It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I am madly in love with this time of the year. The hustle and bustle of the season brings an all over good feeling that I wish would never go away. From the Christmas music played in every store I enter to the decorations that brighten the way home to the way our house looks with only the lights on the Christmas tree branches shining, I find this season simply magical.
Getting together with family is one of my most favorite things as it is, so add the holidays to the mix and well...it doesn't get better than that (unless the Cowboys make it to the Super Bowl and then well... that's just a dream come true).
This year, it snowed on Christmas eve. Amazing. We had the best day with my family - good food, great conversation, awesome presents :), and a lot of love. When it came time for them to leave, they didn't get very far. No, it wasn't because they couldn't stand the thought of being away from me (which may have subconsciously had something to do with it), but as they traveled down Highway 4, 2 of the 3 cars ran off the road, stuck, unable to get out. My parents car, the only one to survive, slid as they were trying to turn around. So, all bundled up, Tony, Kate, Ryan, Kayla and the 3 sweet babies trecked their way down Highway 4 to meet up with my parents. Can you just imagine? However, they didn't walk long until an awesome family in a huge truck (ones that Elliott calls tractors) picked them up and brought them all the way to my house. Despite the cold noses, frozen feet and hands, I was secretly glad they were back. Because, to me, there is nothing like having family all together and this just meant I could enjoy them for that much longer.
Christmas morning, Santa had come. With some hesitation, Elliott came out to see just what he had left for her and her sister. Santa did good. :) We continued our celebration with the Roe Christmas over at Gigi and Papa's. Santa had been there to visit, too, leaving lots of goodies for the girls. In the words of Elliott, "Wow! It's amaseeng!" I love the tradition of being over there on Christmas Day. It's the perfect way to spend Christmas Day, with some of the most generous people I have ever known.
This is the most wonderful time of the year. It's not the presents. It's not the food. It's the people. The people that I love the most that make this time of the year magical. And, there are a certain two that put the icing on the cake...

I'm back...

So... so much has happened since I last wrote. I've moved from Pre-K to 4th grade, Beckett's first birthday (I'm sorry, baby! Special blog coming soon), Thanksgiving, I dyed my hair red (Thanks, Whit!) and now all things Christmas. With that being said, I have been super, duper busy. I have neglected the very things that help me focus on the important things in life... That's why I am now vowing to continue my blog, so that I may once again, be focused on the little things in life - the things that make life worth living, the things that inspire me everyday, the things that are MY life.

Fore!

Labor Day was one of the best days I've lived in a long while. My family came and spent the day here with us. There's nothing like being with family. I enjoy every minute. To me, one of the best feelings in the world is spending time with the people you love the most. Even though, ever since and I mean every single day since, I have heard "Chi bwoke Elwie's bawoon," I wouldn't trade time with my family for anything. There were many highlights to my day. Making the short list, golf with my dad, brother and brother in law was one of my favorites. We had so much fun. I loved getting to talk with my dad. I always love hanging out with my brother, even if we get a little competitive. And, Tony, well , there's not a time where I don't enjoy being around his contagious smile. We had such a great time! And, of course, making my first par ever didn't hurt either. :) I wish we could do it more often. And, a big shout out to my mom and sister who entertained all the babies and to my husband for working for our family. (I know how much it stunk to be working while we were playing golf together). I know I've said it before and it won't be last time I say it, but I have the most amazing family. I'm so, so blessed.

Happy birthday to my fabulous brother in law! Tony, I am so lucky to have you in my life. Your spirit, your unconditional love, your encouragement... YOU are amazing! I couldn't be happier that you chose to join our family. You take such great care of my sister. I can remember so vividly your face the night they took Kate to Harris. I remember begging you to quit being a superhero and just let it out. I remember you staying in the trauma waiting room for days without leaving, just waiting for the 10 minutes you got to see her every 2 hours. Your strength was admirable. Your calm was infectious. You pulled her through and for that alone, I will be forever grateful. Not only are we all blessed with you, but also with the most incredible children I have ever known. You are the other half of the buddy club. You are my Joey Galloway. You are an amazing friend, brother in law, and uncle. I love you, Tony. Happy Birthday.

