Emmett's first play date

Whenever EV has a "first," the immediate thing that conjures up in my mind is a blogpost topic. But for Emmett it's not even an after thought.  I guess that's why second-borns are more laid back, they really have no choice.  Life is crazy keeping up with EV's schedule including play dates.  Poor Emmett doesn't really have friends his age, that is until recently. 

Logan is not only Emmett's age (they are only a week or so apart) but they both have older sisters (also very close in age, the girls are 7 months or so apart and are in the same ballet class).  How perfect!!  I love that we could have a play date with just the boys or with both kids and they both would have playmates.  So, last Friday, Emmett had his first play date.  There were some bumps and scratches, discovery of new toys and sippy cups, and best of all a friend to experience it all together.

They played together:

Ate together:

Laughed together:

5 years old!

I cannot believe Evangeline is 5 years old.  We celebrated her birthday last weekend the only way we knew how--going all out!  I have developed a love for planning parties. I enjoy thinking through the details and seeing everything come together. And I love watching people enjoy it all, making it all worthwhile.

For EV's 5th birthday we had a costume dance party. I let EV give me ideas of what she wants and then we do our best to put it together. Jimmy was in charge of the invite, music and food. I took care of the costume, decorations, and activities. This year EV helped quite a bit with crafting the decorations and it was such great bonding time.

The day of the party was hectic for sure but we all had such a great time. Jimmy dressed up as a lobster and EV was a mermaid. We had both kids and parents dancing. We crafted masks and the party favors were noise makers and pop rocks. Get it pop rock? Since its a dance party?

And just like that she's now 5 years old. She continues to bring our whole family laughter and joy. She truly is a gift from God and we are thankful everyday for such a blessing. Evangeline, we pray that you will grow to be a passionate, thoughtful, loving young woman of God. And that as you develop and discover new talents and passions you will use it to glorify Him. May you have a love and compassion for people, caring for those in need. We love you sweet girl and we are so proud of you!

Mommy, Emmett is getting in my way!!

And so a new chapter begins.  Emmett has been mobile for a couple months now, which has brought on new challenges and adventures.  As much as EV has been wanting a new playmate, she didn't realize that this new playmate would have his own idea of fun.  She attempts to tell him what to do and how to do it, but alas, he does not listen.  He rummages through her baskets filled with her artwork and knocks down her figurines she has strategically placed.  She gets frustrated and he thinks its funny.  Then it started happening, first she would take toys away or scream "noooooooo."  Then she started pushing him. 

We try to teach her that she has to share now and learn to compromise.  We try to explain to her that it cannot always be about what she wants to play and that if Emmett was playing with something first that she cannot snatch it away from him.  She does not like this new way of life.  This is not what she asked for.

There are days when she is sweet to Emmett.  She lets him join her in her pretend play.  Those are the days when Emmett seems a little more cooperative.  It's when she gets possessive, he gets defensive.  I know they will figure it out and my hope is that they will learn to become great friends. I feel grateful for these two and I'm trying to learn how to make the most of every moment I have with them.

Ice Skating 101

Ice skating was never a big deal for me growing up.  I don't really remember how I learned to ice skate or when I learned.  It was one of those things we did once or twice a year over the winter break.  After getting married to Jimmy, I really got into hockey for a bit, especially when we actually had a team in Atlanta.  Through a friend who got tickets from work, we were able to go to games pretty regularly (thanks, Gil!).  I even have a Thrashers jersey to prove it!  But when they were bought out and moved, I was a little sad but didn't think much of it.

Prior to this year, we had taken EV ice skating once when she was 20 months old.  November of this year was the second time taking EV and she was hooked.  I think there were two major things, we went with a friend and she skated much better than EV and at the top of every hour was a little performance by junior skaters.  EV is super competitive so seeing her friend Kati skate well, she felt compelled to skate just as good.  She was also mesmerized by the junior skaters.

So, we signed her up for ice skating lessons.  And reality hit.  This is not easy.  It hurts when you fall.  And the ice is cold.  These three things makes EV waffle between I never want to skate again and I love ice skating.  She likes the idea of skating and wants to be as good as those junior skaters.  She hates that it isn't an easy process.

