Stinky Air, Disgusted Stares, and a Chocolate Trail to Follow

I was whipping up some of Joan's yummy banana bread this afternoon when I noticed Livi acting a little odd. She would run over to my legs, then run away as quickly as her cute, chubby little legs would carry her. I wasn't to interested until I felt something wet drip on my foot. I looked down and...
there was a great big drop of brown slobber on my foot. Well, I looked at the floor close to my foot and found a trail...which led me to a beautiful, messy baby.

I had dropped some chocolate chips that were going into the bread, and she would run over, grab one, and run away before I could notice she had something she wasn't suppose to have. Funny Livi.
As for the "disgusted stare" if you look closely at the picture above you can kind of see the black eye that Olivia is recovering from. She was running in the house and fell, didn't catch herself, and fell right onto her eye. A few days later she did the same thing at the mall, and landed on the exact same spot. It gave her a real shiner, and people have been looking at me weirdly and straight out asking what happened ever since.
As for the stinky air...for those of you who have ever lived by a sugar beet plant (only Grandpa Bud, I think) you know exactly what I mean. For those of you who don't, sugar beets, when refined into sugar, smell like rancid peanut butter. Not horrible if it is for a day, but for months on end? Well, it gets pretty old.

The Little (Fire) Engine That Could

One of the benefits to living in a smaller community is the opportunities the kids constantly have to go on field trips. Ethan went to a pumpkin patch and a play this week, and Ella was able to walk to the fire department to visit the firemen. I couldn't go with Ethan because I had already promised to help with computers in Ella's class, and I have the girls during the morning. I was able to go with Ella, and it was a blast. The talk to the kids about fire safety and even dress up in their fire gear so the kids wont be scared if they ever need to be rescued by firemen in their full uniform. We got to see all the fire trucks, spray the hose and then the kids got to ride back to the preschool on a vintage fire truck. Melissa and I had Carter and Livi in backpacks so, alas, we could not fit on the truck, but we consoled ourselves by walking to the bakery and getting some yummy doughnuts. We then walked around until the end of preschool (about an hour and 15 minutes) hoping the babies would take a nap. Livi finally did for the last 20 minutes, but carrying around 30 extra pounds for that long really did a number on my knees. Oh well, the doughnut was worth it!


The poor little vintage truck stalled in the middle of the street, and after my initial mother's freak out of my daughter stuck in the road, I had to laugh.

Franken-Blankie and the Shelf from Hades

I've been a little under the weather lately and have neglected some of the upkeep around the house, but something happened yesterday that could not be ignored. Ella was playing a game with Eric involving tossing her blanket and Eric trying to get it away from her. All people who have ever loved a blanket know that this game is not a good idea, but Ella was unaware of the dangers, and unfortunately blankie got ripped up the middle. I had to pull out the sewing machine and repair the damage plus all the damage that I'd been putting off fixing. The results were great, super secure, but it does look a little like a blanket Frankenstein's Monster's daughter would love.

We have recently tried to make our house more live-able to cut down on my desire to move to a bigger home. It's really been working (thank you again Mom and Dad for the new couch, we LOVE it and it has made the single biggest difference! We love the entertainment tower too!). I also bought some shelves to put above the piano and have been trying to figure out how to get them to stay up on our plaster walls (never buy a home with plaster walls, no matter what the home inspector guy says about insulation and sound proof benefits, not worth it). I ended up having to repair the wall, call my dad, and eventually add shims underneath to keep the stupid shelf up, but I think it's worth it (or I'm just blinded by the hard work and effort put in, and it looks badly, and will probably fall down on my head while I play the piano).

Signing Time with Livi

We've been working on some sign with Olivia, and she seems to like it. She even signed "sorry" to Ella the other day, but I think it was just empty words, she seemed pretty happy about pulling Ella's hair.

Snow? In October?

Yep, we've been blessed with snow at the beginning of October. Last year we put up a video of Ethan riding on a shovel. This year it is Ella's turn.

Dance Magic Dance Part 2

Livi had a couple of short videos where she was rocking out to the song, but she kept hitting the space bar and pausing it. I posted the other video because it was uninterrupted, but on reviewing the video I found her moves were pretty awesome on this one. It's longer, but the good moves are at the beginning. Enjoy!

Dance Magic Dance (for Julia)

Livi loves to bounce to music. Everytime she hears a good beat she bounces. We were looking up video from the Wizard of Oz, when somehow a clip from Labyrinth came up. Labyrinth reminds me of Julia, so I clicked on it. It's one of the funnier scenes, so I turned it on to let Ella watch it. Here is Livi's reaction.

