The Cool School

First things first - Eleanor's tubes went in today so we're hoping this is the end of her ear woes. She did great. It's a very quick procedure. We were there a total of less than 2 hours. We were worried going in because she's developed a cold, had a fever and threw up last Friday, fever Saturday, and a 100-degree temp last night. By the grace of God, when the nurse took her temp at the hospital today it was normal so we went ahead with the procedure. Honestly, I think the nurse was even surprised she had no fever. Poor Elle looked just miserable. Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon.

Now, on to "the Cool School". Will is in a really great environment. He is learning so many things and getting to see and do more than I could even imagine. Among other creative and fun things, they do lots of field trips. Today, they had an amazing face painter come, so this is how Will looked when I picked him up. I have no idea how/if we're going to get it all off, but it looks really cool!

Growing up

There have been several little moments lately where I've realized these two little ones are growing up. I won't lie - sometimes it's a relief. Sometimes it makes me sad, though.
Will is becoming more of a little guy every day. He's reading words, doing simple math problems, growing taller, and giving a little attitude (as you can see in the photo at the top. I asked them both to smile...that's what I got from Will.)
Is there anything cuter than a little boy with a new haircut?

Eleanor has decided she's had enough of the highchair and wants to sit at the table with us. She is conversing more. The other day she said several times in a very whispery voice "whass da sow?" [what's that sound?] any time a new sound occurred around the house. Her other multi-word phrase that has become a favorite: "I throwed it." She's loving books and tries to sing her ABC's. We only get "A, B, C, D, E, eh, G" then she just sorta makes sounds to the tune of the song. Will thinks this is hilarious and laughs every time she does it, which, of course, makes her laugh - and do it even more! They are generally getting along really well and learning to play together more. It's fun to watch them entertain each other.

Tubes, tubes, here we come!

After a visit to the ENT yesterday, Elle is now scheduled for tubes in a couple weeks. We're hopeful this will provide all of us some much needed relief!

Her ears actually looked good at yesterday's appointment and she did great with the hearing test, so that is nice. Of course, her nose was runny after we got home and that continued through the night. I'm so hoping this doesn't turn into an actual cold and the inevitable ear infection to follow!

Snow Days & busy January

All of a sudden, winter has hit here! We didn't have any snow before Christmas, but we've had 3 good rounds of it lately. KU even closed for 2 days!!!! Unbelievable! We're all still trying to get over colds, ear infections, etc. but we enjoyed the snow days nonetheless. It was fun for all 4 of us to be home together.

These pictures are from the snow a few weeks ago. If you look really closely you can see Will using the saucer he got for Christmas to slide down the very small hill in our front yard. He loved it! Poor Elle is still battling ear infections, so I haven't let her go outside and play yet. I have no doubt she would enjoy the saucer rides!

And these aren't really snow days, just cute pictures of Eleanor :) Though in the first one she does look like she's all bundled to take on some outdoor adventure!

January was very busy for us. Along with the start of a new semester and Justin's birthday, we've had several other events. We had 4 babysitters lined up for different occasions in a 2 week span! I think the kids are glad we're done with all that! Last weekend, we got all dressed up to go to our Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner and auction. Justin is now on the board of directors, so it was important for us to go. Thanks so much to Casie & my mom for watching the kids, and especially to my mom for staying overnight! Elle has not slept all night in weeks (thanks to ear infections) and the thought of an uninterrupted night of sleep in a hotel was more than we could turn down!

And finally, here is our most recent snow storm -- a blizzard really. In our 2 snow days at home we: watched "Mickey's Magical Christmas" because Will insisted it was "the best snow movie!", baked cookies (as E shows evidence of below), did yoga (you gotta see Elle try to do it - she's awesome!), played lots of games, built a fort (inside), painted, did art projects, made snow ice cream, and so much more. We are now ready to go back to work and school :)