Yes, family, there is a Beckett.

On her 10 month "birthday," Beckett experienced her first trip to the park. That sounds horrible, I know. I've got to get this girl out of the house (No comments, Mom, Dad, Kate, Tony, pretty much my entire family!). She's such the perfect little thing; I knew she'd love it! And she did...

for about five whole minutes. Then, the sweet baby swung herself right to sleep.

Isn't she the sweetest thing you've ever seen? Oh Beck, how I love you! I couldn't imagine not having your sweetness in my life.

A Day of Firsts

Today was a pretty exciting day in the Roe household.
Today, Eddie started his new job. We are so proud of him. Patiently and humbly waiting, he's been the absolute rock of our family. It's been a long time coming; it couldn't have happened to a better man.
Today, I began the year with a whole new crew of four year olds. I couldn't have had a better day; they are the absolute sweetest group of kids! It doesn't hurt that I only have eleven. (So far, that is. It's going to change for sure; It always does). And, it also doesn't hurt that my amazing mother in law and sister in law sent the most incredible basket of goodies filled with TONS of stuff - pedicure gift certificate, a super lunch sack from Etsy, an Arby's card, magazines, candy, thousand island, ketchup, stationary, and i could go on and on. I was envied by all who laid eyes on the basket!
Today, Elliott attended her first day of preschool. I'm not sure that she had the best time, but she sure did look cute. ;) The day could be a whole other blog on its own that I'm not sure I'm not going to get into. She may be too young - She's been quite spoiled to say the least (as have I). We are so incredibly blessed with a mother/mother in law/Gigi. I wouldn't have enough time or space to list all the reasons why. Throughout the life of the blog, you will come to find out many of them; it's inevitable. She's a major part of the positive aspects of our life. One of the biggest blessings we have is that Gigi takes care of our two baby girls. It's not like she doesn't have anything else to do. She chooses them - It's simply amazing. She's been there from the very first day. I don't worry. I don't think. I have great peace. And, anyone who knows me knows that doesn't come easy. It's not my nature. It never has been. As I left the house this morning, a part of me felt excited for the new adventures Elliott would experience. The other part of me left anxious, nervous and a tad bit sad at the times Ellie will miss with her Gigi. There's an extreme comfort having someone who knows my girls inside and out be there to witness all the things I miss. I've always been so grateful for this amazing woman, but today magnified just one of the reasons that I am forever blessed.
Happy or a little sad, laughing and maybe a little crying, we had a pretty eventful day. God has given me an amazing family. They're my support system. Every single one of them. God has been good to me.

Demarcus Ware? A couple of doors down...that's where!

It's that time of the year. The time of the year that I absolutely love. It's football season and I love every minute. Eddie and I were fortunate enough to travel to San Antonio for Dallas Cowboys training camp this year. Oh my goodness...talking about my own personal heaven.
We stayed at the Hyatt, which was where the team was staying during camp. As we were unlocking the door to our room for the first time, we turned to see Demarcus Ware a couple of doors down. Seriously?!? So, we knew right then, that this was going to be a memorable trip. We went out to dinner on the Riverwalk and had a great time together. San Antonio is where we got engaged, so it's always special for us to be there. The next morning, we got up bright and early to head to camp. Decked out in our cowboys gear, we enter the elevator. And lo and behold, guess who gets in? Yes, Demarcus Ware. Ahhhh! With Eddie standing shoulder to shoulder with him and me with this ridiculously goofy grin that I couldn't erase, we just stood and stared. Should we have said something? Maybe, but we both agreed, we could have gone home right then and been satisfied. We received front row seat passes and had a fabulous time watching practice. We named each player as they ran out. We watched their every move. We even heard Roy Williams sing "Don't Take the Girl." We got Sam Hurd's autograph. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am so happy that I was able to share it with my husband. Here's to a great year...

The Ultimate Big Cousin!