The Dancing Train

Ella is in ballet again, and it is a real ballet studio. I am very excited to have her dancing, and more importantly she is very excited to go every week. We aren't allowed in the room (they get distracted), but it is a very safe set up, so I feel okay with it, although I'd love to watch her learn. The part we do get to see is when they line up in a "train" and walk on eleve into their class. I love it!

Climber Livi

9 months and she's walking, 10 months she's dancing, 11 months she's climbing, what's next? Maybe she'll do a back flip for her 1st birthday. I guess there is one more room we need to close the door to. One more area I have to sit and watch her in. Her independence and my leash.

Getting Better

It's October, Yeah!!!!!

I love October. It cools down, rains, and leaves start to fall. I became a Mommy for the last time last October. I love Halloween (everyone gives out free candy to cute kids, how often does our society get together like this anymore?). I love costumes, chocolate, ghosts and ghouls. I love the idea of dressing up and being something else for the night.
To get in the mood I decided to make some yummy sugar cookies (my mom has the BEST recipe) and since Maddi was coming over I thought the girls might enjoy helping me decorate them. I made traditional Halloween colored icing, and when I asked the girls what colors they wanted Ella looked and me with a perplexed look on her face and asked "Where is the pink?" Where was the pink indeed? Well, I whipped some up super quick, the girls were happy, and we made some beautiful cookies!

All that glitters

I was so excited with the free reign that we have been given for our bridesmaid outfits for James and Jes' wedding. Our only stipulations are shorter, black dresses and gold shoes. I may be pushing the envelope a little with my choices, but luckily Jes is the type to find that funny, rather than be mad. I've ordered my exciting new items, and was thrilled to get my shoes in the mail today. Ella helped take pictures of my shoes and then asked if she could wear them. After walking around a little bit she asked "Where are my new shoes?" Hmmm, I wonder if they make tiny little gold sequin shoes.

On the Birght Side I was Bitten by a Pig

My hands were repeatedly scraped and cut by gross, rusty, dirty nails last night and in the midst of it all I had to laugh, at least that pig bit me last year so I don't have to go get a tetanus shot tonight. On the bright side, to quote my mom. Last night, while Eric was gone, I tore up the carpet in our living room. I have wanted it done, and although not opposed to the idea, I don't think Eric wanted to spend his very little spare time on yet another home project. He was gone arguing a case in the appellate court so I took the opportunity to get it done, and have a "fun" surprise for him. It took most of both days, but I got it done in time for Eric's return. Our new couch and entertainment tower were delivered, so the new room was complete. Sure, the floor has lots of gouges, and nail marks. Sure there is an area where the boards were replaced, but not stained to match, but I got rid of that nasty, gross carpet. I will not even scare you with the horrors that abound when you lift up carpet, but don't do it if you are a neat freak. So long story short, I redid the living room (or is it family room, I can never remember which is which). I now have an area I can have people over in, that hopefully will be a respite from toys (yeah right). Now on to one of the other hundred things we have planned for our house. I think the porch is next...

Neither Rain nor Sleet....

Livi has taken to carrying things around. She is mobile enough that she can carry something that seems to weigh as much as she does room to room. She will carry one shoe into another room, making morning time a little stressful as we hunt for the errant shoe. I have seen her carry her blanket all over the house, even through the pile I just swept in the kitchen. Today at the Bagley's house Maddi was nice enough to let Livi carry around her stuffed penguin (I almost wanted to carry it around it was so soft!). The funniest to date was actually today where she dragged the toy baby stroller all around the house. The thing is SO awkward, but she was determined to take it everywhere she wanted to go. Don't even try to tade her for something lighter, that little girl has already mastered the art of the temper tantrum.

If it Walks like a Duck...

As requested by grandparents, I give to you Olivia walking. She has been walking for a while, but just this week she has perfected it. Only 10 1/2 months old, prodigy anyone? (just kidding)

Rools

Ethan came home from his first day at school exited about all the things in his classroom that were different from last year. There is Tattle Toad who HATES it when people tattle, even and odd number poems, and most importantly there is a list of rules on the wall. Ethan came home and decided we needed our own list posted by the door.

Translation:
Rools (rules)
listen to Mom
To be Kind
Dont Run
Listen to Dad
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Careful to Baby

Ethan is always drawing. Even in the shower. Eric says he will ask him to do something, like wash his hair and Ethan will write "N-O" on the shower door in the steam. I came in the other day and he was drawing faces.

