Here we go

I know I've been lazy on the blogging. We've had several things from computer issues to summer activities and little hands that like to punch the keyboard while I'm touching on it. The only time left for blogging was at night and quite frankly, I didn't want to spend that time on the computer. Well, now that school is back in session I am going to have "little hands" free time.

Mary Ella is doing very well in school. Mornings have been surprisingly easy to manage; it is having to wake the other kiddos up from the afternoon naps for school pick up that has been the problem. I'm in the process of working that kink out. Her first day of school was exciting. I was too busy in the morning to get emotional. I guess I got it all out the night before. I was so excited to pick her up and hear all the details. So she got in the car and I was waiting for her to unload. All I got was, "it was fun". It has taken two weeks and more details have come to surface. I guess it all comes with time. As we got home and I unloaded the huge folder of school paper work and discovered her lunch bag was full....nothing eaten. I said, "Mary Ella, honey, did you eat lunch????" She replied, "yes, I had a tray." I said, "how did you pay for a tray?" She said, "Moooooom, it was free. Really, it was." Needless to say, I loaded up her account and put away that cute little monogrammed lunch bag we had just bought. She wanted to buy her lunch like "high school"....Funny girl.

Addy has begun her MWF preschool. She is also really liking it. Her teacher is as sweet as can be. Addy talks and sings all the time. She has also learned the art of blaming Mary Ella for things Mary Ella had nothing to do with. Example, "where did the other block go?" Addy replies (in a pouty tone), "Mary Ella lost it." I say, "honey, Mary Ella hasn't been at home all day, so she couldn't lose it." Addy says, "I don't know where it is". We're going to have to work on that :). Addy is also enjoying coloring. She actually likes for me to draw shapes over and over again while she directs me. We are really enjoying her spunk and ability to make us all laugh. In addition to her big personality, her tummy seems to be on the mend. She is tolerating more and more milk products. We give her probiotics daily which seems to have REALLY helped. It is so nice to see that sweet face covered in ice cream every once in a while!

Molly is cruising and I've actually caught her a couple of steps up the stairs.....guess it is time for a gate. She's getting two more teeth in so her gnawing on my knees and arms has become less tolerable. Her hair is coming in and, yes, we will be celebrating her first birthday next month!!!! I love nothing more than to press her little, soft cheeks against mine. That sensation is something I crave several times a day. She is also loving cheerios...hallelujah, the kid is tolerating most grains now! Hopefully the transition off Alimentum will go well next month! We are also hoping she will go to milk faster than Addy since she didn't get quite as severe.

Scott is really enjoying his job. We went to Lost Pines Hyatt Resort last week for a conference. My in-laws were sweet enough to watch our kiddos. I know that is no easy task. We had a great time relaxing with friends. We are still loving our time here. It seems as if something happens everyday that affirms the decision to bring our family here. Simply amazing.