I've been promising my nephew for months that when baseball season was over, he can come and stay with us. All summer, his sister has gotten to stay and go swimming and all the other "fun" stuff that Isaak was missing out on. He's a very talented baseball player and if you know anything about my family, you know that baseball is something we have never lived without. He absolutely loves playing...it's so funny, but sad at the same time, to see him get so invested in his games. He reminds me of someone else I know. ;)
So, a couple of weeks ago, Iso came to stay and we had a blast! He and Eddie were Wii buddies - Mario Kart until their eyes crossed! Isaak even taught Ed a few things. We swam, went to the jump house, he and Ed played golf and he and E had their own little slumber party! It's been the only 2 nights she's stayed in her own bed in a long while.
Isaak has a heart of gold. As the oldest of the bunch, he has taken to his role with perfection. He's a professional older cousin, loving E and B as much as humanly possible. He plays with E as if she is the most fun girl he's ever met. He's her protector. He loves to hold B and make her laugh. I swear he got more excited than we did when she started walking. He is seriously one of the funniest kids I know. His wittiness rivals Eddie's. He's a jokester. He's ridiculously athletic - and you know, I love that! He's my little guy. Words can't explain how much he means to me. I love watching him grow and learn more and more. Oh, and did I mention how smart he is? I'm telling you...he's the entire package. Isaak Maurice...your aunt loves you so much!

And she's off...

A couple of weeks ago, Miss Beckett's Uncle Tony witnessed her very first steps. I'm pretty sure his exact words were, "Uh, your daughter just took three steps." Ever since, she's been on the move. She is so brave; she thinks she can full on walk! It's such a difference from her timid older sister. She wants to go so bad! And she tries, wearing a smile the size of her face!
Here she is 8 days shy of 9 months...

Baby girl, stop growing up so fast!!!

Payback is ....

We're in trouble. My mom and dad have to be enjoying this just a bit, even if they don't admit it. Our little 2 year old blessing seems to have developed a mind of her own. Yes, we're in for it.

Yesterday, I was brushing Elliott's hair, getting her ready for a trip to Cleburne. She despises anything to do with her hair. Brushing it, washing it, braiding it...you name it; she hates it. As I began the ponytail, our conversation went like this...

"Stop it, Mommy."
"Elliott, you do not tell Mommy to stop it."
Very matter of factly, I hear...
"Stop it, Anna."

Huh. Payback? I think maybe so.

So pretty!

Elliott loves to be pretty! She loves to pretend to put on my make-up, she constantly wants to put on lotion, she loves to wear dresses and she doesn't want to leave the house without spraying on a little perfume. She tells me and Beck often that we're pretty. She loves pretty!

Monday, we spent a great day with my sister and her family. Elliott loves when her cousins come to play. And, I do, too. We had the best day swimming, visiting and cooking out.

After dinner, we were relaxing, the kids were playing and then, we hear "Malchi, (Elliott's version of Malachi) so pretty!" And, as we looked up...

my poor sweet nephew had a big blue bow in his hair! So funny! My brother in law is going to kill me for this, but I couldn't resist. Isn't he absolutely adorable?!?

MINE!

We have just entered the world of "mine!" Every toy is "mine." Every bite of food is "mine." Anything and everything that Beckett has is "mine." I wish the word did not exist.
This literally just started maybe a week ago. Eddie and I were puzzled. We had no idea where she picked up the word. If she ever has something of ours she's not supposed to, we say "That's Mommy's" or "That's Daddy's." As a matter of fact, she loves to bring us things that belong to us. (Here lately, it's been Eddie's wedding ring. I'm predicting that one day soon we won't be able to find it.) Elliott loves to name the belongings of everyone - "Mommy's cup. Ellie's cup." or "Daddy's pizzi. Ellie's pizzi." She's been pretty good about sharing until lately.
We were eating our regular Sunday dinner with Chelsea and Hoop when Elliott told Beckett, "No, it's mine!" They laughed. (Yeah, just wait Aunt Chels and Unc...just wait). I was telling them that she started this out of the blue and that we couldn't figure out where she got it from. Hoop said "She sounds like the seagulls from Finding Nemo!" Eddie and I looked at each other. Ding! Ding! Ding! Finding Nemo is like her favorite right now - It's her bedtime "moonie."
As I fell asleep a couple of nights ago with Elliott watching her favorite movie, something startled me. I jumped up quick and looked up, focusing on the movie playing. It was the seagulls. They were all shouting back and forth, "Mine!" "Mine!" "Mine!" That word is haunting me.

