6

Em and Roo turned.... 6! 

We kicked off the morning with their new t-shirts and donuts...

...with candles to blow out.  Plus, they let me sing a very soft birthday song to them.  They still feel a little wiggy having the song sung for them and requested no singing at their party. 

Marmee arrived soon after donuts and we headed to the American Girl store.  

 Welcome to the family, Josefina!  Your new mommy, Em, is super proud to have you.  

Next up, lunch at the American Girl Bistro.  Dad joined us and that made it perfect.  

 Then, Roo's turn!  The Lego store for all the mini-figures she's been wishing for.  She built them all from scratch and couldn't be more pleased.  

 We made the cakes the day before.  Em requested a pink American Girl cake.  Her cake has vintage American Girl pewter game pieces as the cake toppers. 

Roo asked for a blue-green Sesame Street cake.  We found some cool 1970's cake toppers that fit the bill perfectly.  

 They invited all their friends from co-op, plus family and our dear, life long, since the NICU, friends, Abbey and Porter.  First up, cook-out, then cake, finally The Muppets on the screen in the backyard with popcorn.  

Up bright and early the next morning, despite the late party.  They couldn't wait to rehash it and also had the added treat of tons of birthday wishes, blessings and greetings awaiting them on Facebook.  

Happy Birthday to my darling Rowdy Girls.  I can't wait to see what amazing things you do this year!

High Five!

The Rowdy Girls turn 5 years old today. Or, as Em puts it, "I changin' to five."

Happy Birthday to our brilliant, beautiful, bold and blessed little girls!

Happy 36

J turned 36 last week while he was away for work travel. Em sang a little song and we sent it to him first thing that morning.

The rest of the celebration was saved for his return.

Em and Roo helped make cupcakes for their Daddy. And picked out a special card.

We're mad for princesses these days, so no other card would do.

Inside, Em wrote love and her name.

Roo refused to write her name. Instead she wanted to sign it with her alter ego name of the week. Then, she agreed to actually write her name.

Can you see the alias? That's a T, a tiny W, an I and a CH. Someone is a SYTYCD fan.

At the end of the weekend, we blew up balloons, put on our party frocks (ok, just Em did that) and put a candled cupcake in a go-cup.

And took it all to the airport to pick up our Prince Charming.

We love our daddy! He's the real Prince Charming for these three girls.

Happy 36 and many more!

2010 March for Babies

This year's March for Babies was another win. Because it's so close to Roo's and Em's birthday, it's a tangible reminder of how far we've come and what we're giving back to.

Each year, we ask that our friends and family make a donation to the March of Dimes in lieu of giving a birthday gift. It is such an incredible blessing to walk with our fellow NICU survivors and honor the wonderful children they are today.

It is also a poignant reminder that several of our numbers did not get to go home with their mothers, fathers, twins. And that is why we march.

Thank you thank you to all our family and friends who marched with us in body

Aunt Kak, the Bests, our NICU family

and in spirit

McGrands, Mammaw and Pappaw, Nannie, families of Laura, Kristin, Jennifer, Jackie, Vanessa, Jenny, Betty, Mitzi, Susanne, Erin, Andrea, Aunt Joy, Aunt Becky

Mork

Aunt Kak included a surprise in the girls' birthday gift. Well, it was a surprise to Aunt Kak. She thought she was picking out an inflatable purple dolphin. Instead, what we found was this.

Meet Mork.

(the shoes and pajamas are Ruby's)

He's the breakout star of the birthday gifts. Maybe because he's just the girls' size. Maybe because he's purple and has a squeaker in his neck. Who knows.

What I do know is that he scares the fire out of me at night when they've tucked him in on the couch with a blanket and pillow.

But, you can't stay mad. He's such a good sport.

And dancer.

Emme's Letter

Dear Emme,

You are officially 4 years old. You have started to settle into your personality, which is a bit larger than life. You're full of contradictions, shy and boisterous, rowdy and dainty, dramatic and subdued. Just when someone tries to peg you, you change. Even finding a song to reflect this past year for your slide show was a challenge. The words for all that you are have not been compiled into one piece of music. So, I chose an instrumental piece called Ode to a Butterfly. I think that fits.

Emme, you adore going to preschool and just delight in each new experience. Ms. Melissa is one of your favorite people ever and you cozy up to her like she's your second mama. Complete entitled ownership and a hundred percent assurance that you are loved and wanted in her lap and arms. Props to you and Ms. Melissa for pulling that off without excluding the rest of the class.

