Somehow the topic of strangers breaking into our house to steal some of our things came up and it had Ellie quite concerned.
Ellie: But Mommy, I don't want them to come into our house because then they will take all of our treasures.
Mommy: That's why we lock our doors so they can't come in.
Ellie: But what if they still get in?
Mommy: That would be sad, but luckily everything they take we can get replaced.
Ellie: Not our most special treasures! Not Bun Bun!
Mommy: And not our photos, but usually when people steal stuff from a house they steal things like the TV or jewelry because theyr're worth more money.
Ellie: But Bun Bun is worth the most and we can't buy new ones! I don't want Bun Bun to get stolen! Mommy, what if a robber comes in and finds Bun Bun and smells her and he sees that she smells so good and he decides he wants to keep her? Mommy, if a robber finds Bun Bun I KNOW he will take her because she smells so yummy.
Yes, apparently the same Bun Bun that she used to suck on as a pacifier, which caused it to smell mildew-like, which led to us buying 7 of them so that she could have a new freshly cleaned Bun Bun every day... Yes, apparently they have been scarred by a specific smell (though not exactly a bad one... just... distinct). And apparently that's part of what makes Bun Bun so very special. She's the only stuffed animal that "smells so good." Huh. Who would have thought?
Showing posts with label Bun-Bun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bun-Bun. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Ellie's First REAL Punishment
For her date with Daddy, Ellie went to the Denver Science Museum. They had a blast, all the way up until she attempted to steal a stuffed deer from the gift shop. Yes, our sweet Ellie tried to steal something!! Daddy gave her enough time to see if she'd think better of her plan, but they got all the way up to the door before he finally admitted he was on to her.
I'm told he kept his cool and did not get angry, but rather told her that he was terribly disappointed in her and would have to talk to Mommy about a consequence. Once they got home, it was very apparent that Ellie felt ashamed of her behavior.
She told me what she did, with great big tears in her eyes, and then informed me that she didn't want to talk about it anymore but needed to be alone for a while.
The following day we told her what her consequence would be.
Since she tried to steal the stuffed animal because she wanted yet another to add to the many many stuffed animals she already has at home... we decided to take them all away. We took every stuffed animal except for one and put them into a trash bag in our closet. She will be able to earn them back every time she fills up a line on her chore chart.
She was devastated but understood. At first she didn't hear that we had agreed to let her keep one, and she was terrified about the idea of giving up Bun Bun. Yes, after all these years, Bun Bun is still her most favorite. The first thing that came to her mind when faced with the idea of having **NO** stuffed toys to snuggle with, was Bun Bun.
In the end, she snuggled with Bun Bun as her one animal she got to keep. By the end of the day, she had already earned another animal back by filling up her chore chart.
What do you think? Too harsh? What would you have done?
I'm told he kept his cool and did not get angry, but rather told her that he was terribly disappointed in her and would have to talk to Mommy about a consequence. Once they got home, it was very apparent that Ellie felt ashamed of her behavior.
She told me what she did, with great big tears in her eyes, and then informed me that she didn't want to talk about it anymore but needed to be alone for a while.
The following day we told her what her consequence would be.
Since she tried to steal the stuffed animal because she wanted yet another to add to the many many stuffed animals she already has at home... we decided to take them all away. We took every stuffed animal except for one and put them into a trash bag in our closet. She will be able to earn them back every time she fills up a line on her chore chart.
She was devastated but understood. At first she didn't hear that we had agreed to let her keep one, and she was terrified about the idea of giving up Bun Bun. Yes, after all these years, Bun Bun is still her most favorite. The first thing that came to her mind when faced with the idea of having **NO** stuffed toys to snuggle with, was Bun Bun.
In the end, she snuggled with Bun Bun as her one animal she got to keep. By the end of the day, she had already earned another animal back by filling up her chore chart.
What do you think? Too harsh? What would you have done?
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thankful
Today I am thankful for...
A husband who knows better than I do what gestures make me feel loved.
A 5 year old daughter who says "I am thankful for my family who pre-tects me and for my Bun Bun who is still with me."
A 3 year old daughter who says "I am thank you for the color purple!"
A hobby that has turned into a second business (Gniffer's Gnomes), yet remains very rewarding every time someone recieves a tiny pick-me-up I created.
A third business (Fit Folks) that is just as rewarding because we are helping people reach their fitness goals to be the best they can be, to have the energy their children deserve and to take care of themselves for once.
Life is good. Very good.
A husband who knows better than I do what gestures make me feel loved.
A 5 year old daughter who says "I am thankful for my family who pre-tects me and for my Bun Bun who is still with me."
A 3 year old daughter who says "I am thank you for the color purple!"
