Party on Ellie
Dancing 1
Dancing 2
Let the music move you...
Rock on NateSunday, December 28, 2008
Nathan the Dancing Machine
Party on Ellie Dancing 1 Dancing 2 Let the music move you... Rock on Nate
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Pics
Aunt Maryanne with Ellie. She has a way with the kids.
Reading to Ellie.
Bathtime with two kids - a first - Nathan loves to "help."
How many men does it take to build a big wheel??
Chasing Uncle BrianThanksgiving (a little late)
Blame Scott and his job for me being so late posting a Thanksgiving update. The man never gets off his computer - he is always working. Plus the fact that his computer is security protected with a fingerprint swipe makes it a bit problematic for me to use it at will.
So we apologize for the delay but here are some Thanksgiving photos to share (oh, that too - all the pictures were on Scott's computer).
We all had a great time Chez Evans. Or at Camp Evans I think we could call it. From the playground lovingly built for Nathan by Pop Pop to pulling weeds, swimming, riding a big wheel, playing golf, lacrosse, tennis, and frisbee, Nathan really enjoyed himself over the holiday. The weather helped too. It was so nice to escape the cold north and enjoy some 70 degree temperatures.
It was great to spend time with family too and celebrate wedding reception number 2 (the East Coast reception) for Brian and Maryanne. We got to see the Hoyts, Mayers, and many other friends who came in town to share the occasion. Ellie was on her best behavior at the reception and Nathan stole the show dancing for everyone (until his dad showed him up by breakdancing...and you wonder where Nathan gets his showmanship from....). Many thanks to Jane and Bob Hoyt for keeping me supplied with Guinness as well as holding Ellie so that I could dance with Nathan and spend time with my family.
We did have one hilarious (in retrospect) attempt at going out while we were there. I knew it was a bad idea at the outset but was inspired to try to eat with the family at their country club. Wouldn't you know it but Ellie immediately started crying when we arrived and Nathan started whining and disobeying just as quickly. So Scott and I spent the dinner feeding each other as we passed around the table, me jiggling Ellie and Scott chasing Nathan and taking him outside for time out. I think we have effectively deterred Maryanne and Brian from having kids for a while. They may have been on the 5 year plan but now are on the 10 after watching our family circus.
The unfortunate aspect of our visit was that GG was terribly ill with the flu and incapacitated. She even stayed in bed one whole day while we were there. None of us knew what to do!! Without our social programmer we were all at a loss! After that GG put on a good show and pushed through to the point that I thought she would be hospitalized when we left but there was no way she was going to miss out on time with her kids! It was such a great time, we were all (especially nathan) sad to leave.
Now we have returned from Christmas holiday (I am delayed with another posting but hopefully will catch up soon) and have two weeks left in our apartment before we MOVE to Arlington, Virginia!!! We are so excited but it is going to be a whirlwind as we get settled in our rental house. We won't know what to do with all that space - 5 bedrooms and a yard - but I am looking forward to going further South and having more room for the kids.
Ellie doing tummy time - what concentration. We call this her turtle look.
Nathan acting like Daddy - this is actually a very good impersonation.
Nathan enjoying his playground that Pop Pop built.
Pulling weeds with GG
Going on a turkey hunt with Daddy
So we apologize for the delay but here are some Thanksgiving photos to share (oh, that too - all the pictures were on Scott's computer).
We all had a great time Chez Evans. Or at Camp Evans I think we could call it. From the playground lovingly built for Nathan by Pop Pop to pulling weeds, swimming, riding a big wheel, playing golf, lacrosse, tennis, and frisbee, Nathan really enjoyed himself over the holiday. The weather helped too. It was so nice to escape the cold north and enjoy some 70 degree temperatures.
