Leaving the Big House

We are moved... kind of. Last night was the first night in our cozy new abode. I was worried about Grace and Isaac sharing a room, but last night they did great. I am still waiting to see what happens when they get comfortable in there. Isaac has a cold and that was a nightmare last night. He only gets really upset when he has an ear infection so I took him in today. No ear infection! I was really pleased with the student health center. The doctor was fabulous with Grace who accompanied us and had to ask him about EVERYTHING. He was also really great at explaining what he was going to do to Isaac and Isaac listened and did everything the doctor told him like when to open his mouth (although Isaac found no point in saying "Ahhh". Now that I have used the word "everything" about 15 times I can move on. The move is not over but now the beds are so we must say good bye to the big house. I will miss the space, the me time, the ward, the park and the dream of what might have been. The "small" house I know is a huge blessing. Without it, it would not have been possible to go back to school as smoothly as it is now. I like the small space to clean and I also am excited to feel semi-permenant for a little while. Jake was impressed that I was able to fit all of my dishes into the kitchen. I might have a bit of an obsession. I have missed them. I also have missed cooking. It is ironic that I didn't need to cook when I had time, but now I have no time and need to cook. I tried a few recipes from The Biggest Loser Cookbook that I recieved for Christmas, and I think they were great. Jake didn't like the Sloppy Joe Meatloaf, but I loved it! (Second time I have ever made meatloaf in my life.) Jake has a few new dietary restrictions and I am excited for the challenge. As for school, which I have mixed emotions about, I am reading a book by Wendell Berry and I really like it. I want to read another book he has written... after this semester is over. He writes alot about agriculture and living a simple life. It is certainly easier said than done.... I am surrounded by boxes to be unpacked.... With that said, I am excited for tomorrow! I hope you are too!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Birthday to me!

It is truly amazing how time flies, especially with so many fun and exciting things happening. I am sorry about my seista from the blogging world... I like to use it as a journal for me, too, and I am sad I have missed capturing the memories of the last few month. We left for Ohio on December 12 and after a 9 hr + layover (completely my fault) we were excited to see Marmee, Papa, Jessica and ISAAC! He grew up while he was away and now he is such a big boy. He loved going to the my sister's basketball games with Papa and Marmee. His vocabulary is improving. Now he can say many variations of the word "ball" such as football, basketball and sausage ball. He is also very cute when he says "cheese" to have his picture taken. We loved all of the festivities with my family, and I was sad to leave, but anxious to begin the next big phase. School started on Monday, and I am excited to learn, but not to leave Grace, Isaac, and Sam. I am already swamped and as a birthday present to myself I am taking the time to update my blog. So I won't say too much because I have a TON of things to do. It is great having Jake around the past few days, but, as usual, things are crazy. Half of our furniture is moved into the apartment and piles of junk, that I don't have time to go through, are laying everywhere. I will be adding a few pictures and commentary. Friends and Family, those who I haven't been communicating with.... I'll be getting in touch!

Grace and Isaac were so sweet reinacting the Nativity. Sam, as always, was very sweet. Grace did tell me when I laid baby Sam in her lap that she was not the manger. We also had fun at the Christmas tree farm with Jess and Marmee. Isaac really loved the tractor that came to pick up the tree and they both loved chasing the cat. It was freezing cold, (I have never experienced freezing rain before and I think it is the worst stuff ever!) so it is good that we were only there for about thirty minutes. Grace told everyone at the airport that for Christmas she wanted a Christmas tree. It was nice to make that little dream come true. My brother, "Father Christmas", as we like to call him, gave Grace Hannah Montana clothes for Christmas and she all of her Christmas dreams came true. Sam, who is the best baby ever!, spend most of the time with his favorite Aunt Jessica, but also was able to meet his Great-Grandmas. It was wonderful to be able to go to Kentucky and then have my Grandparents fly up from Florida. Since my parents are in the military, it is a special treat to be able to everyone on one trip. Last but not least, I had to include a picture of Isaac at the Air Force musuem. He went there three times on this trip, but we could have taken him thirty more times and he would have loved it still! If you are wondering what Grace is doing she is playing her most accomplished instrument, the music stand. She is also wearing the super cute outfit Marmee gave her for Christmas. Alas, we have already lost one of the hair bows! Welp, I better get back to studying.

Welcome Baby!

Samuel James Ellis

Nov 7 2008 1:18 am

6lbs 11 oz 18"

After a week of grumpy days and one false alarm, Sam offically joined our family. Although barely 24 hrs old, he has been the easiest baby ever. I arrived at the hospital at 7cm (about 11 pm), had to be on strep b antibiotics for an hour, went to the bathroom, did a dance on the way back to the bed (thanks to the party music, James!), our fabulous Doc broke my water, and Sam was born about 15 min later. Jake held my hand at just the right time, and although he was a little nervous Marmee wasn't there, he did it! We are so blesssed to be healthly and have everything go so well. It was wonderful to have Ruth, Jesse and Kelby, Allison and Justin there. I really appreciate the support. Grace and Isaac really love the baby and Jake is doing a great job taking care of us (not an easy job). We are now home and excited to see what each new day will bring. Isaac, without prompting, sent a kiss Sam's direction this evening and Grace is eager to help. I am so happy to be sharing our good news! I hope it finds you all well, too...

