Moon Dough?

My cousin Julie introduced me to Moon Dough! Do you have it? Do you like it? Is the mess worth it? Does it entertain a 2 year old for long?

I'm thinking about this barn.

Ellaisms

We spend a lot of time doing puzzles. She has mastered this 12 piece and is challenged by the fish puzzle (24 pc) she got for Christmas. No matter which puzzle she does when there is one piece left she hides it in her shirt and says, "missing piece, missing piece". We quiz her about the location until she finally admits it's in her shirt. Joe and I assumed the other had taught her this silly game....but this was all Ella!

Last week when Joe was out of town she would often give me an animal out of her crib at bedtime and tell me I could sleep with it. ADORABLE! Then one night she didn't, but I found a pink teddy bear waiting on my pillow when I got to bed. It melted my heart. When Joe got home he thought I was a little crazy....but then I explained!

Ella's said those magical words of "I LOVE YOU", but now she has started "love you too" which I just find so adorable.

She likes to "help" us with whatever we are doing. I let her push the button to make coffee -- it starts the grinder and she thinks it's hilarious. One day I asked her if she wanted to push it (out of fear of a fit if I did it myself). She stopped coloring, poked her head in the kitchen and said, "No Mommy do it, I'm busy". It was so stinkin' cute, but made me slightly sad because I have likely said those words a few too many times!

When she knows I'm going to work she brings me something she's made and asks me to bring it to work. My purse is currently full of beautiful painted, colored, stickered or markered art!

She's learned all the "dog commands". I routinely find her telling Nicky to "sit, stay, lay down, etc.". He doesn't always listen well to her since he's 3 times her size and doesn't take her so seriously. We call him buddy sometimes and it's so funny to hear her say, "hey buddy or move over buddy".

She loves to be the doctor. She is very intrigued by it all and likes to take care of all of her animals, dolls, and even Nicky. She's even talked about some of them needing surgery. She's adorable with her stethoscope, otoscope, and blood pressure cuff. She knows exactly how to use it all! She's been exposed to it her whole life and is interested instead of scared. She amazes any new doctors we meet and is the best 2 year old patient ever (even when she's bossy and tells them what to do next).

She is so proud when she really accomplishes something. I love the smile, sparkle in her eyes and just the pure joy she radiates when she succeeds.

My happy girl is back!

I'm not sure what the deal was last week, but after some very long naps this weekend and a full night of rest last night, my sweet Ella is back. We've had so much fun today!

I caved and let her have a toy I had bought for after surgery. We played and played with this cupcake shape sorter.

Oh how I do love this little girl! I've had help from teachers and Moms and have some fun craft ideas in mind for this week as well.

It's my MONDAY!

Back to work for me. Miss Ella slept in a little later! She's happy as a clam. It's so frustrating because she was so grumpy the last few days. I guess she knows she gets to see someone other than MOM today and play with her friends and a fun sitter to pick her up and watch her until Joe gets home. And Joe is coming home! Yesterday she told me to go to work....so I get it!

I'm not looking forward to a busy weekend at work, but I'm very much looking forward to 4 days next week to be home and have a husband around for at least part of the week! I think Ella and I both need him!

Time to call Janie and make sure no one is sick.....if so, on to Plan B for the day (thanks Marlow)!

OH, CRAPPERS!

I was getting lunch organized and realized I had tossed Ella's bib into the laundry. I gave her her food and then I said it....."Oh, crappers" as I ran to find a bib. There was an echo...."OH CRAPPERS". I kept moving and just ignored it. She could have picked up much worse from either Joe or me....but it's still a not-so-fun word to hear from a 2 year old. Let's hope it doesn't stick!

Potty Drama....

I was warned by many that even when you think they "get it" and it's done....it likely isn't! Ella went for one week without a single accident! Then it happened....3 accidents this morning! Why, oh why? We have even moved past the candy and she was even starting to hold it for much longer....

She's just plain grumpy today on top of the potty drama, so I'm hoping the nap will be our cure-all and we can have a fun (accident-free) afternoon!