It was great to spend time with family too and celebrate wedding reception number 2 (the East Coast reception) for Brian and Maryanne. We got to see the Hoyts, Mayers, and many other friends who came in town to share the occasion. Ellie was on her best behavior at the reception and Nathan stole the show dancing for everyone (until his dad showed him up by breakdancing...and you wonder where Nathan gets his showmanship from....). Many thanks to Jane and Bob Hoyt for keeping me supplied with Guinness as well as holding Ellie so that I could dance with Nathan and spend time with my family.
We did have one hilarious (in retrospect) attempt at going out while we were there. I knew it was a bad idea at the outset but was inspired to try to eat with the family at their country club. Wouldn't you know it but Ellie immediately started crying when we arrived and Nathan started whining and disobeying just as quickly. So Scott and I spent the dinner feeding each other as we passed around the table, me jiggling Ellie and Scott chasing Nathan and taking him outside for time out. I think we have effectively deterred Maryanne and Brian from having kids for a while. They may have been on the 5 year plan but now are on the 10 after watching our family circus.
The unfortunate aspect of our visit was that GG was terribly ill with the flu and incapacitated. She even stayed in bed one whole day while we were there. None of us knew what to do!! Without our social programmer we were all at a loss! After that GG put on a good show and pushed through to the point that I thought she would be hospitalized when we left but there was no way she was going to miss out on time with her kids! It was such a great time, we were all (especially nathan) sad to leave.
Now we have returned from Christmas holiday (I am delayed with another posting but hopefully will catch up soon) and have two weeks left in our apartment before we MOVE to Arlington, Virginia!!! We are so excited but it is going to be a whirlwind as we get settled in our rental house. We won't know what to do with all that space - 5 bedrooms and a yard - but I am looking forward to going further South and having more room for the kids.
Ellie doing tummy time - what concentration. We call this her turtle look.
Nathan acting like Daddy - this is actually a very good impersonation.
Nathan enjoying his playground that Pop Pop built.
Pulling weeds with GG
Going on a turkey hunt with DaddyTuesday, November 11, 2008
More GG Pics
Dredging at the Science Center
Family of Four (Ellie is asleep in the Bjorn)
Smiling at mommy (of course she had just finished a meal so wouldn't you smile?)
Tired boy alone on a rock with his water
Riding the carousel with Mommy!GG to the Rescue
GG couldn't stand it any longer and came to visit us and lend a third set of hands....thank goodness!! It was great to have her take turns with the kids so that Scott and I could both be together with one or the other of them. Her visit also allowed Scott to catch up on some work. We already miss her desperately but are back to juggling the demands of work and two kids....
During GG's visit, we went to the Science Center and the Zoo. Unfortunately it was rainy most of the time she was here so we were indoors trying to entertain ourselves, but on Sunday it was gorgeous so we took advantage and headed to the Zoo. We saw all sorts of beautiful foliage and Nathan got to see the gorillas, giraffes, and other animals (all of his favorite stuff was closed - the train, shuttle, skyfari, camel, etc.) However, Nathan was much more interested in how things work this time around and spent his time finding buttons to push or gadgets to play with, just as he did at the Science Center. My son, who has the attention span of less than 30 seconds most of the time, spent nearly 30 minutes at the dredging exhibit at the science center, until we pulled him away to go eat lunch. It is cool to watch him figure things out and see how his mind works.
Geri got to witness firsthand the chaos that is the Evans family of four as well as the reason why we need a double stroller. Between the coordination needed to get two kids in the car that have clean diapers, warm clothes, shoes/socks, and are not screaming and getting three adults organized, it is quite hilarious. No sooner do you have Nathan all set at the door then Ellie poops so we have to change her diaper and outfit and then in the meantime Nathan has taken off his shoes and socks so we have to start over with him while Ellie starts screaming and I try to organize diaper bags, blankies, snacks, water, etc. Then at the zoo and science center, Nathan wants to be picked up (all 38 pounds of him) when he gets tired which happens every time since the kid NEVER stops running and it takes 45 minutes to walk somewhere with him when it should take 10.....You just have to ride the wave and keep smiling.
