HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLERY #4

Happy birthday to Ellery!!  Yesterday we had a fun birthday for Ells.  She woke up to see that her 'angry bird' had flown out of her room leaving little white dots that led down to her presents.  She thought that was pretty funny.  We got her a new bike, fishing pole, glow in the dark stars and bubblegum.  Since it was conference Sunday, we went to my parents house and had a yummy breakfast.  After conference Ellery got some presents from my family...Tangled, Just Dance for kids, dress, shoes, new outfit, and a remote control truck.  I think she loves all of her presents because every time I ask her what her favorite one was she says something different.  We played her Just Dance game and oh my goodness, she is so funny to watch dance!!  She chose her birthday dinner which was chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli, and refried beans.  To end the day we had birthday cake.  She wanted an Angry Birds cake, so that's what we made her.  Jacob made the birds and the pigs, and he helped me assemble it together.  I liked the way it turned out despite how bad the frosting job was and the fact that the cake broke while I was getting it out of the pan.  I can't believe how big she has gotten.  Ellery is so silly, crazy and funny.  We love having her in our family.

Cloth diaper and pre-birthday dinner.

The other day Aayla had a really bad diaper rash.  She kept waddling when she walked and when I held her she wouldn't let her bottom touch me at all.  Poor girl.  I wanted to let her bottom air out for a while without her diaper, but I didn't want her peeing all over the carpet.  So I grabbed a cloth diaper that has never been used as a diaper but rather a burp cloth, and pinned it on her!!  I thought she looked so funny, and she even thought it was a little weird and kept grabbing at it. 

 Tonight we all went to IHOP to celebrate Ellery's birthday (which is tomorrow).  She has been asking both Jacob and I to take her there ever since we moved to Springville.  Since her birthday is on Sunday we decided to go today.  Ellery makes me laugh.  She is the silliest, most grown up girl.  She had no problem talking to our waitress and telling her what she wanted.  She is much braver than me when I was younger.  She ordered her food but instead of her eggs scrambled she ordered them poached.  What 4-year-old asks for poached eggs???  Mine does!!  Then after our drinks were brought to us, she asked our waitress for a lemon.  When we were getting ready to leave, she again blurted out to our waitress, "Can I get a box for my food?"  Nobody even asked her if she wanted one, she just asked!  Seriously, she makes me laugh. 

 Here she is drinking her yoke from her poached egg that was very runny.  Eww eww eww.

Aayla was on the naughty list though.  She is starting to be pretty picky and particular about everything.  She wanted to drink all by herself and eat her food and everyone else's food and who knows what else she wanted, but she wanted it and she let everyone know.  Oh well, we still love her even though the sweet little happy baby she once was is turning into a tantrum throwing, whining, crying toddler.  :)

Celery and the Jedi

Sometimes I wish I carried around a video camera and/or a voice recorder whenever I'm around Ellery and Aayla. El's has been saying more and more funny things lately, especially her nightly prayers - they're much less repetitious and much more... well... heartfelt I'm sure, at least in her eyes - but she does pray for some funny things. The other night for FHE she prayed that we could go get ice cream afterward. A's is getting so big - I guess that's a normal part of life. But it's nice to see her learning and growing. The past few days she's REALLY seemed to start using more of her sign language and even seems to try to verbally communicate more too... although, everything still just comes out as a series of babbles, at which she just laughs.

I wanted to just post a couple recent picts of each of the girls. It's difficult to get a picture of Ellery with her clothes on so here's one of her showing off her leprechaun socks grandma and grandpa Roper gave her.



As you all know, Aayla LOVES to eat, so I had to throw an eating pict in.


Today we all had a picnic in our neighbor's yard (it's okay, we know them)... we don't get grass for another four weeks. That can seem like a long ways off, but when there's still SO much to get done before it gets here, I'm almost wishing I had a couple extra weeks!



Aayla is a pretty smiley baby.

My baby is all grown up....

....Her first piggies!!!

Aayla eats. She eats and eats and eats and eats and eats.

(think theme song to Martha Speaks..)

Oh my goodness does this baby love to eat food!!!  She definitely has discovered the joys of eating.  Hence the chubby cheeks.  I had to record her last night eating hers peas cause she just makes me laugh!!

Through The Eyes of a Three-Year-Old

Every now and then Ellery gets a hold of our camera and I usually just delete the hundreds of pictures she takes. However, the other day I was about to "permanently" delete some of her photos when I realized - what a great opportunity to see the world through her eyes! These are not the best pictures she's ever taken, but they're ones I was about to delete. Enjoy!

