Continuing to Catch Up

Wednesday we hung out with the Brusts. For lunch we celebrated Kelsey's 4th birthday. I can't believe she's four! Carly made some delicious chicken salad and Kelly, Maya, Clark, Grandpa, and Grandma joined us for the festivities. The favorite gifts included a cash register and cut-able fruit from Mimi - all the kids were scrambling to play with them. When the cash register was on the floor Ellie would army-crawl her way over to it and bang away on the keys. I had to keep the coins away from her because she would pop them right into her mouth.
We went home for some piano lessons and then dinner. Jon went to his prayer group while Ellie and I hung out at home because she was tired and ready for bed by 6:30.

Thursday morning Grandma invited us all over for breakfast. I had a piano student at 9:00 so we were a bit late, showing up after the piano lesson and Ellie's first nap. Grandpa and Grandma have a wonderful porch out back that we all sat on and enjoyed some mid-morning popsicles. They also have kid-sized chairs which the cousins loved sitting on.

Enjoying Grandpa's deck

Trying to get a good picture

Another attempt

And again...

Sitting on their chairs

Cousins!

Kelsey wanted to hold "your baby"

Calla wanted in on the fun

Coloring

Grandma and Maya

 In the afternoon I'm pretty sure we swam. In the evening Jon and I had small group. I think I might just skip forward to...

Grandpa's 80th birthday!

On Friday Grandpa turned 80. On Saturday we celebrated his birthday with my cousins and family members. In the morning Jon had a soccer game so Ellie and I walked from Mimi's house to the field (Livingood) to watch it. Carly and her kids joined us soon after it began. Carly and I enjoyed ice-cold Toddys - they are worth every penny of the $2.65. 

Grandpa's party started at 12:00. He and Grandma were very prompt along with his brother and his wife. We pulled into the driveway at 11:59 and they were already inside chatting it up. We had dinner, gifts, and then swam. Jon really wanted to swim with Ellie and after she had been sleeping two hours I finally allowed him to go wake her up so that he could take her into the pool. She seemed to really enjoy the big pool. Jon played with her until she became sick of the floating toys then I hung out with her near the baby pool while Jon played with Calla and Kelsey. 

 After the party Jon went home and did yard work while the rest of us went up to Elverson Day. Ellie rode a pony (it didn't go anywhere), got her face painted, and ate ice cream and french fries. She was tired by the time the fireworks began but didn't seem fazed by the noise, and it was loud!

Ellieisms: Ellie has mastered "so big!" Mimi and Pops probably don't believe me because last night she refused to perform...

We're Back!!

Ok, I apologize for the hiatus. I wasn't sure anyone read the blog anyway but apparently at least one person does because she requested that I return to keep the world wide web up to date with the happenings in Geigertown.
On Father's Day Jon was not spoiled (like some Dads...oops) and he made us breakfast and got Ellie ready for church. Thank you, Jon. I was signed up to help with Pre-K and Kindergarten during second service but Ellie was the only child in nursery and was crying because she was tired. I ended up taking her home and someone from nursery took my spot. Ellie went down for a nap while Jon and I snacked on cheese and crackers then he opened up his Father's Day gift.
Ellie bought Jon a track pad for his computer. It's basically a mouse just like you would have on a new MacBook but for his desktop. Jon had mentioned a couple months ago that he wanted one so Ellie really pulled out all the plugs by getting him it.
When Ellie woke up from her nap it was around 1:15. We headed to Exeter and went to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate Jon. Ellie enjoyed the rice and refriend beans and Jon and I shared our meals with each other. We didn't have any leftovers - it was all delicious.
We came home and had a bit of time before heading back to church for the evening service. It was evening communion. We came home and hung out before heading to bed - probably even watched an episode of White Collar.
Monday I spent time grocery shopping and preparing for Carly and her kids to come to town. We put together a Father's Day lunch in honor of Pops. Jon grilled burgers, dogs, and vegetables, I made baked macaroni, baked beans, and dessert, and Kelly brought all the toppings for the burgers. We ate outside at the picnic table and Caleb, Carly, Josh, Kelly, Jon, Mom, Dad, Me, and all the kids enjoyed quite a feast. Mom and Kelly had a meeting for church and Dad had a different meeting so they scooted out fairly quickly. Josh and Clark were close behind but the rest of us hung around to roast s'mores. Jon started the fire and Jay dutifully burned up about half a dozen marshmallows in the little flame Jon had made. At 7:30 JereScott Bradshaw came and Jon helped him make a gift for his wife. They were using the table saw, chop saw, nail gun, and more all in the front yard for our viewing pleasure. Ellie was way too excited and stayed up until everyone left sometime after 8:30.
Tuesday we went to Grandma's house for lunch. Ellie had a doctor's appointment so I didn't go over to Mimi's to hang out with everyone until after her nap. Grandma served up a delicious lunch (I ate alone since I arrived late -- at 12:15!) and the kids played with all their toys. It was quite a gang with six adults and six kids. Afterwards Ellie and I went to Mimi's and I nursed her before heading to the doctor's office. I left the paper with the stats on it in the car so I will write what I remember:
Ellie at 10 months:
  height: 5th percentile
  weight: 46th percentile - 18 lbs 8 oz
  head: 18 inches

