***WARNING***This post contains bathroom humor-

Elly actually pooped in the potty chair today! She is really on a roll...uh, I mean, doing really well...

Ok, sorry I had to do it.

Speaking of bathroom humor, Eden is never at a loss for words when it comes to bodily functions. We try to keep it pretty matter-of-fact since making things off-limits just seems to increase its intrigue with our curious girl. Yesterday she came out of the bathroom and said, "I pooped. It was HUGE. It was a long one and it looked like a moose head!" Gross.

Elly's Big Girl Room

I had yet to post any pictures of Elly's big girl bed. This will be the nursery again (probably in about 6 months or so--before the babe gets here) but for now, Elly gets her own big girl room with her Cozy Bed!

Elly is saying the most hilarious things recently. She says, "You're my best Momma, and I your best Elly." and "We're married, right Momma?" So cute. Yesterday after we took our family picture, Elly said, "Now we're married!"

la chiquita

Tub Time

Even though we don't watch Marcus every day anymore, I still get to pick him up from Daycare once or twice a week and we get to hang out with him. Last week we had fun in the tub!

This pretty much sums it up...

Family Picture

We had to snap some photos of our home and family for our dossier (adoption documents), so I thought I would post a few cute ones...kind of wish we had replaced that door already...Spring project! :)

She did it!

Elly is not waiting for her slow poke parents to potty train her! She's driving this train all on her own!

We have been thinking about potty-training her for a month or so (she is going to be 2 1/2 in March) so I have been letting her sit on the potty (the big one) and try to go when she wants to. Usually she doesn't go but we're getting the hang of flushing and pulling our pants up and down. Today I was downstairs and I heard her say, "I gotta go potty!" I heard her footsteps in the bathroom and then I sprinted up after her. She was in the bathroom, naked from waist down--dry. So she got up on the potty and after a long wait, she went! This isn't her first time, but it was her first time holding it and recognizing she needed to go before she went! Way to go Elly Belly!

Elly's New Sveater

We bought Elly a sweater on clearance at Target for $2. Then we realized she looked just like Sven on the AT&T commercial!

A Day at the Museum with Aunt Tiel

Today Tiel, Claude, Nia, Jackson (the boy Tiel watches), the girls, and I went to the Children's Museum to celebrate Nia's third birthday! We had a grand old time...Tiel is the most hilarious person to take somewhere. She is 100% into the moment, especially when kids are involved.
Tiel Moments:

"If Nia said, 'Let's put bubbles and pink paint on the walls,' I'd have a hard time saying 'No.'"

She started a Conga line from one end of the mall to the other in order to keep the girls from running astray...most of the Food Court was amused.

When the kids were playing in the make-believe shopping area, Tiel made such realistic sound effects as the Cashier, she not only had our kids shopping-til-they-dropped, but drew a crowd of kids who lined up to shop too!

Eden Lily & Elly Lyn

This is Wacky

Since I have been on a web forum for Ethiopian adoption, I have met some really awesome ladies who are just as psychotically doing paperwork as we are in the hopes of bringing their sweet baby or babies home as soon as possible. I have really enjoyed this community a lot.

Today I found out that I have a long lost sister in Michigan...my blogger pal, Holly, and I found out that we have all of the following things in common:

1. Artists
2. Cert. K-12 Art
3. Would like to teach HS art if we go back to teaching
4. Stay at home moms
5. Both have daughters name Elly/Ellie
6. Have the same girl's name picked out for the next one
7. Have the same boy's name picked out for the next one
8. Both adopting from Ethiopia currently

I was totally floored at all the similarities. Crazy world!

Edenisms, Part 15

Out of nowhere in the van, Eden yells out, "That kid's got class!" We laughed, and Dan said, "Eden, you have class!" And she said, "Yeah I know. Preschool."

One More Time!

We went ONE MONTH without an illness! Woo-hoo! Our streak was almost broken last week with a minor poison ivy scare (who gets poison ivy in -2 degree wheather? Eden...but we got it with Cortaid) but it was officially broken this afternoon with Elly's third-in-three months diagnosis of an ear infection. Luckily we are getting better at recognizing this, and we got her in on a Saturday after having a rough Friday/Friday night.