A hobby that has turned into a second business (Gniffer's Gnomes), yet remains very rewarding every time someone recieves a tiny pick-me-up I created.
A third business (Fit Folks) that is just as rewarding because we are helping people reach their fitness goals to be the best they can be, to have the energy their children deserve and to take care of themselves for once.
Life is good. Very good.
Monday, October 29, 2012
The World According to Ellie (5 years old)
In case you're keeping track of how much this lovely little girl has grown, here is The World According to Ellie at 4 years old.
My name is LORI-ELLE VINCEN(t)
I am FIVE YEARS OLD AND I'M IN KINDERGARTEN ALREADY!!! THE FIRST RULE OF KINDERGARTEN IS TO HAVE FUN! THE SECOND RULE IS TO RESPECT YOUR TEACHER AND DON'T INTERRUPT. I FORGET WHAT THE THREE-D RULE IS.
This is how I write my name:
This is what I look like:
I have DIRTY BLONDE HAIR. THAT MEANS IT'S DARK BLONDE BUT NOT REALLY DIRTY. I have brown eyes and have lost one tooth!
I even have my ears pierced!
The people in my family are MOMMY, DADDY AND ADD-A-LINE. SOMETIMES MY FAMILY IS ALSO LOTS OF PEOPLE LIKE AUNT ERIN, AUDREY AND CLIVE. AND GRAMMA. AND NANA. AND GRANPA. AND GRANPA LOU. AND GRANDMOMMY JEANNE....
This is what my family looks like:
I love my mommy because SHE GIVES ME LOTS OF LOVEY KISSES.
I love my daddy because HE GIVES ME LOTS OF TICKLES AND WHEN I HUG HIM IT MEANS I WANT TO BE TICKLED!
I love my sister because SHE GIVES ME LOTS OF HUGS AND SHE THINKS I'M FUNNY. I LIKE TO MAKE HER LAUGH.
My favorite toy is BUN BUN. I'M NEVER EVER GOING TO FORGET HER!!! TELL ME A STORY ABOUT BUN BUN WHEN I WAS JUST A BABY...
My favorite friends are BRYNN AND IZZY. I CAN ONLY PLAY WITH BRYNN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES IN THE MORNING UNTIL SHE GOES TO HER KINDERGARTEN. THEN I CAN PLAY WITH IZZY UNTIL BRYNN COMES BACK IN THE AFTERNOON.
My favorite thing to do is LEARN AT SCHOOL. I LOVE TO LEARN HOW TO READ!! I CAN READ ALL OF THE WORDS. REALLY! I CAN!
The best things about me are I'M TICKLISH, I LAUGH GOOD AND I LOVE DADDY AND I LIKE TO HUG HIM.
I'm good at playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on my saxophone, doing flips in the water & swinging on monkey bars.
I'm especially good at writing my words all by myself!
My favorite color is PINK THEN PURPLE THEN BLUE
My favorite food is MAC & CHEESE AT RED ROBIN. MY FAVORITE DESSERT IS PUMPKIN APPLE BROWNIE SURPRISE!
My favorite place to go is WHAT'S THE PLACE WHERE WE GET TO COOK OUR OWN FOOD? (Melting Pot)
My favorite game is TAG THE MONKEY!!
My favorite animal is A GIRAFFE AND HER NAME IS SPOTTY!
My favorite magical creature is A UNICORN AND HER NAME IS FLOWER! SOMETIMES HER NAME IS SNOWFLAKE IF SHE'S A WINTER UNICORN. HER NAME IS FLOWER IF SHE'S A SPRING UNICORN.
My favorite song is THE RAINBOW SONG THAT GOES LIKE THIS: WE'RE A RAINBOW MADE OF CHILDREN. WE'RE AN ARMY SINGING OUR SONG. THERE'S NO WEAPON THAT CAN STOP US. RAINBOW LOVE IS MUCH TOO STRONG."
My favorite book is ALL THE BOOKS AT MY SCHOOL LIKE "12 LITTLE PIGGIES ARE HUNGRY." WE GO TO THE LIBRARY EVERY THURSDAY SO WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE BRING MY BOOSTER SEAT OK? WE GET TO PICK OUT OUR VERY OWN BOOKS EVERY TIME!!! BUT DON'T WORRY, MOMMY. THE BOOKS STAY AT SCHOOL SO WE DON'T LOSE THEM.
My favorite weather is WINTER TIME BECAUSE I LOVE TO PLAY IN THE SNOW. IT'S FALL TIME NOW AND THAT MEANS WINTER IS NEXT! I'M SOOO ESS-CITED!!! I LIKE WINTER THE BEST BECAUSE WE GET TO SLED DOWN THE HILLS!!!