It was technically her 9 month appointment but she was exactly 10 months old. Basically she is short, fat, and proud of that. The doctor said she looked great and to keep doing what we're doing. I can do that.
After her appointment we went to Grandma's house because I had some piano lessons to teach. The second one wasn't home so I came back early and took Ellie home. It worked out because she was tired and ready for bed. Jon came home and we ate then went to Elverson. Jon dropped Ellie and I off at Mom's house while he and Dad went to a Mission's Committee meeting. We hung out with the Brusts while he was gone then headed home afterwards.

Ok, two days. Good not great. I'll try to continue the catch-up tomorrow! Ellie has been hitting a lot of milestones so I better write about them before I forget...and I'll post pictures, too.

Ellieisms:
Ellie is crawling more confidently. She doesn't seem to notice she's the baby around here because she'll crawl right up to the older kids and play with their toys.

A Busy Saturday

Saturday morning Jon woke up early and had breakfast at the Windmill with his dad before heading to Elverson to help him install walls in the playhouse. Brittany and I met up around 9:00 and went yardsaling at a couple local spots. I bought two wooden chairs. We have a few random extra wooden chairs that are A) ugly and B) uncomfortable. These are at least pretty, the comfort level is tbd.
Jon had his EFC game at 10:15 and the parking lot was packed out when we arrived. We found a spot at the far end of the further parking lot at Livingood and planted ourselves near Poppop and Nana who were coming to watch Jon's team play Omar's team. Grandpa and Grandma showed up soon after and sat next to us for the first 2/3 of the game before leaving for errands. They were there to support Jon, David DeWalt, and Mark Estes (they only new David was playing when they arrived, though). Elisha and Hunter Hall were swinging on the swings so I pushed Ellie for a while towards the end of the second half and she loved it. Caleb came over and held her a bit and she didn't cry at all. Good girl. Stage three of project Love Caleb: complete.
Jon's team tied with Omar's 1-1. Nana asked us over for lunch so I put Ellie down for a nap and she was asleep by the time the Rueben's were ready. Jon helped Doug on the playhouse following lunch and I even hit a few nails before Ellie woke up. She was still half asleep when we came downstairs and Grandma Mountz asked to hold her. I put Ellie on Grandma's lap and she chilled there for several minutes which made Grandma very happy. Then I took Ellie to Lowe's to look at plant options after she woke up.

