A look back at 2015

As I sat, holding Lola who slept, and watching Greta amaze me on this educational iPad game (and listening to Ryan snore as he napped) - I thought about all that 2015 gave me.  

The highlights...

1. Announcing the sequel was on his or her way and then having another beautiful new baby girl, Lola Jane, whose smiles brightens my life. I never thought I could love someone as much as Greta but as soon as I laid eyes on her my heart grew larger.

2. A healthy Greta all year!! She challenges me daily - but feel I'm to blame for that. I can't imagine life without her. I love each and every day I get to be her mom.

3. Saying good bye to one of the greatest   guys I've ever known, my grandpa. As he celebrates his first New Years in heaven with E-ma and his brothers... I look forward to hearing his stories some day. 

4. Putting in a pool. People thought we were crazy doing this while I was 9 months pregnant - heck I was one of them. So glad we did! Greta loves it and I'm sure Lola will too. I look forward to many fun days in 2016 in the pool. 

5. Getting the opportunity to be part time starting in 2016. Excited about the challenges this will bring. What a blessing this will be to our family and my sanity. 

6. First family trip (and mine as well) to Disney World and Sea World. It was filled with smiles, laughter, meeting all the characters, tears, melt downs and days of memories!

7. A personal highlight... Getting to be part of the bell ringing ceremony on Nasdeq. What a great experience! 

8. Learning to be a mom of 2. A constant balancing act between giving them the attention they need and managing to keep everything else at home going. I feel with every day I get a little better and am proud that they are both happy and healthy.

9. Having a family that loves me and my family and would do anything for us. I know many don't have this so I am very thankful for them all. Especially my hubby who works hard to provide for us. And my mom who drops everything to help me, including being cooped up in a hotel for 5 days with a 2 1/2 year old and 4 month old. She's the best!

10. And so many more big and small moments. 

So here's to learning from 2015 and loving and living life in 2016. I got this! :-)

 

Happy birthday Jesus

I really work hard to make sure grea knee why we are celebrating Christmas. And that it all because of baby Jesus' birthday. So Christmas morning when we woke up and I asked who's birthday it was - she said Jesus and then sang him a song.

https://youtu.be/5uVW94z2kMY

Christmas blessings

Feeling blessed and loved beyond words as I sit and think back of the last few days. It's hard for me to imagine what Christmas's are like when families don't get along or there is drama (besides a 2 year old's drama) or any of that.  I have been blessed my entire life with joy and gifts at Christmas, love and support all year and guiding hands to help me. The older I get, the more I realize this is what matters. It's more about creating memories that will last them well into adulthood and beyond. As we looked at slides last night, it was fun to see mom and dad's faces light up as they remembered soon certain moments on the farm or with us or the rest of the family. It was happiness, joy, laughter that filled the room.

I look forward to those moments with my kids and grandkids some day. 

Ewald Christmas

Christmas morning we left Greenwood and headed to Unionville for more Christmas fun. With only 2 short stops - a potty break for Greta and gas and a snack for Lola we made it there in less than 6 hours.

Having mini Oreos and chips in the car for lunch, we were starving when we arrived. Snacking began, then yummy perch was fried (thanks J&J) and Oreo cookie dessert, then Mary's great meat came out. Needless to say we filled up quickly. 

Present opening began almost as soon as we arrived. I was also proud of Greta for helping hand out everyone's gifts too. And she actually loved doing it. More great gifts like a Frozen cd/microphone thing for Greta which she has been singing into since we got it. Play food and  a cash register - more playing fun. Oh and high heels and a purse which she loves and I think looks so old when using. 

Lola also got some new toys - which Greta enjoyed testing out. And Ryan and I got some great gifts as well - new saw, sweatshirts, a crockpot, a couple more Pandora beads. 

Saturday was filed with more food, a scavenger hunt for the kids and an evening of looking at old slides - which inevitably lead to lots of laughs.

Now to load the sleigh up one more thing and head home. 

The bark returns

Well it was bound to happen... The bark returned. And there was 2 nights it was the worst it ever was. I tried everything from a honey patch on my chest, humidifier, cough syrup (only a little), cough drops, and finally cypress essential oil. First night after I put it in my feet, I had 3 hours of no coughing - a record. Next night but as good and by the 3rd night of oils - it was somewhat under control. 

Then Greta got the bark - the worst thing she could have gotten from me. But with the humidifier and some cypress on the feet, she's on the mend as well. 