When I grow up I want to be A BALLERINA TEACHER AND I WANT TO TEACH MY KIDS HOW TO BALLERINA DANCE. I WANT TO BE A MOMMY AND I WANNA HAVE 5 KIDS!
I'M GOING TO MARRY MICHAEL WHEN I GET OLDER. HE DOESN'T REALLY WANT TO MARRY ME RIGHT NOW BUT THAT'S OK BECAUSE I'M NOT READY. MAYBE HE'LL BE READY WHEN I GO TO SCHOOL WITH HIM AGAIN IN FIRST GRADE.
My favorite place to visit is GRANPA LOU'S HOUSE AND PAPPY'S HOUSE BECAUSE I LOVE GRANDPA LOU AND PAPPY!!!
The most beautiful place I've ever seen is INSIDE DA CHURCH WITH CHURCH WINDOWS.
I would like to help the world by TELLING THEM "SAFETY FIRST!" AND RESPECT EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING. IT MEANS RESPECT THE PERSON AND RESPECT THE TOYS. BE NICE TO OTHER PEOPLE AND BE GENTLE WITH ALL THE TOYS.
My thoughts on God are: I THINK THAT GOD IS IN THE STARS SO WHEN WE FEEL ALONE WE CAN GO TO THE STARS AND SEE HIM. I LEARNED THAT BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT SIMBA'S DADDY TOLD HIM (from The Lion King). SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE IN GOD AND SOME DO NOT AND THAT'S OK. I DECDIDED THAT I DO BELIEVE IN HIM.
My thoughts on Santa & the Tooth Fairy: I THINK THAT SANTA IS REAL BECAUSE HE LEFT ME PRESENTS LAST YEAR. FAIRIES AREN'T REAL. THE ONLY FAIRY THAT IS FOR REAL IS THE TOOTH FAIRY. I BELIEVE IN THE TOOTH FAIRY BECAUSE I WANT TO BELIEVE SHE IS REAL. IF I DON'T BELIEVE SHE IS REAL THEN SHE WON'T BE REAL AND THAT WILL MAKE HER SAD.
How long did it take for Rapunzel to grow her hair out? 50 HUNDRED YEARS!
How many people are in the entire world? 50 HUNDRED!!!
What we will remember most about Ellie at this age is...
In the last year something just clicked in your head. It's as though there is now no limit to the things you can learn and you are doing so at an exponential rate. Whether it's writing, reading, biology, or even how the world works around you, you amaze us with your new knowledge every day. You like to remind people that "I know better than you because I'm in Kindergarten now." You're so proud of your achievements, as you should be, and you say your favorite thing about school is how much learning you do. If there was one single thing that you are most proud of yourself for, it's that you are always coming up with good solutions. When you list the people you love, you remember to include yourself and tell us that it's ok for you to love yourself because you're a very nice person. When I ask you what you love most about yourself, there is no hesitation. "I love that I can always come up with new ideas." Yes, Ellie, we love that too. I love that you know that if something is difficult, you just have to keep practicing or think of a different solution. My hope for you is that this will remain a strength in your character and that you will always have the love and belief in yourself that you do right now. You continue to be a good sister and I'm so blessed to have two girls who love each other so much. It still amazes me when I see the two of you reach for each other in need of comfort or support. Your best friend is still Brynn, though Izzie now takes a close second place because Izzy is in your Kindergarten class while Brynn is just with you before and after her Kindergarten. This will be the last year you're with Brynn and I try not to think too much about how difficult next year might be for you. I'm sure you'll handle it with grace and view it as yet another challenge that just needs a good solution. And you're good at coming up with solutions, aren't you?
You know how life works: I LIKE TO PLAY WITH MYSELF AND I LIKE MYSELF BECAUSE I'M WONDERFUL JUST LIKE A PRINCESS. NOT A PRETEND PRINCESS. A PRINCESS FOR REAL LIFE.
Ellie if you keep that kind of confidence, then there is no limit to the places you will go!
My name is LORI-ELLE VINCEN(t)
I am FIVE YEARS OLD AND I'M IN KINDERGARTEN ALREADY!!! THE FIRST RULE OF KINDERGARTEN IS TO HAVE FUN! THE SECOND RULE IS TO RESPECT YOUR TEACHER AND DON'T INTERRUPT. I FORGET WHAT THE THREE-D RULE IS.
This is how I write my name:
This is what I look like:
I have DIRTY BLONDE HAIR. THAT MEANS IT'S DARK BLONDE BUT NOT REALLY DIRTY. I have brown eyes and have lost one tooth!
I even have my ears pierced!