We swung by Mimi and Pop's pool since the Fentons were there letting Clark swim. I also asked to borrow their backpack so I hung out with them and then grabbed the backpack and headed home when Ellie seemed tired again.
The sun shines right on Ellie's room in the mid-afternoon which really brightens it up even with the beach towels. After I'm finished hand-quilting Ellie's quilt my goal is to make some roman shades. I was unsuccessful in putting Ellie down but I'll blame it on the sawing and chipping coming from the backyard.
Doug, Omar, and Jon were doing some heavy-duty pruning. Doug cut down four trees and pulled out three bushes while Jon and Omar ran the chipper and mulched everything into a pile. I should have taken a before and after picture of the areas but I am thrilled to have them cleared. They helped until 6:00 when they went home for dinner and Turner came over.

He cut down the tree that blocked the lightpost and a big bush
from this center garden

Turner is heading to the Czech Republic in a few weeks and offered to loan himself out for work in exchange for financial support. We decided to take him up on the offer and Jon and Turner edged, trimmed, weeded, and mulched almost half of the flower beds before 8:00. I grilled chicken and made macaroni and cheese and Omar came back over and the four of us ate dinner (Omar and Turner's second dinner, really). Then the boys spent time hanging out in the basement while I relaxed on the couch upstairs. I really should have been quilting, now that I think about it. Next time.

I was going to write about Father's Day but I'm ready for bed.

Crazy Crawler

Free Ice Cream

Wednesday morning I went to Yoga class at the gym and had the opportunity to do downward facing dog two mats away from Mom-mom. That doesn't happen every day. Ellie sat on her quilt for the first part before she started crawling away towards the weight set. Later I put her on my mat and would do the stretches around her but she kept putting her fingers up my nose. It'll be interesting to see how many more sessions I can attend before she becomes too much to handle.
I attended the yoga class instead of the later BodyPump because Katie and Wyeth were going to Grandma and Grandpa's house for breakfast and we had been invited, too. Grandma pulled out the old waffle maker and Wyeth and Ellie chowed down on some oranges along with Grandma soft waffles. Tasty!

We had to leave when Ellie was getting cranky at 10:30, plus Katie had to head out as well. Kelly texted and asked if we wanted to go on a walk and I thought Ellie would fall asleep in the stroller for her nap. Apparently I am an optimist because she did not fall asleep and we ended up stopping at Grandma and Grandpa's house so I could nurse her since she was crying. We kept on our walk and she finally fell asleep as we were passing Elverson Supply on our way home. She was awake before the driveway and I put her down for a nap in Mimi's crib.
A lunch was being held about ELI (Equipping Leaders International) at the community center. Kelly stayed at Mimi's while Ellie napped and I went and had lunch while listening to the presentation. I left at 1:15 and Ellie woke up as I walked in the door. Kelly and her kids headed home for naps while Ellie and I swam before heading home. I taught a couple lessons in the afternoon and ate dinner. Jon had to work late so Ellie came with me to Bible Study and he came home shortly after we did at 8:45.

Enjoying the pool

Thursday was a rainy day. Ellie and I laid low and decided to stay inside. Forecasts were calling for heavy rain, wind, and intense storms. Although we didn't really see much of that we played it safe. Jon fortunately came home on time and we ate dinner together before I put Ellie down for the night. I ran to BBs to see what they had to offer (it's hit or miss) and then we watched some TV before heading to bed.

Happy to see Dad!

Helping me with my sewing

Friday morning I went to the gym then came home for Ellie's nap. She had slept in until 8:30 so she wasn't quite ready for a nap when we came home. She fell asleep then Jon came home at lunch time and we ate together. He didn't go back to work since he had worked overtime so much this week, which was a treat! Ellie woke up and the two of them hung out while I gathered my stuff to go to Shady Maple.
I had been reminded earlier this week of Vera, an amish lady who sells cut flowers for a good price, up near Shady Maple. I stopped by and she wasn't to be seen so I took some flowers and left the money - I hope that is acceptable. Then we went to Good's since I needed some craft supplies and a drain cover for our bathtub (I haven't used it for Ellie's bath yet because we haven't had a plug). To Ellie and my joy it was free ice cream day. I stood in line and Ellie and I split a scoop of oreo cookie - delicious.