He also drew on the back of his school work. He and a friend were having their pencils battle, so he thought it would make a great picture. Ethan's pencil, the taller one, is hitting the smiley face pencil and saying "awesome, awesome" (osom, osom) while the poor little smiley face pencil calls for help. I guess the thing above the smiley face pencil is a shield that Ethan's pencil threw on its head. I am a little concerned with the violence of this picture (we may have to stop watching pokemon) but I am also amused at the depiction of pencils fighting. Hmmmm, which side will win out, the appalled mother or the british humor lover in me?

Child Prodigy

I bought Ethan some piano books at our local music store, and since I live in Scottsbluff Nebraska and not Los Angeles I got to talking to the owner of the store about teaching kids instruments. I myself started at age 8, and Ethan will be 6 almost 7. Normal, yes. He told me that a parent called asking for flute lessons for her 2 year old daughter. Okay crazy people. I realized with this story, and after talking to some parents at Ethan's school, how the average IQ is 100, there have to be people like this out there to bring the average down. Crazy flute mom is a waco, but I am not (okay yes I am, but I am on medication so it doesn't count). I know all parents think their kids are prodigies, but I know I am right in saying that Livi is a musical genious! (Heavy sarcasm is so hard to type)

First Day of School, or My Car the Prison

School has finally started and it is nice to have the 2 hour "break" where I get to play with Livi one on one and she has a little nap. What I don't like is the morning Ella doesn't have a playmate, making lunches that only get half eaten, the constant driving in the car, and waking Livi up from her afternoon nap so we can race off to Ella's preschool and then race to Ethan's school. On the bright side next year I'll just have Livi during the day, and she'll still be napping (maybe my house will get clean, ha ha). On the sad side, next year I'll just have Livi during the day. I miss my little ones while they are gone. I may not love playing pokemon with the kids, but I enjoy hearing them play pokemon, I love hearing there little games, the funny things they say.
So on to happier things, Ethan has a great teacher, Mr. Behnke (yes pronounced like the baby pacifier) and there are only 16 kids in his class. Yes, you read that right, take that California! He LOVES Mr. Behnke, and has actually come home excited to tell me things that he did at school. My little shy guy is growing up.Growing up, yes. Still making goofy faces in pictures though.

Ella also started school, and I think it is a big adjustment for her. After we dropped off Ethan she was ready to go off to preschool, just like last year. I explained that we would go after lunch. She looked concerned and said "But I'm not hungry for lunch." After laughing and explaining that we weren't moving lunch up, but moving preschool later, she was very upset. It didn't help that all summer she had her best friend, Maddi, all to herself, and when she walked into the preschool Maddi was playing on the swings with someone else. She teared up, and didn't want to go outside. I felt so badly for her. I know that feeling, of being left out, and it breaks my heart to see it in her eyes. Luckily Mrs. Hessler, the best no nonsense preschool teacher in the world quickly assessed the situation and paired Bella up with another little girl. Ella still got to sit by Maddi, and she was pretty stoic about it when I picked her up. All in all it will be an interesting year.

Chocolate Baby

Another example of my fine parenting on display. In my defense I DO have a really bad sinus infection and I want to lay around and sleep all day. I was laying on the couch after church and heard some rustling over by the table. Eric and the kids were in other rooms, so no one was there to check what Livi had gotten into. It hurts to move my head too much, so I thought it probably wasn't a big deal, I thought it was a cracker wrapper for saltines. Not great, but I thought I would let her eat some crackers and I could clean it up later. Well, it wasn't crackers.
It was Ethan's Kit Kat that he hadn't finished. It made me laugh so hard to see her grubbing away on the chocolate, and that Ethan hadn't finished a Kit Kat. Who's child is he? I picked her up before it got too bad, and let her finish in the kitchen over the sink. I probably will regret this later when she's gumpy from a tummy ache, but I figured she was already grumpy from teething and this at least would taste delicious. Bad Mommy 101, taking applicants now.

Attack of the Livi Grizzly

Some more cute growling from Olivia. I just love the sounds that come out of her mouth!

Frankenstien Walking

Livi is walking. She started taking steps her and there last month, and started perfecting her technique in Canada. Now she is taking several steps all the time, and yesterday she walked across the room. This morning I got a couple of steps on camera. I love the little lurching.

