A whole week later...

On Wednesday, there was a garage fire at the house behind ours. There were firefighters crawling all over it and hacking into it with their axes. The flames got pretty high after this, so we were pretty scared that it would take down the back fence and trees. It died down though, and all was better for us. Nothing harmed except their garage.

I was able to get a cute pic of Mike and the girls, notice the scratch on his cheek from Ruby. It was pretty deep. He finally didn't make a wierd face for the camera, drives me crazy.

Elsie is pushing around her new walking toy like crazy. So fun to see her take steps all on her own.

On Thursday, Elsie crawled up the stairs all on her own while we were at a playdate. This was a first, since we don't have any steps to crawl up at our house. I was amazed to watch her crawl up three steps all on her own!

We went to some EWU jazz at Gatto's that night and had a good time. Ruby loved riding an old play horse they have and Elsie LOVED the music. She clapped and bounced with it, just so excited. Not scared at all by the loudness of it all.

On Friday, I went to Angie's to work out a bit and then headed straight over to my new bible study group. Ruby wouldn't go into the other room with all the kiddos, but it was okay because they had all sorts of fun stuff to play with right in the room. She played quietly while we chatted, but did have to go to the bathroom a couple times. The bathroom was so far away, so I missed some of the discussion, bummer.

We then went home and I tried to get some good snapshots of Ruby and Elsie outside to send in for the beautiful baby contest. I took some really pretty ones. Unfortunately, the website kept saying they were too small??? So I never got them in on time. We then went to town and walked around Costco with Marsha. Ruby just loves her so much. Marsha loves to carry Ruby everywhere, and Ruby just enjoys every minute of it. They also hold hands. It was very helpful too, since Ruby stays right with Marsha and I was able to get a ton of shopping done.

Saturday was a busy day for sure. Mike went to solo ensemble and took first with his percussion students. He was really proud. We met up with him for lunch at the mall and then stayed for a long time walking around and window shopping. Ruby played a bit at the play area there too. It was fun, but exhausting!

Today, we went to church. Ruby was really hard there today. She just isn't taking to the childcare area. Mike has been going with her and slipping out. Today she would not let him go and was really upset the entire time. The sermon was awesome, sad he missed it. The pastor that usually runs the sermon was back after a 5 week long time in Turkey. He was really neat. After it all was done, we went to Mt. Spokane and went snowtubing with Ruby. We made it just in time to catch the last session. So fun. Elsie didn't like the wind in her face though, but looked adorable in her snow suit. Ruby went down the hill 8 times, 4 times with each of us. I didn't think we both would go, but Mike said we should try it. We both took turns with her. Loved the tow rope that would bring us back up to the top. Mike thought something was wrong with the Durango, so we ended up leaving a bit early. It is fine, thank goodness.

Elsie is such a little ham these days. She cuddles right into me and gives everyone a cute smile and look. She is just the funnest baby, loves to giggle with all of us and play peek a boo behind things. She is eatting more things now too. She loved a rice dish I made the other day and couldn't get enough of it. She kept tensing all up and squeezing her tray and making noises like she wanted more. Love it!

Shopping Day...

Spent the day in Spokane...doing random things. We started out by going to get the Durango's oil changed and made an appointment to get a major tune-up. Ruby was so excited because she remembered that they give out popcorn. She could hardly stand it while I was talking to the guy at the front desk...she kept saying, "Mom, I want popcorn!" We went over and sat at the table they have in the main lobby. Not the most pleasant little area to sit in because it just has a table and chairs and the popcorn machine. I had no idea that they have a lobby in the back where there are toys and couches and a TV...the guy up front came over and shared the information with us. It made the visit much more comfortable. They finished really quickly and then we headed back out to the car.

Next, we went to a consignment shop. Ruby loves going to these. I spent a long time looking around and grabbing all sorts of goodies for us and when I got to the front of the store and was ready to pay with my store credit they told me they were a different chain :( I still bought the stuff, since I spent so much time looking around and finding it. I found a great deal on a little toy that Elsie can hold on to and walk behind. She has been doing this a lot the past few days with chairs and such...so I figured she would love to have an actual toy she could hold onto and walk behind. I put her up to it she just got going..so cute! She is getting so close to walking, at least it feels like it with all the confidence she has.

