Andrea, Brittany (aka: Kevin's sister), and Megan Cory (aka: the girl in the white shirt)... who Grace later refers to just as, "I love Megan".

See they do share!

Gracie & Eva sharing an ear of corn at Gram's...

My little corn lover...

Don't I look cool? Like a movie star!

What to be for Halloween...

Okay so I have Eva's Halloween costume ordered (BabyStyle.com) - she's going to be a lady bug:-) A VERY cute lady bug! But I wasn't sure what Grace would want to be... she has nearly every princess dress imaginable, and I don't see her going as anything that isn't princessish... so that leaves Mulan and Jasmine (I forgot about Tinkerbell - probably should show her that one before ordering). I showed her the Mulan and Jasmine costumes and she declared, "I want to be JAZZY! Please please please get it now!" After being asked a dozen times, part of me wanted to kick myself for being so "pro-active", but its often hard to find a good Halloween costume, and when you have to order it, etc... you've got to allow some time:-) I'm sure I'll be hearing about this costume for the next two months - probably every day!

Gracie's ring...

Today Gracie let me wear the ring she got from Macy to work... she said, "you need to put it in the sun, so it will change colors - AND show ALL of your friends!". So very sweet of her, especially when she's been a stinker... makes you know that sweet little girl is still inside:-) Every time I look down at my hand and see her ring it makes me smile.

What to do...

I feel like such an awful parent. There must be something more I should or could be doing... Matt has been working at the house non-stop. He's back at work this week (off on vacation last week working on the wiring) but this week he's returned to work for his days but then spends his entire evening working at the house. So I'm left to wonder is Grace's change in behavior some how related to that? I just don't know - but Tuesday when I picked her up at Brenda's, Brenda commented on how mean she was to Eva. This has only just started, generally its Eva who is the stinker and Grace is so-sooooo sweet!

But today, she was constantly scolding her and the finally happened when Eva wanted Grace's shoe (Eva loves shoes). Rather then telling her no and walking away, Grace said no and not kicking her - but used her leg to push, kicked out at her. Knocked Eva down and scrapped her leg.

What to do! I feel awful for both of them. Eva's crying - hurt and her feelings were hurt. Grace who she idolizes hurt her, when all she truly wants is to be just like her. Grace is upset b/c I'm upset, and while I didn't lose my temper at all... I took Grace away for timeout where I told her, how much it hurts me that she would hurt Eva. I love them both so much, I can't bear to see them hurt each other. It hurts me when Eva scratches Grace, and Grace doesn't like that, right? I explained how Grace is bigger, stronger, smarter and she shouldn't take advantage of those strengths to hurt Eva. She then sat fidgeting in timeout - at first she seemed very upset but that didn't last long.

She didn't have a nap so maybe that added to the overall feeling of the day - note, I did try and get her to sleep, but it didn't work. I just feel so miserable knowing she's such a wonderful little person, and I have to constantly tell her, "No" "Grace, don't do that...", etc... When Matt was home more and could help field some of the issues I didn't feel quite this way. I have to wonder if she's doing some of this just to get attention?

I go to sleep each night praying I can be a better parent - please, please, please help me be the best Mommy I can be.

Mommy & Grace an evening @ "Harry Potter"

Tonight Grace and I went to "Harry Potter" aka: Paint Your Own Pottery, we've been one other time, but this time Nanni watched Eva so just Grace and I could go. Grace seems to be having a hard time w/ Matt being gone (only my guess) b/c she's been acting out doing things she never would have done before - writing on the walls - yes plural! Pushing and bossing Eva, and some of the other kids at Brenda's, throwing fits at home - just not herself. I know it's hard on her not having Matt around b/c I'm only one person and it's hard taking care of two children with different needs. Like bless her heart at bedtime, she clings to me in a hug desperately wanting me to stay with her - but I can't b/c I have to get Eva to sleep. So I know it's hard on her. That's why I'd arranged a "Mommy & Grace evening".

We went to Paint Your Own Pottery where we painted coffee cups for Daddy and one for Pop-pop's birthday in September. Jess & Ella went to pick up Ella's mug from a few weeks ago and decided to stay and paint. The girls had a ton of fun, often while they weren't painting, but I know Grace had a good time. When it was time to go, Grace was whining that she "wanted to go to Ella's house to play" - so much for Mommy & Grace evening. I guess she's growing up, she'd rather spend time w/ her friends vs. me. I guess all I can do is keep trying.

And poor little Eva cried like crazy when we left, I felt terrible leaving her, but I know I need to balance both their needs. When we got home Eva was asleep in her high chair - apparently she'd gotten tired helping Nanni make dinner:-)

Growing pains...

Wow, what a day for Grace. I'm not sure why but it seemed like Grace was working really hard to just "push buttons". And I feel so bad for her b/c when she's not "pushing buttons" she's so incredibly sweet. But boy when she is pushing buttons it takes nearly every part of me to not just LOSE it! Ugh!

For starters, she wouldn't take a nap - no matter how hard I tried. And trust me I tried to make her lay down, that I could do, but I can't make her sleep. So no nap. When Eva woke up we went to the castleto see Matt, while there Grace thought it would be a good idea to pour a cup of coffee down the living room vent! Although the house might look like a disaster to a 4-year old, the vent is hooked up to the duck work, so everything got soaked. I mean seriously, what made her think that was okay?

