First Day Back to Work

Today was very bittersweet...my first day back to work.  I knew it was going to be a tough day but I also knew it was time to get back to the job that I love.  

The morning went smoothly.  Matt and I worked together to get ourselves ready, the girls dressed and hair done, breakfasts done, and bags packed.  I dropped off both girls; mainly because I wanted to be with them for as long as possible.  We reached daycare first and dropped off Ella.  Ella started crying as soon as we drove in the parking lot and then screaming when I handed her to her teacher.  But I understand that the crying doesn't last long.  Then we got to preschool and I dropped off Ava.  Ava is a pro with drop off already and today was a breeze as usual.  I just had a few tears on my way to work but overall was feeling good.  I think starting Ella at daycare last week helped me realize that it was time to go back to work.  One day on my own was fine but after that I was bored!!  

Walking into work I felt the tears coming again but I was able to get them controlled before I walked in.  All was good until I saw my desk and what my amazing coworkers had done to my desk.

They had each written me a welcome back card and strung them together from the ceiling over my desk.  And I had a welcome back basket on my desk with jolly ranchers, mints, and trail mix.  I seriously have the best coworkers, but at that point I couldn't stop the tears.  These were good tears though as I know how blessed I am to work for such an amazing company and alongside such amazing coworkers.  

The day went great!  I feel lost or like it's my very first day again but that will get better in time.  The girls also had a great day.  I missed them so much but I know they are happy and I know I am happy and love my job.

Preschool Open House

Tonight was an open house at Ava's School.  To be honest, today was my first day back to work after maternity leave and we were both tired and weren't sure we wanted to go.  But we also didn't want to miss anything.  So we asked Ava if she knew what was going on for open house and we immediately knew we were going.  Ava started talking about everything she wanted to show us and started listing off things that Mrs. Mittlieder had told them about the night...Ava was SO EXCITED to show us her her school!!

When we got to her classroom she had a letter that she had decorated for us of all different things to talk about and ask her to show us.  Ava barely needed the list as she quickly and thoroughly made her way around the classroom explaining all the rules, games, and areas as she went.

This is Ava's page in one of the class books they've made.  It says "A my name is Ava and I like apes" but Ava kept saying that it says grapes.  Either way, I'm not sure what she meant!  But I love it and how proud of it she was.   

Ava's school bus that she cut out and decorated.

Ava's signature (to the right and under "kindergarten) on the back of new mats in the gym.

After the gym, Ava took us to the cafeteria and showed us how she got her tray and picked her food and then where her class ate.  

It makes me so happy to see her so happy and proud to show us around.   I'm so proud of my preschooler!! 

Bedtime Snuggles

I love any time I get with my girls and try to take advantage of those times but I have to be honest that one of my favorite times of day is bedtime.  It's the time of day when everyone is winding down and (hopefully) not running around crazy.  It's the time of day when the hugs last longer and lots of snuggles happen.  I LOVE this time of day with my girls.  

Bedtime usually consists of PJs, reading a book or two together in Ava's bed, and then Matt and I usually split which girl we go with and get some bedtime hugs, kisses, and conversation and then switch to the next girl.  Can I say it again??  I love this time of day and this precious one on one time with each of our girls.

Bedtime has been a bit tougher for Ella this week after starting daycare.  I think she is just wanting a little extra time at night snuggling since she isn't getting that time during the day.  Obviously, we're happy to give her that time of snuggling, hugs, and reassuring her that even though she has to go to daycare that she will eventually love it and that we will always come back to pick her up.  

I often wish the girls would stay little like this forever!!  I'm going to soak up these snuggles for as long as I can get them.  

     

So Blessed to Call Him "My Husband"

I am so thankful for this man I get to call My Husband.  He has been by my side for 17 years ~ 4 of those years dating and 13 married.  He protects me and the girls, takes care of us financially, is never too proud to ask for advice from the wiser when needed, he loves me unconditionally, encourages me to strive for my dreams, and makes me laugh on a daily basis.  Love him more than words could describe and with every new season in life, I love him even more.   