Another boring baby update...

Thanks to all the good care of everyone, I am pretty much the same as I was last week. I guess that was the goal, but now I am feeling extremely anxious. I am the same dialated and he said the baby's head was right there... I am not sure what the scientific name for that is. What it means to me: I have time to be madly cleaning. Things haven't gotten too dirty because Grace and Isaac have been away so much, but when you are laying down for the good part of two weeks, it gives you time to contemplate why the windows haven't gotten clean, the couch is full of popcorn, etc. Halloween should be a nice diversion if I can calm down enough to enjoy it. Happy Halloween everyone and I'll keep you posted... (maybe next time some cute pictures of Grace and Isaac!)

Almost there...

So today I had another baby appointment and it looks okay if I just keep doing nothing. I am another cm or so dialated and 85 percent so whatever that means. At least we are another week down and if the baby comes there is a better chance for no problems. Have Jake around would be a luxury... so someone tell baby Sam he really isn't due for another month! I am so grateful for all of the help! Poor Ruth is the majority of the craziness. Grace and Isaac are doing good, but are certainly noticing the change in routine. Jesse took them to Wendy's and the park yesterday and they both came back quite pleased with the outing. Today, Trisa is earning her sainthood for taking the kids for the afternoon! The weekend sounds like it will be full of treats! I am so spoiled. I, on the other hand, am starting to get antzy. Who want to lay around with all of this fun going on? especially when I don't have cable!!! Luckily, James made me 9 cds of "labor and delivery party" music. I have been relaxing to it, and envisioning myself as the calm, controlled amazon woman you all know me to be! I'll keep you posted...

Pregnancy Update...

As of today, I am taking it easy. It is hard to do less when I already do so very little! The reason... the baby may try to make his appearance early. On Wednesday, I found out I am 2-3 cm dialated and 80 percent effaced. I just need to make it another week and a half! (There is nothing wrong with me or the baby, mostly I am worried about the extra expense of an early baby!) Say a little prayer for me. I am optimistic that we can make it. Jake gets home the 27th so that is the goal! Please no one plan on a long visit at my house as it will be a WRECK for the next week and a half! I'll keep you posted...

More summer memories...

California here we come! Santa Monica was so fun. I really had a great time and I think it was because Grace and Isaac were having so much fun. Jake, Grace, and Isaac made castles and even a little pool. Everytime it would fill will water, Isaac would jump up suprised! We had a wonderful hotel room just a few blocks away, but Grace was so exhausted she never had enough energy to make it very far! This is Grace after she collapsed on the wooden pier and waited for us. The wind was blowing just right to lift her dress up. She didn't care that about 10 people walked by...

Next to the hotel was a restaurant that had a big shell up against the wall. Jake called it the "magic shell." Grace would climb behind it and Jake would say "Magic shell, are you there? What should we do today?" Grace would answer accordingly and she never got tired of being the "magic shell." Last, but not least, we made it to Sea World. Grace actually sat through the shamu show without freaking out about the theatrical music, and she would like a big swimming pool for Christmas so Shamu can come to visit. Isaac really loved the pet show with the dogs, cats, birds, ducks, and pig. We went twice. I hope we get a chance to go to California next year. I know it was worth the long drive.

Next up was our trip to Jackson Hole, WY. I don't have alot of pictures of the fun parts like the boat ride Grace went on with cousins (Isaac was sleeping). Isaac helped Grandpa shuck corn for one of our many delicious meals, and I was amazed that we herded the kids around the buffalo and got them all looking in the same direction. I think they must be growing up... or maybe we promised them a trip to the candy store around the corner. For those of you who can't tell what this next picture is.... it is Russ, Grandma, GlobeHead... I mean Logan with a globe on his head, and Isaac. Ellis/Tidwells are so funny! (At least, we think we are.) I am sorry my camera doesn't take better pictures. Thanks for one last fun family trip of the summer.

I must now pay tribute to my last summer fling with Ann in Vegas. This is us at the Blue Man Group. They give you white crepe paper to dress up with. We (Ann, Kaitlyn, and I) were in the front row so we had to wear panchos. I am so glad the we avoided to spewing chewed up food. With that note, it was a great show! Is it just me, or are the blue men attractive in a mysterious sort of way? Thanks, Ann, for the great trip. I just wish you were actually relaxing instead of posing as if you were relaxing!!! The food was amazing, the view was amazing, and I can't imagine a better way to have ended the summer of fun. With so much changing in my life right now, I, at least, had the summer!