Lola is also sounding much less congested as well. Thank goodness because that was going on like 7 weeks. 

Here's to starting the new year healthy! 

Delaney Christmas

This year for the Delaney Christmas, we loaded up the sleigh and off to Greeneood we went. Ryan made it in record time - I'm still not sure how but I might rethink sleeping so much next time. The girls did great too. Greta napped only a little bit but Lola napped pretty much the whole time so we didn't stop at all.

We are truly blessed with a great family that loves each other. There was lots of book reading, playing with both new and favorite toys at their house, eating (and more eating). And on the 23rd, a tornado touched down about 2 miles from the house so we spent a little time in the basement. For the record it was in the 60s one day and the 50s the next.

Also as tradition, we danced and sang around the Christmas tree. Greta did a great job and sang along to all the songs she knows - jingle bells, Rudolph, Santa clause it coming to town and part of away in a manger. 

Then Christmas Eve, we opened gifts. Greta and Lola both got more great gifts as did we. I think Greta's favorite will be her new Anna and Elsa barbies she got.

Then Christmas morning, we woke up and hung out and enjoyed an amazing breakfast with homemade cinnamon rolls (which I'm going to try and make sometime). Then we loaded the sleigh back up and gave lots of hugs and said our thank you's and good byes. And were off to our next destination.

Christmas at our house

This year for 12 days I wrapped up a new Christmas book and snuck it under the tree. So every morning  it was, "you think there is a preset under there for me??" Usually it didn't arrive until after dinner, but she loved checking for it. And she loves book so this was great!

Greta don't get the Santa thing yet (maybe because she doesn't care for him) - so we didn't make a deal out of it. We went out to dinner and when we come home lots of presents under the tree and a stocking full goodies. We actually did this 2 nights to stretch Christmas out. 

She opened all hers and helped with ours and Lola's. Puzzles, lots of books, clothes, hungry hippos - where just a few of the highlights. I must have been a good girl too and got 2 beautiful Pandora beads and a new fancy purse. Plus Muck boots so I'm ready for mudding around and hunting with Ryan. Ryan got clothes, a cool drink holder for the pool, a water pic and socks of course. 

Next year when Lola is a year and a half and Greta is 3 1/2 will be so fun!  All that joy and innocence and pure happiness Christmas brings.

Cookies, cookies and donuts

A great day baking and laughing with the 2 best sisters and mom a girl could ask for. We make peanut butter cookies, cut out cookies, monster cookies, peanut butter balls and holly cookies. Plus mom made donuts and bubble loaf. 

Greta enjoyed every bit of it - chocolate, frosting, sugar, donuts... I'm amazed she didn't get sick.  Plus lots of laughing and running around with Karle and Kahle. 

Plus presents from Aunt Julie and Uncle Jason.

More pictures to come. 

December? Is that you?

A warm December it's been and Lola got her first swing ride outside. Greta also loved it!

Christmas Fun

A warm weekend gave us a great opportunity for some Christmas fun. Saline had a horse drawn carriage rides around Busch's parking lot and Santa of course. The horse lots of fun... Santa wasn't Greta's favorite. And Lola slept through it all. 

The next day we went to church and then brunch at Webers and then off to Clinton for a Christmas train ride. Well the train ride and atmosphere stunk, Greta enjoyed the train. Then Santa again after was a no go. 

For the record, it was almost 60!

First bath together

The girls took their first bath together last night... Greta was reluctant but after I told her she could help wash Lola she gave it. 

Lola thought it was super fun and loved all Greta's toys.  Greta washed everyone after Lola put them in her mouth.  

Greta loved soaping up Lola and dumping water on her head. 

So cute watching them together. 

Greta-isms

So today on the way home from school Greta wanted a drink of water. So I gave her one. Then she says... When Lola gets bigger she can have water too. You can dump out the milk in your boobs and put water in it for her.

OMG. I wanted to laugh so bad but kept it together. The mind of a 2 year old.

Lola's 4 months old

I feel a bit like a broken record, but I don't know where time goes. It's so hard to believe Lola is already 4 months. 

Here's what she's up to...