The people in my family are MOMMY, DADDY AND ADD-A-LINE. SOMETIMES MY FAMILY IS ALSO LOTS OF PEOPLE LIKE AUNT ERIN, AUDREY AND CLIVE. AND GRAMMA. AND NANA. AND GRANPA. AND GRANPA LOU. AND GRANDMOMMY JEANNE....
This is what my family looks like:
I love my mommy because SHE GIVES ME LOTS OF LOVEY KISSES.
I love my daddy because HE GIVES ME LOTS OF TICKLES AND WHEN I HUG HIM IT MEANS I WANT TO BE TICKLED!
I love my sister because SHE GIVES ME LOTS OF HUGS AND SHE THINKS I'M FUNNY. I LIKE TO MAKE HER LAUGH.
My favorite toy is BUN BUN. I'M NEVER EVER GOING TO FORGET HER!!! TELL ME A STORY ABOUT BUN BUN WHEN I WAS JUST A BABY...
My favorite friends are BRYNN AND IZZY. I CAN ONLY PLAY WITH BRYNN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES IN THE MORNING UNTIL SHE GOES TO HER KINDERGARTEN. THEN I CAN PLAY WITH IZZY UNTIL BRYNN COMES BACK IN THE AFTERNOON.
My favorite thing to do is LEARN AT SCHOOL. I LOVE TO LEARN HOW TO READ!! I CAN READ ALL OF THE WORDS. REALLY! I CAN!
The best things about me are I'M TICKLISH, I LAUGH GOOD AND I LOVE DADDY AND I LIKE TO HUG HIM.
I'm good at playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on my saxophone, doing flips in the water & swinging on monkey bars.
I'm especially good at writing my words all by myself!
My favorite color is PINK THEN PURPLE THEN BLUE
My favorite food is MAC & CHEESE AT RED ROBIN. MY FAVORITE DESSERT IS PUMPKIN APPLE BROWNIE SURPRISE!
My favorite place to go is WHAT'S THE PLACE WHERE WE GET TO COOK OUR OWN FOOD? (Melting Pot)
My favorite game is TAG THE MONKEY!!
My favorite animal is A GIRAFFE AND HER NAME IS SPOTTY!
My favorite magical creature is A UNICORN AND HER NAME IS FLOWER! SOMETIMES HER NAME IS SNOWFLAKE IF SHE'S A WINTER UNICORN. HER NAME IS FLOWER IF SHE'S A SPRING UNICORN.
My favorite song is THE RAINBOW SONG THAT GOES LIKE THIS: WE'RE A RAINBOW MADE OF CHILDREN. WE'RE AN ARMY SINGING OUR SONG. THERE'S NO WEAPON THAT CAN STOP US. RAINBOW LOVE IS MUCH TOO STRONG."
My favorite book is ALL THE BOOKS AT MY SCHOOL LIKE "12 LITTLE PIGGIES ARE HUNGRY." WE GO TO THE LIBRARY EVERY THURSDAY SO WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE BRING MY BOOSTER SEAT OK? WE GET TO PICK OUT OUR VERY OWN BOOKS EVERY TIME!!! BUT DON'T WORRY, MOMMY. THE BOOKS STAY AT SCHOOL SO WE DON'T LOSE THEM.
My favorite weather is WINTER TIME BECAUSE I LOVE TO PLAY IN THE SNOW. IT'S FALL TIME NOW AND THAT MEANS WINTER IS NEXT! I'M SOOO ESS-CITED!!! I LIKE WINTER THE BEST BECAUSE WE GET TO SLED DOWN THE HILLS!!!
When I grow up I want to be A BALLERINA TEACHER AND I WANT TO TEACH MY KIDS HOW TO BALLERINA DANCE. I WANT TO BE A MOMMY AND I WANNA HAVE 5 KIDS!
I'M GOING TO MARRY MICHAEL WHEN I GET OLDER. HE DOESN'T REALLY WANT TO MARRY ME RIGHT NOW BUT THAT'S OK BECAUSE I'M NOT READY. MAYBE HE'LL BE READY WHEN I GO TO SCHOOL WITH HIM AGAIN IN FIRST GRADE.
My favorite place to visit is GRANPA LOU'S HOUSE AND PAPPY'S HOUSE BECAUSE I LOVE GRANDPA LOU AND PAPPY!!!
The most beautiful place I've ever seen is INSIDE DA CHURCH WITH CHURCH WINDOWS.
I would like to help the world by TELLING THEM "SAFETY FIRST!" AND RESPECT EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING. IT MEANS RESPECT THE PERSON AND RESPECT THE TOYS. BE NICE TO OTHER PEOPLE AND BE GENTLE WITH ALL THE TOYS.
