she had a really (really) good day

a little helper

ellie jane helps jon make tacos

I have been meaning to do a post about life with Ellie Jane and the tools and books and toys that we are enjoying over here, but after saying, "I have got to tell other moms about this fun pod" yet again in my head this morning, I decided to finally write a post just about this magical red stool meets high chair without a seat meets mama's best helper ever.

It is one of the more expensive toddler items we have, but it has been so so worth it in just the five weeks we have had it.

We use it every day throughout the day. While I make breakfast, Ellie stands in it and nibbles on things. When I had to work on orders while Jon was working late, she played next to me (you might have spotted this before). 

We are at the point where she wants to get up in it. And this is a welcome companion to the always on the move energy she often has. I also really love how it keeps her safe when I need to open the oven or am making something on the stove.

It also helps Ellie see what is going on. She often wants to be held, but this way she can be part of what is going on and see everything I am doing (and my hands can be free). She stands in it at the table as well and we use it instead of a high chair at times because she doesn't always want to be "strapped in." She has such an inquisitive, determined spirit and I love how this little fun pod helps encourage her and support the ways she learns.

Can you tell I kind of love it? I just wanted to share in case you or someone you love might have a little one who could benefit from a helper like this one.

Oh and did you spot Millie in these photos? The fun pod also helps Ellie feed Millie snacks (when I'm not looking). I hear her giggle and turn around and see Mille snacking away while Ellie looks at me with eyes twinkling. Still trying to capture that with the camera.

PS A few other notes: I meant to also say that my mom and I looked at a few options for this type of stool, but because Ellie is so active, we didn't want to get one that she could climb out of. This one has four sides, so we have to lift her up, but she is a wee one still and probably will be for her toddler years because of her heart stuff, so it will be pretty easy to use it for years. It is very sturdy (and HEAVY, I slide it across the floor) and I have no worries at this point of her falling out or climbing out.

a chocolate chip cookie and project life

January 6: You have discovered the joy of eating chocolate chip cookies. Today, you wanted one as a snack and sat like a big girl at the table and ate all of it, small bite by small bite. You offered to share with me, but as I started to take a bite, you pulled the cookie back and broke off one tiny crumb for me and smiled so big. It was pretty funny. Then you gave me the very last bite as you climbed out of the chair and ran off to play. Later, you decided you wanted another cookie and were not content with the half I offered you and insisted on sitting in this chair again to eat another whole cookie all by yourself. While you eat, you often say, “mmmm” just after you take a bite. You bring such joy to the simple moments of living.

*****

I have decided to attempt Project Life this year (for real this time). I actually ordered the Amber kit about a year ago...but it sat in the box on the floor of our family room. Now it sits out by the kitchen table next to the Canon Selphy printer I am using for some of the photos. (Love that this year you can now just get the core kit and choose your album based on your style etc. So many cool products out for Project Life. I think I am going to get a few other types of page protectors to add to what came in last year's kit.)

After talking with Ali about her experience with Project Life and being so inspired by her weekly posts in 2011 (and then looking at how other members of Becky Higgins' creative team approach it), I decided to jump in this year.

And, I am so happy to report that the first week is almost done! As I was working on choosing the photos, I knew that I would want to add the above "chocolate chip cookie" photos + words to this week's story. I love how you can just add additional page protectors into the album and how there really aren't any rules, so I am working on learning a bit more about digital scrapbooking so I can add a few more stories here and there. And then I really want to use what I learn to create other books of other stories I want to tell with words + photos. A big thank you to Ali and Danielle for holding my hand through this learning curve.

So the pieces above are what I will be putting into this first layout. Stay tuned...I think I am going to have a little too much fun with this.

(edited to add) In the spirit of yesterday's post and your kind support (thank you), I want to share this other layer to the story: Seeing her devour this cookie and show such a big appetite made me so so happy. She is a wee one because of her heart issues and doesn't have much of an appetite because of the medication she is on. We have been in a "holding pattern" with her weight recently as she uses up all the calories she takes in as she runs and dances and explores, and we are hoping she will gain more this month. Although she will never have those baby fat rolls that so many people talk about, that I dreamed about when I was pregnant, I am just so happy she is here eating chocolate chip cookies and french fries and ravioli and blueberries and peas and brocolli. I am just so happy when I hear her say, "mmmm" after each bite. 

(This is also my January "Joy Seeker" story. This series is one way I am documenting the "joy" superhero power that Ellie Jane has. My plan is to gather these glimpses here on the blog from her first to second birthday, and then, I will put them all together and have them printed in a small book. Posting the October, November, and December Joy Seeker entries here didn't happen, but I am still gathering them for the book.)

blessings

Jan 1, 2011 :: Jan 1, 2012

right here.

do you see a car? yes! do you see little critter?

Books are a big part of our days over here this month. Goodnight Moon and a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse look and find book have been the main favorites, but a couple of weeks ago, I introduced Beana to Little Critter.

I showed her my favorite Little Critter book (that has moved with me from house to house over the years), Just For You, and talked about how I used to read it over and over again to myself and then to my little brother.

There is something about this story about a little one who wants to make his mama happy but somehow keeps getting distracted by living. My favorite scene is when he is taking a bath and water is everywhere because"there was a storm." Love it. And in the end, all is well as he successfully hugs his mama and heads to bed.

The day after we first read this book, Ellie brought it to me and we looked through it again. Reading mostly consists of her pointing to different things wanting Jon and me to tell her what they are. Then we ask her to find things on the pages. When I asked, "Where is Little Critter?" and she pointed right to him...well...I cried. Just like that. Because sometimes the love of those who came before you (who love you even still) rises up around you until little tears form. 

I told a certain grandmother about Ellie's new love of Little Critter and a box of books arrived from Amazon days later. Just like that.

(I will always buy you books, she would say for as long as I can remember.)

Ellie is reading from Just Me and My Mom in the photo above. I am someone's mom. So so crazy. She doesn't really call me mama yet. When she gleefully calls for Da Da! when she hears the front door open, I try not to let it bother me. Because the truth is, if she had a name for me right now, it would probably be "here."

Where is mama? I ask. And she points to herself in the center of her chest and then touches my chest.

Right here.

I love that. 

reaching for the camera