Lizzie is a Kindergartener!

Lizzie begins kindergarten at Green Trails Elementary tomorrow.  I am feeling all sorts of emotional about this. I'm trying to keep it together, but I feel like I just want her to stay home.  But that's all about me.  I know she's ready.  She is so smart and so strong and so kind. She is going to be a great kindergartener.

Tonight Dave gave her a blessing. She demanded her blessing "NOW!" As soon as Dave began to speak, a hush fell and the spirit flooded our home. The words he shared weren't anything like other blessings I've heard hi give. Not even close. Obviously very personal and individual to Lizzie.  Here is some of what he said:

• be ready to be involved in all sorts of activities at school
• know that Heavenly Father knows how you feel; He hears you when you pray and know when you think about him
• home is a safe place; you can always come home and talk to mom and dad and feel love and feel safe
• you are special
• be a good friend to others, especially look for those who need a friend and someone to be kind to them

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Attitude

Dave: "What's she (Lizzie) been doing, reading People magazine all day?! I don't get it where she gets this attitude from."

Lizzie turns four

Last night Lizzie and I walked into her room to tuck into bed. Before she climbed in she made a motion like she was taking a necklace off -- lifting over her head from around her neck. I asked what she was doing. She said she was taking off her "3". Tomorrow she would put on her "4."

Lizzie...I'm so glad Jesus sent me

Tonight when I put Lizzie to bed she said, "I'm so glad to be here with you. I'm so glad Jesus sent me here. And that SheShe can be here. And MaMom can be here. And Poppy. And Maria, too."

Pretty sweet.

Lizzie...when I grow up

Katie:  "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Lizzie:  "A writer. I could just write stories for daddy and mommy and Winston and Henry."

Nothing could make me prouder.

Lizzie Milestones

Lizzie

Singing I am a child of god for the first time. 12.22.12

Always stripping down to nothing in bed. Lots of washing. 12.2012

ABC's like a pro.

" ...and SNAP that monkey outta the tree."

Made mommy and sheshe spoon on the couch after she told us to "wie down" and "seep!" on New Year's Eve.

Says "artichokie" all the time.

Favorite books are "the little mouse, the red ripe strawberry and the big, hungry bear" and the 100 pictures word book.

Song repertoire:
The Wheels on the Bus, I Love to See the Temple, Popcorn Popping ("copcorn copping"), Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam, Happy Birthday, Teach Me About the Temple, The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock,

"No way!"

"Ok!"

Dramatically said, "Oh MAN!" when Winston unwrapped her baby doll.

Nightgames

"Sweet dreams"

"I talk to her!!!"

Cried at the tree falling down.

Still talking about the penguin that splashed her at the zoo (three weeks later!)

Best friend is Emmie Lake

Insists on putting her shoes on herself and buckling her carseat.



7.2013
Has learned how to unbuckle her buckles.

"My Winston"

When confronted, she always asks for the person who isn't present. For example, if mom reprimands her, her response is, "where's my daddy?"

"I'm 2 and a half." (7.31.13)

"Hi baby. What's happening?" 9.25.13

"Mom! Where you are?!" 9.25.13

Always feeding her baby like mommy.

Finally likes to snuggle.

Shrugs shoulders.

L: Mom, I want to drive a car.
Me: ok. You can when you're 16.
L: ok. Then you get to sit in the back.
2.3.2014

At bedtime I asked her what her favorite part of the day was. She giggled, then said, "snuggling with you."

Took Lizzie on a walk. Out of the blue she says, "Mom, when we get home, can we snuggle?" 2.22.14

"You da best mommy I eva seen." 3.5.14

"Thank you for my birthday. " (right after she woke up...4.1.14)

Always taking care of her brothers, even Winston.

To Steve and sherry one night when the tv wasn't working: "my mom is the mommy of the house and she can have the tv off when she wants it."

Refers to jelly beans as "jingle bells". 4.2014

"Poilet taper"

Always talking in her different languages

On Friday, during her stocks week of school, I was dropping Lizzie off in the carpool line. One of the teachers who had subbed in her class the day before stopped me as I was pulling away. I rolled down my window and she said, "Lizzie is just the sweetest girl. I subbed in her class yesterday and for lunch bunch and she is just so sweet." Made my day. That spicy girl is certainly sweet, too.
9.12.14

"In the name of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, amen."
11.3.14

Lizzie is off to preschool

I don't know that I've ever seen a little girl so excited for school.  Lizzie could hardly contain her excitement, which would ooze out in spurts of squealing and laughter at any given moment.  She was thrilled to go to school, just like Winston.