Little Miss Chatterbox

"Mommy, it's broken."
"What's broken, Elliott?"
"The TV, Mommy. What happened?"

Beckett is crying. Elliott runs in the room, "What happened, Beck?"

What happened? Well, new words, that's what. The vocabulary of my 26 month old has blossomed. It's amazing the new words that flow out of her mouth daily. I love this stage! Aside from the occasional tantrums and the ever-growing independence, I am declaring this stage my absolute favorite so far in the life of Elliott Kate. We're starting to have real conversations. It's great. I'm soaking it up because I know I'm about to enter the world of "Why?"



*Disclaimer - If you are not related to Elliott, you can stop reading here. The remaining blog is for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members who read to keep up with my girls as well as for my own documentation. Okay, you've been warned.

This stage is seriously awesome! Elle's brain is like a sponge. She picks up little things left and right. We've definitely realized the importance of being a positive role model.

Elliott can...
-identify 24 letters of the alphabet.
-name the shapes circle, triangle, rectangle, square and octagon.
-identify the colors red, green, blue, pink, purple, orange, white, and black.
-spell her name aloud.
-recognize her written name.
-name her body parts.

Elliott...
-disciplines the little one by yelling "Beckett Kate!" Ha! This is because she hears "Elliott Kate" quite frequently these days.
-calls Eddie and me by our names if she doesn't get an answer right away using "Daddy" or "Mommy."
-is now a hugger! Her entire life we have waited for her to throw her arms around us. There's nothing better.
-drags her sister around on her blanket. Beckett has a monster grip - It's hysterical!
-loves to play catch!
-run and grabs your leg and yells "I got you!"

I'm sure over the next month or two, she'll have learned so much more. I've always heard this is the time where she will surprise us continously! I LOVE being a mommy!

And so it begins...

Elliott is not a big eater. She never has been. While Beck wants to eat everything in sight, Ellie isn't interested in food much at all. Right now, her diet consists of chicken nuggets, burgers, french fries, salad with thousand island, gummy snacks, ice cream and hershey kisses. And, even those junk foods, we can only get her to partially eat. You don't have to tell me. It's horrible. I know. You also don't have to tell me that it's pretty much my diet as well. I know that, too.
Eddie and I often bargain with Elliott when eating: just one more bite, eat two more fries, if you eat one more big piece, you can have ice cream, etc. So, a few of days ago, I asked Elle to eat one chicken nugget and then she could have some candy..not unusual for a dinner routine. I watched her take a bite of the chicken nugget just like a good girl would. Eddie and I were praising her for eating so much dinner! It was a rare occasion. As I bent down to pick something up off the floor, I noticed something under Elliott's leg. Yep, you guessed it. It was the chicken nugget she had somehow sneaked from her mouth to a secret hiding space that her mommy wouldn't notice. I couldn't believe my eyes. In secret code, I told her daddy who asked her where her nugget went - She timidly took the chicken nugget from under her leg and raised it up above the table with an undeniably innocent look. Her daddy and I couldn't resist. It was too funny. Until....
Two nights ago, same song and dance. "Mommy, down, please." "Elliott, one more bite and you can get down." So, here's Elle taking a big bite as only a two year old would, right? No. I turned my head for just a moment and as I looked back at my big girl, I saw her taking the bite out of her mouth and throwing it as quick as she could. Wow.
And so it begins...

Getting back in the swing of things...

Today was my first time back on a golf course since I found out we were expecting our sweet Elle. And, I have to tell you, it was so much fun!
I've made a pact with myself to enjoy the moment (see a previous blog!) and if you've ever played golf, then you're probably laughing about now. Seriously, I don't think I'm the only one who has a hard time keeping a positive attitude during a whole round of golf. It's a frustrating game, but for the most part, I maintained a happy face, truly enjoying the moment.
Despite my moments of weakness and rusty game play, I had a great time. I loved getting back out there. I loved spending quality time with my husband. I even loved taking tips from him. :) I loved the fact that I didn't get totally upset when I hit a bad shot. And, I loved working on my tan.
I know that golf is Eddie's time; he's awesome to take me out. I had such a great time...I hope he knows what he's gotten himself into!

