Where Are The Children?

Eleanor is starting to include Winston a bit more in her play, which thrills me to no end. I really hope they always like each other. Here are a few bits of them playing and a few other odds and ends that I want to remember.

Hmm, it's a bit quiet... That's never good... I wonder where Eleanor and Winston are?
Little feet. I love her feet.

I guess it was a walk in closet. P.S. They are both in this shot.

Winston?

Yes, mom?

Another time, while playing in our closet, little girl found my thigh-high red boots and actually got them on herself. Only they aren't actually thigh highs, they only come to below the knee on me.

Here she is in action.

So this doesn't fit in anywhere, but it's one of Eleanor's sculpture/creatures. This is a empty formula can, two chopsticks jammed in the top, robed in a washcloth and topped off with a nursing pad. Classy.

I just had to include this one of her wearing her headphones. Some days mom doesn't want to hear DJ Lance Rock ask her if "she's ready" one more time.

And come on! Look how cute she is in them!In our attempt to save boxes for packing, the kids are having a hay-day with them all around.

Where's Eleanor?

Oh. Right there.

My cute men.

And of course our cute girl. I'll never get tired of dressing her up.

This was right before she turned three.

Oh! Her birthday! I can't wait to blog that and her Easter and about a dozen other things, of course. When am a I ever caught up on the blog?

Winter Walk

Almost two months ago it was a pleasant enough day to go for a walk. A very bundled up walk that is. Something about February and March in Michigan just make you feel like prisoners in your own home. I don't remember feeling this way in Utah, but it must be because Eleanor wasn't old enough yet. Cabin fever is a real thing when you are trying to keep kids occupied and happy indoors for weeks on end. Especially when you are trying to limit their tv hours so you don't have to lie when the pediatrician asks how many hours a week they watch tv.
(Note- I sometimes lie to the pediatrician.)

I loaded them in the wagon and went around the block.

That's our duplex, by the way. We live on the right side there and the Johnson's live on the left. It's been a wonderful place to live. Some of you might remember my stories from our first year in the house down the street. (Shudders.)

They looked so funny all bundled up in their winter gear. I thought they were having a good time, but they look hilariously "attitude" in this picture.

Upon closer inspection, they seem happier.

We went into the back yard for a bit and Winston got to crawl outside for the first time. This was back in his army-crawl phase. It lasted quite a while, he learned to crawl in December but didn't switch until sometime in early March. Either way- he's a speed demon.

I forgot his gloves as it was quite warm outside, but on the ground his fingers were getting cold- so I gave him mine. He looks like such a little elf in this picture!

Chocolate Milk

After visiting Utah, we were missing pre-made chocolate milk, my parents always have it in their fridge because my grandmother loves it. It's so ubiquitous with their house that when Allie was just 2 and Jenni said they were going to grandma and grandpa's house, she shouted out "Grandpachocolatemilk?" The name has since stuck. Well, when we returned to Michigan I bought a half gallon on a whim. But, ohhhhh dear. Little E wanted it anytime anyone opened the fridge. One day she was being such a drama queen about it that I took a few pictures.

After being told "After dinner".

Trying her best sad-eyed expression. My parents would have sooo caved by now. Note she got the container out of the fridge to help me.

Working on tear production and spit bubbles. I realize in pictures she looks downright tragic, like she could be a little Cossette on stage, but if you saw the work behind the tantrum, you would've laughed and grabbed your camera too.

"Oh Moooooommmmmm!"

Here is where she starts talking really fast, only you can't understand her because she has worked up real tears by now over her heartache. "...butmomIreallyreallywantsomeandIjustwantsomeandyouneedtogivemeitbecauseIreally- reallywantsome..."

Fine.

Worth it for this shot.

Lesson of the story- I don't like drama, I am the weakest link in family discipline and tears and manipulation will totally work to get what you want from me. Please don't manipulate me now that you know my weakness.