Owl Mail

If witches and wizards can learn to do so much magic such as: fix broken glasses immediately, grow new bones in their arms, unlock doors, command an object to fly into their hands, even apparate their entire selves somewhere in a matter of seconds, you would think they could come up with a better way to deliver their mail other than owls!  I mean even us in the muggle world have better way of delivering our messages via email, text, blogs etc.  But these witches and wizards have to wait for an owl to fly and deliver their mail!  Just a thought.....  Plus I don't think it's very nice to interupt their sleep.

I'm not old yet...

Ellery asked how old I was and I said 26.  She then asked, "why 26 is a lot mom?"   So I told her because I was really old.  She then replied in her sweet voice (which doesn't come out that often), "No mom, you're not old yet.  My Grandpa and Granpmas are old, but you're not!"  Ha ha, that made me laugh!!!

The Bathroom

Ever since we moved in our new place we (okay, mostly just me) have had a list of "projects" to do on or around the home. Some are pricier than others and so, they'll have to wait. Some, it's just a matter of time and energy. However, regardless the project, I do enjoy doing them and it's fun to see the final product!

The most recent was the half bath remodel. We talked about doing beadboard pretty much since day one... but those of you who have done it or have looked into it know just how ridiculously expensive it is! So, we looked for alternative options. One thing we found (or was shown to us, I don't remember anymore) was paintable textured beadboard wallpaper. By coming up only 33 inches from the baseboard and putting a 3 inch moulding on top it works out to be about $1.00 per linear foot for the beadboard.... which is amazing because the rail moulding alone is almost that same price! Way cheap!

We were a little hesitant to try the wallpaper since we heard a few bad stories from others who tired it. However, I did some pretty thorough research (as always) and decided it would be worth a try... especially since my sister-in-law gave me a gift card to Home Depot for Christmas that would cover the wallpaper and shipping exactly! Thanks Annie!

After I got around to ordering the wallpaper it sat in our bedroom, unopened, for quite a while. The paint was purchased MONTHS ago and has been sitting in the closet ever since. Finally, last week Millie gave me the push I needed to just get it done. She offered to tape off and prep the ceiling if I would paint the walls and hang the wallpaper. Deal.

Basically, I LOVE how it turned out. This was supposed to be the trial run for what we want to do for the girls' rooms upstairs (different colors for the walls above the beadboard though, of course). Anyway, one more project down... only hundreds left to go!

I'm crafty.......

Ok, so no, I'm really not that crafty.  But my sister Katie is.  Especially now that she's almost about to have a baby girl.  She's been making lots of cute stuff for her.  One of the many things she has done for her baby is making cute onesies.  Well, not MAKING them, but ironing on cute cut-outs.  So the other night I bought some of my own onesies and headed over to her house.  Oh my goodness, it was so easy and fun to make these cute onesies.  I had only bought a pack of 4, but I cut out some more patterns to make more.  So I need to go buy more and more cause they turned out really cute!!  My favorite is the flowers one and Jacob really likes the elephant one.

So after making them, it got my teeny tiny eensy weensy creative bone working.  I wanted to make something to hold all of Aayla hair bows.  Up until this point you could find them stuffed into her diaper bag, my bathroom drawer, her bathroom drawer, I think there were some in her sock drawer and so on.  I went to the craft store, bought a wood board, fabric, batting and ribbon.  I even borrowed my dad's staple gun.  It was super easy to make and I'm happy to finally have a spot for her bows.  I'm probably going to switch out the pink ribbon sometime though because it is too dark of a pink.  Her bathroom is white, brown and light pink, so it doesn't really match.

What You Might Not Know

It's been months since I've blogged. Literally months. I had Millie check for me the other day, I haven't posted since October 5, 2010. So much has happened since then, some of which Millie managed to blog about already. I started working for Intermountain Healthcare in the registration department, we had a great Halloween, Turkey Day, Christmas and New Years. We celebrated Aayla's first birthday and we've done a few more projects on the new home. I've also moved into my third semester of grad school and it has been a cold, cold winter.

But this post isn't about any of that really.

I've been thinking about how all our lives are connected sometimes, which can often go unnoticed, or at least not acknowledged. Over the past few months I've had time to observe many things around me in a way that I usually don't notice, either because I'm not in a position to notice them, or because much of what goes on in the lives of others is not necessarily common knowledge or publicly available. I think some people experience that same effect (of disregard) by being on the other end of the spectrum of individual privacy and public domain. You know what I'm talking about, where every waking second of life is publicly posted on Twitter, Facebook or your own blog. No, I'm not bashing you if you are one of "those people." This is just an observation - a hypothesis.

