Firsts

Monday morning Ellery woke up and said, "I wear big girl panties now, mom." I was a little hesitant because it was a school day, but I decided to just go with it. I'm so glad I did because she has officially worn them two days in a row, even to gymnastics. She has had a couple of accidents (all at home, thankfully), but I know those are bound to happen. I am so proud of her! It's so strange to not see that little diaper booty.

And this morning I woke up to a very puffy, congested, and eye-watering little boy. The day got worse and he started running a fever, his very first. I ran him to the doctor and he has his first ear infection...poor guy.

So lots of firsts this week at our household...one good and one not-so good.

My Pricey

It's Spring Break! I don't really understand why a preschooler needs Spring Break - it is definitely more for the teachers. Actually though, it has been a break from schedules for us. Not having to drop off and pick up Ellery 3 hours later has allowed us some freedom. We went swimming for the first time this year, enjoyed the park, had several play dates with friends, and have just enjoyed some "down" time.

Ellery has worn big girl panties a couple times this week and is making progress. The more I leave it up to her, the better she does. She's just a little bit like her mama. She has been such a helper which made it possible for me to take the two of them swimming by myself this week. I know I always say this, but I really am enjoying her more and more. She's good company most of the time.

Price is loving his toys these days. He enjoys reaching and pulling on toys and then testing them out in his mouth. He is constantly chewing on his hands which would make me think he might be getting a tooth, except for the fact that E didn't get one till almost one! He had his first outing to the park in which he got out of the stroller and was able to swing! He seemed to really enjoy it and was laughing and smiling. I feel like he is getting more comfortable with his helmet everyday. At the beginning of the week, I was sure we made a horrible decision because he wasn't sleeping well at night and he was displaying his dissatisfaction with the helmet by not smiling at me. However, the past couple of days have been much better and my happy little man is back. Thank goodness!

Something that I have noticed this week is how Price is taking so much interest in his big sister, watching her play and talk. He just loves her so much already. Some days it is Ellery who receives the biggest smiles and laughter from "my Pricey" (as E refers to him). It makes me look forward to the days when they will play (and fight) together, and I am praying they will be best of buds.

What you don't see is Ellery holding his hand while reading him books

Hanging onto every word

All smiles for Ellery

Strike a pose

Rodeo Day

Today we braved the cold, wet, and windy weather for a morning at the Livestock Show and Rodeo. I was so excited to spend a morning with only Ellery as I have felt a little sorry for her with all the attention Price has been receiving lately with his new look. Tiffany and Madi Kate went with us and we left the little ones with a sitter. Tiffany and I laughed about how easy a trip is with only our big girls - no diaper bag, no stopping to nurse, no missing naps and getting cranky, etc. etc. We also talked about how big our girls are getting - they are all of a sudden just so grown up. When I think about this, it makes me sad that Ellery is growing up so fast but then so excited about what lies ahead and all the fun things we will do together.

I had to break out Ellery's winter coat (after just spring cleaning her closet and packing away the winter clothes) for the trip. Besides the cold and numb limbs, we enjoyed ourselves. Oh, and besides the 100 school buses full of kindergarteners on field trips. Note to anyone planning a trip to the rodeo - go in the afternoon, like around 2 or 3. That is what we did last year and it was so much better in terms of crowds. We managed to get to the petting zoo and pony rides before the mile-long lines formed and then headed outside to enjoy a little hands-on farming exhibit and pig races. Ellery loved the pony rides and then loved watching little chickens hatch from their eggs. She has been talking about the chickens cracking open their eggs all afternoon.

I have enjoyed myself at the rodeo this year as well. I went with some girlfriends last night and then Nathan and I are headed back next week. Yee-haw

Making its debut

Nathan researched the official Horns helmet and then found some vinyl decals on ebay. Minus a warning sign decal, Price's helmet has all the elements of the real deal. He was going to be #12, Colt McCoy, but there wasn't enough room so he's just #2. I think his daddy is so proud!

A new lid

It's here and the decorating is in the works. I will give you a hint...I decided to leave it up to Nathan and he has been hard at work.

Funny girl

This is what our room looked like tonight. Yes, those are 16 baby dolls all lined up, each with a marker, food, and a page from my magazine. I think we need to give some dolls away! Ellery likes to give them all bows too, but I quickly put an end to that because we were losing some of them.

And not to leave Pricey out. Here's the big boy in his Bumbo.

And just because I am posting pictures...I love this.