Elly's sick symptoms are so different from Eden's -- Eden would get tired and want to lay around or be really irritable. Elly, on the other hand, gets WILD. Seriously wild...she will run around knocking things down and hitting and kicking things, but not with a bad attitude, almost like she is so giddy she can't help herself. And this is her without medication! The doc today said, "You have a live wire here!" We went to the ICFP clinic because ours is closed on Saturdays, and the doctor we saw was great. She talked to Elly like we weren't in the room. She told her all about what she was doing (and not in a sing-song voice, just like she would you or me) and then she sat down and said, "Well, Elly, you have an ear infection." Elly said, "Kay." Doctor said, "So now I have to talk to your parents about what we're going to prescribe you for it." Elly said, "Kay." It was precious.

Vocabuelly

Here are some of Elly's cute new phrases and words:

futon/fruton = crouton, or an actual futon

mosh pillows = marshmallows

check-ups = chex mix

take a big beth = take a big breath (when she's playing doctor)

I have a list of things I am working on called "30 Before 30" -- 30 things I am trying to do before I turn 30. I have accomplished a few, such as beginning this adoption process (yay). Another one is to start making more art, to finish some of my paintings and drawings and maybe even sell a few to fund the adoption. I also have a half a dozen photos that I would like to print and frame. The above abstract photo is one I took recently.

Apparently this blog is morphing into a catch-all of kids' stuff, my stuff, kids' art, my art, funny stories, and adoption updates...

Wodr in the bazmint

I don't know if I blogged about our water in the basement problem...anywho...we did have some last weekend because our sump pump broke (Dan fixed it) and Dan tore up the carpet before I could stop him, unleashing a nasty standing-water smell that permeated the house just hours before his 30th b'day surprise party!! Of course I couldn't tell him WHY I didn't want him to pull up the carpet!

During this stressful event, Eden was drawing. She came to me and said, "Mom, here's a picture of Daddy and the water in the basement!"

When I turned it over, I saw the most precious words, "WoDR" and "Eden 5."


Here is one of Dan as he was trying to extract the carpet:

I guess he thinks pretending to dive into the water makes a really grouchy wife feel better about the water that threatened to ruin their newly remodeled basement!! (it did)

Signs of the Times

Dan told me today that instead of calling our babysitter, Lucy, and waiting a few days before she calls back, he got the idea to text her. He said, "I texted her if she'd be available to babysit Tuesday, and seriously, within seconds, she replied! We went on to have a long (and maybe expensive) text conversation, and she's watching the kids this Tuesday!" (We don't have a texting plan, we are old.)

No Layoff Here

To any of you who worried about us when you heard of North Liberty's plastic plant closing, worry no more...it was the other plastics plant! Dan's job is fine.

Thanks to everyone who asked!

Her Prayer. Our Prayer

Today before lunch, Eden listened to Dan pray for the meal, then she said, "I want to pray too." We reattached at the hands, and she began, "Thanks God for our lovely family..." then she became more poetic and Biblical than a five year old can understand. She said, "God, it is very good that You are here with us, but if we could see you closer that would make us much more happier."

Rocko Bama

Eden is quite a politico these days, and has been since the beginning. I remember when she was about 18 months old or so, she would ask me, "Momma, what John Kewwy say?" Now she calls one candidate "Rocko" as in "Rocko Bama."
Along those lines, Eden has sparked another post on her art teacher's blog.

Ah, Ome Honership

The woes of homeownership are upon us again. It's not that bad...just water in the basement...again! That's right, twice in a year (the year we finished the basement no less). This time it was a crack in the sump pump line. Not like a flood or anything, but you'd be amazed the amount of water that can get into your carpet when a pinhole leak sprays for days without anyone knowing it!! Lesson learned: inspect area around sump pump regularly!!

Eden's MuteMath Dance Moves

Here is a video from about a year ago (?) of Eden's super impressive modern dance moves...