Cancelled

We planned a trip to Disneyland in April. It's our anniversary and we thought Ella would be ready. We booked ages ago with our timeshare points. We knew we had to cancel, but I just did it yesterday and it's making me sad. I guess it's Miss Ella running around in her Minnie Mouse underwear and informing me "it's MINNIE, NOT MICKEY" and being stuck at home for a few months! I've also been seeing too many pics of friends with their kiddos on facebook!

I also sold our tickets to March Madness in Denver. I'm mostly sad because it would have been such a fun weekend with our dear friends and their daughter who is Ella's age and like a cousin! I also LOVE those 1st/2nd round games. The bright side is I'll be home for most of the games....we'll see if I can turn Ella into a basketball fan!

Disneyland will be rescheduled for an unknown time. Joe's cousin is getting married in Virginia in May, so if all goes well, we'll be making that trip. I'm trying to talk Joe into Southern California for Memorial weekend. I think Ella would like Seaworld and the beach even more than last time and she finally hit 33 inches so she can ride more rides! I'm waiting for my vacation request for an August camping trip with our Colorado friends. We'll be back to traveling before we know it!

Insurance Take 2

More time on the phone today and more emails sent! I sent an email to Ella's cranio-facial surgeon's secretary yesterday to ask her if she had contacted insurance. She replied back that she had contacted them with the new surgery date in January, then re-contacted them yesterday and all was good. OK! Great.....but why are they telling me the opposite? I called AGAIN today. Insurance is still claiming they need more information! I think part of the problem is that 2 surgeons are involved and the insurance keeps telling me the neurogsurgeon's name and the cranio-facial guy is the lead surgeon and therefore does the paperwork! After another long conversation and another email to his secretary I'm leaving it alone until next week!

The ophthamalogy bill will likely never be paid......I'm leaving that one alone for a while too!

Seriously!

I hate insurance companies! I've spent HOURS on the phone trying to get insurance to pay for Ella's ophthalmology exam last October. The insurance blames the office, and the office blames the insurance! Please, please just pay the darn bill!

My insurance also is essentially denying Ella's surgery. They were kind enough to send the letter informing me of that days after her surgery was originally scheduled. I called today and of course no one has done anything!!!!

I'm frustrated....it's hard enough to go through all of this without the addtional struggles and hoops!

Also, my newest addiction

I blame my sister, but now I love this game! It's fun because you can play when you have time. I'm not very good and losing all 3 games I'm currently in....but it's still fun.

Do you play? Find me: hawkeyelaurie

Red (like Elmo) toes!

She's been super jealous of my red toes so since I was crazy enough to tackle finger painting we went for nail polish as well. Poor kiddo has toe nails that grow down or straight up and not-so-much out....

Finger Paining - Yes, I was desparate!

LOVE the "rainbow hands"!

LOVE this art smock (sold as bib)! $2 each....let me know if you want me to mail you some. MUST HAVE with finger painting! Amazing find! It may be a while before I make it to Ikea again, but I will gladly pick some up.

It took her a while to get messy, but she sure did have fun when she did!

Ultimate Mommy Blogger

Wow! This is a great article about Dooce. I'm not a reader, but I think she lives within a a mile or so of my house. If only I'd started earlier.....

TV Date

I have a long list of things to do.....but I think I'd rather spend tonight with my DVR. I noticed 3 episodes of Grey's Anatomy! Yeah! My list will still be around tomororw, right?

Relief!

I'm haven't hit the stress of surgery yet. I feel much more at ease than I did last time. I'm more stressed about keeping her healthy and keeping her home! I didn't realize how much we "go, go, go" during my days off. I'm not a home-body and neither is my little girl (likely my fault). We may go crazy....but she's healthy! I have so much respect for daycare teachers. I spend 20 minutes getting everything ready for an art project and it lasts about 5 minutes!!!!!! We did art 4 times today! Zoo and Children's museum, I miss you!

Tonight I chatted with a friend who has a daughter Ella's age. I asked her how often her daughter throws random fits for no reason. She laughed and said ALL THE TIME! Whew...it's just life with an independent 2 year old!

We had to be quite a sight at the park today. I looked up to the people walking by as Nicky is rolling in the snow about 50 yards in one direction and Ella is running through the snow 50 yards in the other direction. I guess we all needed some space!

