Ella-isms

Ella-ism #1:

The entire family was having dinner over at Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's home. Ella was sitting next to Aunt D's foster charge (a very pleasant young lady!) and turned to look at her. After a bit of time, Ella announced, dead-pan, "I'm staring at you" and continued to do so.

It was such an unexpected declaration that it caused hysterics. The exchange was so indicative of Ella's social skills!  :)

Ella-ism #2:

I happened to be nearby Ella when she said the word "stop" and did the sign language gesture for the word. I asked her where she learned that and she said her teacher. I smiled, since I was not surprised such a thing had been necessary, and asked Ella what else her teacher said to her.

Ella thought a moment and then exclaimed, "Go and play!"

I went into hysterics because this is something we frequently say as well!  ;)

More Pics with Grandma and Grandpa

Averi and Grandpa singing Primary songs:

Taylor and Grandma at the Science Centre:

Averi showing Grandpa the wonders of the PS3:

Grandma snuggling with the rambunctious Ella:

Taylor's Baptism

Taylor's 8th birthday fell right on the Labor Day weekend this year. Since this is the best time to coordinate with American residents, Taylor was baptized on the very day he turned 8.

We took pictures of Taylor that morning to use on his baptism program (click here to view):

We didn't use this one but it's so cute!

Pre-baptism photo:

I am disappointed that we didn't get a family pic, including Grandma and Grandpa Harris! :(

Here are some pics from the "after party":

Some footage:

Averi's 6th Birthday

For Averi's 6th birthday (last Saturday), we went to Calaway Park. None of the pictures turned out very well but here's a video.



Shawn and I can't ride that thing but the kids love it!

Averi also had a friend sleepover the Friday night (Kaitlyn H).

On the Sunday, we had family over for cake and ice cream.

I used fruit to hide the mess I made of the cake. Averi wanted the ladybug-shaped cake pan but it did not like me.

My sweet baby!

Omi Sleepovers: Ella

I was most nervous about Ella's visit to Omi's house. Apparently, she was just fine. She does well as an only child, but then, who doesn't?

I was so sad that we left our portion of streusselkuchen at Grandma's!

Omi Sleepovers: Taylor

Omi Sleepovers: Averi

While we were in Victoria, Omi wanted to have each of the grandkids over for a sleepover. Averi went first: June 30 - July 1.

Visiting Great Omi & Opa

Omi and Opa bought these cute little pinwheel-type toys that kept the kids occupied.

 The kids were decently behaved and we got some good chatting in. :)

Four generations:

Ella's 4th Birthday!

Finally posting pics and footage from Ella's 4th birthday!

We started the day with a trip to Calaway!

Ella has been anxiously awaiting this gift since Christmas!!

Her own LeapPad!

We had some family over for cake and ice cream!

Some footage (no video editing possible at the moment so it's raw!):

Happy Birthday, baby!!!

Letter to Grandma

Since my grandmother doesn't have a computer, I print my blog posts and send them to her once in awhile. It's been too long but I'm sending her what she's missed. I usually send along a letter and thought I'd include it here since it is a nice little update and I've been remiss in my posting.

Dear Grandma,

I was thinking that it’s been an awfully long time since I printed and sent my blog posts for your perusal! I should make it a New Year’s tradition…

I keep a document that indicates what dates I’ve already sent you and I can’t help thinking that I must have forgotten to record my last printout because the last date recorded was April 2011!! I’m pretty sure I’ve sent you more since then but just in case… Regardless, forgive any duplication!

A brief overview of our current status:

Finals at SAIT ended in April so I have been home for nearly a month! Catching up on some organization and certainly enjoying some free time! I like to make cards and research educational opportunities. I plan on getting a degree someday when the kids are older. If I get permanent employment at SAIT, then they will fund it! I enjoy instruction. It’s fast-paced and keeps me busy; no chance of getting bored!! I enjoy grading assessments and, as I get better, I hope to improve my methods!

I still work at the hospital part-time. Usually just Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturdays.

Shawn is finishing up his 3^rd year plumber apprentice hours. He has registered for his 4^th and final term in September. After that, he takes his provincial and national exams. All that will be left to do after that is to complete his 4^th year hours. He is so excited to have this all done!! His income will improve and we’ll start contributing towards retirement again! Shawn really wants to get a better mountain bike (his current hobby) as well as a motorcycle. I hope to get a motorcycle one day, as well.

Taylor is nearing the end of grade 2. He seems to be enjoying school, in general. Averi goes back and forth about liking Kindergarten. Interesting since Kindergarten is really the most fun of all the grades! Taylor has his two big front teeth as you will witness upon our visit. The teeth on either side of his front teeth are coming in quite slowly so he’s had the appearance of a rabbit for some time! Taylor really enjoys building things with intricate pieces/parts that click together (called Knex). He also rides his very own bike since last year. Averi is also riding her very own two-wheeler as of this year. Ella really enjoys riding along behind one of the parents (as you’ll see in one of the blog posts).

Averi is the sweetest child ever! She reminds me of Eva when she was young. Averi’s only flaw is a propensity to whine. She’s slightly less honest than Taylor, but he’s a hard act to follow! Averi loves to sing and dance and doesn’t usually have stage-fright (whereas Taylor cannot tolerate an audience!).

Ella has some behavioral issues. She’s been seen by a pediatrician but that wasn’t helpful in the least except for a referral to the Early Childhood Mental Health Outreach program. Ella has her own case worker but, again, I’m not sure how effective it’s been. We keep considering a private assessment by a family psychologist group to see if Ella wouldn’t qualify for funding for her issues. As it is, I have registered Ella for “preschool” in the Fall at a school for kids with special needs. Her case worker suggests that Ella goes to a school with children that don’t have issues so that she has models of appropriate behavior. I see the logic and have been trying to find a program elsewhere (with little success so far).

Ella still refuses to potty-train. I have tried all sorts of things, though Dad did suggest a star sticker approach that was apparently used on us as kids. The problem is that Ella is not motivated by ANYTHING! She will simply have to decide that it is time. Unfortunately, Ella is far too BUSY to entertain toilet use. I have, of course, attempted to put her on the toilet every half-hour (she simply goes in between half-hours…), have disallowed TV unless the toilet has been used first, used rewards, etc. etc. to no avail. The one bit of progress that she has made is that she has started hiding when she has to go #2. At least she is recognizing the signs of impending defecation! I always catch her too late.

Ella turns 4 in a week and a half. She always seems to lag developmentally by about 6 months to a year behind average children. I have convinced myself that she will make up for this early torture later on in life. I look forward to it!

Look forward to seeing you and Dad and other family in Victoria in a month! Would love to take the kids to see the fireworks on Canada Day.

Love, Dana

Calaway Park

For Christmas, my grandma sent some funds which we put towards Calaway Park passes for the family. Our first trip was on opening weekend--Victoria Day (May 20).

And, of course, no outing is complete without one of Ella's meltdowns.

And the aftermath:

So much fun!