Project Run and Play

My good friend Danielle is a part of Project Run and Play, a cute sewing competition. She made this darling coat for this week's challenge. Not only did she make the pattern, but she dyed the fabric and hand quilted the jacket. All while having a horrible, knock-down, kick you in the gut stomach bug (I know it was horrible because I had the same thing). She's this close to being eliminated, which kills me because I can't wait to see what she's got in store for next week. So...take a quick second and click here and vote for her. Every vote counts :)

Thanks!!!

A Pony for Christmas

Apple stamping

From time to time I play the role of Good Mom and do crafts with Ella. Today was one of those lucky days.

Things I will likely forget if I don't write them down somewhere

We enjoy "Ella: The Musical!" 24/7.  I wish I had a recording of it, but I never know when she's going to break out in song. "Can I get some milk...please??!!??" "I don't want to go to bed....now." I think it's thanks to the Wonder Pets who are good little singers.

Ella is the squirmiest little sleeper/ cuddler. She can't hold still to save her life. (In med school my friends diagnosed me with restless leg syndrome...can't imagine where she gets it.)

Anna is a busy thing. So different from Ella. With Ella there wasn't really a need to keep things out of reach. With Anna every drawer in the house would be emptied given the chance.

Anna is trying to learn to whistle. She purses her lips and makes a noise.

Anna gives Ella hugs and kisses. It melts my heart.

Ella's imagination continues to expand. Her "kids" to date: Ah, Dah, Saw, Vah, Nah, Eda-pho-Eda, Grassie, Hensie and now Ella. She told me this morning that "Ella does not listen to me! She will not do what I tell her to! She is just too busy."

Ells will carry on with her kids as well as the Wonder Pets, Dora and Blue. I'll often reply to something she says only to be told, "I'm talking to Linny." Sorry. My mistake.

Ella's memory astounds me. She honestly remembers more than I do.

I stopped nursing Anna when she was 9 months old. I was slowing down, and then when I got the stomach flu over Thanksgiving I was done for. I couldn't eat or drink and lost my milk. Still, I'm happy to have made it that long.

Ella was getting out of bed a few times a night for various things. A cup of water, going to the bathroom, finding her teddy bear. Combined with Anna's midnight prowl it was getting to be too much. So I did a sleep training refresher course with Anna (I was surprised at how easy it was) and made a sticker chart with Ella. (This worked great!) It was magic. Ella has not gotten out of bed once since we started. Today she earned her first prize, a harmonica. Anna follows her around trying to imitate the noise.

New Year's Card

resolute

I'm not great at resolutions, but honestly, who is? (Remember this? Still working on it in 2012) This year I am going to try a different approach. First introduced to me by a wise friend, you pick a theme, or a word, to try and embody during the year.  

So, for 2012...

Charity

Based off of this quote:

A tall order, I know. But if by 2013 I am a little better than I am in 2011 I will count it a success. 

Hopefully more so than my posture...

Post-edit

My talented friend Karisa designed the quote for me to hang--I love it!!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Ella & Anna