Taking a bite

It's so good it hurts.

We grabbed our things then headed to Shady Maple where I bought produce and meat. I needed other things but Shady Maple is so confusing I decided it wasn't worth the stress of trying to maneuver through a new store. Plus it's more expensive than Walmart.
I was very glad I left because Ellie started crying in Churchtown and cried the rest of the way to Elverson. I went to Nana and Poppop's house and put her down for a nap, leaving the monitor for Jon (who was helping Poppop on the playhouse) to listen for Ellie. I went and taught Abby Hoke a piano lesson then came back. Ellie was up and sitting in the yard watching the men work. She obviously didn't sleep long enough because she cried when she saw me then cried in the car when I took her with me to pick up some things for dinner at home.
Sunday is Doug and Donna's 40th Anniversary. Earlier this week Jon and I contacted the siblings and we arranged for a dinner Friday evening. Dan and Amanda couldn't make it but Donna picked up her Dad, Grandpop, to join us. Ben and Jess grilled steaks and brought a salad, I made potato wedges and broccoli and brought rolls, and Brittany made cobbler and brought ice cream for dessert. It was an enjoyable time and I hope Nana and Poppop have a wonderful anniversary on Sunday.
We hung around until Ellie woke up at 10:00. I'm not sure if she's feeling well because of her crying while we were driving then she cried for a long time when we came home. I would pick her up and rock her and when I would sit still she would kick her legs until the rocking resumed. It took a long time to get her to sleep so I hope she's feeling okay! She didn't have a high temperature so perhaps she was just cranky from her long afternoon.

Ellieisms:
Ellie has finally noticed the piano pedals. During the piano lessons on Wednesday she would crawl under the seat and try to get around their feet for the pedals. I would grab her before she reached their legs, though.
We've been working on "So-big" and Ellie raised her arms in the air once while we were doing it. Jon and I aren't quite sure if it was intentional or accidental yet...jury's still out.

Fist-pump

Happy Birthday, Kelsey (belated tribute)

Monday I neglected to include Kelsey's birthday tribute! I am so thankful for Kelsey's sense of humor and her vast amount of love. I really enjoy spending time with her especially when it is one on one. She is a gem and we love her! Here are some pictures from the past year. Happy 4th Birthday, Kelsey!

Kelsey last year this time!

Celebrating her birthday at the beach

What a babe

Meeting Ellie in August

Matching shirts

Helping feed (check out Calla's yogurt hair)

PHOTOBOMB

She dropped Ellie right after this picture. 

Monday night I went to bed while Jon was still at work and he didn't come home until after midnight. Ellie woke up at 4:30 crying and I went in and nursed her then cuddled with her for a long while until she finally fell asleep. She has a stuffy nose and I think that was keeping her up. 

Tuesday morning I was scheduled to watch Clark at 9:00 while Kelly and Maya went to a doctor's appointment. Ellie woke up at 7:00 but I nursed her and she fell back to sleep. While I was laying down afterwards I thought I should set my alarm but then realized that Ellie hasn't slept in past 8:30 for months. Wouldn't you know, I wake up to Kelly saying "hello?" in my kitchen. Oops! It felt great to sleep in and Clark did not seem phased by my pajamas. 

Clark helped keep Ellie entertained during the morning hours. We spent the majority of our time upstairs in the kitchen and living room. I fed Ellie some breakfast and Clark "asked" to try some of her rice cereal and when I gave him a bite he started gagging, spitting, and scraping his tongue with his fingers. It was funny! I gave him a rag to wipe off his tongue then handed him his water. He recovered quickly. 

