Easter!

We had a good Easter weekend celebrating with the Millers in Valders. The kids both slept pretty well, which was my big worry. For the past few nights Kellen has been eating around the time we go to bed, waking up usually around 3-4, and then again usually around the time Ellison wakes up (6-7), and luckily he kept that up even though we were in a new place.

We did Easter baskets and a little egg hunt at home before leaving on Saturday morning!

Saturday was just us and Jay's parents at their house - we had a delicious chicken dinner and the kids got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa. They don't get to see them as much as their cousins do (they live closer) so I think it's nice for them to get some special time! Ellison gets SO excited to go up and play with the toys there, she was trying to put her coat on as soon as she got out of bed on Saturday.

Sunday we went to Easter breakfast at church and then church afterwards. Ellison has been pretty feisty in church recently and unfortunately it was a pretty rough day. She hasn't quite figured out being quiet or sitting still for that long, and we don't want her to get in the habit of eating or playing during church so we only let her bring her "Bible books"...which we forgot. Oops. I was so worried that since it wasn't our church, people would assume we were a family who only comes to church on major holidays (not the case at all) and our child just doesn't know how to behave in church! I didn't see too many dirty looks coming our way, though. At least Kellen was pretty quiet!

We had an amazing ham lunch and then an Easter egg hunt - which we got to do OUTSIDE! So nice to finally feel some warmer weather!!! I made up all the eggs for the hunt so I was happy the kids all seemed to have fun!

We also had cake and ice cream - Mom Miller's birthday was Easter and Jay's is the day after. I think everyone definitely ate enough junk food! I know I did...

I made a dirt cake for Jay's birthday and he got some pictures from the kids. Ellison helped me make a card, and she "made" a cake for Daddy with her Melissa & Doug birthday cake set. She even put it in her oven. Love that little lady!

A few big firsts since my last post! Kellen started smiling - although they aren't coming easily most of the time! He makes me work for them. 

I finally got up the courage to take the kids out by myself - so far we went to Pick N Save for a couple things, met Jay for lunch, and went to the park a few blocks away. The park was the hardest because we don't have a double stroller yet. I had to wear Kellen in a Moby wrap so E could ride in the stroller. I'm not a real big baby wearer and that thing is not too comfy for me - he's heavy and it hurts my back to carry him in it. But we all needed fresh air and Ellison had fun swinging :) 

The other first was that Jay and I had a date night! We went to a Brewer game. I hadn't left Kellen for more than a quick run to the store or doctor, so it was a long time to be away. But everyone (including Gramma) survived! 

Less than 5 weeks until I go back to work... :(

Dying eggs

Creepiest Easter Bunny onesie ever?!

Easter baskets from Gramma and Papa

2 bunny buddies!

E's first Playdoh experience

Getting way too big!

Finally put batteries in the playmat...he seems to approve

6 Weeks

Mr. Kellen is 6 weeks old. Maternity leave is half over. This is going even faster than I remember it being with Ellison! I had my postpartum OB visit and was a little sad that this pregnancy is officially over. Very weird feeling considering the baby is already 6 weeks old! I guess a small part of me misses being pregnant, which I know is super weird considering it was a rough pregnancy!!!

Kellen is starting to have longer stretches of sleep at night. He had 2 recent nights where he went 6 hours between feedings and a night where he went 5. Last night we were back to every 3 hours, so not too consistent yet. He's doing better sleeping in his bassinet rather than being held, which we appreciate! 

First (short) nap in his crib!

Still letting Kellen dictate when he eats and sleeps rather than really trying to get him into a routine. I think in about 2 weeks or so we will start working on a more consistent routine. Even though it's only been two years, it's hard to remember when exactly we did certain things with Ellison. We did start giving Kellen one bottle a day last week, which he has done well with - he takes 5 ounces!

Kellen's first bottle - 5 weeks old

I remember when Ells was born, thinking how much more difficult simple tasks like getting ready to leave the house were with a newborn. Now, Kellen seems like the easy one when we are trying to get out of the house, or when I want to shower, or when I need a nap. He's still so portable and sleeps a lot. Ellison is so rowdy! Toddlers are definitely a handful. The house is never clean, I sometimes shower at 3pm, and I rarely change out of yoga pants. But 2 year olds are also hilarious, and Ellison cracks me up every day with the things she says! Even when she's sassy, I wouldn't trade her for the world. 

E is so ready for it to be spring. She absolutely loves to play outside. Digging in dirt is the thing she has been asking to do. She knows that there are plans for a garden (which she is hoping to grow tacos in) and she is very excited about it. She loves drawing with chalk and blowing bubbles. And her playhouse is up now! Unfortunately it's been warm enough to go outside about 3 times this year...

We did take our first trip to the zoo on one of those nice days. Ellison still absolutely loves the zoo. She is obsessed with animals! Kellen didn't even open his eyes - he slept the entire time we were there.

Ells will be 26 months old this week. New things she likes are Frozen, which we have seen about 1000 times already, and Doc McStuffins. She loves doing "projects" (crafts). She buckles herself into her booster seat for meals. She is learning how to say prayers (at dinner and bedtime), which is adorable. Now if we could only get her to behave in church...

Our projects!

We are still not pushing potty training, but Ells does use her potty at least once a day. Current record is 4 times! Planning to get more serious about it when Kellen is a few months old and not as demanding.

Other than that, just waiting to celebrate Easter! Ells is looking forward to being with her cousins and hunting for eggs. But she does NOT want the Easter Bunny to come to her house. She is terrified of him for some reason. So no picture with him this year! 

Hope everyone has a very blessed Easter! Here's some other pictures taken since my last post!

Little stud

5 Weeks Old, 4/8/14

E building a kennel (one of her favorite things to do right now)

Kellen loves baths!

Playing princess

Playing "puter"

Reading to brother

Feeding her horsie Cheerios!

Getting big too fast...SLOW DOWN!