God Bless America!

Last Saturday was a sweaty but eventful 4th of July! We took the girls to the parade downtown Granbury Saturday morning along with Aunt Chels, Holly and Jackson. We met up with the girls' bffs, Baylor and Larin, and had the best time! Elle and Bay love to play "Ring Around the Rosie," (which by the way has a really weird meaning. eeek!)

They are so stinking adorable. Elliott ate at least 4 suckers, thinking she was big enough to eat all the candy the girls gathered. Beckett crawled around chewing candy wrappers left behind. Depsite the heat, we had a super morning!

While the girls napped under the watchful eye of their Gigi, Eddie and I swam the afternoon away in a pool that felt more like bathwater. We enjoyed the time together, but the whole time talked about the things Elliott would be saying or doing and how she would be loving the pool. Seriously, what would we be doing without our precious girls? I hardly remember what it was like and to tell you the truth, I really don't want to...

That evening, we headed out to the Decordova street dance to hang out with our DCBE crowd. Elliott, of course, danced the night away listening to her Unc play and watched all the "kids," as she likes to call them, jump in the bounce houses and get soaked in the dunking booth. And even better, when we got home, Elle was greeted by sweet baby Beck, Grammie and Pops.

It was a great day with great fun and great friends! Happy Birthday, America!

There's been little sleep around here...

and we may have just found out why!
Beck just cut her first tooth! We were wondering when the little pesky things would start to pop up since Elliott had at least two by now.
Our sweet baby Beck is such a great sleeper - she is completely spoiling us! We forgot what it was like to be up with a baby at night. We knew something was bothering her and sure enough, one tiny tooth has broken through her little baby gums.
Look what that mean little tooth is doing to our precious baby...

She's exhausted!

Pwaaa! That's pool in Ellie talk :)

Well, she's following in the footsteps of her sister...Beckett loves the water! Her first time swimming, she enjoyed every minute! And, now that Elle has graduated to her floaties, she's happily passed the hippo on to her baby sister. Now that I am finished with summer school, I'm sure the majority of our days will be spent soaking up the sun, covered in sunscreen, of course.













And, when Beck had enough, here she goes with Daddy, Britney Spears style, on to hang out with her Gigi.

AHHH! I love summer!

"Heal the world...make it a better place"

This past Thursday, the world lost a music legend. Michael Jackson left this world abruptly leaving many to mourn the loss of an icon. He was arguably the most influential, the most innovative and the most talented entertainer of all time.

I didn’t get to witness firsthand the greatness of his early years – I’m too young. MTV was banned in my house, so even in the 80s and early 90s, my Michael Jackson intake was limited. But, somehow, I know words to the songs and dance moves to the videos. That’s because his musical talent goes way beyond the moment.

Oddly enough, just last week, one of the little kindergartners I’m teaching in summer school said, “I like the song Thriller! You know, Mrs. Roe, that’s Michael Jackson.” I laughed out loud. I couldn’t believe this six year old was telling me about MJ. Too funny! When I learned of his death, the reflection of this conversation led me to think about all the many fans, from old to young, that enjoyed the music of Michael Jackson.

I have already received horrible jokes about MJ’s death. I have read countless articles reminding everyone of the bizarre behavior in the latter years of his life. The very day after I heard co-workers bash on the media for making such a huge deal out of it when he was such a “bad person” and for complaining about all the coverage when it hadn't even been 24 hours. I’m not here defending him. I’m not saying I don’t agree with some of it. But, I do know that he was acquitted of the charges brought against him. And, I do know that I have no right to judge. And, I’m sorry, but it really bothers me when people negatively talk about things when they have no proof or knowledge of the absolute truth.