You love to make people laugh, Emme. It brings you great joy to put on a silly face and get a giggle from someone. You're also a fan of the dramatic entrance, the beauty queen wave and theatrical emotions. If I had a dime for each time you've exclaimed, "Oh No!" with a staged gasp and grand gestures, we'd have college knocked out for you. I won't be a bit surprised to see you take the leads in musical theater (and life in general). You've got a gift and a penchant for the spotlight.

Another abiding love of yours is dance. This year you discovered The Nutcracker and just can't get enough of it. Emme, you listen to the music several times a week; page through a picture book of the ballet; practice the dancers' poses from the book; absorb the ballet itself on our dvd recording and just love every aspect. But you're no dance snob. You love it all. Each dance you observe is studied and replicated to the best of your abilities. And you've got skills! You're a natural and a quick study, to boot. Tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, ballroom... I've seen you imitate them all. Dance lessons are on your horizon, darling girl.

Oh, Emme, you have such a sweet spirit. There is a deep well of kindness inside of you that bubbles forth. You are so incredibly helpful because you just love to be available and give of yourself. The ways you observe and take mental notes when you see a need to be filled is amazing. If you don't have a chance to take action immediately, you wait and step in the next time the need is present. I think that's such an advanced ability and I'm so very proud of your precious heart.

I've been greatly privileged to watch your imagination take flight this past year. It is extraordinary! You role play and create elaborate scenarios with ease and great delight. My personal favorite is switching places. You get to be mama and I'm Emme. You are such a doll and so patient when you're playing 'Mama'. I test you and you never hit the wall; bringing me blankets, singing songs, reading stories, extra kisses, snacks, cups of water, more covers... Really! I'm a pill. And you, darling girl, help me see myself through your eyes and make me want to be all that you believe and more.

This year, Emme, you learned to use the potty. You did it in one day and never looked back. You also figured out that your ticket to the universe is a tall step stool. There is nothing you won't or can't access yourself, though you are polite enough to ask permission (sometimes while in progress or afterwards). You are miss independence...unless there's a strange man in the vicinity. That's your shy-kryptonite. Not such a bad thing, I think. You hide behind me and whisper over and over, 'don't be shy. don't be shy'. Emme, it's ok to be shy or need to borrow a little courage. You're brave without being reckless. It's a valuable thing to have a little internal caution.

Emme, you've worked hard this year in speech therapy. The words and ideas are all there, you just have a little trouble getting it all out in a comprehensive sentence. But it doesn't slow you down a bit. Your mind is so intriguing. I love listening to you string thoughts together, finding patterns, making connections, building your imaginative repertoire. You are decoding three and four letter words now and have an arsenal of sight recognition words. Though, you still rely on us or Ruby to have a story read, you're capable of working through some beginning readers yourself. However, you much prefer to draw. Quiet moments throughout the day often find you seated in your art corner, sketching faces and practicing letters. I watched you run to grab a magnadoodle board the other day and sketch different scenes from a television show. As the story changed, you wiped the board and began a new sketch of the revised story. Your movements were fast and sure and the scenes I saw unfold on the magnadoodle completely made sense because I saw what you were sketching. Unbelievable! How do you know how to do that?

You are a treasure, precious Mary Elizabeth. I am so incredibly proud of you and the little lady you are becoming. You can do anything and be anything you want. I believe that with all my heart. No matter how things change I hope you always want to snuggle with me first thing in the morning and ask for whispered secrets every night before sleep. I pray you grow with grace into confidence and integrity full of patience and loving kindness. I love you Moses.

love,

Mama

Ruby's Letter

Dear Ruby,

You are officially 4 years old. This year has been an adventure. Right after you turned 3 we found out that there might be more going on than just a sensory processing issue. It was a launching point for us, as a family, to make sure that you had access to everything you needed to be the very best Ruby you could be. So, much of this year has been taken up with trips to occupational therapy and speech, researching and praying. Our weekly visits with Miss D are highlights for you because they are full of swinging and playing and leave you feeling balanced and sure of yourself. I am completely wowed by your progress this year in communicating, socializing and acclimating to new situations.

This year you learned how to use the potty. You never ever have an accident out in public or at preschool and rarely at home. I love how proud you are of your accomplishments and also how methodical you are about always having a book at hand for a lengthier stay on the toilet. You are a planner and not one to be caught off-guard. Such a funny thing to learn about you from potty training, but there it is. I think this will be a life long attribute that will serve you well.