1. Found her voice and makes all kinds of new noises. Plus can laugh!

2. Has great hand eye coordination and can grab just about anything

3. Is a great eater. Drinks 3, 4 ounce bottles at day care. 

4. Doesn't like to be left out of the action. 

5. Adores her big sister. 

6. Found her hair and loves to feel it. Only problem she doesn't have much so she's  just scratching her head.

7. Is almost always smiling and smiles with her whole face. Still my smiley pants.

8. Is a spit upper. But mostly when she's gassy and needs to poop. 

9. Loves to cuddle, especially when sleeping. 

10. Likes to watch the TV. Working on this one - lol. 

11. Went to 3 new states... Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. 

I love watching her little (or not so little) personality develop. Just love her to pieces. 

Height: 26 inches (93rd)

Weight: 14 lbs 9 oz (53rd)

Head circumstance: 16 inches (95th)

Chicago trip

Work duties called me away from thanksgiving weekend early but luckily for me my awesome mom agreed to go with me so I didn't have to leave the girls for so long. 

So we packed up my Equinox which I realize might be getting too small for family trips. But we made it work. 

Arrived at the hotel and no bigger rooms available, even though I selected and confirmed an upgrade. Oh well. At least we got a room with a view. First night we just unpacked and settled in. 

After a long first day of work, we packed up and headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo to see the Christmas lights. Great to get out a little and the lights were beautiful.

Next morning and after work took Greta swimming. She loved it! Next time need to remember her life jacket. 

The next few days were a but of a blur. I got lots of exercise walking back and forth 4 times a day to either nurse or pump. Still managed to bring home over 60 ounces.

Wednesday about noon we packed up and hit the road. One stop for a late lunch and shopping at our favorite Cracker Barrel. It was smooth sailing until Ann Arbor but we made it home about 6 pm. Unpacked, 4 loads of laundry, bathed the girls, and did a couple hours of work. 

Just for the record my mom is amazing. She Mom kept the girls entertained all day. Got them to nap, eat, play, and went on adventures and got Greta some exercise everyday... All within the confines of a hotel. So grateful to have her!! Love you mom! 

Thanksgiving festiveness

What a great thanksgiving break we had. The girls and I headed to unionville on Wednesday morning and met mom in birch run to get Greta some new shoes and do s little shopping. After s successful trip to stride rite and 4 pairs of shoes later, we eebt to lunch. Then mom took the girls to her house and I got to shop by myself for a short while. I decided as much as it was easier and more peaceful, I kept thinking I lost it left the kids somewhere. And I guess on the positive side I wasn't in the shopping mood and bought a hat for Lola and underwear for Greta. Not very exciting. 

Ryan then met us up there early in the evening. 

Bright and early or say 8:30, Mary and I (and Lola) headed to Meijer for a little shopping. We got some great deals and made it back to moms in time to help with the last minute stuff before eating. Food was great! And I ate way too much! The rest of the day was spent cheering on the lions who won and just hanging out. Oh and checking out all the ads! 

Friday, Mary decided we should go shopping again... So just the 2 of us headed to Bay City. Target- JoAnn fabrics. Mary Mission- fabric for a new blanket. Abbey mission - spend money - lol. Then in s stroke of genius. I told Mary we should go see the hunger games. And yup - that is what we did. Mom had all the kids. So no worries. Ryan was up north with dad, Julie and Jason. Movie was good but disturbing like the others. Oh well. I enjoyed my afternoon out. 

Late that afternoon we packed up and headed home. Only to unpack and repack to leave for Chicago Saturday after football. 

Fun times had by all! 

Gloves

This morning I got into a fight with Gretas gloves. Literally a fight. With gloves. That ended in me throwing them. No joke. Liner great concept but when you can't get it to go back to the way it's supposed to be. Defeats the purpose of having the liner in the first place.

I'm not sure who designs gloves for toddlers but they need to rethink their design. Asks mom or a teacher who has to do it and in record time so the child and parent doesn't overheat. Which might have been the reason I threw the glove. 

Ordered 2 new pair for her... Here's hoping! 

Yes she has on those little finger gloves but 2 pairs and when we came in her hands were warmer than mine.

Grateful for Gods blessings

On this Thanksgiving eve, I am thankful for all God has blessed me with. At times like this, it reminds me that even on my worst day, I am still more fortunate than others and I often take that for granted.

I not only have a roof over my head, but a house I call a home. 

I have a family who loves me, supports me, drops everything to help me, and makes me laugh. 

I have an amazing hard working husband. 

I have healthy beautiful children who mean the works to me. 

I have a job that allows me to pay the bills and save for the future. Plus buys me fabulous shoes when needed. 

I have all I need and much more. Thank you God for everything. Please help me to always have a grateful heart.

