A Rare Event

When you read the title of this post, you probably thought, "T.J. posted something, that is a rare event." You would be correct, but it isn't the topic of my discussion today. The rare event I'm describing is Ashley and I getting time away, together, and alone.

This past weekend, we had such an event and I must say it was wonderful. While I'm sure everyone knows how much both of us love Elliana, something along the lines of "Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder" seems to come to mind for this particular event. After being snowbound for two days during a frigid week, the two women in the household seemed like they were at each other's throats. Last week, daddy usually came home to a 2 year old asking to play and a 29 year old asking (or insisting) "Take her!?!". So the timing couldn't have been better and a weekend apart might have been the best remedy for my two ladies.

Ashley and I were fortunate enough drop off Elliana on Saturday afternoon only to return the following day. This allowed us to go to church, an adult dinner, and then spend an evening at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  We then got up on Sunday at our own pace, enjoy breakfast, and had a day together without the responsibilities of changing diapers, making food, getting snacks, and playing with princesses.  This weekend could be called a well deserved "vacation" for mommy who primarily takes on all these tasks throughout the week.

It was such a good time, that we didn't even take a photo to mark the occasion. Looking back, though, the best part of the whole weekend was when we went to pickup Elliana.   The first thing she did was run to hug Ashley and ask to cuddle. She then she went on to tell us all about the fun she had while quietly Ashley and I recalled the fun we had too.  I knew that this weekend was exactly the rare event we all needed.

The Alphabet Song

Elliana, having just turned two years old last week spends all day and into the night practicing her alphabet. I'd say she is doing pretty good, but you'll have to watch the video to check it out for yourself. :)

Happy Birthday T.J.!

T.J. is the kind of man who was made to be a husband and father. And, what a blessing it is to the wife of that man! He puts the happiness of our family above his own and finds joy just being around us, even when we are doing nothing but simply being together. Within an instant, he can bring Elliana and I laughing uncontrollably or feeling like the most beautiful girl in the world.

And so, it brings me great pleasure to celebrate this fabulous man, my best friend, my husband. May this next year be filled with the abundance of laughter, love and happiness that the past several years together have brought us. T.J., we wouldn't be us without you in our lives and we love being able to celebrate your birthday. So, please hurry home from work so Elliana and I can shower you with kisses. So we can snuggle up together on this cold winter night and reflect on just how awesome you are. So we can eat the cake that we baked and decorated just for you (though please forgive me now for only having a #1 or # 2 candle for which you to blow out and make a wish.)

T.J., we love you and we are filled with happiness, merely having you in our lives. Happy Birthday!

Snow much fun

This winter, Elliana hasn't shown much interest in playing in the snow. "Mommy, too cold outside. Ana play inside," is normally her reaction when I ask her if she wants to play in the snow. So, you can imagine my surprise when upon seeing the fresh layer of snow on the ground this morning, Elliana ASKED to go outside and play.

"No coat Mommy. No gloves." I explained that to go outside both were required. She still seemed interested, so I quickly jumped on the opportunity before she changed her mind (as toddlers often do.) Elliana quickly asked to wear her "pretty dress outside" and lucky for me, she thought her snowsuit was a pretty dress. So, we were on our way to the world of outdoor play.

Before heading outside, Elliana mentioned Frosty and all of a sudden I realized her fascination with going outside this time. Over the Christmas season, Elliana had her first encounter with the classic children's cartoon "Frosty the snowman." And thus, her interest in playing in the snow was reignited.

We ran around the house, all bundled in our snow gear, gathering accessories to build our very own Frosty. Elliana insisted on a black hat for Frosty but settled for Daddy's Bengals hat which was the only black hat we could find. We grabbed a box of raisins for the face and eyes (as they HAD to be black) and outside we went.

It turned out that the light fluffy snow that was continuing to fall was not sufficient to build a Frosty of our own, but it didn't stop us from trying. Elliana helped me gather the snow into a pile and announced "Snowman not working Mommy." So, she decided to jump in the pile instead.

After failing to construct Frosty, we ventured to the front yard where I attempted to shovel part of the driveway. Elliana wanted to be buried and stood perfectly still while the shoveled snow piled up around her. Although she looks like a frozen popsicle in the picture, she did assure me she had a good time. And sometimes, making the most of these wintry days is what it is all about.

Birthday Extravaganza

Elliana's birthday party has now come and gone. And what a party it was! 2 doting parents, 3 sets of grandparents, 1 great grandmother, 3 aunts, 3 uncles, 4 cousins and one family of neighbors (including Elliana's best friend) all braved the blistery winter weather to celebrate Elliana. Truly a celebration of the love our family has for our little girl.

Daddy & Elliana on her actual birthday, having a blast together!

The Birthday Girl entering her Princess Party

Happy Girl - think she might be having fun

Ready to make a wish and blow out the candle

Big girl feeding herself birthday cake. What a difference a year can make!

Our Happy Family

Elliana with her cousins

So excited about her Princess Backpack

I think it would be an understatement to say that the past week has been fun. As the pictures depict, we are loving life and are grateful for each and every minute.

Two-year Update

With every child's birthday comes the annual check up at the doctor. This week, we were blessed with another great report about our little girl.

Elliana was quick to show all of her charm and intelligence to Dr. Brokaw. She happily sang her "ABC song" and counted to ten, and proudly announced the toys she got for Christmas. Elliana showed her passion by refusing to take off her "pretty dress" for the exam, but still gave Dr. Brokaw a loving hug after realizing how nice he was.

Our little girl is still a tiny little thing, at least weight wise. 2 years old, and she weighs 24.25 pounds (17%) and measures in at 35.25" (84%). Already so tall and thin!

I still find it hard to believe that my baby is now two. She is this passionate, opinionated little girl, who now loves to dress up, have her nails painted and wear pantyhose while carrying a purse and wearing high heels. She listens so very well and typically asks for permission before trying something. Has a passion for books and loves to read the letters aloud as we read, and point to the words. On occasion, Elliana will "read" to us as she is so familiar with the books we read each day. Our little one loves to sing and at random moments will break out in song and occasionally dance.

How on earth did I get to be so incredibly blessed as to be her mom? I may never know that answer, but I will always cherish each and every moment.

Two years today

Last night, I found myself unable to sleep. I kept thinking about the past two years, as today is my sweet daughter's second birthday. I sat awake last night and watched the clock hands mark the time that Elliana officially entered our lives, two years ago to the minute. 1:12 am.

The time of her birth came and went. In my mind, I relived the first few minutes of her life. Images of her first smile, first steps and first words began flooding my memory. Before I knew it, the image of first birthday was ever present in my mind like a permanent still image. Images continued to flow...that gummy toothless grin, tooth by tooth has now become a toothy silly smile.

I stayed awake a while longer, practically in the dark, praising God for the abundance of blessings in my life. Elliana Rose Berndsen...you are very much a blessing in my life.

Happy 2nd Birthday Elliana! Enjoy the highlights of the past year and the many adventures we have enjoyed. I am already looking forward to the many adventures that lay ahead in your third year.