Hanging out

Kelly came home around 11:30 and Ellie was down for a nap already. Jon came home and we had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. Ellie woke up at 1:15 and then we headed over to Exton to pick up Jon's Father's Day present. We had some time to kill so I stopped by T.J. Maxx's and grabbed Doug's gift along with a little purse thing for me.
We arrived in Elverson in time for me to drop Ellie off at Grandma and Grandpa's and teach Brooke then Carson. Ellie was tired but I didn't want to go home and put her to bed since it was only 5:15. I nursed her at Grandma's and she perked up so I decided to go to my class at the gym since they offered the same thing at 5:45.
Ellie went to childcare (I warned them that she was tired and could get grumpy and to get me if that happens) and I was surprised to see Coleen Garner and her sister in my class! It was fun to see familiar faces. She said they wanted to do the BodyPump class so they had looked it up and saw TVFF offered it and had come. This was my first time ever at the 5:45 class so it was pretty crazy to see them.
Ellie was dog tired when I picked her up but the childcare workers said she was very well-behaved. We went home and I fed her then put her to bed. Jon worked until 8:45 and when he came home I ran out and grabbed some pizzas for dinner. Long days at work are always made better with $5 pizzas. The first pizza box did have a tiny bug in it but at least it was alive so I could pretend it had crawled in there while I was driving home and not at the pizza joint. You get what you pay for...

Ellie loves to play with her glider. She hangs out and swings it back and forth.
It is by the front door because I was moving it towards the attic...where it currently is. 

Ellieisms:
Ellie can move pretty quickly with her army crawl. Clark doesn't really care for it since now she can get the toys he is playing with so nicely. He is very tolerant!

Rainy Monday

After Ellie's nearly nap-less weekend I decided to forego the gym when she slept past 8:00, which caused me to be too late for my class. Grandma usually watches Ellie while I workout so I called and asked if I could come later and run to the grocery store. Grandma said that they were open all day so I could come whenever.
Ellie ended up being tired by 9:45 and was sleeping by 10:00. Her nap lasted until close to noon and she probably woke up because our electricity went out and her fan stopped working. It took a few minutes longer to pack up since the lights were out and I had to figure how to get the car out of the garage and when we finally arrived at Grandpa and Grandma's house everyone was almost finished eating. Clark was still working on his chips and cookies right next to Grandpa. He liked to hold onto his thumb while they were eating: it was the sweetest thing.

Holding his thumb

Following lunch I ran to Walmart and the dollar store. I like to pick up cards at the Dollar Tree because they are two for $1. Hard to beat. I'm not much of a card person but their cards aren't very great. All of the "religious" birthday cards wished that God would give you all the blessing that you "deserve." Um, not Biblical. I'm not sure which religion they support.

Playing with Great-Grandpa!

Ellie behaved while I was gone and crawled (wormed?) over to me when I came in. I thanked Grandma for lunch and Grandpa for helping with Ellie and I took her home. On our way home I stopped by Lowe's since I had forgotten to grab a gift card for the graduation party this evening and I knew Lowe's had the card I wanted.
Ellie took a nap while I worked on a sewing project. First I browsed the internet for an idea for my next quilt but then I realized I had enough projects in the house that need completing. Corinne gave me a pair of white flare jeans a year or two ago and I've been wanting to make them into straight-leg pants for a while. Today I finally did the deed and altered them. The pants should probably be hemmed but I still wore them to the party this evening.

Left: before
Right: after

Nebin Estes graduated from nursing school a couple weeks ago and her mom hosted a party in honor of her accomplishments. I picked Jon up from work and we drove into Reading to her parents' church. It was supposed to be at her parent's house but it rained all day. They had a lovely catered dinner and we enjoyed sitting with the Rus', Clint and Britney, and Nebin's aunt and uncle. Wyeth Estes was there and Ellie and him shared toys for a bit. I'm hoping Ellie noticed his speedy crawl.
Jon has a big project due Wednesday so we left once Ellie started fussing and we dropped him back off at work. Ellie woke up with a snotty nose and sneezes every so often so I don't think she's feeling very well. The snot is clear so that's good - right? It seems as though green snot would be worse. She went to sleep after nursing and I hope she sleeps well tonight and feels better tomorrow. I cut out a pattern for a dress for Ellie and now I'm going to head to bed. Jon should be home shortly.