Over the past few months of PT school, being married to a NICU nurse and myself working in health care, compounded by a flood of news from friends and family around me (some good, some heartbreaking) I have noticed how easy it is to get disconnected to those around you, even those closest to you. What I mean is, EVERY day there are people struggling just to make it another minute, while there are others at the top of the world celebrating all that life has given them. Sure most fall somewhere in between, but we all fit in there somewhere. There are those that struggle or celebrate as a result of themselves, and there are those that experience a magnified version of pain/joy through their children. Those of you with children know exactly what I mean.

Every night that Millie works she tends newborns that have come to this world with a slew of maladies that have each one of them fighting for life. Some aren't as severe as others and go home in a matter of hours or even months, and some, even after weeks or moths of truly intensive care, never get to leave the NICU alive. Millie doesn't get to share a lot of what goes on at work, mostly because of HIPPA laws, and I share the same constraints, but she shares enough. Enough to see what a great nurse and caregiver she is. Not only to the tiny ones she tends all night, but to the mothers and fathers that come in to spend whatever time they can with their own child. Some of you know what it's like to have a child in the NICU, or even the hospital, or even just in need of help - medically, physically, emotionally, etc.... Many of you know the feeling of being willing to give whatever you can, and even barter with God or the Devil just to keep your child from suffering anymore - or prevent a future suffering.

I like to believe that most people are grateful for people like Millie, but recently, I'm not so sure of it. And it may be a result of what I just explained - most of us, if not all of us, are living our own lives and fail to truly notice what is constantly going on around us. Every individual is the star of his or her own show in life and if ever they step outside their own limelight it is only for their children - and even that is temporary. I have been amazed to hear and witness some of the judgments that Millie has received lately for what they think she does. I think in the midst of being wrapped up in their own lives, many people have mislabeled what it is she does; whether it is intended to be hurtful or not, I know she suffers for it. This is not a post to defend only my wife but everyone in her situation and everyone who wishes to be be like her.

Many people see only the fact that she is "putting her husband through school" or "working" or "missing time being a mother" or "neglecting her 'eternal' calling" or "failing in the home" or "not being a 'good' mother".... unfortunately, the list of things I've heard goes on. Millie worked hard through nursing school. She chose that career because it was what she actually wanted to do - despite whatever other monetary benefits accompany being a nurse, the act of being a nurse compelled her. She loves what she does and she excels at it! Yes she is awake and away all night (while the kids sleep) and she loses sleep during the days following, and sometimes the kids get a little neglected by her now and again, and she can't do some of the things other "stay-at-home" moms can do because of her schedule. However, these few facts remain:

1) She loves what she does.

2) Whether you realize and accept it or not, she (like SO many others like her) is sacrificing for your loved ones, your children, your mothers, fathers, etc... She has earned the education and puts in the hours to ensure care is, and can be, given when it's needed the most.

3) If anything ever happens to me, I have absolutely NO doubt in my mind that she, and our children will be cared for (financially and maternally) - because she's been proving that every day for at least the past two years.

4) After I graduate, she will continue to keep up her license, work and continue her education, because she loves what she does, and frankly, there is a need for more people like her.

So this post is also in defense of those who wish to continue their education and be in a position to help others. And not just nursing, but any profession (educators, public safety, health care, heck - pretty much anything really) where self (and family) sacrifice means a better life for others - others like you and your children.

I don't really want any comments to this post, I only want the bad judgments to stop - not that the majority of those who need to read this will ever read it. I hope that those that are "blessed" enough to have a life that allows them to stay at home all day don't forget that there are those like Millie that are sacrificing 'that life' for a greater good, for your good. And please, support those that desire to do the same!

Thank you for all you do Millie!

Ellery

Ellery says funny things ALL the time.  I need to start writing them down because I forget what she says.  She makes me laugh everyday though.  Here are a couple things she said today:

(background note:  Aayla was in her high chair eating beans and she started gagging and coughing on them.)

I say:  "Oh, no Aayla are you ok???"

Ellery:  "Oh mom, she's just choking!!!"


(another background: We were eating soup.  I looked up at Ellery and she was looking quite distressed/ shocked, and holding onto her mouth.)

Ellery:  "Oh no, I think I accidentally swallowed something."

Me:  "What did you accidentally swallow?"

Ellery:  "It was something green.  What was that?"

(It was a green chille)

Me:  "Those are just like seasonings to help make the soup taste good."

Ellery:  "I don't like seasonings.  I don't like me soup to taste good."




Ellery:  "Mom, when Aayla gets bigger and gets long hair, and I get big, then I can cut her hair for her!"

Me:  "Oh no, you can't cut her hair.  Only big people can cut hair like me or Abbie."

Ellery: "Ya mom that's what I said, when I get big!"


Ellery:  "Abbie likes to have her hair long mom."

Me:  "Yes, do you want to grow your hair out long like Abbie?"

Ellery:  "No, I want to grow my hair out long like RAPUNZEL!"

