"You're a good Mommy"

During one of Ella's midnight trips to the potty last week she looked into my eyes and glazily told me, "You're a good Mommy." Things like this just make everything worth it to me.

Yesterday on our way to church she was looking at a princess coloring book and was asking me (driving) "Guess what princess this is mom?" I of course couldn't really look while driving, so I'd shout out a random princess knowing I had a 1 out of 6 chance of getting it right. The cute thing was that when I'd get one correct she'd say stuff like, "Way to go mom!" "You're right mom!" "That's right! You're so smart mommy!" When I'd get one wrong, she'd say incouraging things like, "try again mom, you can do it!" "guess again, it starts with 'Cinders'" or she'd start singing the princesses theme song... -It melted my heart to hear her say the same things back to me that I say to her when I have her guess or repeat answers back to me. Children really learn what you teach and I always hope I am a positive influence for good in your life Ella. We try our best to raise you right, and really want the best for you.

I was watching a movie with my friend Julie last week where this dad was raising 3 girls (two teenagers) all by himself and how they didn't see eye to eye on anything and thought their dad didn't know anything, and couldn't relate to them. It just made me not want you to grow up. Well, not really; I love seeing you experience new things and to watch you grow, but I just remember being 15 and thinking that my mom didn't know what is was like to be my age. Perspective is such a weird entity... The older I get the more I realize how right my mom was about everything, and how I wish I could tell you exactly how to live your life and how to be happy. I guess that's not the way it works though. We are all meant to experience life for ourselves and make our own mistakes. But please remember sweet daughter that there are 2 ways to learn: 1) you can learn from other people's mistakes, or you can 2) learn the hard way, -from your own experiences. I hope you take all the knowledge you can from others around you and realize that I do in fact remember what it was like to be a teenager, to be so infactuated with boys, and think that I had all the answers. I hope we can always be on the same team and that you will always be able to come to me with any question, no matter how embarassing it may be. I will always love and support you and be on your side and my hope is that through this you will be able through our guidance, to make your own right decisions. I love you little girl, and am so proud of all you are and your potential to be. Maybe reading this from me, written as a hip young mom of 28 will make you realize that I remember being your age and can relate to you and understand all the pressures and trials teenagers face and can continue to be your friend and confidant. We are always here for you. Love, Mom

The Things They Say

This pic is us at Bubble-Fest 2008. It was really fun, but Ella woke up really early and was a little bit of a pill the whole time. Cried a lot. I couldn't WAIT to get home and put her down for a nap. I think this pictures says it all, this is as close to a smile as we got that day. It's funny how she can be so cute, and then SUCH a PAIN sometimes. Makes me really appreciate and treasure the good days.

Yesterday, after watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Ella said to me: "Mom, you are Mickey Mouse, and I am Minnie Okay?" (Okay). "But who is Daddy, Mom?" (I don't know, maybe Goofy?) "Yes! Daddy's Goofy 'cause his shoes are sooooo smelly!!"

-Brandon didn't believe me when I told him this, but I swear, I'm not makin' it up! -And for the record, his shoes don't smell. I think on the TV show Goofy's shoes are smelly, but I don't know why she put the two together. She's just a funny kid!

Mommy Sleepless in Seattle

OK- That's just a line. I'm actually sleeping pretty well during my annual Partner Trip to Seattle for work. Being away may have it's benefits -I've had lots of free time in the evenings to blog blog blog, bubble baths, uninterrupted sleep; but no matter how I spin it, I really miss Ella and Brandon, feel guilty being away from them, and having Brandon do double Ella duty. (I think he said she was up peeing about 4 times last night...)

Brandon called me today with the cutest conversation he and Ella had:

Ella: "Dad? When does my mommy come home?"
Dad: "Tomorrow Ella, that's Thursday. Can you say Thursday?"
Ella: (Dancing all over the house and sing songing:)"Tomorrow! Tomorrow, my Mommy is coming back tomorrow!! I'm so excited for my Mommy!!"
Dad: "What city is mommy in Ella?"
Ella: "Mommy's in Seattle, can you say Seattle Dad?"

As much as it pains me to be away, I am so grateful and more appreciative of all I have when I return -All Brandon does for me, how sweet Ella is, and how glad I have them both in my life. I miss you guys and you are amazing to me.
Love,
Mom