Elliesms:
Ellie loves her cup. She fills her mouth with water and usually decides to spit it right out.
Ellie throws things. When she's sitting on the floor she lifts whatever she's playing with above her head (as far as her short arms can) and throws it against the floor repeatedly. Kelly pointed out that they do that exercise on the Biggest Loser. Ellie will be nice and toned soon. 

Playing Catch-up

Thursday morning I am not quite sure what I did. We had Small Group in the evening and Jon was giving his testimony (we do one a month) and we brought Ellie along. Dave had a birthday the day before so Joie brought an ice cream cake. I was surprised when I sat down Ellie was looking at me and chomping her teeth. How did she know she wanted cake? We were out late but she lasted until our departure at 9:30.

Ellie's new favorite toy

Friday morning I went to the gym with Ellie. It was a rainy, dreary day. Since we were in Elverson I decided to stop by Mom's house to pick up some stuff I had left there and the Fentons were hanging out so we decided to stay a while. Ellie ended up going to sleep in Mimi's crib and slept for an hour. Mimi invited us all to stay for lunch so we did. Caleb worked on getting Ellie to warm up to him (she cried when he walked into the room....I should have been showing her pictures of him) and then Pops showed up. Clark ate a bunch of yogurt then Ellie sat in his chair and helped finish up what was left.

We headed home before Ellie's second nap and I spent some of the rainy day on Ellie's quilt and on the computer.
Friday evening Jon worked a bit late so we just heated up leftovers for dinner. Jon hung out with Ellie for a bit and then I put her down. Jon and I relaxed on the couch watching a TV show until we went to bed.
Saturday morning Jon was up early because he was reffing a soccer game in Elverson. Ellie and I went and ran errands while he was gone and were back home before him. He also went to see a house with Holly and Dennis in Elverson - they are just starting their search and wanted the perspective/advice of a handy-man homeowner. Good choice in Jon :)
Jon cleaned up the yard, mowed, and weed-wacked while I did some laundry, vacuumed, and washed the kitchen floor. At 4:00 we went to Wyeth Estes' 1st birthday party. It was a lot of fun and we even got a picture of all the "babies" that were at the party (except for Maya - she was a bit too young). We didn't sing and I even missed him eat his cupcake but Ellie was a trooper and stayed mostly content until we left shortly before 8:00. She had woken up from her nap at 1:00 so she fell asleep by the time we pulled out of the driveway. Parties are tiring! Jon wrote his prayer for Sunday morning while I quilted and pondered my next dress for Ellie.

Getting Trampled

Tasting the dirt

Today Jon wanted to be at church early and we made it with ten minutes to spare. He prayed during worship for the short term missions team and during second service I had hall-monitor duty. Sunday school is taking a break before we jump into the summer schedule so Jon went and looked at a project he was asked to help with at Culbert's then came back. The nursery was full, well there were six kids with only four adults in there, so Ellie hung out with me when she got cranky. I tried to put her down for a nap but the sleeping arrangements are right next to the toys and commotion so I failed.
After church was out Jon and I went to Mom's house to bake our dish for the church picnic. Ellie took a quick nap (45 minutes) before we had to wake her up to head over for lunch. We ate, hung out at the park, then had a brief program in the late afternoon with a profession of faith. The picnic was fun and Ellie once again was a trooper, lasting until we headed home at 6:45.

We sat with Mimi during the service:

Upon arriving home I changed Ellie and tried to feed her some food and crackers but she wouldn't have it. I put her down to bed and Omar, Peter, and Brittany came over. The boys played several rounds of FIFA while Brittany and I worked on our projects in the living room.
It was a busy weekend with hardly any naps (Ellie only took the 45 minute one today - that was it!) so it'll be interesting to see what tomorrow holds.

Ellieisms:
In the past three days Ellie has started trying to pull herself up onto coffee table and the couch.