Nathan has been testing us lately and has spent a bit of time in time out as a result. He has started impulsively hitting when he doesn't get his way and is a challenge to keep seated in his "big boy" chair at mealtimes. While we thought we had made progress with potty training, over the weekend he completely regressed and now has no interest in using the potty. Maybe because we ran out of toys and chocolate lost its luster? I am totally bummed and wondering what I can come up with now to get him back on track.
Ellie is doing well on her Prevacid for Reflux and now doesn't cry all day and night. We get spurts of smiles and coos and talking, though it hasn't changed her desire to be held all the time, much to my chagrin. It is incredibly difficult to get anything done one handed. She also refuses to sleep when she is laid down which is a combination of reflux/gas and really liking mommy and daddy's chest and shoulders to sleep on....she is high maintenance already! I knew this would happen if we had a girl....Scott and I are just riding it out and are thankful that she sleeps in 3-5 hour stretches at night so we can get some rest. She also will nap with me in the afternoons so I can get a second wind for the afternoon.
Nathan is still in love with his sister, as the pictures will show. Can't get enough of her. I swear he wants to eat her he loves her so much. It is cute. Recently he decided he wants to hold her all the time so we are experimenting with that. Ellie seems to tolerate all the kisses and hugs and smiles and coos at him when he is not spreading saliva all over her face and head.
This weekend Sarah, Kristen, and Amanda are in town so we are excited to show off the kids. Then we are off to Orlando for Thanksgiving. Lots of travel coming up and I am really nervous about how we are going to manage it with both of them... As with everything, we will get through it!!!
Nathan loving on Ellie
GG and Ellie
A SMILE!
Nathan climbing at the Science Center (we found out shortly afterward, he was not supposed to climb on this thing)
Scott enjoying some conversation with Ellie
During GG's visit, we went to the Science Center and the Zoo. Unfortunately it was rainy most of the time she was here so we were indoors trying to entertain ourselves, but on Sunday it was gorgeous so we took advantage and headed to the Zoo. We saw all sorts of beautiful foliage and Nathan got to see the gorillas, giraffes, and other animals (all of his favorite stuff was closed - the train, shuttle, skyfari, camel, etc.) However, Nathan was much more interested in how things work this time around and spent his time finding buttons to push or gadgets to play with, just as he did at the Science Center. My son, who has the attention span of less than 30 seconds most of the time, spent nearly 30 minutes at the dredging exhibit at the science center, until we pulled him away to go eat lunch. It is cool to watch him figure things out and see how his mind works.
Geri got to witness firsthand the chaos that is the Evans family of four as well as the reason why we need a double stroller. Between the coordination needed to get two kids in the car that have clean diapers, warm clothes, shoes/socks, and are not screaming and getting three adults organized, it is quite hilarious. No sooner do you have Nathan all set at the door then Ellie poops so we have to change her diaper and outfit and then in the meantime Nathan has taken off his shoes and socks so we have to start over with him while Ellie starts screaming and I try to organize diaper bags, blankies, snacks, water, etc. Then at the zoo and science center, Nathan wants to be picked up (all 38 pounds of him) when he gets tired which happens every time since the kid NEVER stops running and it takes 45 minutes to walk somewhere with him when it should take 10.....You just have to ride the wave and keep smiling.
Nathan has been testing us lately and has spent a bit of time in time out as a result. He has started impulsively hitting when he doesn't get his way and is a challenge to keep seated in his "big boy" chair at mealtimes. While we thought we had made progress with potty training, over the weekend he completely regressed and now has no interest in using the potty. Maybe because we ran out of toys and chocolate lost its luster? I am totally bummed and wondering what I can come up with now to get him back on track.
