So different.....and love them that way!

After church today, we thought it would be a super idea to go out for lunch. Well, we almost had to ask for our meals in a to go box before they even came because Reid is HIGH MAINTENANCE. SERIOUSLY HIGH MAINTENANCE. He was screaming at the top of his lungs, wanted down continuously, arched his back and threw a fit, threw all his fishy crackers on the floor in a blazing fury, kicked the table, wanted to climb on it, would not sit in his high chair, and was mad at the world. And that was in the first 5 minutes of being there. Meanwhile, Ellie is sitting calmly happy to be drinking her special drink- chocolate milk and ignoring her brother.

My two kids are totally different. Reid is high strung, high energy, and HIGH WILL POWERED. He wants his way all the time, and if he does not get it, the throwing down on the floor fit arises. Is this the terrible twos early???? Just being a boy???? Just strong will power???? I swear he had to fight so hard from such an early age that this was bread in him. I don't mind him being strong...that can be a great trait. I just hope I live through this. So, as I was thinking about how different Reid and Ellie are...I had to go through some pics of when Ellie was 19 months old. I realized as I was looking that they really did a lot the same....both put on my shoes....both wanted to use their own spoon and be independent with it, both enjoyed being outside, both loved bubble baths, both loved water, and both are seriously cute. Here are some comparison shots of Reid and Ellie. And if anyone has any great strategies for raising a tricky boy....lay them on me. I'd love to hear your stories! It will give me hope!!!! : )

Ellie being a princess.....still loves to dress up.
And my prince....

Loved adventure and independence...

Independent thinker should have been Reid's middle name.

Ellie loved to try new things out for herself, but always looked to Brian or myself for permission to go forth with doing something.

There's no permission getting ever from this one! He does his own thing....tries everything he can....gets into messes in a blink of an eye...and gets furious if something does not go how he expects it to.

I am glad my two are so different. That makes they who they are. But, I am also very grateful for my hairdresser.....she may be needing to add a bit more color to my hair over the next few months. Let's call that mother's intuition, shall we???

On the eve of one year ago.....

The house is quiet....both kids are down, and who knows what tomorrow will bring. So, I am taking the opportunity while I can because I can not believe it, but the calendar does not lie.

One year ago tonight, Brian and I were not sure what to anticipate. One year ago tonight, we were praying hard because we were going to be handing Reid over to our beloved doctors for Reid's lip repair surgery. One year ago tonight.....I was never so scared.

As I look back one year ago, it is hard to believe what we have been through. I am not trying to portray a "poor me" attitude at all, but rather, a "YES!!! WE did it!" attitude. A mom of a cleft kiddo told me that after one year post op from lip repair surgery is the honeymoon period. A time of growth and not too many worries of upcoming surgeries. I think we have hit the honeymoon. Reid is growing and thriving. He is talking and running. He is laughing and making us laugh. I can't believe how much has changed in one year.

I loved looking back on my photo album from one year ago, as I did tonight. I will tell you, in one year I didn't think you could miss a little face so much. I love Reid's beautiful smile that he has now, but I will forever love that first precious face that God gave him. Reid, you are an amazing little guy. Your strength and courage show in everything you do. I think you have grown into a wonderful little person. As I sit here one year from that very scary night, when I didn't truly know what to expect...I pray for you and for the many journeys ahead of you, I pray for your strength to forever be with you, I pray for the wisdom for your dad and I to make the best decisions for you, and I pray for your doctors that forever changed your life, and ours. I love you, Reid, and I look forward to looking back on May 27, 2008 for many years to come.
Ready for his lip repair. (May 2008)
Brian and Reid- pre-op. All gowned up and ready to go.

Our first look at your new face. Amazing does not even come close to how I thought you looked.

You forever will be my hero. This is 2 days post-op. (ok, I confess....I DO NOT miss those nasal stents!

And look at you now.....my handsome, handsome boy.

Memorial Day 2009

First of all, I want to say a special thank you to the men and women who have or are serving our country in any way, shape, or form. We are thankful for you!
We had a nice day spent with family. The kids went NONSTOP all day long, and finally have crashed early for bed. Whew! I'm glad because I am beat, too! Here is a little glimpse into our day!

We went to feed the ducks at a nearby restaurant that has a pond. It is one of the kids' favorites, and the ducks were hungry tonight! It was a perfect day to go. As you can see, Reid has absolutely NO fear of them.....or anything for that matter!
Pappy holding a baby duckling for Reid to see up close.

Ellie not so sure. Thank goodness one out of my two kiddos is cautious!

Ellie liked keeping her distance. But she was giving food to a duck here that couldn't get up due to being hurt. That's my girl....looking out for the underdog!

Of course, you must wear your bathing suit around, play in the kiddie pool, and eat popsickles on Memorial Day....so Ellie did just that!

And my favorite picture from the day....Pappy and Reid. Reid was loving his popsicle here. I was quite far away from them and was really happy how this picture came out. Thanks for the fun day today, Grandma and Pappy.

Here's what happens....