My thoughts on God are: I THINK THAT GOD IS IN THE STARS SO WHEN WE FEEL ALONE WE CAN GO TO THE STARS AND SEE HIM. I LEARNED THAT BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT SIMBA'S DADDY TOLD HIM (from The Lion King). SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE IN GOD AND SOME DO NOT AND THAT'S OK. I DECDIDED THAT I DO BELIEVE IN HIM.
My thoughts on Santa & the Tooth Fairy: I THINK THAT SANTA IS REAL BECAUSE HE LEFT ME PRESENTS LAST YEAR. FAIRIES AREN'T REAL. THE ONLY FAIRY THAT IS FOR REAL IS THE TOOTH FAIRY. I BELIEVE IN THE TOOTH FAIRY BECAUSE I WANT TO BELIEVE SHE IS REAL. IF I DON'T BELIEVE SHE IS REAL THEN SHE WON'T BE REAL AND THAT WILL MAKE HER SAD.
How long did it take for Rapunzel to grow her hair out? 50 HUNDRED YEARS!
How many people are in the entire world? 50 HUNDRED!!!
What we will remember most about Ellie at this age is...
In the last year something just clicked in your head. It's as though there is now no limit to the things you can learn and you are doing so at an exponential rate. Whether it's writing, reading, biology, or even how the world works around you, you amaze us with your new knowledge every day. You like to remind people that "I know better than you because I'm in Kindergarten now." You're so proud of your achievements, as you should be, and you say your favorite thing about school is how much learning you do. If there was one single thing that you are most proud of yourself for, it's that you are always coming up with good solutions. When you list the people you love, you remember to include yourself and tell us that it's ok for you to love yourself because you're a very nice person. When I ask you what you love most about yourself, there is no hesitation. "I love that I can always come up with new ideas." Yes, Ellie, we love that too. I love that you know that if something is difficult, you just have to keep practicing or think of a different solution. My hope for you is that this will remain a strength in your character and that you will always have the love and belief in yourself that you do right now. You continue to be a good sister and I'm so blessed to have two girls who love each other so much. It still amazes me when I see the two of you reach for each other in need of comfort or support. Your best friend is still Brynn, though Izzie now takes a close second place because Izzy is in your Kindergarten class while Brynn is just with you before and after her Kindergarten. This will be the last year you're with Brynn and I try not to think too much about how difficult next year might be for you. I'm sure you'll handle it with grace and view it as yet another challenge that just needs a good solution. And you're good at coming up with solutions, aren't you?
You know how life works: I LIKE TO PLAY WITH MYSELF AND I LIKE MYSELF BECAUSE I'M WONDERFUL JUST LIKE A PRINCESS. NOT A PRETEND PRINCESS. A PRINCESS FOR REAL LIFE.
Ellie if you keep that kind of confidence, then there is no limit to the places you will go!
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Friday, July 06, 2012
Welcome Home Bun Bun #7
If you know my Ellie, you know about Bun Bun. Perhaps it has been a while since I've mentioned how much Ellie loves her Bun Bun, but she remains a constant in Ellie's life. For the most part, she always has one Bun Bun in her bed. Five of them rest peacefully in a box in the closet to keep them safe. Occasionally she'll request to snuggle with all of them and we'll take them out of their special box.
But that makes six Bun Buns, if you were counting. We started out with seven! Yes you heard me... seven Bun Buns, all worth their weight in gold. So what happened to Bun Bun #7? I'm not sure when, but somewhere along the line we lost her. The last documented sighting of Bun Bun #7 was November 4th, 2010. As with any childhood treasure, you expect them to disappear occasionally. After asking (on more than one occasion) everyone we knew if they had a Bun Bun visiting them, we conluded that after 3.5 years we must have finally lost one. Quite honestly I was surprised it didn't happen sooner.
It was sad. Even Ellie was sad that she didn't have all seven, but she still adored the six remaining.... all the way up until about a week ago. In one of my conversations with Gramma, she casually mentioned how she still had a Bun Bun at her house. I did some quick counting. One at school. One in Daddy's car. Two in Mommy's car. One in Addie's bed and one in Ellie's bed... if what Gramma said is true, then Bun Bun #7 is still alive and well!
As it turns out she has been living the high life at Gramma's for a year and a half. I suppose it shouldn't be too terribly shocking since it's not exactly easy to keep track of so many bunnies! Neighter Ellie nor I were willing to get our hopes up too high until we could count ALL seven bunnies at the same time...
Here's a photo of the happy reunion. The word "happy" just doesn't seem enough, does it?
Having assumed one was lost for good for so long, well we decided that the good news was worth throwing a Welcome Home Bun Bun #7 Party! Woo hoo! What does a "Welcome Home Bun Bun #7" party entail?
Throwing the bunnies up in the air in celebration, of course! Can you count see all seven?