Sunbeam Class!

Lizzie's teachers are Ms. Barb (pictured), and Ms. Mary.  They are such kind, patient, fun teachers.  Winston was lucky to be in their class, too.  We love St. John's.

Lizzie's 3rd Birthday Party

To celebrate Lizzie's third birthday, she invited over a few of her friends for a little party.  The theme (I use that term loosely) was "Princess Tea Party," which I have to say, was perfect for this little group.  Each of her friends came in their own favorite princess costume.  We decorated crowns, blew bubbles, had a little tea party luncheon, and then topped it off with a little "Frozen" dance-off in the basement.  They were delighted.   

Thank you, Kristin and Sherry, for making the invitation and tea party favor bags.  How cute are these?  We ironed on the tea pot and included some dress up jewelry, white gloves, and treats for our princess guests.  

Bubbles should be at every birthday party.  

Friends:  Sadie, Sarah, Norah, Lizzie and Emmie.  

Lizzie turns 3

For Lizzie's birthday, we stopped at the carousel at the mall (classy, right?), and she couldn't have been happier.  

Later she was spoiled by SheShe and Mamom with new big-girl bedding and dress-up accessories.  Every three-year-old's dream.  

Stats:
Height: 40 inches (95%+)

Weight: 37.2 lb (90%)

Favorite color: pink
Drink: orange juice
Meal: breakfast
Dessert: donuts
Snack: fruit snack
Be when grow up: I don't know
Holiday: I don't know
Summer or winter: summer
Food: sandwiches
Friends: Helene and Emmie

Paci Princess

I knew it was time to get rid of Lizzie's beloved "paci" or pacifier.  Especially with a baby on the way, I knew we needed to get rid of it much sooner than later.  Given how much she LOVES that thing, I knew this transition could be tricky.  

For about a week, we talked about how "next week" or "In X# days," you're going to give your pacifier to the Paci Princess in exchange for something amazing.  Lizzie seemed completely on board, almost excited to give this Princess her special gift.

That morning, Lizzie specially colored an envelope, dropped her last pacifier inside, and sealed it up. We talked it out to the mailbox together and she confidently placed the envelope inside.  No crying.  No tears.  It was rather pleasant.  When she came back inside, a special Rapunzel doll was waiting for her.  Strategically, this was her pacifier replacement; something to take to bed at night instead of her pacifier.  The first night was OK; she wasn't too happy, but not too upset, either.  The following night was the same.  If I remember correctly, the third night was a little difficult, but after that, no problems.  Hooray!!!

Run, Lizzie. Run!

Spider swinger

This just makes me smile.

Lizzie's Second Birthday

Lizzie's birthday fell on Easter this year.  She came downstairs that morning and the first thing she said was, "Open presents?"  It was tricky to differentiate between Easter and her birthday, and both days might be a little confusing next year.  But she was so thrilled with the idea of actually being able to open her own presents -- not just her brother.

New shoes and a bunny water bottle.  She was in heaven.  

A new kitchen, complete with food and plates and cookies and pans.  Her face is perfect.  She was so excited.

More presents.  She didn't even care what was inside, she just wanted to open.  

Yes, I am wearing the same dress that I wore on her first birthday.  

Happy birthday to you, Lizzie!

Lizzie Turns 2

Favorites:
Thing:  presents
Color:  white
Treat:  pink (?)
Food:  "hamburburgers" (hamburgers)
Drink:  water
Present:  daddy
Book:  "strawberry"  (The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear book, which she can recite verbatim)
Show:  Thomas
Baby?:  "Sisser.  I like sissers."