...when Daddy is in charge at bathtime and Mommy walks in on the fun when she hears..."BRING THE CAMERA!" Ohhh, yes...take a look for yourselves! Reid...covered in bubbles....literally.
See?? I told you so!
Yep, there really WERE that many bubbles in the tub...not to mention the floor, ceiling, walls, you get the picture!
Ellie and Reid...loving Daddy being in charge of bathtime.
My princess with the beautiful lashes. I wonder what she was thinking in this picture. So glad Daddy was in charge....because a great time was definitely had!

Speaking and Signing

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Family Outing Day

I have to say, Brian has been working really hard lately. We all needed a little family time today. So, we decided to pack up the kids, enjoy our time together, and head to Clevaland to the Children's Museum. As you will see, we had an awesome time together. The museum is right around the corner from Rainbow where Reid goes for all his cleft appointments. We've always wanted to check the place out, and we are glad we took some family time to do this today.

Reid loved the "nursery" and playing with the babies. He would repeat..."Baby...Baby" and just grin from ear to ear.

Ahh, yes....driving and many buttons and lights to push and explore. Reid's paradise!

Like I said.....more buttons to push on the RTA bus.

Ellie's favorite...horses. She had a fun time playing in the big red barn exhibit and LOVED that there were horses there to play with.

Grocery shopping. Ellie had fun telling me how much each item was. I think those were my $26.00 chicken dinners there and my $17.00 apple juice.

Reid shopping. Looks like he is all set....a loaf of bread and hot dogs!

Hey, look, Uncle Aaron.....maybe there is room for another doctor in our family one day??? What do you think????

Ellie enjoyed being Reid's patient.....and I truly think the last time Reid was in the hospital his gown was this exact print. Brought back some memories.

Ahhhh, yes....WATER! As you will see....we did get smarter as the day went on.....(see below)

We found the rain jackets!!!!

And lastly, Ellie built a house before we left for home. It was a super fun day, and I can just about bet money that we will make another trip up this summer to enjoy the fun again. I am so glad we got to have a family day! (next time...I need to get a family picture, I guess!)

84 degrees = WATER FUN TIME!

On Thursday night it was in the mid 80's and humid. Reid and Ellie both love being outside. Might as well bring out the slip n' slide and let them have at it! And that...they did! I am probably creating a no-no situation with Reid's tubes...but since he wasn't submerged or laying in the water, we let him just play. He loved the water as you will see.....as did big sister!
Just trying to figure this all out.

Well, of course, Sophie wanted in on the action. Love the tongue shot!

Ellie.....after watching Sophie...had to mimic!

Reid didn't go for the drink...instead he thought it was much more fun to just blast right through the water. He would just belly laugh the whole time!

Splish ..Splash..

How does he sit like this??? And on cement no less!

Reid being sweet and Sophie trying to come in for the bubble wand. Sneaky??? I think yes

All I have to do is let Ellie get in a swimsuit and break out the water for a bit....and that makes a happy girl. Can't wait for more warm days soon!

The "real" Miss Nelson...

Girl's Day Out...and I am way late on posting lately. Blame it on the final weeks of school, I guess! My mom, mother in law, Ellie, and myself went to go see Miss Nelson is Missing on stage. It was so much fun...and the play was really cute. This is one of Ellie's favorite books, and it was great to see live.

Ellie even got Miss Nelson to sign her book for her! What an awesome day it was together. Can't wait for the next day out!!!!

Preschool Finale

What a great preschool year it was for Ellie. As a finale to the year, the kids had a picnic at a local park to enjoy lunch and playtime together before they all had to part ways. We will miss all of Ellie's friends that she met...but will be anxious to see them again in the fall. What a fun time for all!
Ellie and Sarah...a good friend Ellie made.

Ellie...being Ellie.

Part of the crew! (Natalie, Chance, Phoenix, Ellie, and Aidan) Great friends....Ellie will miss you!

Could it really be???

Looking back to Sept. 08 when Ellie had her new school shoes on and was ready to see what this preschool thing was really all about. She seems so little in this picture!!! It is so hard to believe that Ellie's last day of preschool for this year was today. It really went fast, and it is amazing how grown up she has become in one short year.

I apologize for the darkness of this picture...but I had to post Ellie and Mrs. Thomas, her BELOVED teacher. This morning when I took Ellie to school (I took off from teaching today to be with Ellie on her last day) she told me...and I reinforce...TOLD me..."Mommy, make sure you sign me up for school again today." She is already thinking about next year. And yes, Ellie, you are all signed up for next year. No worries.

Ellie holding her diploma and her flower she planted for me. Even though in the car going home she explained that the flower was really hers since it was purple...and everything that is purple belongs to Ellie. It's the Ellie Law, you see.

Ellie and her friend Sarah after graduation.

And of course, on a special day....you MUST do special things. Ellie chose Applebee's for lunch and then she was helplessly taken on an afternoon of Mommy errands. (On a day off....I had to make the most of my time!) It was a wonderful day....with my wonderful girl. I am blessed to be Ellie's mom...and look forward to many more celebration days with her through the years. I just hope they don't all come as quickly as this one did! Love you, Ellie, and I am so proud of you!