It saddens me to hear her yell "Store" and "Restaurant" when we leave the house. Miss Ella, I promise many years of restaurants and stores to come!

My new Mug!

I leave for work with 1 (or 2) coffee mugs every day. It's been a major necessity in my life for years, but it's a whole new level with Ella! I'd been mostly using my freebie mugs or random ones I got as gifts. I ruin every single one because I use the dishwasher. This mug is perfect and worth every penny! I bought a 2-pack at Costco with a coupon a while ago. My coffee stays HOT for so long, leak-proof, and they stand up to the dishwasher!

I'm interested in their kids line as well someday and I may try some of their water bottles....but I'm such a Nalgene fan.

We make quite the team

Joe is on the red-eye to the Bahamas. I was stuck at work a little late. I arrived home to find the car running and the porch light on and door open. I came in, said goodbye and he was out the door. Crazy....

Just like Daddy

Surgery Update

Ella's cranionsynostosis/parietal foramina surgery repair is rescheduled for for Friday, March 11th. She is in isolation to the best of our ability for the next 3 weeks. No stores, restaurants, babysitter, etc.

We have sanitizer in the cars and front door, wash our hands upon return home, and I change my clothes after work (the hospital is full of crap right now). Our exciting outings are walks and trips to the park to let Nicky and Ella run. I just don't feel I can take her anywhere else right now. It's like a new baby all over again.....

It's going to be a LONG 3 weeks. I work President's day (my holiday even though it's supposed to be my 6 days off) and Joe will stay home with Ella. Then I work the next 2 weekends and Joe can mostly be home with Ella. The timing works out well with my schedule.

Joe takes the red eye to the Bahamas Monday night, so my grocery list was extra long to get us through the next week or more so I can keep Ella out of the stores.

Prayers for health for all of us during the peak of respiratory season!

I owe you one!

Joe is great! I really do appreciate all of his help. I may not always feel like he does a lot around the house, but I feel every bit of it when he's gone! Distance makes the appreciation greater!

I had been dreading and putting off the miserable Costco and grocery store run. I had planned on going during Ella's nap. I simply said I didn't want to go and he offered. He took my list and off he went! Our cupboards and fridge are full!

Thank you, Thank you! I owe you one!

Mission: Organize

We are getting closer.

This was Joe's idea and I love it. We had coats all over mostly on the dining room chairs. He put up a smaller coat rack for Ella at her level. Great solution!

This was my Mom's idea after seeing us pile things on our dining room table. I was quite resistant and told her "NO" for weeks. Well.....I got sick of the clutter, texted her to tell her she was right and we finally were able to get this project done. I LOVE IT. THANKS MOM! Cubbie for my purse/Ella's bag. Three boxes for recycling mail, to do mail, and the 3rd for randomness yet to be determined. I love that it's hidden and I can empty the box every week at garbage night.

** hand sanitizer at the front door --- we are bound and determined to make this surgery happen in March!

NO MORE CLUTTER on the dining room table!

Type A

She's a first-born. Joe and I are both first borns. I follow the stereotype, Joe really not-so-much in many ways (which is a VERY good thing for us).

Miss Ella every once in a while.....really shows her TYPE A. She's very independent. Common phrases "I do it", "MINES do it", and "Ella do it". I waste tons of timing helping her UNDO what I've done so that she can do it her way and usually perfectly (which often results in another fit).

I caught her putting away her crayons today and I snapped this photo. Poor Joe...living with 2 of us! I've learned if I give her a place for her things and kindly remind her, she can be a great helper!

Some Ella Personality

I kept cracking up everytime she would insist on un-dressing herself and this wasn't the best performance, but I got it. She also really wanted to put on a show tonight while eating dinner!
Sadly these are the only 2 videos I have done ALL YEAR! I need to get out the Flip more often!


*** warning, long and kind of boring, mostly for the Grandma's!
The best part of the spaghetti video was watching her LAUGH while watching herself. She's saying VIDEO at the end, but didn't get it at first!

My kind of snowstorm

I was pleasantly surprised this morning....lots of snow, but no shoveling required!  If only I could have been enjoying the double digits in the mountains instead of working.