I was looking through some of our wedding pictures and thought I would share a few.  Wow did we look like babies!!

Married:  August 10, 2002.  Thank you for walking by my side on this adventure of life.  Love you!!

My Little Brother is Married

What a fun, blessed weekend we had celebrating the wedding of my brother, Bobby (Robert) and Catherine!  What a happy, joy filled wedding it was.  I have never seen my brother so happy...happy to the point of tears at times.  I already was crying happy tears through much of the weekend but seeing my brother and dad tear up too was almost more than I could stand!  I'm so thankful that my brother found his beautiful bride and was smart enough to marry her ;)  I wish them many, many years of happiness together.

Ava was the most amazing flower girl!  She was beautiful, poised, and confident.  I was SO proud of her...leading to more tears as she threw petals down the isle ;)  There were moments when she was scared but she was able to overcome those fears and did a beautiful job.  

Enjoy some pictures from the beautiful day:

The gorgeous bride...my new sister...with my beautiful girls

Angell Family...love them all

Me and my big girl loving on each other

My family of 4!!  This picture is so special to me because for a long while we didn't think Ella would be home in time for the wedding and we so badly wanted her a part of the day.  God still works miracles and she was home long before the wedding!

Mr & Mrs Angell

Brothers and Sisters

Dancing with Lau Lau and Pappy

Chicken Dance

Dancing with Baba

Dancing with Pappy!  The girls shut down the dance floor!!  

   On our drive home from the wedding Matt and I were talking about how blessed we were to have just added more family members and friends to our lives.  Matt and I know how lucky we are to both have parents who are still happily married...almost 40 years of marriage each.  But on top of that to have families that continue to grow from marriage and babies.  It's not often that people love their in-laws as much as we do and love spending time with them.  And I think it is probably very rare to be able to blend all of these married families into one giant family and all get along and enjoy being together.  I feel like Catherine's family is now a part of my own...not just Bobby's.  They have welcomed us with open arms, they love our girls and love spending time with them, and we have so enjoyed getting to know them.  I just pray that now that the wedding is over that we still get to see them all.   We are SO BLESSED!! 

Ella's First Day of Daycare

Another big day in our home...Ella's first day of daycare!  Which means more tears for this Mama ;) There's been so many changes going on lately that I wanted to send her for her first day of day care the week before I went back to work so that we could make this change a little more gradually.   Ella only went for a few hours this morning.  Tomorrow she'll stay through nap time.  I am praying that she learns quickly that we always come back and take her home at the end of the day.  My biggest fear is that she thinks that she's going go through another major change in her life in which the people who she loves most in this world are leaving her again...My sweet girl Ella, I pray you learn so quickly that we are never leaving you again.  You are our beautiful daughter and we are yours~FOREVER!!  There will always be changes in this life but we will get through them TOGETHER!

 Ella's first day started off with meeting her new teachers; Miss Chesney, Miss Bri, and Miss Jordan.  She was all smiles through this part.  But as soon as I handed her to Miss Jordan the tears started.  I knew then that I just needed to kiss her and leave so that she could get used to her new surroundings.  I stopped to visit with Hayley, the amazing director and by the time I left I couldn't hear Ella crying anymore :)  

When I picked Ella up at 11:40am she was already laying down on her mat for nap.  No tears at all!!  Her first day report was awesome!  She settled down quickly and loved playing outside with her new friends.  She ate a good lunch of corn, peaches, and roll ups.   I am so proud of my baby girl!!

Wedding Thoughts by Our Sweet Ava

Just a few lines from Ava~the flower girl~ prior to her Uncle Robert and Aunt Catherine's wedding.  Enjoy!!

When Ava first found out that Uncle Robert and Aunt Catherine were getting married and we talking about Catherine's wedding dress.  Ava's response was, "Oh, she will be a BEAUTIFUL princess!!"