• This girl is really something else.  She would like to be a mini-Winston; she copies everything he does and says.  Everything (much to my chagrin)!  
• She love baby dolls, but loves any toy Winston is currently interested in even more.  
• She loves cooking in her kitchen.  She'll pretend to fill up a cup or bowl and bring it to me to try.  I'll slurp the "delicious" drink and she will laugh and giggle, then do it all over again.  We could do this all day.  
• She loves to read books.  She tends to toss a book on my lap, climb on me and demand, "Read!"  
• She loves to hop and skip.  She skips everywhere she goes, and every night when Dave gets home she tugs on his pants and says, "Wook!"  Then she proceeds to jump and hop in place a few times.  
• Lizzie is very attached to her "bank" (blanket) and "pass" or "pass-ee-fire" (pacifier).  She scratched at the silk around the edges of her blanket.  Poor blanket is running ragged, and this is the second blanket.  
• Her excitement bubbles over with loud noises, like lawnmowers, airplanes, dog barking, etc.  Her face fills with shock and awe and she points her little finger up right next to face and says, "Was dat?!"
• She has the world's worst going-to-bed routine.  Since she will no longer sleep in her crib, we removed the rail from  her crib, then put her crib mattress on the floor, then took the crib out altogether.  She used to go in and out of her room for hours -- hours! -- on end, which led us to locking her door once she's tucked in and bedtime routine complete (songs, books, back tickling, music, no music, night light, no light night; it's like a song and dance).  She then proceeds to act out the circus for the following hour or two, then finally falls asleep around 10:00.  Great parenting, right?  
• Lizzie talks.  Oh, how she talks.  Anytime I am on the phone, she demands, "I talk to her!"  Then she proceeds to cry, hang, scream until I hand the phone over for her to talk to whoever it is for a minute.  
• Her little smoker voice gets cuter and cuter.
• She wants NOTHING to do with potty training.  She is fully capable.  Understands how it works.  Will even do it on a whim.  But she digs her heels in the second we try for consistency.  This could be interesting.
• Lizzie's independence is really shining through (and testing my patience).  Getting in the car is always a five minute order.  Shoes go on "myself!" She must climb in "myself" and buckle "myself!"  There's plenty of screaming and back arching that go along with this.  I've lost count at how many times I have taken a deep breath, clenched my jaw, and quasi-patiently said, "OK Lizzie, buckle up all by yourself please."
• Lizzie love going to nursery.  She takes off like there's a fire out of sacrament meeting and heads right for the nursery door.  I'm pretty sure she runs the place; she likes to be in charge.  
• Lizzie really likes friends.  Emmie Lake (from church) and Helene Eisenbath (W's friend Owen's little sister) are her "best fwends."  She's always asking to go to Emmie's or "Huween's" house to play.  
• She still refers to Winston as "bwudder."  I hope that never stops.  Unless she's really mad, and then she yells, "Win-ston!" just like I do.  (oh the shame)
• Anything tech-related might be a good choice for Lizzie.  That, or pick-pocketing.  She is sneaky like no one else.  She instantly loves you if you have an iPhone or iPad.  If you'll share it with her, you're best friends.  If you won't, she'll just wait until you put it down, stuff it in your pocket, or hide it in your purse.  Then she'll snatch it right up without you even knowing.  It's an impressive talent (though I should possibly be worried).  

We just love this Lizzie girl.  Her temperament is spicy, but her heart is so sweet.  She's always up for a snuggle.  She is sensitive at times, but is thick-skinned and strong.  She loves to please ("I did it!"), but has a mind all her own.  She makes us laugh so hard at the matter-of-fact things she'll say and express.  We just can't get enough of her -- unless it's 10:00 p.m. and she's still awake.  

Love you, Lizzie.  

Shhhhh! Babies sleeping.

Lizzie is all about baby dolls these days.  Often she will line them up on her chair or couch or the floor and quickly get after anyone making noise.  "Shhhhh!" she says.  "Babies sleeping!"  

Lizzie

This girl kills me.  

{peek-a-boo!}

{chocolate cake beard}

{first time in the mud. loved it.  then hated it.}

{body slam!}

{popcorn magic}

Lizzy's surgery day

Lizzy was born with a small open sinus at the top her chest near the base of her neck.  Most people would never notice this small pin-size hole.  It was similar to the ear pit/tag on her left ear.  Around her first birthday, the sinus became red and irritated.  Eventually some yucky, smelly stuff came out of it called keratin.  When I informed her pediatrician, he referred us to a pediatric plastic surgeon, Dr. Marsh.  When we visited Dr. Marsh's office, he took one look at her chest and said it needed to be removed.  He was concerned of possible growth and infection, even systemic infection, especially because it had become inflamed before.  Additionally, he suggested removing the ear pit and clipping the frenulum (tissue between gums and upper lip).  I was a little taken back by the whole thing.  I even sought a second opinion.  Turns out, Dr. Marsh is the top guy for this.  He travels the country teaching, and provides his services to underprivileged throughout the world.  Lizzy was in good hands, so we scheduled right away.  