Then, once home I was working w/ Nanni to get dinner ready when disaster struck - again. The glass covers that cover the jen-air grill were laid on top of one of the burners. Nanni was heating up water for corn and accidentally turned the wrong burner on, the heat made the glass cover get too hot - which caused a mini explosion. Scared me to death, glass everywhere - so both girls were banished to the pack-n-play. Nanni, Poppy and I are working on cleaning all the glass up - I'm still shook up, Eva's screaming and Grace won't be quiet. I think she was making Eva more upset b/c she kept yelling for me, no matter how many times I asked her to just stay there and play w/ Eva, the glass could cut her.

Then dinner was just a circus, the girls ate a little early but then their food was trashed for fear of glass, cooking resumed and we ate late w/ Grace bouncing all over the place. I know this drives both Nanni & Poppy crazy. Matt was giving me the "I don't know how you stay sane look" so I decided to give in to Grace's requests to go on a walk. While on the walk Grace did REALLY well, listened the entire time... even to my "left-right" instructions, she's getting pretty good on knowing the difference.

When we got home - a popsicle for each girl in hand and headed up to the bath... no Grace. Eva gets in the tub, dancing to eat her popsicle... I start calling for Grace. Matt said she was potting in Uncle Rob's room.... still no Grace - after like 10 minutes, and a nearly melted popsicle she comes bounding up the stairs. I - w/ Mommy instincts heightened - felt like she was gone way to long to just potty. But Nanni said, "she had to go back and flush" so I let it pass... later in the evening I learn she was taking so long b/c she was busy writing her name on Uncle Rob's bathroom wall in INK! Good thing the Magic Eraser was invented b/c Nanni was able to remove it (just for the record, she did spell her name correctly!). From there the bath was uneventful, post bath I needed to put the medicine Dr. Paula prescribed on Grace's leg to remove the small growth. Dr. Paula was very specific about not putting too much on, or getting it on other areas as it will cause a blister. So when Eva was trying to assist I had to find someone to help hold her, when I came back I find that Grace has opened a second dose package and the medicine from it is everywhere. While I know she was just trying to help - I was SO upset. This is expensive ($250) medicine - and more importantly something that could cause her skin harm. I firmly told her she is not to touch things like that, she cried - I felt awful, still do. But I don't know what to do to teach her to listen, and to ask before using things that are not hers. It's not like I enjoy scolding her, but I don't know what this medicine can do in a short amount of time... we washed her hands and forearms thoroughly, but what if some was missed? Oh, I just find it so frustrating.

She then threw a fit about going to bed alone, wanted Matt in her room (he's been gone most of the week)... not sure if that has been part of why she's acting out or what. So once both girls are asleep, that's when I find out Grace wrote on the wall. Nice conclusion to the day - sort of summarizes things. Guess I need to take a deep breath and know none of this will matter in 5 years, or in 5 days - or hopefully even by tomorrow morning.

A trip to Lowe's w/ Daddy....

We had a morning w/ Daddy - amazing b/c he's been so super busy working on the house. He needed to go look at blocks for the retaining wall... so we headed out to Wheelers, but Daddy wanted to go to Lowe's in Frankling too... so off we all went. Having the BEST time b/c we got to see him! While there, Gracie & Eva sat side by side reading the fliers. They looked so cute, like two little bookends.... Eva wanting to be just like Grace;-) LOVE IT!!!

Eva's 15 month well baby visit...

Eva's 15 month well baby visit:

Weight: 22 lbs. 1 oz.
Height: 30.5"
Head: 47.5 cm

Amazing that a BOX can be so much fun...

Amazing that a BOX can be so much fun... I'd received some photography supplies in a very large box. Grace wanted to play in the box, and make it into a little house like we did "at the old house" (side note - at the old house she'd gotten to make a house out of a refrigerator box, cut and color all over it and loved it!!!). Eva just wanted to do whatever Grace was doing - but they both were having a blast!

Poor Eva... she hates senior pics...

Taking senior pics out at Pat & Tom's and of course Eva was soooo upset - again. But what is new? Eva always cries the entire time I'm taking pics, I almost feel worse for Pat than for Eva (sorry baby!). She stands at the door looking for me, breaks my heart. Tonight Pop-pop took her with him when we got the old car out, you can see in the pics below when he was putting it up she's screaming and crying as he's driving away. Some day Eva will understand, I'm trying to make a few extra bucks to pay for all those extras:-)

My Little Princess...

Mommy she doesn't have any teeth!

Grace has been going through a phase where (I'm guessing b/c some of the older girls have been losing their teeth) she will say,"I want the fairy to come get my teeth". So it shouldn't be a suprised Saturday when we were in at Walmart when Grace exclaimed, "Mommy she doesn't have any teeth!" Unfortunately, it was true and she didn't say it quietly. She wasn't being mean, I mean honestly I'm pretty sure if she could have had her teeth look like that she would have traded her. I'm saying, "sshh! ssssshhhhsss!" trying to be discrete. But the clerk T O T A L L Y heard her and said to Grace, "I know you won't understand what this means, but it's hereditary". I thought I was going to die of embarrassment! Good thing we only had a few items and could hurry out of the store. On the way out Grace says, "I think she's real cute:-)".

Hope it's not in the water...

Taking senior pics out at Pat & Tom's Eva who ALWAYS cries was happy for a brief period of time... when she was driving! Got to love that - both girls love driving the car around... not sure who wins out. Grace is bigger but sweeter, so she often gives in to Little Ms. Biter:-)