Engagement Announcement

The other day Abbey had a big smile on her face when I picked her from school. When I asked her how her day went she announced to me that her and a little boy in her class are getting married. It was his idea. This came as a big surprise because while I knew of her little girl friends I did not know of this blooming relationship.

According to Abbey, it all started when her and "the girls" were playing in the house area at free play. They brought cookies to the "the boys" in the car area. Then the little boy came to play with her in the house area. Now they are buddies who play together. Pretty cute....

I asked Abbey if she could wait until she graduates from college until she gets married. Abbey agreed not to get married until after her college graduation as long as she could have a juice box and play Candy Land when we got home. I thought that was fair enough.

Not So Little Cari

Cari attended her routine doctor visit today and received a clean bill of health. She is up to date with her major mile stones, and is weighing in at 22lbs 4.8 oz, and is 34 in long. That is 20% for height and 95% length. Thumbs up Cari.

Mommies And Their Babies

The Red Couch Photo Revisited

The original red couch post to this blog was made on April 9,2008. It is amazing how our little ones have transformed into very active toddlers in such a short time.

Gung Hay Fat Choy.. Happy New Year

We celebrated Chinese New Year this weekend with Nana and friends from Wisconsin who traveled with Mark to China. We all ate dumplings, watched the dragon and caught up on old times.

Little Ellie Is Not So Little Anymore

Ellie Went to the doctor recently for a routine check up and recieved a clean bill of health. She is Weighing in at a juicy 24Lb 6.7oz, and is 30 inches tall. That is 95% for height and weight. Now if only she would sleep through the night.

A New Skill

Carina can climb down the steps all by herself. Her smile says it all:-)

Hair Cuts For Chinese New Year

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January 26,2009 is Chinese New Year. It is customary to buy new clothes for the children of the house and get their hair cut to start the year fresh and new.

I took Abbey and Cari for a much needed hair cut in honor of this tradition. They also got their nails done. Cari loved getting her nails painted while chewing on a princess phone making calls to Daddy. However, she would only let the the girl paint one hand. I thought it was pretty funny, but the girl painting nails didn't get it. Abbey got her hair put in an up-do with glittery spray. By the time we got to the car she was not liking her fancy hair. "MY HEAD HURTS!!!" were her exact words. Within 10 minutes of arriving home every last bobby pin was out. As for Cari, her "mom haircut" is becoming less noticable, but the back still has a ways to go. As for little Ellie goes, she still doesn't have enough hair to cut. Maybe next year.

Play Date

Abbey had a play day at her friend L's house today. They had Hanna Montana Mac and Cheese, and did all things girly. Dressing up in Princess costumes, playing with beads, and giving each other pedicures were just a few areas they covered in an hour and a half. Even Cari got in on some of the action.

The Sledding Incident

Mark took Abbey sledding this weekend along with a friend and his son. Abbey was so excited about this trip that she was bouncing around all day long. Fast forward to the hill. Two overly excited, happy, energetic kids debating on who could get down the hill the fastest.

I was not there, but this is what I got out of Mark's phone call to me. The sled veered right. A two foot drop. Road Rash. My heart sank. My poor baby.

I expected them home shortly after, but my little trooper made 7 more runs down that mean old hill until cold limbs got the best of her. Daddy and Abbey made their way to McDonald's for some comfort food. A Happy Meal always makes things better. Despite being freezing, she felt a Hot Fudge Sunday would help her feel better. Something tells me she was "working daddy" on that one.

When the two arrived home around 9 I was in tears. I gave her a big hug. I expected a bit of whining and girly drama. Instead, she said to me "don't worry mom, it doesn't hurt." I still felt some snuggles on the couch, and Tylenol were in order. We love you Abbey.

Keep Out!!

With all the fun places to play in the house, some spots are off limits. Note to self "pick up baby proofing materials at Target this weekend." Until then, Daddy's old belt will work nicely to keep little hands out of the bathroom cabinet.

Monkey See Monkey Do.........

Look whose going through my cabinet, it's trouble times two. If I am in the kitchen doing something I can assume that within a moment or two Cari or Ellie will be playing in the cabinet near my dishwasher. I have removed all the dangerous items from it and let them have their fun.

This morning, Ellie was busy in the cabinet playing with whatever while Cari was eating a cracker, and playing with toy food. Upon noticing that Ellie had the coveted seat in the house, Cari wanted it to herself. Rather than whine and cry about it, Cari formulated a plan. She brought Ellie both her half eaten cracker and the toy she had in her hand. Ellie was more than happy to get the cracker and the toy and Cari took over Ellie's spot in front of the cabinet.

When I told Mark about this morning's adventure, his comment was "In my industry that could be prosecuted as a bait and switch." My comment back was " in our house this bait and switch could be prosecuted with a time out if someone got sassy." I am happy to report that no timeouts took place. They were very sweet with each other, and I got a good laugh.

Our Family Pet

Mark surprised the girls with a three foot panda to sit on. They just love him. Cari looks at it and makes The "woof" sound. This is the closest thing we will have to a dog until the girls are a bit older, although I look forward to the day we bring home another pound princess. Panda the dog will do fine until then.

Ikea

We ventured south for a day trip to Schaumburg. It's been awhile since we made our way to Ikea. I've never bought a lot from there, but it sure is a fun place to visit. We picked up some fun odds and ends for Abbey's room. And some AWESOME baby bibs that fit like a shirt... They keep the babies' clothes clean even when eating spaghetti and meat balls. Did I mention these things are AWESOME?! We feasted on Swedish meatballs from the cafe, but Abbey and Cari liked the fruits snacks from Mom's purse better. After Ikea, daddy took Cari and Abbey for a smoothie at Jamba Juice. Ellie and I made our way to Woodfield Mall. I advised Mark that it was just to do some quick window shopping. He didn't believe any of that statement.

Christmas Morning Breakfast

Daddy served up a few bowls of Trix cereal for breakfast so the girls would have some instant, sugar loaded energy just before opening gifts on Christmas morning. I usually buy Cheerios or Corn Chex. Daddy buys Trix. Abbey advised me that she likes Daddy's cereal better. Go figure.

Hair Raising Issues

Abbey has always talked about wanting long hair. I advised her that she can have long hair when she learns to take care or it herself. Or at least let me brush it without a melt down. She had done neither so her hair remained in a short, but cute bob. Recently Abbey has been taking an interest in doing things herself. Like brushing her hair. I promise to let her hair get "longer" if she chooses to take care of it. Armed with a mommy brush and Suave detangling spray, Abbey took care of business. What can I say, she did well. As of this moment there is no hair cut appointment scheduled.. Good Job, Abbey.



My dearest Carina. I want to apologise to you. Please understand that no matter how hard I try to be a good mommy, I do make mistakes. One in particular was trying to cut your hair myself. You see, baby mullets and untrimmed bangs are bad. Even on someone as cute as you. I was just trying to take control of the situation without taking you out in sub zero weather. Within a few months time their should be no sign of this hair cut gone bad. And I promise, that in the future, I will leave all your hair cutting needs to a licensed professional.




Little Ellie was born bald. This child did not even have eye lashes or brows. I dream of the day I can run my fingers through her hair. Until then, I think she is just adorable with her little bit of reddish, brownish, blondish, fuzz. Still bald, but not as bald as she was 10 months ago. Now she has lashes and brows. And from that smile on her face, I am certain that bald is beautiful.