Their Hair

Brett and I recently had a very funny conversation about Ellen & Sophie's hair, of all things. It began when Brett said casually, something like, "What are we going to do about their hair?!" I was so taken back-- partly because I was so surprised that he even had an opinion on their hair, and also because I LOVE their curly hair. As we talked a bit more it came out that he thinks their curly hair is a bit, ahem, unruly at times. Hmm. I told him that people everywhere compliment them on their curly hair and say how darling it is. But then I thought about this some more and if I am honest with myself then I would have to agree that sometimes it is a bit of a mess. However I must say in my defense that I thought I was doing a pretty good job with "their hair". Afterall I am the one who gets them up and dressed in the morning, which in and of itself takes longer than I'd like to admit...and I always put a barrette in their hair. One that matches their outfit (most times). Plus I usually get around to combing through it sometime before the morning is over and I always comb their hair before bed (or else you haven't seen "unruly" until you see their hair in the morning)! True though, their hair is getting pretty long. And it is curly, which can mean tangles. And add some occasional food into those locks, or a good sound sleep with bedhead, and you probably do get some unruliness. So I took this as a cue to try some new things with their hair. Ha. New things being such original hairdos as some simple ponytails or pigtails. But something. Let me just say as a side note, that I never thought I'd get to the point as a mom of girls where doing my kids' hair is a line on my "to do" list (or chore list). And really, I don't feel it's a chore. But I will say that with two opinionated almost two year old girls, it can feel like that some days. Instead of being this fun "let's play beauty shop and get our hair done" kind of moment. Which is more like what I pictured. I thought my girls would let me play with their hair for hours and do all sorts of fun cute things to it. At least right now this is not the case. However, I did manage to get pig tails in Sophie's hair and a pony tail in Ellen's (she didn't want pig tails like Sophie!) And because I was so proud of my efforts I sent Brett some pictures at work. He loved it! And Sophie especially loved it, too. At some point during the day I said to Sophie that she should show daddy when he gets home from work and as cute as can be, she did! Hours later when he walked into the door she remembered and walked straight up to him and pointed to her pig tails. It was a darling moment. So perhaps you'll see more posts with our girls wearing their hair differently...or maybe not, depending on the day. But at least I'm making some headway with "their hair"!

Bright Spot

It was a long week with sickness taking hold of our household. But there were some bright spots, and I caught some of them here... Corinne and Ellen playing a bit together, first with Corinne showing Ellen some tricks with the ball (and being silly) and then zooming some cars. Ellen was captivated -- which actually doesn't happen that often because if you know Ellen then you know she is her own person and has her own (very) strong ideas. But she was watching Corinne and then attempting some of what Corinne was doing. All while holding two apple slices, a mini skateboard, and some other random toy she found...hoarding again! They were interacting so well and so sweetly. I'm thankful for these moments amidst a stressful week!

Valentine

Either Ellen or Sophie (or both) have been sick since last Friday. Just when one gets better, the other comes down with something new. And this is our rhythm lately. So Sophie was able to sleep only by lying upright--on me. She was actually permanently attached to me on Valentine's Day. Thankfully my mom came over to help out!

Open House

Corinne showed us around her classroom and school recently at Open House!

Not Kidding

Here is Ellen at breakfast wearing said items from the night before plus glove (see last post).

Just Fun

Ellen is into hiding lately. For any reason: to avoid getting her pj's on, to avoid getting her diaper changed or just because. Usually it's behind the curtains. The other day it was in the pantry...kind of. Sophie found her and tried to give her a hug. But the pantry doors were in the way. Then after their game was up they enjoyed eating a snack together on the couch. Ellen is also what I like to call a "hoarder". At any given time she is holding three, four or even five things in her hands or in her arms and today she even had something around her neck--a headlamp that Aunt Marcey gave all the girls for Christmas. Ellen never likes to give these things up, so much so that she has been known to throw a tantrum over it at bedtime. We've learned to pick our battles on this. So today she took a nap with the headlamp around her neck...and wore it all afternoon as well. Along those lines my mom put her to bed once with her toothbrush and she regularly takes books to bed as well. Just tonight she went to bed with a purse and some pretend ice cream. What a silly girl. Sophie on the other hand is mostly content as long as she has her blanket.

Aunt Laura's visit

Each February for the past four years Aunt Laura has come to town for a week and blessed the girls, Brett and I with a wonderful visit. She gives of herself to our kids every minute and takes nothing in return. She cooks for us, helps us with updating our home (hehe!), and is generally just a lot of fun to be with. This past week was no different. Actually, it was in some ways...Corinne took it to a new level with Aunt Laura by opting for Aunt Laura to drive her to school (without me), put her to bed, take her to the library, and enlisting Aunt Laura as her "backstage dancer" while Corinne got to be Madonna (thank you, Superbowl)! Did I mention she watched Sophie for an hour and a half in the doctor's office waiting room one day, too, while I was with Ellen who was beyond sick? Wow. I just love the way my sisters love our children. Our girls are so incredibly lucky. My day to day life couldn't be more different from that of my sisters, and yet I am always amazed at how easily they step into our world when they come to visit...and how generous they are with their time and energy when they come. I am thankful for them and we benefit so much.

Brett & the girls

I love the people on this couch. And I'm so happy that Brett had a few minutes to read, uninterrupted. (I can't remember exactly, but thanks to either Curious George or Veggie Tales)