Your imagination really took off this year. Most often you pull pretend play ideas from stories you've read or movies you've watched. But more and more, I'm seeing the creativity inside of you spill out into your words and actions. I particularly love the way you revise songs to reflect what's going on in your imagination. Your songs also reflect your keen sense of humor. That and your sparkly eyes. Sometimes your humor is a little wicked. However, it only takes a quick look into your big blue eyes to see the joke hiding there instead of the naughty I expected to find. Just like your Daddy in that respect!

Oh! Speaking of songs, Ruby, you.love.to.sing. Your memory for song lyrics and tunes is just insane. When I hear you humming the tunes from songs on the Christian radio station or singing the refrain from the worship songs in church, I could just cry, it's so sweet. Ruby, you really have a heart for worship and have already learned so many scriptures through song. I hope you'll always have those Words readily accessible in your heart and mind.

Ruby, you have completed a year of preschool and Ms. Melissa has nothing but nice things to say about you. She noted your unique and thorough way of problem solving, how bright you are and how incredibly determined, too. You have blown away your specials teachers with your ability to recall details from past classes. Especially the Chinese lessons from Ms. Jillian during music class. Wow! You are a natural at languages!

Your list of things you love is long and varied. Your family, especially your Emme, top the list in your prayers each night. But, when asked what else you'd like to pray for, you immediately add Sesame Street characters. The four favorites still go to bed with you each night. Your favorite books this year have been compendiums, sequels and series. You share my love of a story that doesn't end. You read like other people breathe, without thought, it's just there. It's so incredible to watch the world open up to you through books. Reading is your passion, but your love language is bacon and cupcakes. Kiddo, you adore the salty and sweet things. Lemonade with 'bubbles' is still a favorite drink and you've got a real soft spot for anything that holds frosting (cupcakes, donuts, cookies). For your birthday this year, I made you an entire cupcake liner full of frosting. With sprinkles, of course.

Ruby, you are so independent now, though you still hang close to me for security. At home you can do it all by yourself. When we're out and about, you get a little anxious at times and still ask to 'be my baby'. I spent the first part of the year pushing you a little further and encouraging you to walk towards the things that seemed to worry you; brave through the transitions that seem so scary and be courageous in the face of looming obstacles. But, you know what, Ruby? You are, inherently, one of the bravest people I have ever known. It occurred to me one day that holding you a little longer or staying nearby for comfort didn't diminish any of that courage. It just gives you the assurance that we're in this together. You are not alone. So, as we finished out your year, out and about type things became much smoother as you relaxed in the knowledge that you would not be asked to fly until you were ready to spread your wings. As one would anticipate, you've begun flying faster and farther all on your own. You amaze me.

You often call me by my first name now, because it gets you swifter results. But, when you really need a mother, you still say 'Mama'. Especially at night when you ask me to tell you secret prayers in your ear.

I love you dearly, Ruby Claire, and am so blessed to be your mother.

Love,

Mama

the sweetest things

Yesterday we celebrated Em's and Roo's 4th birthday. How in the world is that number even correct?

Our rockin' playgroup helped us ring in the next year in style. With lots of laughter and love.

We had cupcakes to decorate yourself, giant cupcakes for candles and birthday songs and mini cupcakes dipped in chocolate. So.Delicious. Daddy made Rowdy Girl root beer again and puffed up a gigantic jumpy house for all the kids. The sandbox and playscape were open for business, too. And the weather was brillant.

Roo and Em had the best time and felt so important and special.

It was all we hoped for and more.

rainbows and bubbles

Our friends celebrated their 4th birthday today. Em and Roo highly anticipated this event all week. But, storms threatened to ruin all the outside fun. We held our breath as rain pelted the car on route to the party.

Fortunately, just as we arrived, the rain moved on and out came a rainbow...

From the center of the cake!

The Rowdy Girls were completely charmed.

To make it an even more perfect party, the hosts pulled out the bubble machine. Fabulous!

(And how about these little dresses? Marmee smocked them for Aunt Kaki a long time ago. They still look amazing!)

Sweet covered in Cute with Adorable filling

Last month the RGs attended a 4th birthday party for a playgroup friend.

It was an incredibly cute ballerina birthday party at her dance studio.

And. Her mommy made tutus, wands and floral halos for all the little girls.

It was so sweet and adorable it almost made your teeth hurt.

That is just how cute all the littles were.

having the best.time.ever!

Novembering

This month has come and gone. While a lot has happened, not a lot has made it onto the blog.
Mostly thanks to a wicked run of migraines that made looking at a computer screen challenging. To say the least.