Staying Sane, or Furniture Shopping

Well, we are at an impasse in our future planning. Eric can waive into other states next April, so it makes sense to wait until then to job hunt, but we have outgrown our little house here. I am quickly going crazy in the cramped quarters, but we really don't want to buy a new house (because we may only be here for a short time, and it's nice to have a small mortgage payment). After several LONG phone calls to my mom, trying to make the best of the situation, we've decided to try and make the basement more liveable to make spending time down there more palatable. One thing we did was move our ultra comfy couch downstairs, plus move all the entertainment stuff down, so upstairs can stay neater (I hate when your best friend drops by to drop off the yummiest salsa, and your living room looks like Tornado Livi struck). Long story short, I went furniture shopping to get a new sofa for upstairs. The kids actually had a blast and had their favorite types of furniture. Ella truly got into the spirit of things, and I'm a little concerned we will being seeing her on the Price is Right as a model in about 16 years. We didn't get any of the pieces she is showing off, but her poses were so funny I couldn't help adding them.

All Tucked In

Ethan is such a sweet little guy. He LOVES stuffed animals. He has such a great imagination each animal has a name, personality, likes and dislikes, and special friends among the other stuffed animals. At night he loves to have them all in bed with him (or at least some of them).
A couple of nights ago I came in to turn off the light from his reading books in bed and realized that he had organized his friends. His two pokemon, Sneasel and Sudoowoodoo (?) where laying on a pillow by him, tucked into the blanket he had me knit them. The rest of the stuffed animals where "cuddling" each other at the end of his bed in groups according to size. Okay, maybe he's a little type A like me, but there are worse ways for it to exhibit! He just wanted them all to comfortable for the night.

Mad Mommy Skills

My kids always ask how I can do things. I always, jokingly, answer "Mad Mommy Skills." This time I am not joking. I braided Livi's hair. Yes, her very short, very fine baby hair. How did I do it, yep, Mad Mommy Skills!

Baby Grizzly

I think Livi must be part Grizzly Bear, or maybe if I play back a recording of this sound at a higher tone and different speed there will be a hidden message. I hate to say it, but she does sound like a little possessed demon baby. It here new favorite sound to make. Enjoy!

Oh Canada!

Well, we did it. We survived our fabulous trip to Canada. I can't believe we've spent about 32 hours in the car with the kids in the last 10 days. Yep, 32. On the way up the three kids all wanted to watch movies, which made it hard. Livi's taste run to Elmo, Ella's to princesses, and Ethan to Pokemon. When you add in that Livi is rear facing still, and that the DVD player broke at the Canadian border (3 hours from our destination), we had a FUN time getting there! Luckily we did it in two days, so the kids weren't as bad as they could have been, and they got to play in the new park when we got there. I wanted to kiss the ground when we got there, but the prolific piles of deer droppings squashed all those feelings fairly quickly.
My parents and sister were fabulous helpers with the kids, and Eric and I even got to go on a couple dates while we were there. Eric got up every morning with the kids, and in return I didn't complain once on the many fishing trips he took (I think I got the better end of the stick, but whatever makes him happy!), so all in all it was a great break for everyone, even me.
We cried when we left, especially Ella who sorely missed her Grandma/coloring partner about 30 minutes into the car ride home, and wanted to turn around and go straight back. That was the beginning of the worst car trip in history. Well, maybe not, but it was not fun. Ethan threw up 1 hour into it because we took the windy scenic route across the border. Livi cried for about 7 hours of the 15.5 hour trip. We didn't have a DVD player for 4 hours into it, and Ella thought she would die of bordom. In Billings, Mt, about half way, Eric pointed out that Ethan's eye was swollen and oozing (bacterial conjuntivitis) so we spent lots of time disinfecting the car and washing hands at gas stations. Even with all that I would do it again just to spend time with my family. It again stuck a dagger in our hearts that we are so far from family, so if anyone knows of any attorney positions in Utah or Idaho let us know, I can't take hearing from my sad kids how much they want to be able to see their grandparents "all the time." (yes, they are in California, but we all know where they will end up).
We LOVE the new park, they really put their money to good use, I wish we had one like it in town!
It wouldn't be Waterton without throwing rocks, and the amazing and beloved Banana Boat!
Ethan and Ella had a blast coloring with Grandma Sharon. Ella and Grandma worked on coloring princess pictures and Ethan wrote lots and lots and lots of books.
Our group horseback riding. From left: Julia, Eric, Ella, Nicole, Ethan. The kids LOVED getting to ride on their ow, and Ella even looks natural on a horse. Both kids loved when the horses would trot, and I sat back and tried not the pull my hair out with worry.I am glad Livi warmed up to Grandpa Bud. I knew if she had the time (and some quiet this time) that she would love him as much as everyone else does!
Our last picture in the park. We were so sad to go, and plan to spend much more time there next year. Hopefully it wont rain every day next time, and Eric will get in some better quality fishing.