Another Nia Moment

Click here to read Nia's cute quip.

Ear Tubes No More!

Eden has her year-after-surgery check up today for her tubes and we found them both disconnected from the ear drum. Dr. Viner ever so gently removed the blue plastic thingamabobs with the precision of a surgeon of course, using these long tweezer things with scissor-like handles. If you know how I like Dr. Viner, you know I loved it.

Eden did great, though one bothered her, I think because it was still a little stuck to the drum, but it didn't take much to get it out. The rest of the visit was spent with Eden telling Dr. Fritzy all about her dad and how he hurt his back, and how she got new Barbie boots for Christmas (which was followed/interrupted by Elly telling him how she got some new "piddy shoes" too).

I have to say, as we drove away this morning, I was secretly hoping that Elly would need tubes or some sort of ENT visits before Dr. Viner decides to retire! I do so love my Fritz!

Diet and Exercise, A New Year's Realization

Before Kids
Age 20-24
Diet- elaborately prepared meals and nights out on the town

Exercise- Long walks, going to the fitness center and spending 10 minutes on a machine, doing a couple of crunches at night and calling it good.

After One Child
Age 24-27
Diet- elaborately prepared healthy meals incorporating vegetables and having to eat them myself in order to be a good role model for my child

Exercise- Getting up an hour before my tot to work out in my basement 3 times a week

After Two Children
Presently
Diet- desperately attempting to make some semblance of a healthy meal each night, or let's be honest here, leaving it up to Pizza Ranch where at least there are carrots sticks and cottage cheese. Elder child sniffs out my inconsistencies as they are given carrots and cottage cheese, while I consume whatever I want since all I had to eat all day was the crusts of two peanut butter sandwiches and three M&M's I found under the couch.

Exercise- parking the kids in front of the TV while I try to keep up with a video that requires moving and getting up and down off of the floor without injuring myself; and having abandoned Sesame Street to see what Momma is up to, one child wanders in and sits on me while I attempt crunches and the other child outperforms me in all the advanced techniques.


;)

Snow Day, New Clothes, and a Random Reindeer Pic

Just a few to catch up...those of you with an eye for detail will be able to tell who Eden is voting for in this election! :)

AAhhhhhh....

Who could not love this face?!

Happy 30th Birthday to my wonderful husband on January 7th. This is (seriously) the face that won me over all those years ago...

I love you!

Here's the first of a few birthday gifts I have for you:

I was reading in your baby book, the first thing the doctor said when you were born was, "It's not a girl." The first thing your mom said was, "I LOVE HIM!"

Fatherhood, Dan-Style

Dan has a unique way of relating to the girls...he mostly is just himself, complete with euphemisms and sarcasm that is way over their head, but hilarious to the grown-up observer. Just now, he was reading to them "The Eye Book" and asked them if they wanted it in "regular" or "Jesse Jackson voice." They chose the Reverend.

(I've also heard him use the Al Pacino from Scent of a Woman voice)

My dad once called Dan "the dad that everyone wishes they had." That seems about right to me.

Oh, Eden

Today I sweetly picked Eden up and carried her to the couch and said, "Eden, sometimes I wish I were taller so that I could carry you around like a baby."

[Earlier today I had seen a very tall parent at preschool with his daughter, carrying her and snuggling her as if she were two.]

Eden said, "Well, I'm getting taller, I'll be as tall as my dad."
Me: Then you'll carry me around like a baby?
Eden: NO WAY! I'm not that strong! You're as heavy as ten people on a stick!

Elly's First Trip to the Dentist!

Elly had her very first trip to the dentist yesterday! Eden had an appt. too so she went first (I knew from my flu shot experience better than to let Eden watch Elly do it--she freaks). So Eden did everything (except Xrays--she wouldn't let them do it) and the I sat in the chair with Elly when it was her turn. She did great and the doctor said her teeth looked good, though he did comment on her laterals...the ones I call her dracula teeth...he asked me when she got those in, and I told him, "First!" He was a little surprised, but said all was well.