A few years back, I remember watching the documentary on MJ. I remember feeling so sad for him. As everyone kept calling him “Wacko,” I couldn’t help but feel deeply sorry for him. He never experienced true childhood. He missed out on so much. I don’t know if it contributed to his troubles. Yes, I understand the argument on the flipside. But, personally, I think there was more to him than we know....a genuine love for people and the wish to truly change the world.

The one thing we cannot deny is the brilliance and artistry that Michael Jackson brought to the world. If you think about the performers that we love today, most in some way were influenced by MJ. I know that many, including my friends, will not agree with me. But, I hope that Michael Jackson is remembered for the imprint he has left on music, not the headlines that ruined his career.

I wonder if Neverland Ranch will become a Graceland?

The first man in my life...

I can remember racing to the phone, answering and asking who was on the other end when I knew exactly who it was at the first word. "Yogi Bear," he would reply, followed by "Hey Hey BooBoo!" Every once in a while, he might add a "Don't forget the pic-a-nic basket" line. It was my dad, the one and only.
My dad wears socks with his houseshoes, the kind that pull up over the calf. You'll never catch him without shoes on. I have never known him to wear any other jeans other than his trusty Levis. He may replace them, but it's always the same exact style.
I always thought my dad was the coolest because he could do flips off the diving board...even if he did wear cutoff jean shorts as his swimsuit.
I honestly cannot think of a time in all my many years of playing sport after sport, season after season, that my dad was not there - He was my number one fan. After every game, I always went straight to my dad for his take on my performance. His opinion mattered most, even if it was a little tough sometimes.
My dad carried the same black lunchbox to work until sometime after I left home. I'm pretty sure it had duct tape keeping it together at the end of its life. He is a creature of habit.
He's the one who examines each and every plaque at the battlefields in Mississippi or the lighthouses in Florida. He once got pooped on by a bird at Johnson Space Center. He rode with me on my very first roller coaster at Disney World. (Actually, he was behind me as we found out once we got to the top. AHHH!)
I can hear my dad singing "The Beverly Hillbillies" theme song, waving his hands in the air. Man, that would embarrass me. I blame Kelli for that.

There is so much more about my dad that I'll keep for me: the times he's been there for me without ever questioning the circumstance, the times that it only took a hug to make me feel better, the times that all I wanted to do was go home. Each day, I appreciate him more and more.

I wish I could take back all the nights he worried about me or all the guys I dated while he just bit his tongue. I wish I knew then what I know now. Having just celebrated my dad's 28th father's day, he's just as amazing as he was 28 years ago.

As I now watch my husband with my girls, I see the same look in his eyes, the same joy on his face, the same emotion fill his heart as my dad has. I can't help but smile as I know how many memories they will make as the years go by. I thank God for blessing my girls with a dad as great as mine.

Summertime and the livin's easy...

You can add "Pool Rat" to Elliott's long list of titles...this girl is a water loving, floatie wearing, true to definition pool rat. The summer will officially begin in a couple of days and already Elliott is absorbing every minute!

The minute I walk in the door or she wakes up from a nap or finishes her lunch, she'll ask "Pool, please, Momma." We find her putting on a swim diaper over her clothes, trying to put on her own bathing suit, or wearing floaties on each arm. I'm not going to lie; it has been a bargaining tool a time or two. (I know it's horrible, but seriously, a mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do, right?) One day, Elliott was hanging out with Gigi and she kept begging to go to the pool. Gigi explained, "Gigi doesn't go to the pool, but when Mommy gets home, you can go." Well, not ten seconds after I entered the house, Elliott's up and ready expecting me to swoop her up and be pool bound.

She counts one, two, three and jumps off the side. She's newly discovered that floaties actually help her float. She chases Flippy and screams at the boats cruising by. She lets every bug in the water know to "Shoo!" She has even yelled "Kid! Kid!" at some little guys on a jet ski.

Just tonight, her face lit up when Eddie pulled out her swim gear. I adore her obsessions. Her passion for the things she loves is contagious. This summer is going to be one of the best yet.

Miss Piggy!

For seven months, our world has been so, so much sweeter with the addition of our precious baby Beck. She sleeps, she plays, she smiles constantly. She's a little sensitive and maybe a tad bit needy. She loves to grab her sister's hair and she's climbs on everything! She doesn't have to sleep in a swing. :) She'll let pretty much anyone hold her. She's my Beck Beck and I love her so very, very much!