I am so glad we signed her up though.  I'm still trying to decide if we should continue after this session.  Although Jimmy has visions of her becoming an Olympic figure skater, I simply want her to do what she's passionate about.  I don't want her to be a quitter all because it's not easy, but I also don't want to push her to do something that she doesn't care for.  When she skates, she's competitive, she doesn't quit, she pushes herself, and she seems to be having fun, which makes me think I should encourage her to keep at it.  Other times, I see her frustration and tears in her eyes and I just want to let her quit.  No matter what, I want her to know that we are proud of her for her determination and for trying her best when she does go to lessons. 

She's growing up so fast and it's not always easy keeping up.  We're proud of you!!  And in EV's words, "for what?!"  For always trying your best, getting up after you fall, and putting a smile on your face even when it's not easy. We love you, Evangeline!!

Callaway Garden and Geocaching

We took EV out of school Friday and went to Callaway Gardens since entrance is free for the month of February.  We packed a lunch and lots of snacks and made the 2-hour drive there.  The weather was perfect and we had a nice time just hanging out as a family.

In addition to the butterfly exhibit, the birds of prey show, walking along trails, and picnicking, we also did some geocaching.  Do you know about geocaching?  I just heard about it recently, even though it's been around for awhile, and I find it fascinating.  So, of course we had to try it out and what better place to try than being out on a trail?  We ended up not being able to find our "treasure" cause EV had to go use the bathroom but Jimmy and EV did go out this morning and discovered three caches around our neighborhood.  EV really enjoyed it and I foresee doing this more often.

It was a nice half day getaway and time with the family.  This is the year for relaxing and enjoying the blessings I have.  I love watching the kiddos explore and discover new things.  After learning about the Barred Owl during the birds of prey show yesterday, jimmy actually saw one while they were geocaching this morning.  EV was so excited!!

Left behind

Emmett is such a laid back baby, just the perfect addition to our family. Given that momma and big sister are a little obsessive compulsive now we are more balanced. He always has the biggest smile on his face and rarely cries except...when he thinks he's been left behind. 

This kid's biggest worry in life is being left behind. He hates when you walk into another room without him, will give the loudest shriek when you walk away, and one time started freaking out and crying when being pushed in a stroller cause he couldn't see anyone familiar. 

He already loves his big sister so much that he does everything in his powers to keep up. When he sees her, he starts flapping his arms and legs as if he's trying to propel himself towards her. He loves to sit up and stand cause it gives him the best view of everyone. 

I don't think we have very long before this kid starts getting really mobile. He already rolls and scoots to objects he's really curious about. And he's lifting his whole body off the ground with more and more ease. This kid refuses to be left behind. He has places to go, people to see, and things to do. 

Tell me how you feel

Words are a very powerful thing. It can be uplifting but also very hurtful. Being bilingual, I am always so fascinated with how phrases translated in one language into another can lose depth, meaning, and feelings. It may be the right word but the wrong meaning.  

I think one of the hardest things for both adults and children to do is describe their feelings. How do you convey your feelings?  EV really struggles with describing her thoughts and feelings. Part of it is because she's four but part of it is her personality. She can be so happy or so upset and when I ask her why, she says "I don't know!!"  I push her to try and use the words she has to tell me why. 

It's not just feelings she has a hard time with but her thoughts or just her day. She recently started refusing to wear her jacket and I asked her why. She said "I don't like it."  I told her, "if it's just because you don't like it, then there's nothing I can do, so you just have to wear it.  But if you tell me why then maybe we can do something to fix it."  She thought about it and then said, "it's uncomfortable."  So, I asked her, "what makes it uncomfortable?"  She said, "I don't know."  Again I said, "then there's nothing I can do to help and you'll just have to wear it."  She thought some more and said, "the hood chokes me when it's zipped up and it makes it uncomfortable when I play."  I said, "okay, that's fair and unfortunately the hood is not detachable so I looked into getting her a jacket without a hood."

That process was not only difficult for EV but it was uncomfortable. She was twisting and turning and never looked me in the eyes while talking. But I'm hoping that these efforts will help her to be a better communicator with those around her. It will allow her to not only let others know how she feels but also let her reflect inwardly to better understand why she feels a certain way. And I hope that as she is more able to look inwardly that she is able to become a stronger and more grounded person. 

It's never easy telling someone how you feel. But it's also very freeing to be able to express your thoughts and feelings. I want EV and Emmett to know that they can always talk to Jimmy and myself. That we will always listen to them and love them. 

They are both so expressive with their faces!!