Eden's teeth looked good too; they always comment on her teeth and how good they are. She's been doing a good job of taking care of them, with only a little help!

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Eden and Elly but Were Afraid to Ask

Name: Eden Lily Grimes
Age: 62 months
Height: pretty much taller than I was in 6th grade
Weight: I think she's about 45 lbs or so
Size of clothing: 6, 6x
Size of shoes: 12.5 or 13 (again, me in 6th grade)
Favorite Foods: Panchero's tacos or cucumbers with Ranch
Least Favorite Food: she's gotten over her fear of oatmeal, there's not a lot she doesn't like anymore--though she turns her nose up at new foods before eventually eating them!
Game: Chutes and Ladders--she has a three game winning streak going right now
Best Subject: ART!!
Favorite phrase: "Shrek, you better get yo'self a pair of jammies!"
Fun Fact about Eden: She has a creative style of dress...there are always lots of layers, colors and patterns. Or as she says, "pat-ter-in."

Name: Elly Lyn Grimes
Age: 28 months
Weight: 27 lbs
Height: I think she is 31 in? Could be off on that one.
Size in clothing: wearing 2t snuggly
Size in shoes: 6.5 (same as Marcus!)
Favorite Foods: LOVES cheese, spaghetti, peas, green beans, carrots, bread, basically everything except...
Least Favorite Food: Mushrooms
Game: she likes to sit on the Chutes and Ladder board and Eden protests
Best Subject: naptime, hands down.
Favorite Phrase: "oh, there you are [whoever]! You're safe now! I love you!" (not really sure what this is all about).
Fun Fact about Elly: Elly has a neatnik streak in her...unlike her sister, she likes things to be put where they belong and does not usually protest about "Peen Up Time."

Quite Ellyquent, Part 5

"I love him, tiny Jackson! He's so coot and white."

[about the boy Tiel babysits for]

"Dat's ak-shu-wee wite Momma!"

A Raucous Caucus

Our whole family (Dan and I with kids in tow) went to the caucus tonight. It was actually quite enjoyable and we were happy to know we were one of the record-breaking 300,000 Iowans who braved the cold tonight! The kids did well with play-doh and a few snacks. Our dear neighbor Kelly was there and helped us occupy the girls.

There were long lines, no parking spots, and tons of people, but it was fun. Thanks Bardwells, for the encouragement to participate in this event!

Dress Up Day

The Willham gals came over on New Year's Day for some dress up fun!

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Three couslings in the tub!

Baby Bedding!

I found this cute and somewhat African-feeling baby bedding today...didn't buy it, but I think it's cute! We might have to purchase a few "boyish" things if this is a boy (and most likely it will be) because all we have is frilly and pink!

And, on a similar note, if any of you locals are done with a fairly reliable and sturdy crib, we will be needing another. We have been through two used cribs already and neither of them lasted the entire babyhood of our children! Eden's basically disintegrated so we bought one for $25 at a garage sale and finished her out/started Elly in that one...but when Elly was about one the gate completely quit working (or maybe I should say, was working all the time! It would slam down during her naps!) and not even DAN could fix it!!! We just ended up turning the gate side to the wall and using it for another year that way...but as short as I am, with another infant I will need to be able to lower the gate. If you have one or know of one we could borrow/buy/have, let us know! We'd hate to spend $200 on a new one that might not get more than one child's use!

Quite Ellyquent, Part 4

"Hi Eden! I'm oping my atemeal."

Elly's new name for Marcus, a.k.a., Buddy, is "Buddy with the Toofers."

Edenism, Part 13

"Sometimes when I spin around and my hair doees this, it feels like fuzzy lightning twigs."

Stanker Crapids

We were driving up to CR and hit the area of town with all the industry. It has a certain aroma that is not too appealing. As soon as the girls began to smell it, complaints started to rise from the back seat:

Eden: EEEW! Gross! What is that awful smell? EEW [gag]! I think I'm gonna blow a gasket!

Elly, answering: Gas? Maybe. Or cows.