The original surgery time was scheduled for 1:30 p.m.  Argh!  That is quite possibly the worst time for a little baby, particularly when said baby hasn't been able to eat since the night before.  Fortunately we were able to schedule a bit sooner at 11:30 a.m. (arrive at 10:30).  We arrived right on time, even a bit early.  After the initial paperwork and some waiting, we were taken back to her room where we were notified we were actually supposed to arrive two hours early.  Dr. Marsh had already taken another patient back (who had also been told incorrect arrival times), so we were delayed.  That's when we started the laps.  Laps and laps and laps in the wagon around the halls lined with recovery rooms.  I bet we made 15 laps.  I could walk that place with my eyes closed.  Lizzy was a champ.  I mean, she was a-ma-zing.  Having not eaten since the night before and only a bottle of Pedialyte that morning, she could not have been any better.  She is such a good girl.  

She was given a dose of a sedative which was supposed to make her very tired.  It didn't.  Lizzy was kicking and jumping and having a great ol' time.  When she would try to stand, though, she would get a little tipsy.  Everyone would ask Lizzy in that baby voice," Lizzy, are you drunk yet?"  Apparently that's the effect this sedative has on people.  I suppose Lizzy would be a loud, crazy drunk.  Hopefully we don't find that out.  :)

After meeting with the anesthesiologist -- Dr. Hagen, who was so great -- and his intern -- Dr. Pin who was so sweet with Lizzy -- she was finally whisked away to surgery around 1:00.  

About an hour later, Dr. Marsh came to see us after the procedure.  He said it went perfectly and Lizzy did just fine.  A few minutes later the nurse came in to get me so I could be with Lizzy when she woke up from the anesthesia.  I was nervous for this part (I was nervous for the whole thing, but particularly the anesthesia).  Let's just say, waking up is hard to do.  By the time I got to the so-called wake-up room, I could hear Lizzy wailing.  She was very, very sad.  I was able to hold her and finally give her a bottle of Pedialyte.  She gulped that down in record time.  I then gave her a bottle of apple juice.  Gone!  Poor girl was starving.  It was nearly impossible to console her until another toddler woke up from his surgery and started screaming.  It was kind of dramatic.  When we were able to take her back to her room, she was finally able to have some milk, cheerios and crackers.  After 30 minutes or so, she was back to being herself.  A little woozy, but Lizzy.  

I am so thankful to have healthy children.  I felt a lot of stress surrounding this whole thing.  It literally kept me up at night.  Dave gave Lizzy a blessing the night before the surgery.  She was wiggly and squirmy, as to be expected, but I was finally able to feel peaceful at that point knowing that Lizzy was and continues to be in the care of our Heavenly Father.  I can't imagine the stress that parents with sick children go through day in and day out.  I can't imagine spending days and weeks in the hospital with an ailing child.  My heart goes out to those families and parents and children who do that.  I admire them tremendously.  

EVR Birthday Party!

Lizzy's birthday fell over Conference weekend, so after the Sunday meetings wrapped up, my in-laws hosted a little birthday party for this new one-year-old.  Several of our dear friends and family came over (Larsons, Portwoods, Munsons, Violettes, Grandpa D, Wallaces and Fehrs) to help us celebrate this lovely little lady.  And despite being April 1st, the weather was warm, even hot!  We barbecued outside, played baseball and frisbee, laid out on blankets and just had a good time. 

Lizzy daintily picked at the cupcake, took a few licks, then shoved the whole thing in her mouth.
Thank you (you know who you are) for snapping these photos while she ate.  

I wish I would  have taken more photos of her with her "guests."  At least she got one with her second mother Briana.

Winston was sure to help Lizzy unwrap, open and play with every single one of her gifts.

Thank you to SheShe for hosting (read:  doing everything for this party).  It was such a fun night with people who are so important to our family.  Lizzy is so loved by so many people, which, as her mom, couldn't make me happier.