I knitted what??????

As I read my sweet cousin Megan's blog, I realized I still had not supported our mutual cousin, Andrea, in her entrepreneurial endeavor. She has operated a very awesome website, Punkbabyclothes.net, for a while now. I went online, ordered some of her cute items, and received them yesterday. The kids loved their ninja t-shirts! Ethan loved his so much, he insisted I knit a ninja mask for his stuffed pokemon. Luckily it was small so it took barely anytime, but when I started knitting I didn't think "I hope I get to knit a tiny ninja mask someday." Oh well, it was pretty fun to see how much he loved it! Livi also got a great shirt, that made Eric laugh and laugh when he got home. The kids didn't get the diaper pins, they had never seen them before. I had to explain old fashioned diapers, which both kids thought were gross. I have to agree. I love the environment, but I wipe enough bottoms, I can't think about rinsing out and cleaning diapers too. Sorry Earth!

What a Difference a Day Makes

Our last day of swim lessons before vacation was a huge success. Eric was able to come, since it was a make up day on Saturday, and I think the kids really wanted to impress him, especially Ella. She didn't cry once, and after a few jumps off the side, holding a hand, she started going by herself. I am so proud of my kids, for doing something hard, for being scared, but doing it anyways.

Terror in the Water

We got to do swimming again today. The last two days it has been way too cold and windy for lessons, but today was nicer. Nicer, but not quite nice enough. It was about 70, the water wasn't super heated, but at least there wasn't much of a breeze. I thought "They're Nebraska kids, they'll be fine." I also thought Ella would have more fun this time. I was wrong.

As you can see it was worth it, but Caleb and Ethan both had blue lips when we were done.

Mother of the Year Award Continued

Well, my bad parenting knows no bounds. We went to Wendy's with Eric for lunch after Ella's dance class (he took an early lunch to watch her, what a good dad!) I forgot Livi's formula container, so she munched on fries and a chicken nugget to tide her over. All bad, but even worse, I didn't buckle the safety seat belt in the high chair, AHHHHHHHH!

Dancing Queen

Ella had a show off day from the summer session of Ballet. It was only 6 classes, but super fun, and she showed how quickly she learns things. She talked the whole way home about how she can't wait to go to ballet again. The first clip Ella didn't put her arms out all the way and the teacher corrects her, she gets embarrassed and cries a little. Being type-A myself, I can totally understand. The second clip is her scarf dance. She was the best one, if I do say so myself! I am so proud of her!

Author and Illustrator

Ethan has always had a fascination with drawing. He also has inherited Eric's love of writing books. Last night he set up a little desk area on the table and went to work on a project. I wasn't really sure what he was doing, I just thought he was drawing like usual. 30 minutes went by, not unusual, then an hour, then 1 1/2 hours, so I finally asked what he was working on. He said "A book." I decided not to pry and just wait till he was done. It took about 2 hours 15 minutes, but I finally got to see the masterpiece. It is a book that has a top and bottom. The top of the pages talk about who are the moms of different things, like pokemon, babies, and Mickey Mouse. The bottom of the pages, when you flip the book, is a collection of songs, all but one of which he wrote by himself, that have to do with the same subjects. There is a song from Pokemon, a song about Olivia and Carter, a song about Mickey Mouse, etc.
I can't believe how good the pictures and writing were for someone who is only 6. He's got a great little work ethic, and I think we should be putting our energies in this direction instead of the failed soccer/basketball route.Notice the concentration. Notice the uncomfortable position he "sat" in for most of the time.The book is called "Poke-Moms" and "Poky Songs" on the flip side.This says "A Sudowoodos mom is a Sudowoodo" and "A Bonslys mom is a bonsly." They are pokemon characters, and if you know them, the illustrations look pretty close. The flip side has a song about Brock, a character from pokemon. It says "Broco can cook. Borco cooks the best. O Broco can cook O Brocko cooks, cooks the best. O Broco can cook." There was even a tune to it!
This one says "A Carter's (Cardrs) mom is a human (hyoomon)," and "Olivee's Mom is a human." I noticed Melissa and I look pretty similar in our pictures! Funny guy.