After the bunnies calmed down a bit, it was time for some silly photos to capture the special occasion. This is what Ellie would look like if she were pregnant with 7 bunnies. You gotta laugh, so go ahead and do that now.
Apparently Bun Bun insists that this is a typical Bunny party pose for photos.
And this was a special request from Mommy, though it was hard to fit all the silly bunnies into the photo frame.
I think it's safe to say that Ellie is one happy camper now. I have to admit that I was surprised at how much Bun Bun #7's Homecoming meant to Ellie. Given that she still had the other 6 to keep her company, I would have thought it would have been no big deal. Then again, I'm happy to be wrong sometimes.
But that makes six Bun Buns, if you were counting. We started out with seven! Yes you heard me... seven Bun Buns, all worth their weight in gold. So what happened to Bun Bun #7? I'm not sure when, but somewhere along the line we lost her. The last documented sighting of Bun Bun #7 was November 4th, 2010. As with any childhood treasure, you expect them to disappear occasionally. After asking (on more than one occasion) everyone we knew if they had a Bun Bun visiting them, we conluded that after 3.5 years we must have finally lost one. Quite honestly I was surprised it didn't happen sooner.
It was sad. Even Ellie was sad that she didn't have all seven, but she still adored the six remaining.... all the way up until about a week ago. In one of my conversations with Gramma, she casually mentioned how she still had a Bun Bun at her house. I did some quick counting. One at school. One in Daddy's car. Two in Mommy's car. One in Addie's bed and one in Ellie's bed... if what Gramma said is true, then Bun Bun #7 is still alive and well!
As it turns out she has been living the high life at Gramma's for a year and a half. I suppose it shouldn't be too terribly shocking since it's not exactly easy to keep track of so many bunnies! Neighter Ellie nor I were willing to get our hopes up too high until we could count ALL seven bunnies at the same time...
Here's a photo of the happy reunion. The word "happy" just doesn't seem enough, does it?
Having assumed one was lost for good for so long, well we decided that the good news was worth throwing a Welcome Home Bun Bun #7 Party! Woo hoo! What does a "Welcome Home Bun Bun #7" party entail?
Throwing the bunnies up in the air in celebration, of course! Can you count see all seven?
After the bunnies calmed down a bit, it was time for some silly photos to capture the special occasion. This is what Ellie would look like if she were pregnant with 7 bunnies. You gotta laugh, so go ahead and do that now.
Apparently Bun Bun insists that this is a typical Bunny party pose for photos.
And this was a special request from Mommy, though it was hard to fit all the silly bunnies into the photo frame.
I think it's safe to say that Ellie is one happy camper now. I have to admit that I was surprised at how much Bun Bun #7's Homecoming meant to Ellie. Given that she still had the other 6 to keep her company, I would have thought it would have been no big deal. Then again, I'm happy to be wrong sometimes.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Ellie's Art
When Ellie first transitioned into the Black Bear room she was in awe at how her teachers were able to color in rainbow hearts. She didn't know how to do it and asked me in a frustrated voice to show her how. I did, but it wasn't easy for her. And now, after months of practicing and working really hard, she has finally finished one of her own. This is the first completed rainbow heart picture ever, though she has had many partial ones - apparently they take a long time and lots of dedication to complete. Good job, Ellie, on the hard work!
Some of her drawings have also gained a new level of detail. This is a picture she drew for Uncle David for his birthday. It's a picture of her standing on the beach, complete with fish, waves, starfish, stars in the sky, palm tree, boats and flower. Though she told me at one time, I do not recall what the inappropriate-looking item in the waves is.
She even loves to write messages now, and I love to see the look of pride on her face when she watches someone else be able to read what she wrote.
My heart sang the moment it saw this picture and then it was crushed when I was told it wasn't for me. I love the hearts. I love how happy they all look. Alas, it's not a picture of Mommy and Daddy. It's a picture of Nana and Grandpa. I even loved it so much that I suggested we pretend it's Mommy and Daddy only to have Ellie remind me "No, Mommy. You get all the good pictures. This one is for Nana and Grandpa." Ouch.
But because she knew I loved it so much, she made me my own picture of Mommy, Daddy, Addie and Ellie, each with happy hearts. Thank you, Sweetie.
And I get messages that were written all by herself, without any help from teachers. Take that, Nana!
But my favorite of all are the cards for Addie. Ellie sure does love her little sister.
This is a picture of Bun Bun Bear pretending to be a Lion. Cute. And when she doesn't know how to spell words? Well that's when the squiggles come handy. I asked her what it says and she told me "This is a card for you At-a-line. Please love me because I love you to. Please, pretty please, draw me a picture too. This is for At-a-line. Please love her because I love her too. And please hug her whenever you like to because this is a card for you. Please love her forever and I will too." Melt.
