Elsa and Olaf

I have been a little lax with my no TV rule with EV.  That doesn't mean we let her go to town with it, but we do let her get about an hours worth of screen time a week.  I've also been lax with movies.  I myself enjoy a good movie and I don't want to deprive EV completely.  So, I've given into this whole Frozen obsession.  She's now seen the movie, gone to see Frozen on Ice, and has Frozen paraphernalia.  So when EV said she wanted to be Elsa for Halloween, I said okay and started looking at possible ways to make her an Elsa dress.  Although EV was insistent that Emmett be Anna, I did have to put my foot down and gently suggest to her that he may be a better Olaf than an Anna. 

Making an Elsa dress was hard and I was ready to cut a vein doing it, but I'm really happy with how it turned out. [Although through this experience I do not think I am capable of making a homecoming or prom dress or at least anything that has a sweetheart neckline].  I had an "angel" costume that I sewed the Elsa dress on top of and it turned out really nicely.  I love making their costumes and clothes because I get to put a little of myself into it.  I also find tremendous satisfaction in her joy when I create something new for her.  Although I haven't been able to sew as much since Emmett's been born, it still is something I hope to keep up as much as I can.

So, I would like to now introduce to you, Elsa and Olaf.  [Please ignore the fact that the Olaf hat is a little too small on Emmett's big head, I swear I measured before I ordered].

EV's first crush

I can't believe she's only 4 years old and she already has her first crush.  His name is Byron.  He goes to EV's school and wears a gold chain.  She giggles every time she talks about him.  I asked her what she likes about him and she says she just does.  I asked her if he's smart and she giggles then says "no."  I ask her if he's good-looking and she giggles again then shrugs.  I ask her if he's funny and she giggles then says "yes."  

Jimmy made a comment about how he wasn't expecting this until EV was 14.  EV gasps and says, "Byron's cubby number is 14!!"  Oh boy!!

A few weeks ago, Jimmy got the opportunity to meet this kid Byron.  EV went up to him to say bye and he ignored her.  He wouldn't even look her way.  I asked EV if she still liked him even though he isn't very nice to her and she said "yes."

Then this week she confronted him.  She said she asked him "why are you shutting me out?" but he never responded.  She said she was sad but later that day he played with her and that made her happy. 

I tell you, I have no idea how to handle this situation and so all I do is talk to her and try to understand her feelings and why she feels the way she does.  It's actually more amusing to me than anything.  She's so young and she can't really articulate her feelings but she has these feelings and they just make her giggle.  I know that this is the first of many crushes she will have and I just hope that as she gets older, we will have the wisdom and patience to deal with all the drama that will come with it.  But most importantly, I hope that she will feel secure in not only sharing her feelings with us but know that she is special and loved no matter what some boy says or does not say to her.  I want her to be confident in who she is in Christ.

I have asked EV repeatedly to stop growing up, to be my baby forever, but she refuses.  It's not easy being a parent.

And now we are four

Yes, it has been 6 months since my last post. I guess that's how long it has taken me to finally get into a good routine. It's Saturday afternoon and both kiddos are taking a nap while jimmy is running an errand. I feel blessed, my heart is at peace. 

It's been so long since I have last written a post. And like many things the longer time passes, it gets harder to get back into it.  But then I remembered why I started in the first place, because I wanted my kids to read about their childhood and to keep my friends and family connected. So, I'm back, for now. 

In all honesty, I thought having a baby would be easy. I've done it once, EV is older and mature for her age, and I have a lot of help. But the most challenging parts have been the most unexpected. Emmett had health issues--in hindsight none of them were major but it was draining emotionally and mentally, nonetheless. Thankfully his health issues have resolved and he's doing really well. Second, EV has been really jealous and has struggled a lot with going from being an only child for four years to sharing us with the baby. She's digressed and acts really whiny and wants everything done for her. My spunky, independent, always smiling little girl has been replaced by a whiny, moody, clingy little girl. Throughout the day I never know how she will react.  Maybe this is just a glimpse of what the teenage years will be like. Last, going back to work has been challenging. My brain does not seem to function the way it used to. I'm forgetful and I feel like I'm always two steps behind. 

The last 6 months has been about trial and error, transitions, and finding balance. Not only do we have a new baby, but EV started preschool at a new school and goes 5 days a week, I'm back at work busier than ever and even getting ready to start traveling again. We have our bad days and our good days, but I in the midst of it all I have been feeling grateful and blessed. 

I love watching EV and Emmett getting to know each other.  I love discovering new personality traits in EV that I never knew about that Emmett brings out in her (good and bad). I love seeing Emmett's face light up when he sees his big sister.  And everyday I look forward to seeing the new things EV and Emmett will learn.