On the way to the zoo in early August we were discussing her role as the flower girl and what she would be doing in the wedding.  We talked about how she'd walk up the isle and drop rose petals.  Once she made it to the front she would go sit with Nai Nai and Grandpa.  Ava asked, "so my part in the show is over then?"  LOL!!  Me trying not to laugh answers, "yes and you can then watch Robert and Catherine get married."  "Yes, that will be the best show ever!!"  says Ava.

Riding in the Jeep on the way to school on Wednesday prior to the wedding, Ava says out of nowhere, "I'm so excited to be a flower girl princess!!!"  Along with a huge smile on her face :)

While decorating for the wedding reception, Ava informs us that she is ready to "shake-a, shake it down!!" on the dance floor!  :)

This Mama's Struggle with Preschool

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook last week and I found myself in tears.  This is exactly what I had been feeling and praying last week but much more eloquently said than my blubbering thoughts.  School is scary!  You have to trust so many people that they are going to protect, teach, and have compassion for my girl (and all too soon my girls).  I know they don't have the one on one time with each child like I would want but I pray that the teachers who are in my daughters classroom are giving 100% plus every day.  I pray that they are not only teaching my daughter the book knowledge that she needs to know but I pray that they are insightful and skilled at teaching social skills and helping my baby learn how to be successful in the future.  I pray that the teachers are compassionate and are teaching my daughters and the other kids how to get along with each other and deal with conflict effectively.   Almost most importantly I pray that when my daughter needs a hug, positive encouragement, and some praise...I pray that she will receive it from those around her.  I wish that I could be there to give them all the hugs they're every going to need but I know that they have to learn to trust and lean on others and to be strong and courageous in who they are and the young ladies they will become.  That's a lot of trust to put into other people...trust that other people will take care of my girls as their own.

Father, I pray that You will protect them everyday whether they are with me, their dad, daycare, school, or wherever they may be.  Keep them safe from harm and allow them to come back home every night and feel safe and loved.   I pray that they will hear everyday "you can do it" and that they will feel encouraged and valued.  I pray that when things are hard they they have the courage to ask for help and know that everyone has things they struggle with.    Father, I pray that my girls will learn to be loyal, honest, loving friends to their classmates.  I pray that they will learn to stand up for themselves in a respectful way.  I pray that they always know that they can come to their dad and I to talk about anything.  I pray that my girls always feel loved and safe, no matter where they are in their day.  Father, please be with the teachers who give so much of their energy and compassion into what they do.  I pray that they would have patience and creative skills beyond their understanding.  I pray that they would know daily how valued and and appreciated they are and that they would receive the resources they need to do their best.  Father, thank you for loving me and my family.

Ava Preschool Interview

Preschool Year at Fullerton Elementary School
Omaha, Nebraska
Mrs. Mittlieder

Favorite Color:  Pink & Purple

Favorite TV Show: Daniel Tiger
Favorite Movie:  Madagascar 

What do you want to be when you grow up:  Farmer, "a girl farmer not a boy farmer" :) 

Favorite thing to eat:  Pears

Who are your best friends:  Lilliana, Kaden, and Claira (from daycare)

What do you love to do with Mama:  "Play with you.  I love to get my toenails done with you."

What do you love to do with Baba:  "Eat popsicles with Baba!"

What do you love to do with Ella:  "My favorite is to play in the living room with Ella"

Favorite thing to do outside:  "I love to play at the park"

Favorite thing to do inside:  "Play inside in the living room with ponies and cars."

Favorite Animal:  "A giraffe...and a zebra!"

Two Months with our Ella Bella Girl!

Seriously, where does the time go?!!!  I can't believe that we have been together for 2 months but on the other hand it is hard to imagine life before Ella joined our family at this time.  

Ella, you are a joy to be around.  You are beautiful, smart, and ornery as can be!!!  You keep us on our toes every minute of the day; and even though it can be exhausting we LOVE it!  Your laugh is contagious and even though you aren't talking in words much your facial expressions speak for you all the time!