Sweet baby Beck has now discovered food! She just developed this big appetite! I am amazed at how much this girl is eating! I am proud to say that she has officially started on Gerber Graduates! (If you didn't know, this was unheard of with Elliott until she was much older. I was crazily overprotective. Little did I know, her Papa had already given her tea and crackers!) So, our tiny, little petite baby won't be petite for much longer! I think she's taking after her cousin Malachi who went completely crazy at first taste. Eat on, baby Beck...just wait until you get to the good stuff!

Elle rocks the 'potty'!

The past two evenings I have spent the majority of my time in the bathroom. No, I'm not sick. And I'm definitely not cleaning (I'm sure that you could have guessed that). I've been hanging out with my everchanging two year old. We haven't said much at all to her about using the potty. She just very recently even became the slightest bit interested. We haven't been in a rush; we realized that when it's time, she'll let us know. (Yes, I'm keeping my vow to take it one day at a time).

Elliott's Gigi bought her a Sesame Street potty seat and got it out for her a couple of days ago. One look at that seat and the potty is now her best friend. She has yet to actually USE the potty, but she's talking about it non-stop and wants us to cheer for her when she hasn't done anything but sit on the potty. But, of course, we do! and we think it's too cute!

Here's a peek at our big girl... (Notice the empty toilet paper roll. She pretend 'wipes' until it's all gone, flushing the potty a crazy amount of times.)

School's out for summer! Well, for most...I'm teaching summer school, but the 2008-09 school year has officially come to an end. While I absolutely LOVE summer, swimming, spending time with my baby girls, and just having some free time, I also miss school! I miss my kids, my colleagues and just my daily routine of living a teacher's life! It never fails; each year, I cry like a baby as I read my students the final book of the year. It's just something about their tiny little hugs, big giant smiles and the innocence of their first year in school that makes me realize how lucky I am to be a teacher.

On May 10th, 2007 around 11:00 pm, I went into labor with Elliott. I remember waking Eddie from his deep sleep. As soon as the words registered, he jumped up. Ahhh, the look on his face! Priceless! Surprisingly, we were packed and ready to go. I laugh now about how I thought that the cramps I was having were contractions. Just a few hours later, I would know just exactly what contractions were! Eddie and I were so nervous yet so excited. It was definitely an amazing experience.
At about 12:30 am on May 11th, we got checked into the room and were assigned a nurse, Ruthie. At first, all was great. I was fairly comfortable and handling the pain quite well. Eddie was just settling in as we knew we had a long day ahead of us. Believe me, Ruthie, the nurse, let us know more than once. A few hours later, the pain became more intense. I informed Ruthie of the pain. She instructed me to try and work through it, that I wasn't anywhere close to being to the 'strong' ones. All through my pregnancy, I was always paranoid about being that girl who couldn't take it or that always thought she was in labor. So, I held my breath and tried again. But, soon after, I called. When she got around to it, she came back. She told me that with first babies it is always a long process, but if it got to the point I couldn't stand it to call her as she could give me something to help. About 6:00 am, it was that time. I think I might have bitten Eddie's hand. I don't remember the pain, but I do know it was something I had never ever felt. Ahhh! We pushed the call button. 10 minutes. Nothing. We pushed the button again. 10 minutes. Nothing except the same "we'll let her know" response. About this time, Eddie was getting upset. He called and told them I was in a lot of pain and to please send our nurse in. We waited. Again nothing. Now it's 6:45 am and I am hurting! Eddie couldn't take it. I kept trying to tell him that maybe she was super busy and that she was helping in a delivery or something important. He went to the nurses' station himself. Boy was I wrong, there Ruthie was sitting down doing paperwork. He explained the situation only to be told that Ruthie's shift ended at 7 am and that she was doing her end of shift paperwork. He was told that our day nurse would be in shortly.
Straight up 7 am walks in my angel, our day nurse, Robin. She sensed that I was in a lot of pain and immediately gave me some medicine to take the edge off. She then called Dr. Motley right away (who by the way is super awesome). Dr. Motley told Robin to order an epidural as soon as I want one. Seriously? She didn't even ask me, she just ordered. A short time later, I'm feeling great! At 1:23 pm, Elliott Kate Roe entered the world. Robin was there the entire day, rubbing my head, making sure I was comfortable, coaching me through each step. She handed me my sweet baby girl for the first time. Tears streamed down her face as I became emotional showing off Elle to my family for the first time. For the next two days, Robin was happily there with us and we were more than happy for her to be. To tell you the truth, when she left for the night, I felt lost.