Ruby played and played and played throughout the store with various toys. She loves horse and found a horse on a stick to ride around on :)

We then went to Goodwill to see if they had any jeans or shirts for me...I am lacking clothing right now. I found quite a few pairs and a few shirts, it was fun to search, but not so fun to try them on with the girls wanting my undivided attention. The second time I went in with them, they did a lot better. Ruby was so sweet and doing really good, except when it came to hiding under the clothes. I could not see her and it stressed me out. I hated to ruin her fun, but it was just too scary.

Since Target is right across the street, we went there last. I got Ruby some snacks and we walked around to see the deals they always have...LOVE Target. I found some shirts for a few bucks and a few other needed items. Then we went to the toy section...Ruby remembered months ago when we went to Target and she found a microphone that she loved. I was going to buy it, but she was being naughty and I had to bring it back. This time she was so good and it was really cheap...so I bought it for her. She was in heaven! We were all exhausted by this point...so we headed home.

Both girls slept the entire ride home and then we had dinner. Elsie tried bits of french fries tonight and enjoyed them. She also tried corn too and seemed to like it as well. Got some good video of Elsie picking up her food and putting it to/in her mouth. Ruby loves the Doodlebops, my mom bought it for her and she watches a portion of it everynight. She had to try her new microphone out with it, she was kind of shy though.

I have to say Ruby has been so sweet lately, it has been nice to be a little more relaxed with her :) Love my darling so much!

Eatting

We did very little today. I loaded the girls up and we went to bid on a few file cabinets at the EWU surplus sale. Very inexpensive, hope I get at least one of them because our paperwork is getting out of hand. Then we went to Great Clips and got Ruby's hair cut. She did not like having the paper ring around her neck, usually it doesn't bother her. Overall she did good though and the lady gave her a comb and sticker as we headed out the door. Her hair looks cute too! Love it when it is all trimmed up.

I worked out with Angie today too...strength training. Elsie was awake the whole time, so I didn't get as much done as the last workout on Friday. So excited to be into the routine again with everyone healthy.

At dinner, Elsie ate peas, bananas, and bread (little bits of course). I gave her vanilla yogurt as a treat, she loves that. She is getting so good at eatting now, amazing what her little fingers can pick up. So thankful she is at that stage already.

Ruby put together a bunch of puzzles tonight and used another to make a bridge across the living room. We also tossed the balloon back and forth. That girl eats constantly now throughout the day, such a change. She is always asking me for more treats and telling me she is hungry. Must be getting ready for another huge growth spurt, she is already so much bigger than her same age peers.

Just a really relaxing day...

Remembering...

We went into town today to get out and do something different...we have been stuck here quite a bit lately to save money. Mike went to see "The Book of Eli" and I took Ruby and Elsie to a kids concert a few blocks from the mall. Ruby loved it and danced to the live music. Elsie enjoyed listening to it too. I got up a few times and danced with her too. Fun! After it was all over, they gave everyone cake since it was a celebration of a radio station who puts on the concerts. Ruby was very excited about that. She picked the vanilla cake, I was very surprised since she loves chocolate so much. Elsie rode in the stroller without her carseat. Mike thought it looked funny...we are just so used to seeing her in the carseat since it is a sit and stand. Elsie is so small in it, but she is perfectly content sitting there and looking around at all the people walking by. I also went to Gymboree and Baby Gap to look around, but didn't buy anything although it was tempting. I put some really cute hats on Elsie and they were adorable.

We met back up and walked to Olive Garden to eat. Yummy! I ate the minestrone, which is actually very good. Hoped to avoid the other soups and all the fat, although I love them. Ruby enjoyed the breadsticks and olives. Elsie slept through the entire experience, she was sooo tired for sure especially since she didn't wake up despite all the noise.

Tonight Mike and I were reminising and looking through old albums. We really miss our house in Shelton, Washington. It was beautiful. Lots of pictures of that. Also looked at old pics of my sister Katie with Kylar and Ciara when they were tiny...so sweet. Good memories. A good time in life. At that time I was so fit too, hope to get back to that shape and feel better about myself like I did then. Those were the best years for me, I dropped down to my lightest weight at 150 pounds and was so active. I didn't even realize how good I was doing at that time...but looking back I can see how much I changed. Hoping that as time goes on with the girls and I can be more active, I can get back to my healthier self :)

Patience

Today was a test of my patience for sure...Ruby was so awnry at points and just on top of me all day. I think it is because she hasn't been able to get her energy out with Daddy because he has been gone a lot all week long. She went to bed right away, so I am thinking she was just plain tired out too.