Deer Widow

Ryan headed up to the UP last Saturday with his friend Jason, as arrived home last night with a deer and having had no shower! Yikes! We are all so glad to have him home but I'm proud to say the girls and I survived. 

My proud accomplishments

- we made it out the door every day, close to on time 

- Miller got fed every day

- Miller didn't run away (thanks to dad blocking the big hole under the fence

- Greta had breakfast and dinner every day.... Even some at the table and not her desk. And no take out 

- I ate breakfast and some form of dinner each day

- only 2 sleepovers in my bed with everyone 

- baths every other night 

- church on Sunday 

- no laundry done but only because the sump pump is broke and needed to do laundry. 

- one girl movie night with Cinderella II and III and popcorn of course!

- only got locked in the basement once when Ryan left.. Luckily for a long screwdriver, I unlashed the lock

All in all not too bad with a 2 1/2 and 3 month! So happy for good kids.

Losing my hair

I remember it not so fondly with Greta and it's happening again... My hair is falling out. Darn pregnancy and breast feeding hormones. 

Proud Greta moment

This week I was so happy when Greta's teacher told me that Greta has such good manners. When a kid bumped his head, she asked if he was okay. When the teacher sneezed Greta said bless you. 

I was so happy to hear this! You just never know if what you are teaching them and pushing them to say, they use when not prompted (mainly by myself). So I'm chalking this one up to a parenting success! 

Yeah Greta!! 

Lola laughs

For the record... Lola laughed for the first time November 17th. 

Will load video soon.

Craft Show 101

Saline had their biannual craft show yesterday and I so badly wanted to go. Thought it sounded awesome it Ryan was gone do Id have to take girls myself which I didn't want to do. So I invited mom, Mary (and Karle) and Julie. Well only the Weldens were able to join and so glad they did! 

Here is what I learned or saw it experienced... Or whatever

1. Some people are serious craft show attenders. They live for these events.

2. Don't bring children to craft shows. 

3. You spend way less if you have children with you at a craft show but really you should refer to #2.

4. No strollers is a great concept unless you break rule #2 then you wish they let just you bring one in. Great place to stash children or big things you buy. 

5. Not all middle/high schoolers are punks. Met some very nice students from Saline who were very helpful because we didn't follow #2 and bought too many large items. 

5. Wear tennis shoes no matter how comfortable your boots are because boots just heat your legs up, 

6. It's hot at craft shows. Dress in layers... And that means layers you are willing to show other people. A tube top with a black bra while good for nursing at the show not appropriate to show others.

7. If you see something and think "I kind of like that - maybe I'll come back and buy it." You won't so either just buy it or no complaining when you don't and really wish you had even if you didn't buy it because you broke #2.

8. You will pay more and that's ok. It's homemade. Embracing this will lead you to spend way more on everything.!

9. If you break #2, their favorite part will be riding the school bus whether 10 or 2.

10. Have fun. Buy sweet snacks. Break for lunch. All keep everyone going, especially if you broke #2. 

All in all we had fun! Next time, if there is, we'll do it differently. 

Thanksgiving in Greenwood

We packed up the car, and headed to Greenwood to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Delaney's.  What used to be a quick trip, has now turned into at least a one stop trip.  This time had lots more excitement and not the good kind.  Greta got sick and puked about half way into the trip.  UGH!  And she definitely wasn't happy about it and I don't blame her.  Lots of tears and crying.  And of course it happened when there wasn't an exit with anything for several miles.  So I cleaned her put the best I could in the care and we drove on to finally find a a Cracker Barrel to stop at.  New clothes.  Windows cracked to air out the car.  Car seat wiped down (would need to be washed at their house).
Ate a quick lunch - Greta at some pancakes and kept them down.  I fed Lola and off we went.

The rest of the weekend was much more fun and no more puking.  Rebecca made a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner that we enjoyed on Saturday.  Then enjoyed some sunshine with a walk around the block.  Watched a little football.  And lots of playing.

Oh and a trip to a store called Rural King, which was like a giant Tractor Supply.  Luckily we need to get back to eat or we might have spent hours and probably lots of money there.

Sunday we hit the road at after breakfast.  No puking this time on the way home, but we did stop for lunch and discovered that Lola had a blow-out.  MAJOR!  Through all her clothes. No so easy to change that in a bathroom changing table but we managed.  Then fed her, we ate, and back on the road again.  We made it home in time to finish all the laundry and get bottle made for a few days and the house picked up a little.