Though we've been bombarded with pictures covered with "I love you"s, each one makes me smile. The teachers say that Ellie is often the one who comes up with ideas of making loved ones presents like these. Then the other kids follow suit. Apparently Ellie could spend the entire day coloring precious gifts for everyone she loves - if only the teachers would let her. 
Another picture of Bun Bun Bear for Addie. This one says "To Addie. This is Bun Bun Bear. He loves you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you so much! Thank you for all your love! Please come to my birthday. Love, Ellie."So I guess what I'm trying to say in this post is that Ellie has been sending home lots of love and as her Mommy, I'm soaking it all in.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Me too too
Mommy: I had a lot of fun seeing the balloons and visiting Mrs Jen and seeing G. and O!
Addie: Me too!
Mommy: You had fun too?
Addie: Yeah! Bun Bun too too!
Mommy: Bun Bun Bear had fun as well?
Addie: Yeah!
P.S. Jen, not quite, but similar to the classic Toot.
Addie: Me too!
Mommy: You had fun too?
Addie: Yeah! Bun Bun too too!
Mommy: Bun Bun Bear had fun as well?
Addie: Yeah!
P.S. Jen, not quite, but similar to the classic Toot.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Happy Birthday Addie!!!
Yesterday was your birthday. My baby is 2 years old. MY. BABY. IS. TWO. YEARS. OLD.
We actually spent a long weekend in New Mexico visiting a couple dear friends (more on that later) and we spent most of Sunday on the return ride home. Miss Jen painted your (and your sister's) toenails and fingernails your favorite color - blue and then we were off for the 8 hour drive back home. No, it doesn't sound terribly exciting but seeing the balloons at the balloon fiesta and having a small party next weekend will make up for it. That's ok, though, because that's how you roll. You're very much a "go with the flow" type of girl. You're cool like that.
Though the drive was long, it was actually quite fun. You still adore your big sister. It seems that all Ellie has to do is say a word followed by some silly facial expression and it gets you every time. This time we spent quite some time laughing at Ellie asking you "Do you want more juice?" and would respond "No!" and then she would look up at the ceiling with a sly look on her face while you burst out in full laughter. When that finally settled down a little, you turned the tables and asked Ellie "Mo juice?" and would do the same thing. I'm telling you, this there is nothing better than the adoration you and your sister have for each other.
You are probably one of the most easy going, carefree souls I know. You are still incredibly easy to put to sleep. Just read you a book, tuck you in and sing you a song and you're good to go. Even the transition to your big girl bed was a piece of cake. If the answer to one of your questions is "No" then as long as you know we understood your intentions, your response is typically a very polite "Pease!" followed by a simple "Tay."
You are so passionate and live so big for such a small person. If you get upset, though, we can watch you try to hold it in and try to calm yourself down. Many times you do. If you can't calm down on your own, you'll turn to us for support before finally breaking down. But even your worst break downs, with tears so big it seems that you could drown in them, don't last long. You are almost always your smiley self soon afterwards. Seriously, girl, you do such a good job of keeping your cool that sometimes I'm convinced you're an old soul.
Because you're so mild mannered it has taken a while for us to see what some of your favorites are. Your favorite stuffed friend is Bun Bun Bear (which I love since it's a gift from your big sister the day you were born), though your baby blue dragon (a gift from Mommy and Daddy from our trip to Oxford, England) comes in a close second. You love being surrounded by all your stuffed bears (all 10 or so of them) when you go to sleep, and you insist on always sleeping on your big puppy instead of your pillow. Your favorite color is blue, though we didn't know that until AFTER we gave you a rainbow big girl room. Your favorite book is by far "Blue Hat, Green Hat" and you can practically read it by yourself.
Your favorite activities are doing whatever your big sister is doing, swinging on the swings at the park (especially with your eyes closed), giving people hugs, jumping at Bounce Town, swimming, splashing, taking a bath, walking around silly swinging your arms like a monkey, but no matter what you're doing it seems as though you have no fears. You are bold and so willing to explore on your own or just tackle a challenge that many big kids have trouble with.
You are very caring. It's not uncommon for you to come up to Mommy and start running your fingers through my hair just because you know it feels good. Perhaps you know that since it calms you down, it must calm me down too? You like to show me how soft your blanket is by rubbing it across my cheek and saying "Nice." You also need no coaxing to give people hugs when you notice they are sad. You give them freely without thinking twice about it.
You're a bit shy with your words. Perhaps it's because your sister talks for you, but you're starting to catch up. In the last month you have exploded with words and many 2-4 worded sentences.