Ella's 2 Month List:

1.  You LOVE your big sis!  She is your favorite person to pick on and push buttons.  She is your favorite person to follow around.  She is your favorite person to give hugs to and laugh with.  Lately you girls are spending more time (often late at night when you should be sleeping) laughing and playing together.  When it's late enough that Matt and I have to intervene we get told, "we were just having a little party!"  I hate to break up the fun when you girls are having so much fun together.  I always wanted a sister and your late night parties are exactly what I imagined.

2.  You are not much of a TV/Movie girl, which we love except when we'd like for you to sit still for a short time!  LOL!!  You are so not interested in sitting still.  You are 2 after all!  If you do try to sit for a short time, you often end up bouncing on the couches, jumping from chair to chair, laughing all the time!  

3.  If we are able to get you to sit for 15-30 minutes its usually while you're watching Daniel Tiger.  This is truly the only show you are somewhat interested in unless you are just super tired and can't move.     

4.  Voicing words is still difficult due to your cleft palate but that doesn't stop you from trying.  You are amazing resilient and adaptive!  You are willing to copy any words and try to say them.  You're getting really good at Mama, Baba, apple juice, milk, more, all done, and puppy.  Lately you've copied words like purple, blue, Lau Lau, and many others.  Even though you can't voice them without help you are making huge progress in making sounds.  Your cleft palate repair is scheduled for October 9th.  After that there will be no stopping your talking :)

5.   In the last 2 weeks you have decided that you like the splash park and pool.  Makes me so happy!!  You started running through the sprays at the splash park, while holding my or Lau Lau's hand but you had a blast!  You played for at least 15 minutes and were soaked by the time you were ready to go back and sit on the towel.  You also went to the pool with Nai Nai and Grandpa last weekend and were really brave.  Apparently you got right in the zero entry pool.  You even went down a big slide with Nai Nai.  I'm super proud and jealous that I wasn't around to see it ;)

6.   You are still a slow eater but not as slow.  I think you are figuring out that there will always be a next meal.  You love milk, apple juice, spaghetti, noodles, rice, chicken, turkey lunch meat, and fruit snacks.  Spaghetti is probably your favorite dinner!  We've taken you to Carabba's several times and you can take care of your entire dish of spaghetti and will finish up your sister's left overs the next day for lunch.  I can't blame you, it's delicious!

7.  You like toys but really you just like the toy that your sister currently has and do anything you can to get the toy.  :)  You are enjoying puzzles of farm animals and you like the shapes ball.  You are going to master the shapes ball very soon.

8.  Your favorite items are your "Ella" blanket and spotted jaguar.  You always have them when you're in front of the TV or in the car.  You love to have the jaguar clear up by your face and nuzzle him.

9.  You do love books!  We read books often in this house.  And at bedtime and nap time you often clear out your book shelf and stack them all up on your bed.  As you look through each one you put them back.  Usually you have them all back on your shelf by the time you fall asleep.

10.   New places can still be really scary.  You are really secure and comfortable at home and in other familiar environments but if we're in a place that you're just not sure of you cling to Mama and Baba, cry, and bury your head in our chests.  But even with all that you come around quickly and are usually comfortable as soon as you understand the environment better.  I hate that you get scared still but really love the snuggling I get :)

  

One On One Time with Ella

With Ava at Preschool today, Ella and I got some one on one time.  I love one on one time with my girls.  Such special times.  Today we mainly hung around the house since I'm recovering from surgery but we did get some painting done.  

Ella is crazy and does everything she does in an excited way.  Why else do it?!!  Once she got to painting she was splattering it all over.  And a little bit of paint will never do, she needed her hands loaded up with paint :)  And why just stick to finger painting when you can paint with your arms, elbows, and toes too??  I love this girl!  She makes me laugh every day!

First Day of Preschool for Ava

How is it possible that my baby girl is ready for Preschool?!!  I have such a hard time wrapping my head around how quickly time goes by.  My baby should still be a baby or at the very oldest a toddler...not a preschooler!  Regardless how I feel, by girl did start Preschool today.  

On Monday evening we all went to school for Safe Walk to School Night so that we could all meet Ava's teacher, find out where her room is, and help Ava get acquainted to her new surroundings.  She did great and actually didn't want to leave!  Too many cool new things and toys to see!