We went to Angie's house today and worked out. We did all three levels on the biggest loser and some kickboxing with her gloves and pad. I LOVE kickboxing, especially because you can really get out any stress by hitting and kicking so hard. Angie is an awesome friend too and fun to work out with throughout the week.

Ruby was all about working out with us today and not playing with her boys. She spent most the time in the room with us, until right before we left. This always happens with her, she will warm up and start playing with the other kiddos right as I am ready to leave. They saw us kickboxing, so Ruby and Tony decided to do it too with the pad and gloves. It was really cute to watch them together and Angie also held it for them. Ruby would punch down on the pad and then fall backwards for fun. They were laughing and having a good time.

After the workout, I decided to stop at Trading Company to use some coupons I had. Ruby, of course, had to push her own full sized cart behind me. It was cute, but took us a long time to get through the store together. Elsie was kicking back in her carseat, totally relaxed most of the shopping experience. I found some really good deals, and finally got to put some of my coupons to good use. Love that!

Mike came home for a brief moment and then left again for the second pep game this week. It was nice to see him, but hard to have him home for less than an hour the entire day. He has had something afterschool this whole week except last night, and he was exhausted so went to bed early that night. Can't wait to have a bit of a break again, so we can all be together and having some fun!

Elsie continues to let go of things with both hands, she was standing there holding something for a longer time tonight.

Ruby is hungry all day long right now...I swear she eats at every moment. Must be going through a growth spurt :)

9 month dr appt

Today was Elsie's 9 month dr appt. We arrived early for the appointment, surprising! I have been early lately to everything, not sure what the deal is. Ruby was so excited to go! She immediately went over to the fish tank and looked at the nemos and others. She then sat at the tiny kiddo table and looked through some magazines. They were normal magazines for adults, I was surprised that she was so interested and focused on what she saw inside. She would comment on cars and colors...so cute. Elsie was fast asleep during the whole waiting room experience. Ruby continued to look through her magazine, only to look up and see a lady walking slowly by. She stared at her for the longest time and just as she passed by, Ruby said to me, "Mom, that lady has a big booty bottom!" Thank goodness she didn't hear Ruby's comment, I was so embarassed. I went over to Ruby and explained to her that she can't say things like that to people because she would hurt their feelings. She seemed to understand. It is so funny though at this stage, their little minds are going like crazy and they just say things exactly as they see them. She spent the remainder of the time entertaining some of the other patients as she moved from chair to chair and made silly comments.

When we went back to see our doctor, I was so happy. I decided to switch doctors right after Elsie was born so we didn't have to travel so far for appointments. Up until 6 months we were taking Ruby and Elsie to the clinic in Cheney, and I just missed seeing Dr. Seppa who had been with us since Ruby was born. He did come to the hospital to visit Elsie and check up on her, but that was the last time I saw him. He is so gentle and sweet to babies, just sooooo happy to be back with him. Ruby enjoyed him and Elsie gave him a few smiles throughout the visit. Ruby enjoyed watching Dr Seppa do all the routine things to Elsie, like check her ears and mouth.

The nurses in the weighing station were loving my girls and kept commenting about their hair color. Elsie weighed 16 lbs 3 oz and was 27 inches long. She was in the 6th percentile for weight and 23% for height. The doctor said that Elsie looked great and although her percentiles went down, there was no reason for concern. She has all the baby fat and is proportionate for her height. He did say that she is petite.

Ruby had to pick out her stickers and then give one to Elsie and one to me, so funny.

When we got out to the car, we ate a lunch I packed and then headed over to Huckleberries. LOVE that place and so does Ruby. She pushes a little cart around for me and takes her job seriously. Ruby got a small packet of animal crackers, so she was happy.

Mike and the girls are fast asleep in bed already. Mike is so tired, he has been staying up late. It will be good for him to get a few more hours logged in before his long day tomorrow with pep band.

Elsie is getting so good with eatting...I am having a hard time with what size pieces to give her? She still doesn't have any teeth, so I am fearful she will choke. She doesn't like baby food, so we have to give her items that we are eatting. She is soooo interested in our food, it has really picked up this past week. She absolutely loves it when I put some of my food on her tray, but when she tries to pick up the pieces she gets frustrated because they are so small and she can't get them into her mouth.