Ellie is doing well on her Prevacid for Reflux and now doesn't cry all day and night. We get spurts of smiles and coos and talking, though it hasn't changed her desire to be held all the time, much to my chagrin. It is incredibly difficult to get anything done one handed. She also refuses to sleep when she is laid down which is a combination of reflux/gas and really liking mommy and daddy's chest and shoulders to sleep on....she is high maintenance already! I knew this would happen if we had a girl....Scott and I are just riding it out and are thankful that she sleeps in 3-5 hour stretches at night so we can get some rest. She also will nap with me in the afternoons so I can get a second wind for the afternoon.
Nathan is still in love with his sister, as the pictures will show. Can't get enough of her. I swear he wants to eat her he loves her so much. It is cute. Recently he decided he wants to hold her all the time so we are experimenting with that. Ellie seems to tolerate all the kisses and hugs and smiles and coos at him when he is not spreading saliva all over her face and head.
This weekend Sarah, Kristen, and Amanda are in town so we are excited to show off the kids. Then we are off to Orlando for Thanksgiving. Lots of travel coming up and I am really nervous about how we are going to manage it with both of them... As with everything, we will get through it!!!
Nathan loving on Ellie
GG and Ellie
A SMILE!
Nathan climbing at the Science Center (we found out shortly afterward, he was not supposed to climb on this thing)
Scott enjoying some conversation with EllieMonday, November 3, 2008
More recent photos
Mommy with Ellie (in her usual position)
Fairy Evelyn (of course some people thought she was a flower and Nathan was the bee....Patrick (Evelyn's father) was not very comfortable with that....
Ellie
Ellie bundled up to go outside
Daddy and his kidsHappy Halloween!
Ellie in the swing!! A breakthrough!
Nathan enjoying his chocolate halloween candy
Nathan and Ellie on Halloween
Nathan and Evelyn getting ready to trick or treat
Ready to go!Ellie is sleeping in her swing.
Repeat. Ellie is sleeping in her swing.
Holy moses. I get a chance to type on the blog without Ellie in her Bjorn or with one hand! See photo proof below. Of course I should be showering but I know that there are certain grandparents who wanted to see Halloween pictures so I thought I would oblige.
Halloween this year was GREAT! So much fun! Nathan talked all day long about " trick or treat" and kept trying to put his bee costume on. He was ready to go at about 9am. Had to convince him we had to make it through the day first. But when it was time, he was so excited. Got his costume on, ate his dinner, and we went outside to some very cute homes to trick or treat. The whole community was really in Halloween spirit and Nathan had no issues marching up to the front door with Evelyn to get his treat. Except when there was someone with a mask or scary costume on...he did not like that much. But then, his scaredy-cat mother doesn't like that much either so it took a little courage on my part to convince him that the costumes were just costumes....After a couple of hours the kids started to wear out and Ellie was over it (upset she wasn't getting any treats, I think) so we headed in, and Nathan has been talking "chocolate" nonstop since. Chocolate for breakfast, chocolate for lunch, etc. We made the mistake of using chocolate as a treat for potty training so now he wants to go potty all the time so he can get chocolate. Woops. Forgot how smart our kid is. The good news is that for the past four days he has been peeing in the potty and keeping a dry diaper most of the day. We give him stickers for his sticker chart when he goes and a treat (toy or chocolate). Unfortunately he only wants mommy and daddy to help him pee pee and poo poo so that doesn't work when we are not here....I am keeping my fingers crossed that we have hit a breakthrough and are on our way to a potty trained kid. I don't think I can handle many more of his poopy diapers.
Ellie had a rough weekend. Her witching hour(s) seems to start around 8 or 9 and last until she falls asleep around 12:30. Yesterday evening was particularly rough and it was obvious she had some kind of stomach issue. So hard to witness your child in pain and not be able to do anything about it. We head to the gastroenterologist today to see what she can do for her, specifically with the reflux. Been there, done that with Nathan.
Ok, my baby girl is waking up now so I need to download photos fast. Will write more later. Happy Halloween.
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