Today, us girls woke up to a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and eggs made by Baba.   Ava woke up excited and ready to start her first day.  After breakfast we took pictures and then Matt and I took Ava to school.   We arrived a few minutes early and had to wait for the bell to ring before we could get in the building.  Once the bell rang, it seemed like a mad dash to her class room.  We got her stuff put away in her locker (yes, she has a locker already) and then signed her in for the day.  

Ava was still happy and excited until we started to leave.  Then Ava started to cry, chase after us, and grab at our legs.  I did my best to keep it together until after we were out of the classroom.  Ava's teacher helped to hold her hand so that we could leave.  

 I worried about Ava all day.  I guessed that she probably was fine and stopped crying by the time we reached the car.  But I wished that I could know for sure.  

I left to pick her up about 20 minutes early, but I couldn't stand it any more!  So then I got to the school and had to stand outside until the bell rang...it seemed like an eternity!  But once I got to her school room, I found a smiling happy girl.  She was ready to go home but had lots of great stories from her day.  She told me that she has lots of new friends even though she can't remember any of their names ;), her teachers are nice, she got to play with new toys, and she worked on writing her name.  The other thing that Ava was so proud of was lunch.  She got to go to the cafeteria and carry her own tray.  And she didn't spill anything!  She was also so excited about her little milk cup (or milk carton) too!  

The only concern she had about her day was that she wasn't able to cover herself up with her blanket at nap.  She told me that she tried a couple of times but that it kept falling off.  When I asked her if she asked for help, she told me yes but that they wouldn't help her.  *tears*  Now who knows what exactly happened but this broke my heart.  So tonight before bed we practiced covering herself up.  

Doctor's Visit

Both girls had doctor appointments on Monday of this week.  Ava for her 4 year old well child check and Ella for her 2 year old well check.  What an ordeal.  Luckily Matt was able to be with us for most of the appointment.  

We are so blessed with amazing medical care in Omaha.  The girls' pediatrician, Dr. Dawson is unbelievable!  He is attentive and doesn't take offense to their crazy, sometimes obsessive, nurse of a mom.  Yesterday we were at the office for 2 hours and seriously had Dr. Dawson or nurse in the room with us for most of that time.  They are thorough and want to make sure they have the whole picture.  They spend time visiting with us and the girls.  We could not ask for better.

Ava did a great job of being brace and showing Ella the ropes.  Ava got right on the scale and Ella easily followed when it was her turn.  Then Ava moved over to get her height measured; again Ella followed her.  

Unfortunately the girls didn't walk out with those smiles.  Both had to have blood drawn.  Ava had 3 vaccines and Ella had 2 vaccines.  Ella has an x-ray ordered but we opted to save that for another day :)

Best of Friends

There are few friends in the world who you could go years without seeing and be able to pick up immediately where you left off.  We are blessed enough to have such friends.  

This girl has been my best friend since 7th grade.  We have been through tons of craziness, happy and difficult times together.  I love this sweet friend.  

Her family was able to spot and play for a short couple of hours...not long enough but we'll take any time we can get with them.

Love those kiddos!!

Ella's First Visit to Table Rock Lake

I loved every minute of Ella's first trip to the lake house and our first trip as a family of 4.  One of my favorite places in the world and I love sharing it with my girls.  We were able to be at the lake for 5 days with my parents.  We swam, boated, and tubed for hours.  Ella is not keen on being in the water yet but was perfectly content riding in the boat, playing on the dock, or sitting on the back of the boat with her water pail and bucket.  By the time we left we were able to dip her into the lake just long enough to fill her pail and get her back on the boat.  We'll continue to work on it but that is progress!  I know she's going to be a lake girl even if she doesn't love being in the water.

Ava on the other hand is still a fish and getting braver.  This trip she was able to jump off the dock (with her life jacket on of course), jump off the boat, and tubed for hours!!  She even fell off the tube a couple of times and just came up laughing!

 

Love this place with my amazing family!