She was able to use her sippy cup on her own today...she kept putting it up to her mouth with the handles.

Mike went to Avatar downtown today with a free ticket we received from our dentist. It was a long movie, but he really liked it.

Ruby and Elsie are getting sick, so we stayed home most of today. When Mike got home from the movie, we decided to go back into town and up to Manito Park. We really needed to get out of the house.

First we went to the Rockwood Bakery across from Manito and each picked out a cookie. Yummy! Then we walked over to Manito to play at the park for a short time. It was getting late by the time we arrived there, so Ruby went down the slide a bit and then we headed back to the car. On the way back, Ruby ate her cookie and loved it. Elsie tried a tiny bite of Mike's cookie. She is totally into eatting our food now, I am so thankful that we are finally at that stage. Everytime she sees us eatting anything, she quickly crawls to us and pulls up and waits for someone to share their food with her. She still doesn't have a single tooth, so we have to be careful of what we give her so she doesn't choke. Wondering when those first teeth will finally come?

Elsie is so fast right now and showing so much of her personality. We are all enjoying it.

I was so surprised tonight when I saw her let go over and over with both hands, so amazing.

Ruby is being so sweet to Elsie, I am loving it and trying to encourage it in any way possible. She asked to push Elsie around in her baby doll stroller tonight. Elsie just loves being pushed from one end of the house to the other and Ruby feels like such a big girl doing it. They are so cute together. I can already see a bond developing between them. It is beautiful to watch.

I am going to start subbing again to make some extra money. I asked Whitney, an old student of Mike's, to watch them and she has said yes! She watched Ruby last year when I worked at Reid, so Ruby will be thrilled to have her again. Mondays are her day off, so that will be the day that I am available to sub! I am so nervous about leaving Elsie when she breastfeeds so much, but I think she will do okay for a half day once a week. It will be good for her to get used to being with someone else too.

Went to our second church service today! Ruby had trouble going into the childcare area, I was kind of expecting that. Mike stayed with her for a while and she still didn't want to be there, so as he was walking by the area for 4-5 year olds he saw our neighbors. They told Mike that he could leave her in that center with their daughter who was in it. Ruby felt much better about that, but once she realized he was gone again she got upset again. We are going to keep on trying to get her in there because it is a great program and with other kiddos the exact same age as her. Elsie is loving church, Mike and I pass her back and forth between us and she smiles at all the people around us. Just a good time for her. We are really liking it at this church, very relaxed and less pressure for Mike and I. I am hoping to get more involved as the girls get a bit bigger, but I am perfectly happy the way it is right now because I am finally going regularly!

We drove home and I dropped Mike off at home and took the girls to Spangle. Just a whim decision. We had an entertainment coupon for a restaurant there so I thought it would be fun to try it out and find the park there for the girls. I was surprised that it was actually only 15 miles away. There was only the one restaurant, and they had great food. Ruby and I both loved it. Elsie was content just sitting there in the highchair eatting her teething biscuit. I gave her a few nibbles of the yummy pie they brought us...coconut cream. We all liked that! We will definitely be going there in the future again. Ruby tried pineapple juice there too and really liked it. After we all loaded back up in the Durango, we headed over to the little park we had located before going to the restaurant. There was a little swing for Elsie and some for Ruby. They both loved swinging. Ruby went on a Merry Go Round for the first time and she really enjoyed it. They also had a tire swing and a rope swing, lots of new stuff for Ruby to try out. She liked them all. I let Ruby hold Elsie on the Merry Go Round as it went very, very slow. Elsie thought it was fun that sister was holding her and that she was moving. It was just a cute little park and fun to go somewhere different for a change. I love trying out new experiences, wish Mike was more into doing this with us.

When we got home, I decided to make enchiladas. I have a recipe for the sauce, it is really good. They turned out great and even Ruby ate more than usual. Elsie slept during dinner, she is a tired girl these days.

I made popcorn and m&ms for Mike and Ruby. Elsie woke up and was right at their feet trying to get them to give her some. She has started this the past few days, totally ready to start eatting now. She wants to try everything we are having. Ruby keeps trying to feed her, which is kind of scary. She gave Elsie the whole popcorn piece, but Mike saw it and quickly swept it out of her mouth. She just loves being involved with her sister.

Not a day goes by where I don't think about how blessed I am to have these two beautiful babies, thank you God!