Ruthie performed her job for what it was... a job. She went through the motions, getting in and out. She's been here and done that. As soon as she began her shift, she was counting the hours until it was quitting time. Could I have caught her on a bad day? Sure. But, not once did I feel like she cared or that she was there to help me.
Robin began working before her shift started. The love of her job was obvious from the minute she walked into the room. She made me feel like I was her only patient. Robin cried after MY baby was born. Even though she had been doing this for 13 years at that time, you would have never known. You would have thought this was the first time she had seen the birth of a baby. She completely understood the magnitude of this experience for me, Eddie and our entire family.

As I reflect on each child that left my classroom yesterday, I pray that I was their Robin, not their Ruthie. The experience I had 2 years ago inspires me to not just do my job, but love every single minute of it. My hope is that I made each family feel as if I am a part of their world. I want it to seem as if it's the first time I've ever seen a child learn to count to 30 or master all the letters of the alphabet. As I complete my fourth year of teaching, I hope to be like Robin when it's been fourteen.

Independent. Unpredictable. Recognizably TWO!

My sweet Elliott Kate, I remember the day you were born so vividly. I can remember your precious face. I remember your daddy and I soaking in the sound of your voice. I can remember holding it all in until I saw your Uncle Ryan as your whole family followed right in to see you just minutes after you entered the world. I remember thanking God over and over for the miracle of life. I remember thinking life doesn't get any better than this. Now, two years later, you bring us even more happiness than you did on that indescribable day.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine reminded me how not long after you were born, I used to wish you were two. I wasn't very good at the baby stage and thought it would be so much fun if you would skip ahead to the grand age of two. Now, that you've reached that milestone, I was absolutely right - You are so much fun, a true joy. We are loving every single minute. But, I was also very wrong in wishing your life away. (Even though, sorry Elle, you weren't the best when it comes to babies.) I cherish every single second of you and vow from this day forward to live in the moment. I am so thankful for you, my precious baby. There are no words to express the overwhelming love I have for you. As I sit here watching you, my eyes no longer dry, I watch you in amazement. I am so lucky.

I am so excited to watch you learn. Each day brings something new. It's incredible! And although, sometimes you're filled with "no" and "stop," I wouldn't change it for the world.

Now PLEASE slow down and stop growing so quickly!

Just a couple of weeks after your second birthday, here are some of my favorite Ellie things:

- You're completely obsessed with Abby Cadabby and Elmo and all things Sesame Street!

-You walk on your toes - always have.

- You are newly into Yo Gabba Gabba! and you do a 'mean' dancy dance!

- You'd much rather jump than walk.

-You LOVE animals, especially your "Ahmi!" (Emmi)

-You associate people together! If you hear Chelsea, you say Unc. If we say Katie, you say Chi, Jordy, Isaak and/or Tony. If you hear Grammie, you say Pop! (Just for the record, three days ago you were talking to Pops on the phone and asked for Grammie. First time! She was SO happy!)

-You can recognize your Gigi and Papa's house from a mile away!

-Your favorite words are "It's stucky." How is everything you touch stuck?

-You love your Beck Beck so much! Your favorite thing is to make her laugh.

-Your favorite foods are "pizzi," "i ceem," apples, and cheese. You eat "snackies" (gummy fruit snacks) like they're going out of style!

-Even though I hate to admit it, you love your bedtime "moonie!" (right now, it's Cinderella)

There's so much about you, Ellie girl, that I absolutely adore. I couldn't imagine life without you. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

newborn!

one year old!

two years old!