Ok, so those aren't really that funny.  I can't think of her funnier quotes.  Maybe my brain will work better a different day.

The snowman who layed down and the kitty who ate snow.

Ells has been wanting to make a snowman all winter.  I haven't really wanted to and neither has Jacob.  Well last night was a rough night for her.  She told me she was just having a bad day.  I told her she needed to just go to bed and tomorrow we'd start over and try to have a good day.  She agreed and immediately said she wanted to make a snowman to have a good day.  Even though I knew the snow isn't good for making a snowman, I told her we would make one.  First thing this morning she wanted to make that snowman!!!  So after b-fast we bundled up and went outside.  The snow was just powder.  After attempting to make a ball and realizing there was NO way of picking it up without it falling apart, I had a brilliant idea!!!  Dum dum du dum......a snowman laying down!  We made him on our patio.  Ellery was just as thrilled and didn't care it wasn't standing up.  She REALLY wanted to decorate him with M&M's and a carrot nose.  That made her happy.

After we finished our snowman, Ells stayed out for a while to play in the snow.  For those who don't know Ells, she thinks she is a kitty.  So her playing was mostly crawling, meowing and eating the snow because "that's what kitties do!" 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AAYLA!

I can't believe Aayla is already one!! Wow, this year went by fast!!!!  I didn't have much planned because Jacob had to work until 8:30.  Well, we ended up having an eventful day!!  My mom called me up around noon and invited us to go see Yogi Bear.  So me and the girls, Katie and my mom and dad went to the Provo Mall theater.  Ellery liked the movie.  It had some funny parts, but it's definitely a one-time, dollar theater movie.  After the movie we stayed at the mall and waited for Abbie to get off work.  Brandon ended up getting off work early and joined us.  When Abbie got there I gave Aayla her gift from me...pierced ears!!  Poor girl didn't know it was coming, and wasn't very happy.  She cried of course, but only for a couple minutes and then recovered.  They are little pink flowers and super cute.  We decided to go back to our house and have pizza.  We stopped by Little Caesars for their Hot-and-Ready pizza.  Apparently everyone in Springville decided to have pizza that night.  The place was packed!  We ended up having to wait over 30 minutes for our pizza.  We made it back home with everyone starving.  Jacob got off work early and so was home when we got there.  After we ate, Aayla opened her present from Grandma and Grandpa Webb, which was a little cute cheetah that rolls on the ground and wags it's tail.  Her and Ells had fun with it.

  I didn't have a cake for her since I wasn't planning on having anyone over.  I was actually going to make a Winnie the Pooh cake on Sunday.  But we wanted to sing her Happy Birthday, so K, B and A went to Dairy Queen down the road and got an ice cream cake.  The frosting was hot pink and made quite a mess, but Aayla liked getting to eat ice cream.  

 

Jacob blew the candle out right before her little fingers grabbed the flames.  

 I think it was a good birthday.  By the end of the night she was SOOOOOOOO ready for bed.  It's hard turning 1.

Maybe these teeth aren't so good after all...

Not that anyone wants to hear about my breastfeeding stories but.....so ya, I'm still nursing Aayla and have been planning on it until she turns one, which is next week by the way.  Lately, however, I decided to keep on nursing until after flu season gets over, probably March or April.  Well today Aayla bit down REALLY hard on me!!! It hurt SOOO bad!  Of course I totally screamed and pulled her away which made her start bawling.  Then she refused to get back on and eat.  Looks like I might not make it til March if this keeps up.  And to think I was so EXCITED about her teeth....now, hmmmm not so sure!

Roper Family Christmas Blog

My family did a Christmas blog this year instead of mailing out a letter.  Here's a link if anyone is interested in reading about my family this year!

http://roperfamilychristmas.blogspot.com

Aayla's 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th teeth

yup that's right, aayla's been busy busy busy growing teeth!!  I was afraid they'd all come in at the same time once the first one finally came in!  I noticed the 2nd bottom tooth had come through her gum just last week and then on Saturday Jacob found one of the top ones had already broken through her gums!  Her other top tooth and the one next to it look like they are about to break skin, so she will have 5 teeth!!  Yay!  Surprisingly she has been really good.  Sunday she was a little cranky but she has been fine every since!

Aayla's First Tooth.

It's finally here!!!  Aayla's first tooth!!!  It's about time too!  I mean she's 11 months and hasn't had any teeth yet.  Jacob and I have both been saying, "Oh she's probably teething,"  whenever she's fussy or is having a bad day.  But no teeth come popping out of those little gums of hers...until now!  I'm so excited for her!  I am a little worried now that since it's taken so long, they are going to all come in at once.  We shall see....but for now she's working on just one.