Spent the morning at a birthday party for Jacquelyn, Ruby's little friend. Ruby picked out some fun stuff for her...it is neat that she is able to choose gifts now all on her own.

Lots of fun. So nice to see some of my mommy friends too :) So thankful for my mom's group.

When it came time for Jacquelyn to open gifts, Ruby rushed over there and asked her to open her's first. She was really excited about the whole thing. She loves singing happy birthday too, so she piped up when it came time to sing and blow out the candles. They are all just so cute together. Elsie slept most of the party, and woke right at the end of it all just in time to smile at everyone a bit.

I had fun playing with Ruby and Elsie on the floor tonight. They love it when I get down on the floor so they can crawl all around on me. Elsie was all over my face and Ruby was all about sitting on me.

Elsie has been pinching me sooooo hard these days...my chest has scratches and red marks all over it. Not sure how to stop it. She just loves to kneed while nursing. It hurts pretty bad at points. Such a little sweetie, hate to discourage anything that soothes her and promotes breastfeeding, but it is hard sometimes

Yesterday, we walked with a mommy friend at Fish Lake. They have an awesome trail that is perfect for strollers. It was a nice day, a bit chilly but manageable. Ruby and her friend Jacquelyn hopped in puddles as they ran along with us. By the time we returned, Ruby was so wet. She had a good time though, so that is all that matters. We walked to the one mile marker, and then back. We tried to play at the nearby park, but it was really wet and they ended up running to some more puddles.

We went to their house afterward to dry Ruby's clothes and have lunch. Yum...grilled cheese and tomato soup. The perfect cold day meal. Ruby and Jacquelyn ran around a bit and then we headed home. It felt really good to get out again.

Later that day, we received some huge boxes from Diapers.com and Mike decided to make them into a play house for Ruby. She was really excited. It turned out really cute. Mike had fun making it for them too :)

We watched a little of the movie "Flicka" before Ruby headed to bed. She loved the horses running in it, her favorite thing right now.

Today, we woke up really early and headed over to Angie's house for our Friday workout. I have been slacking lately, so the workout was much harder since it had been so long in between. She is so awesome and I am thankful I met her.

We had a playdate scheduled with an old friend of mine from college who is also part of my mom group. We ran across eachother at church the other day and sat with eachother. She invited us to come over and visit. They live on 10 acres, we were going to spend a bit of time outside but it was really chilly today and the puddles were drying up. Ruby enjoyed dressing up in all the dress up clothes she had. I came into her room to see Ruby totally naked, she loves to strip down and thought she needed to for dress up I guess. So funny! Elsie got tons of kisses and hugs from both kiddos and had fun crawling around the house and pulling up on furniture. Ruby was in a bit of an irritable mood because she had such limited sleep. We all got up at 6 am so were pretty tired. It was really fun to visit though and they were great hosts.

I made a yummy chicken pot pie tonight...loved it! Elsie did too, surprise!!!! I mashed it up and she ate it just fine. No grimaces like usual. Ruby wanted vanilla yogurt for a treat so I gave them both some and Elsie loved this too. She loved it so much that she actually bent down and licked it off the tray and would eat it off of my fingers. She loved slapping her hands in it, but couldn't quite figure out that she could eat it off her own fingers rather than mine. These were the first food items I have seen her truly love! Yay!

She actually has been crawling up on us too and let go while holding on to me twice (yesterday and today). When Mike was leaving to go to the game store tonight, Elsie crawled all the way up onto the mini rocking chair. Such a busy body.

I have not been able to get her to bed before 9 pm the last few days. Today it was closer to 10 pm. I was putting her down at 7 pm, but all the sudden she won't fall asleep and just keeps getting up onto her knees in a playful way. I rocked her to sleep tonight. I'm a tired mama with so few hours of sleep each night, she always gets up around 6 am it seems.

In some ways I am loving this winter El Nino weather, but the lack of sledding bums me out a bit. I would have loved to bring Ruby out to experience the snow since this is the first year she is developing lasting memories. Yesterday, it was so warm that I decided we could go walk at Turnbull. So good to breathe the fresh air after being stuck inside for weeks. Although it the water was covered in ice and there was very little wildlife around us, it still had a beauty all of it's own. It was a short walk, about 1.5 miles.