Livi's long lost brother Casey, or my baby is just like a golden retriever

How sad, that at every turn I think my baby is becoming more and more like my parents golden retriever, Casey? At first we called her the "golden retriever of babies" because she loved EVERYONE (except the lady at Hallmark, go figure). Since then (a couple of months ago) I have noticed more and more similarities:
1. Her her feet kick uncontrollably, making her whole body move when one of us enters the room. Casey is so happy when people come home is tail wags his whole body.
2. She follows the kids around the house. Casey follows the kids around the house.
3. Livi puts everything in her mouth, and cannot go 2 feet without something sticking out of her cute lips, mostly things I don't want in there. Casey cannot greet someone without a "present" in his mouth, and most things in there are things that we don't want him chewing on (ie scriptures, reading glasses...)
4. Livi tries to steal our food while we are eating it. Casey has stolen a sandwich my dad was in the middle of eating.
5. She is sad when you leave without her. Casey has doggy depression when someone leaves.
6. Livi thinks there are prizes in the toilet. So does Casey.
7. Livi tried to crawl into the dish washer to lick the plates. Casey is also guilty of that.
Should I be worried?

Swimming Lessons

Melissa found a great swim teacher for the kids, and we were lucky enough to get a week of lessons this summer (she's in high demand). This is our week, so the kids go every day for half an hour. They were SOOOO excited about swimming, and even more excited that Maddi and Caleb would be there with them. After a LONG talk about how they had to listen to the teacher (Mrs. Poole, which the kids thought was hilarious), and not spend the whole time goofing off with friends, we headed off to the lesson.
Ethan did great. They strapped on their little supports called "puppies" and jumped in the water. Good so far. Mrs. Poole took out Ethan and he did great, he even doggie paddled for a while with no help. Maddi and Caleb also did great. Ella, hmmm, well, as far as I could tell this is what happened: Ella was doing her legs just right, but when it came time to add arms she didn't quite understand what she was suppose to do. Mrs. Poole said to start her arms, and Ella just said "NO." Mrs Poole and I both thought she was just being mouthy so she let go of Ella's arms and Ella did what she said she would, which was not move her arms. Ella went under water and swallowed a little bit. She was upset and started crying. Being the supportive mother I am, I just thought "served her right for being rude."
Well, it turns out (once I got her quiet by promising her an icecream sandwhich, my good parenting knows no bounds) that she said "No" instead of "I don't understand." She really didn't know what she was suppose to do with her arms. Hopefully that little hiccup is all we have and the rest of the week goes well.
Just wanted to share my latest "Mother of the Year Award" moment of the week.

Standing Tall

It can't be. It just can't. Livi stood on her own on Sunday. I couldn't believe it. Today she was hanging out, just standing, then she looked around a little and tried to take a step. What in the world is happening? I can't have a baby walking around this house. We are only baby proofed for a crawler, and I just can't let her grow up so fast. Of course she didn't take the step successfully, but the fact that she wanted to take it scared me.
I have to go now. Eric actually wants to watch "So You Think You Can Dance" with me. He's addicted! Go Evan and Janine!

Livi's Turn

Livi finally got the bath she was dying for in the other videos. She normally has a shower with one of us, and doesn't get to play like the kids do. I put barely any water in and let her play a little, which she loved.

Measuring Up

I was looking at the kids yesterday, and was struck by how skinny Ethan is. I laughed to myself that he is probably skinnier than Livi, so I decided to measure the kids' arms and legs. I know it is a crazy, silly thing to do, but my days are slow, and I was curious. Here are they are
Arms:
Ethan 6.5 inches
Olivia 6.5 inches
Ella 6.25 inches
Legs:
Ethan 11 inches
Olivia 11 inches
Ella 12.5 inches
So I was wrong. Ethan and Livi are the same size, only he is stretched out and she is compact. Ella was so sad her arms were the smallest, but happy her legs were the biggest, go figure. In about 10 years she would run off to her room and cry. I guess I'll just enjoy them, no matter what size they are.


Here's how Livi felt about getting measured!

Scooter Livi

I thought I would just add a couple of videos today. I've been working like a mad woman on scrapbooks lately, so I get a little sick of looking at the computer (I've been digitally scrapbooking).
The story is Ella was taking a bath. Livi LOVES baths, and was very sad that she couldn't get in with Ella. I kept removing her from the bathroom, but every time I did, Livi zoomed right back. She would stand there, looking forlornly in at Ella, and bang on the shower door.