Two bites

Ella has been cracking me up at dinner. She looks at me very sternly and says, "Two Bites, Mommy, two bites" and she looks at my plate. She is so serious and repeats it over and over again.

We often require "2 more bites" and then she can be done or "2 more bites" of something she's not eating and then more of whatever she wants and I guess she has to be the boss of me as well. Funny little one!

Is it Friday yet?

It's my last week of days! Days are the easiest for our family, but probably the hardest and longest days at work --- especially this time of year. The hospital is FULL!

We've had a wicked storm blowing in for the last 2 days. This morning we had a ROUGH start including me having to chase down the garbage and recycling containers and our trash, potty accident as we were walking out the door, Ella awake at 5:20, and just plain running late! The wind has been insane! It finally started snowing tonight after more wind, thunder, and lightening! Hopefully the worst is over.

I had Ella in the tub full of soap, shampoo, a mess when it went pitch black! I almost starting crying, but the power came back quickly. Dorothy just called and she isn't so lucky....

Joe made it to Mexico City and it sounds like things are going well. It is so awesome to only have him gone for 4 days. There's a direct flight, so it just makes it easier for all of us! Although today I really miss and appreciate all you do!

I just opened the Valentine's Candy I intended to mail to Alyssa and I'm going to find something to wear to work that doesn't involve doing laundry and just go to bed. I guess I'll turn on the weather to see how much snow we'll be dealing with in the morning!

Like Ella says, "wake up, all better!".....I hope!

She loves it!

Grandma Dorothy gave her this ENORMOUS frog and she loves it. It almost weighs as much as her and she insists on hauling it around and sleeping with it. It makes me a nervous wreck! Miss Ella, you are sure loved!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This IS her smile and just what her hair does. This is our Ella! Lots of love to everyone today!

Advice?

Anyone have good luck with a child sleep/wake clock? I feel like I read about one on a blog long ago, but can't find it. I found a few online (including this review) and I don't love any of them. I guess I'm looking for a bigger effect with sun vs. moon/stars. She LOVES the moon!

I'll be going solo most of the next 2 weeks and getting up 1-3 times a night and Ella waking up for good at 5AM is going to be rough!

How long does your child sleep? Am I crazy to think a 2 year should sleep more than from 8PM - 5AM (while waking 1-3 times) and then a 2 hour nap? She's still in her crib because of falling issues before/after surgery and I really dread moving her to a bed after all of this.....

THANKS!

Bring it ON!

Joe's been challenged to lose 30 pounds and it's what I need to do as well! Let it be blog official. The 30 pound challenge is on. It's a race.....a very loving, supporting of eachother race and it's ON! He has extra challenges of travel and I have life as a single, working, stress-eating Mom.

Let's start with a Valentine's Day date on the treadmill and spin bike after a healthy dinner!

Beer!

We used to brew beer in the days before Ella. We aren't very good at it....meaning I had great "beer" to boil our brats in before grilling! We adventured out to the beer store yesterday and last night Joe went to town brewing in our kitchen. Ella proudly anounced, "I'm helping Daddy make beer" and I'm sure the babysitter will hear about it!

My house smelled of grains and hops last night and I loved it!

Happy Birthday Joe!

We came home to a party!

Joe's favorite - Este pizza and Ella's favorite - black olives!

She was so proud to give him her gift!

Dorothy made Joe a 39th birthday collage

Grandma and Grandpa Visit

Story time with Grandpa

Everyone plays in the tent!

Playing kitchen

So loving!

My Dad and Barb went to listen to the Mormon Tablenacle Choir rehearse - they said it was awesome!

OH MY!

Kindermusik

Cupcake after Kindermusik!

Ella was so proud to wrap the present she picked out for Daddy's birthday!

THIS is where they really spent the week!

Hats, hats, and hats! They bunny hat was once Barb's!

Lots of cuddle time!

Always a "helper"

Poor Barb and my oven did not get along....so sorry, Barb!

Ella had to use all YELLOW candles - her favorite color!

Out for a run!

Leaf fun!

Football stickers!

I can't thank you enough for all of your help! It's OBVIOUS Ella had such a great time! Thanks and come back again soon!