Elsie has been all about clapping these days, she claps more than ever. She is also dancing to the beat of music by rocking back and forth or bouncing up and down. I have noticed lots and lots of laughing and playfulness coming out too. Mike is loving how her interaction is increasing everyday. Yesterday, Mike was taking a bag of almonds and putting them on top of his head to get her to laugh, and when he put them down on the table she took the bag and tried to put it on her head too. She is definitely mimicing us more and more, especially to be silly or get a reaction.

Ruby is sure growing up, she is trying to do more and more on her own. I keep catching her taking a chair to the snack cupboard and taking things down. She also uses it to get her crafts down from the closet or on the book shelf. Usually when she goes to use the bathroom, she needs help with her pants to get them back up. Yesterday she didn't even ask for help at all and was trying to button/zip them on her own.

Mike is starting to feel better after a bout of leg pain. It just keeps coming back yearly since 2006. So scary, it is almost debilitating at points. I am so thankful that he is feeling much better today. It is hard with the girls, they just love goofing around with him and rough housing.

Today was a very boring day, Mike was gone the first half of it and working on paperwork when he returned home. Later in the day, my mom and Kylar and Ciara came over to visit. Ruby was thrilled to have her cousins over! She played like crazy with Ciara. They colored, stamped, played in her little kitchen, and Ruby convinced her to carry her around in one way or another. Ciara was so excited that Ruby was so interested in playing with her, usually she spends most of the time with Kylar. It was cute to watch. They ended up staying for dinner, a nice treat. We really needed some visitors to chat with after being sick all week. We had our traditional spagetti feast with a nice garden salad, yum! Love you all and thanks for the great time together!

Elsie knows how to open things around the house now. So funny, she especially loves to open the little kitchen doors in Ruby's pretend kitchen. That girl is SO strong for a baby, she has the most amazing strength in her little hands.

I caught her bouncing up and down so many times today, so fun to watch. She also loves to look at her hands in amazement, twisting them back and forth and stretching all the fingers out to see them all.

I braved some new food items with her today. Mike and I gave her some crackers and she sucks on them for so long they dissolve in her mouth. I gave her a cookie and the same thing happened. I gave her some boiled sweet potatoes (yummy), but she wasn't thrilled. I ate some too and they were sooooo good. She let me put some in her mouth off of my finger, but eventually it came back out. I also gave her some applesauce, she didn't seem to mind that as much. I poured it on her tray and she loved playing in it, but didn't really like eatting it. This girl is so much harder to get eatting than Ruby ever was, funny how different they are from eachother. I have also added a new sippy cup to her dinner fun. I fill it with water. She is getting pretty good with it, but usually needs some help using it. When she sucks on it and gets water out she always stops and gives a strange look because of the taste.

I noticed that Elsie's hair is getting so much longer, there are tons of long hairs starting to pop up around her head. It is still so short, mainly the hairs are on the top, but she does have some around the back as well. So soft, I love to run my hand over it.

Ruby amazed me today with her coloring. She is spending more time on each picture and coloring more deliberately these days. I am going to take some pictures of her work, they are really colorful. Neat to see her specifically coloring objects.

I was organizing the book shelf today and I left the bottom shelf unorganized and on the floor while I went to do something. Ruby quickly got to work and when I came back I was pleasantly surprised to find it organized so neatly. I had to take a picture to show everyone, pretty cool. I am thinking she might be following in Mom's footprints as a librarian, we'll see.

I am thinking about going back to work subbing half days in April, once Elsie is one year old. At that point she can have milk and will be able to hand a few hours with someone else while get out and work a bit. I am thinking about doing it once or twice a week, depending on how many jobs come up in Cheney. This year has really flown by, I can't believe Elsie will be one in three months.

I have not been working out all week, feeling guilty. Time to get back on track, starting fresh and anew on Monday. Thank goodness my workout buddy is flexible and understanding. Mike and I are also going to join a gym at EWU together. He is going to watch the girls for me for one hour, so I can start getting in there and working out on my own. Really looking forward to it, and especially in the new gym. Wish me luck! I really want to at least walk in Bloomsday this year, probably with the stroller in tow. Hopefully as the girls get older I will be able to run some of it. Health is a big goal for me right now.

The girls are both well again, but I am still congested. We have been stuck in the house for the past two weeks straight it seems, I am itching to get out and get moving. To breathe some fresh air. I am just not the type to stay still or hang around the house for long. I am thinking today will be the last day of this sickness, thank goodness!

9 months old today!!!!

