A Rough Week

For anyone that has come in contact with me lately, this is old news: We've had a challenging week. Our recent travels threw Ella off her bed time routine, resulting in her fighting sleep for hours until she'd finally crash. And the 'terrible two's' have arrived as well. As for Jack, he's still only sleeping a couple of hours at a time at night, and does not like the bottle. Add to all of that two nights of Jeritt traveling for work and a snowstorm that kept us indoors more than we'd prefer, and this mama is exhausted. Fortunately, things are improving, and with another business trip for Jeritt, Grandma C. arrived today to help us for a few days. Here's hoping for a better week!

Yes, we need new signs.

Ella and I needed to get out of the house, so we played  in the snow.

No, we did not make this gigantic snowman. 

Playing at the park after last week's snowstorm.

Ella has been obsessed with washing her hands lately.

A Week in Iowa

When Ella was about three months old, we took her on a tour of Iowa, where she met many family members and friends. Well, Jack turned three months old yesterday, so we spent the last 10 days between our home towns. The timing was perfect, as we took care of our niece and nephew (Ava and Reid) during the first weekend while their parents were on vacation. We probably won't be having four children, but it was non-stop fun for Ella and her cousins. In fact, the entire trip was a blast for Ella, as she was able to go sledding a few times, hang out with all of her grandparents, and play, play, play. Jack enjoyed lots of snuggling with everyone, and was able to meet quite a few new people. His gas issues continued throughout our trip, causing his Mom and Dad some restless nights, but he otherwise adapted well. We ended up coming home a day early due to Ella catching a bug and sheer exhaustion, but we had a great time and really appreciate the hospitality and efforts everyone made to see us!

Last week, Daddy told Jack about our upcoming trip to Iowa. He was excited. 

"I'm going to be held by so many people!"

Cooing for the camera.

Daddy and Jack on our first night.

He may have been hungry.

Papa Al snuggling with Ella.

Ella and Reid are quite the buddies. I have a feeling this photo will be revived later in their lives!

What a pair.

Nee-Ma and Jack having a serious conversation.

Jack napping on the go.

Ella touching a baby chick at the elementary school. The red sleeves belong to my second grade teacher!

Grandma C. and Ella making cookies. She loves licking the spoon.

Playing with her "booty shop."

Bath time for Jack!

Grandma C. reading books to Ella and Jack.

Great Grandma C. (G.G.) holding Jack for the first time.

We may have confused her by putting socks on her hands as an extra layer for sledding...

Papa C. snuggling with Jack.

Ella's dream come true - her own real shopping cart at the real grocery store!

Paying for her food.

Getting ready to do Great Grandpa P's hair.

Great Grandma P. talking to Jack.

Daddy and Ella sledding in the backyard.

G.G. and Jack.

He found his hands this week, and they  must taste good!

My cousin, Lori, came to visit from Des Moines.

G.G. gave Ella some baby chicks (not real ones!) to play with.

Doing Moo's hair at the booty shop.

Great Aunt Annette snuggling Jack.

Ava reading bed time books to Ella. 

Ava holding Jack. She was such a helper!

Papa Al getting in more snuggles with Jack.

Papa Al and his grandsons!

Reid doing a great job of holding Jack. It won't be long, and these two will be playing together!

Daddy taught Ella how to make a snow angel.

Papa Al and his grandkids (Beags the dog counts, too!).

Ella eating dinner with her extended cousin, Kembry.

Jack had a great trip to Iowa. Can't you tell by his expression?!