We had some fun playgroups with our twin and triplet buddies. None so eventful as the last one I documented. That's a good thing.

Em and Roo attended their first sit-down-in-a-theater play. The Little Mermaid performed at the Scottish Rite Theatre. It was a terrific hit thanks to a talented cast, lots of required audience participation, and a couple of lollipops found down in the bottom of my handbag.


Roo restarted occupational therapy with the divine Ms. D and is thriving under her attentive care. While Roo gets to swing and bounce and, just, play, Em and I have a coffee date at Starbucks. Em loves chalocolate milk and girl talk at a cozy table for two.

Em and Daddy took a road trip together to attend Aunt Gail's wedding. Roo and I stayed home to recover from our respective sickies. Em had an outstanding time being an only child. She slept in the big bed with Daddy, got to see Mammaw and Pappaw before the rest of us, drove a tractor, played football with all the boy cousins, and grabbed a fast visit with Nana. She's still talking about the tractor.


Preschool is rocking along and the girls have bonded nicely with Ms. Melissa. Em has a special affinity for a little boy named Jackson. She holds his hand during story time. Roo adores Wade's daddy, who is present a lot as he's on the board for the school. They've participated in safety week and had visits from police, doctors, nurses and firefighters complete with their truck. The highlight this month was the school-wide Pow Wow with a shared snack feast and joyful noise instruments.

Aunt Kaki had a birthday and Em and Roo threw a surprise party for her with balloons and cupcakes. Additionally, they had several friends' birthday parties to attend. As a result, they are still wishing everyone and anyone a happy birthday and asking to help you blow out your candles.

We were blessed to host Mammaw and Pappaw for Thanksgiving. The meal itself was delicious and just about the fanciest thing the girls have ever experienced in our home. Roo said the table was beautiful and Em was so proud to participate in the cooking.

They chatted everyone up throughout the entire eating experience. Roo asked everyone what they were thankful for and thoughtfully recited her prayers to name each person.
So, for those of you that we were not able to be with, know that you were prayed for, remembered and are loved.

The biggsest surprise is that he's 43.

Today is J's birthday. The girls are very interested in birthdays lately, especially the cake and candle part. After overhearing a conversation about J's preference for either a pie or cake, Em has asked, at every meal, for pie. Clearly, she's my daughter.

At any rate, the excitement has been mounting and today, the actual birthday, has been full of announcements. Everyone has been wished a happy birthday at least 20 times and there have been copious amounts of SURPRISE! shoutings.

So, we rigged up a for-real surprise party for Daddy. He was due home from an errand and we hung streamers and blew up balloons and practiced the very loud, synchronized greeting.

It went beautifully!

in review

A quick list to sum up the past week...

1. Maggie dog is eating now. And seems 100% recovered. Except she's supposed to take it easy for another week. And. She smells. But, we can't bathe her yet.

2. Aunt Kaki's trusty car broke. Grandpa found a new car for Aunt Kaki and brought it to her on Thursday.

3. I discovered that Grandpa was bringing a car for Aunt Kaki and staying with us on Thursday. Night. Let's hear it for bonus McGrandparent time! Even on short notice.

4. Marmee came to visit on Friday. Much fun was had by all. Inside, outside, and upside down.

5. I turned thirty-somethingish on Saturday. And celebrated by eating the equivalent amount of food in pounds from Trudy's brunch buffet. We all did. See that leftover piece of a pancake in the photo below? I ate it, too, before we left.

6. iPhones with home movies and Sesame Street podcasts make handy toddler mutes when the feeding frenzy is finished.
7. But said toddlers do not enjoy the iPhones being relocated during 'family photo' time.

8. Em and Roo went to their first movie. It was a doozy! Under The Sea in 3D at the IMAX.

Roo thought the words flying at her were awesome and tried to catch them. Em yelled, "WHOA!" and ripped off her 3D glasses. Marmee didn't care for the sea snakes swimming towards her face. Other than that, everyone had an overall super duper movie experience. We recommend.

9. Three Year Well Check. Em is 38 and 1/4 inches tall and weighs 28 lbs 5.5 oz. She's maintaining her growth curve... 25% for weight and between 50th and 75% for height. Roo is maintaining her curve as well... 5% for weight at 25lbs 8 oz and 25% for height at 37 inches. We are pleased.

10. Lunch date with Mommy and Daddy after the one vaccination seemed to put the world back to rights again.
Especially the tiny little shortbread cookies that came with Mommy's coffee.