Elsie turned 9 months today, where has the time gone?? It has seriously been such a wonderful experience with her that the time is just flying by.

She is crawling at rapid speed to keep up with Ruby and pulling up on everything that she can get her hands on. She usually lets go with one hand and looks around. Basically anything that Ruby is interested in or doing, Elsie is right there trying to be a part of it. Ruby is having a bit of trouble sharing and playing with her, but I know they will get the hang of it in time.

I have noticed today that she is remembering where things are and going to the things that interest her most. She especially loves going into Ruby's room and sitting behind the door to play with the door stopper. She loves the sound it makes when she flicks it with her fingers. I went in there the other day to find them sitting and playing with it together.

She loves to watch the TV. I am not a big fan of watching TV, but whenever it is on she has her eyes focused on it.

Elsie was feeling 100% better today, so she was on the go most of the day. Poor Ruby was plagued with fevers. They both slept for two hours of naptime, I was really surprised. This is a rare occurrence these days. Ruby woke with a huge fever, but once we gave her Motrin, she was up and going again like her normal self. So nice to see. Mike has been so awesome with helping to care for her while she is sick, just a great Daddy.

I am now a sicky, mostly congestion and my head hurts because of it. We have been sicker than ever this year as a family, can't wait to have a length of time where we are all healthy.

Happy 9 months Elsie girl, love love love you :)

New 8 Month Pics

Just wanted to post Elsie's most recent pictures, I love them so much. I posted on Facebook too, but some of my followers are not on there. These were taken about two weeks ago....the last one is the one that JCP asked for me to sign a release so they could post it in their studio. It is my favorite too!

Well, today I turned 33 years old and it was one of the best birthdays I have had since I was a teenager. Mike and I really didn't celebrate much before we had kiddos, but now that Ruby is old enough to understand it has really changed things. Mike kept commenting on how much fun it was to prepare for my birthday this year and how he looks forward to it next year. The cakes (one from Mike and one from Ruby) were so yummy and special just because they made them for me. Ruby and Mike picked out the most awesome cook book, it has a picture of everything in it and they are gorgeous. More than 500 recipes. I couldn't put it down. Love it. Mike got me a camera tripod, but it hasn't arrived yet. It looks really neat, and will work great when we want to take pics on vacations and such. The whole party they put on was just really simple, perfect for me. Loved watching them work together to make it just right and seeing them laugh and enjoy the process.

We were going to do something different for my birthday, but Ruby started getting the same cold that Elsie has. I thought Elsie was over it, but she actually started getting another temp today right after Ruby's went back down. Ruby slept for a good 3 hours, so we just decided to stay home and lounge around here. I think I am also getting sick too, bummer.

While Ruby slept, Elsie kept wanting to play and then coming back to me to hold and nurse her. Eventually she fell asleep and I handed her to Mike to hold. He was surprised that she actually let him hold her as she slept, she hardly ever does that. She is a very alert little thing and doesn't usually let anyone except me hold her as she sleeps, she always wants to sit up in your arms to look around. He was a happy Daddy.

We all played with playdoe tonight and watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" together. Kept us occupied for a few hours. I noticed that Ruby is actually playing with it the correct way now, she used to just tear it up and then be done. Now she cuts it, presses it, and makes things out of it. Pretty cool. Elsie went to bed early, she just wasn't feeling well and fell right asleep.

Mike and Ruby spent most of the day getting ready for my birthday tomorrow. They went to town and picked up a gift for me. Mike told her not to tell what they had picked out, but the first thing she did was walk in and say what it was. So cute, she couldn't wait to share. The good thing is they got me a cookbook and I have no idea what one!

Later, Mike decided they would make me a cake and so they went into town and and Ruby picked out the cake, rainbow sprinkles. Love it! Mike immediately came home and got to work on the cake, he really got into it and actually had fun making it for me. In the 15 years we have been together, he has never made a cake for me. I feel pretty special. Ruby helped too with the stirring and tomorrow she will work on frosting the cake too.

Elsie is still sick and has a really weak voice right now so her cry is muted. Poor thing! I am hoping she bounces back to normal tomorrow.

Ruby was able to have some more of her sparkling cider, I drank another glass of wine tonight. She just thinks she is such a big girl as she sips her cider. She normally doesn't drink pop or carbonated beverages, it is so funny to her her burp so loud. She thinks it is pretty cool too.