Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Sassy Kate Turns 3!

A Story for Sadie Kate

Just like her big sister, Sadie Kate loves to hear and retell her birth story. Mark was the original storyteller, so some of the details are rather skewed and have a more humorous twist than my version. I love to watch her tell the story; she gets so animated and excited, it's a hoot! Just in case some of Daddy's recollections are fuzzy, Sadie Kate, here is Momma's version...3 years later.

Momma woke up early one Sunday morning when it was still dark outside and felt like it was time for Sadie Kate to come. I walked around the house, unloaded the dishwasher, folded towels, and went to Ellie's room to see my baby before she became the BIG sister. I woke Daddy up and said, "I think it's time to go to the hospital." Daddy just rolled over and went back to sleep. I took a shower, got dressed, ate a strawberry cereal bar (probably why you love them), and went to wake Daddy up again. This time he got up and got ready to take Momma to the hospital. He called MaMa and Aunt Rita to come watch Ellie, but Momma couldn't wait that long. Mrs. Angie and Morgan came over and stayed with Ellie until they arrived. When we got to the hospital, the nurses said, "Yes, it's time for Sadie Kate to come" and Momma was so excited. Not long after that the doctor told Momma to "push, push, push" and POP! came Sadie Kate. Momma was so happy to see your red little face and your red little hair; you were perfect. I looked up at Daddy and knew that I was watching him fall in love with yet another little redhead. Then we looked at each other and started to cry. Not sad face crying, but happy, thankful to God crying.

Sadie Kate, you will never really understand the difficult circumstances in which you arrived, but I hope you never doubt the joy that replaced the sadness the moment you entered this world. You made your daddy smile and laugh when he needed it most and I thank you for that.

Sadie Kate, Momma and Daddy prayed for you for a long time before God gave you to us and we are so thankful that He chose us to be the ones to tuck you in everynight, hold your hand when you're scared, and watch your nose crinkle when you smile. You absolutely make my heart smile and I love you...everyday!

Friday, August 12, 2011

She Did It!

Giddy on her first day!




"I can do it by myself."

3 Down...177 to Go!!!

Well, we did it...we made it through a BIG week with only a few tears. Ironically, the tears came from the least likely Mayo...Sadie Kate. She has had the roughest time transitioning from being at home with Mom and Ellie 24 hours a day to being left (without her big sister) at daycare. Those who know her well can understand why her previous teacher at daycare called her "Sassy Kate" and why I was so thrilled when she got a "no-nonsense", but loving, teacher for this school year. Needless to say, there is a definite power struggle going on in that room and I have yet to place my bet on a winner!

On a much happier note, Ellie has transitioned to kindergartener like a pro! She has had positive behavior reports each day (today's said she was quite talkative, though) and has already made several new friends. She has also learned to let Elijah sit down at his spot on the rug first "because he pushes friends off their squares and uses his mean face". Oh, the lessons learned in Kindergarten!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

My Big Girls

Ellie-5 years

Sadie Kate- 35.5 months

My big girls

Monday, August 8, 2011

And So It Begins...

the growing up, that is. Both girls go back to school this week and it's really starting to sink in how quickly they are growing and how much they are changing. Sadie Kate had her open house for the 3 year old class at daycare and was thrilled to see her friends again. Ellie and I went to her open house for kindergarten and she was equally thrilled to see her friends...who are across the hall! I was disappointed that she didn't have any friends in her class, but she didn't seem to care since her two good friends were in sight (at least they will have lunch, P.E., and a playground break together).
I am excited and anxious for Wednesday-the first day of Kindergarten for Ellie-since Mark will take her to class and quickly, following strict instructions, text me and tell me how she did. I can't believe I have to miss such a milestone in her life, but at least I will be the first to hear all about her first day of school.

Sadie Kate started school today and did wonderfully, which was a delightful surprise since she woke up with an earache and cried for about 30 minutes before getting dressed. Her teacher said she followed directions, shared with her friends, and took a 2 hour nap without fussing. Here's hoping Ellie's first day turns out as well!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Catching Up

Well, there's been all kinds of busy at our house this week and I am so ready for school to start so we can get into a new routine. Last week found us sending the girls to Dad and Carol's for a couple of days while I sat at home juggling a plumber, electrician, and floor installer. We also managed to squeeze in surgery to remove a tumor in Mark's leg (still waiting on biopsy results), a few hours working in my new classroom before starting school Friday, a birthday party, VBS, and open houses for both girls' schools. WHEW, I'm ready for boring to hit our house!!!