From the moment you entered our lives, our lives have been so blessed. Never had we imagined a baby as sweet and easy as you. Nor have we imagined a little girl as loving and snuggly as you. Words can not describe the love that comes from how simple life seems with you in it. Perhaps your big sister says it best when she says "Addie, I love you and you are my friend forever." She also occasionally points out that you will always be our baby. Just sayin.'
We actually spent a long weekend in New Mexico visiting a couple dear friends (more on that later) and we spent most of Sunday on the return ride home. Miss Jen painted your (and your sister's) toenails and fingernails your favorite color - blue and then we were off for the 8 hour drive back home. No, it doesn't sound terribly exciting but seeing the balloons at the balloon fiesta and having a small party next weekend will make up for it. That's ok, though, because that's how you roll. You're very much a "go with the flow" type of girl. You're cool like that.
Though the drive was long, it was actually quite fun. You still adore your big sister. It seems that all Ellie has to do is say a word followed by some silly facial expression and it gets you every time. This time we spent quite some time laughing at Ellie asking you "Do you want more juice?" and would respond "No!" and then she would look up at the ceiling with a sly look on her face while you burst out in full laughter. When that finally settled down a little, you turned the tables and asked Ellie "Mo juice?" and would do the same thing. I'm telling you, this there is nothing better than the adoration you and your sister have for each other.You are probably one of the most easy going, carefree souls I know. You are still incredibly easy to put to sleep. Just read you a book, tuck you in and sing you a song and you're good to go. Even the transition to your big girl bed was a piece of cake. If the answer to one of your questions is "No" then as long as you know we understood your intentions, your response is typically a very polite "Pease!" followed by a simple "Tay."
You are so passionate and live so big for such a small person. If you get upset, though, we can watch you try to hold it in and try to calm yourself down. Many times you do. If you can't calm down on your own, you'll turn to us for support before finally breaking down. But even your worst break downs, with tears so big it seems that you could drown in them, don't last long. You are almost always your smiley self soon afterwards. Seriously, girl, you do such a good job of keeping your cool that sometimes I'm convinced you're an old soul.
Because you're so mild mannered it has taken a while for us to see what some of your favorites are. Your favorite stuffed friend is Bun Bun Bear (which I love since it's a gift from your big sister the day you were born), though your baby blue dragon (a gift from Mommy and Daddy from our trip to Oxford, England) comes in a close second. You love being surrounded by all your stuffed bears (all 10 or so of them) when you go to sleep, and you insist on always sleeping on your big puppy instead of your pillow. Your favorite color is blue, though we didn't know that until AFTER we gave you a rainbow big girl room. Your favorite book is by far "Blue Hat, Green Hat" and you can practically read it by yourself.
Your favorite activities are doing whatever your big sister is doing, swinging on the swings at the park (especially with your eyes closed), giving people hugs, jumping at Bounce Town, swimming, splashing, taking a bath, walking around silly swinging your arms like a monkey, but no matter what you're doing it seems as though you have no fears. You are bold and so willing to explore on your own or just tackle a challenge that many big kids have trouble with.You are very caring. It's not uncommon for you to come up to Mommy and start running your fingers through my hair just because you know it feels good. Perhaps you know that since it calms you down, it must calm me down too? You like to show me how soft your blanket is by rubbing it across my cheek and saying "Nice." You also need no coaxing to give people hugs when you notice they are sad. You give them freely without thinking twice about it.
You're a bit shy with your words. Perhaps it's because your sister talks for you, but you're starting to catch up. In the last month you have exploded with words and many 2-4 worded sentences.
From the moment you entered our lives, our lives have been so blessed. Never had we imagined a baby as sweet and easy as you. Nor have we imagined a little girl as loving and snuggly as you. Words can not describe the love that comes from how simple life seems with you in it. Perhaps your big sister says it best when she says "Addie, I love you and you are my friend forever." She also occasionally points out that you will always be our baby. Just sayin.'
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The World According to Ellie (4 years old)
In case you'd like to see how much Ellie has changed in a year, here is The World According to Ellie at 3 years old.
My name is LORI-LELLE VINCENT
I am FOUR YEARS OLD. I'M ALMOST FOUR AND A HALF! WHEN MY BABY TURNS TWO, I WILL TURN FOUR AND A HALF AND DEN I WILL TURN FIVE!!!
This is how I write my name:
This is what I look like:
This is what my family looks like:
I love my mommy because I SNUGGLE WIF HER and SHE'S PRETTY. SHE IS MY MOMMY FOREVER.
I love my daddy because HE PLAYS WIF ME, HE TEASES ME AND HE IS MY FRIEND FOREVER.
I love my Addie because SHE'S MY BABY and SHE MAKES ME LAUGH.
I love Merlin because he is BIG.
My favorite toy is still Bun Bun...
...but Lambie, Squeakers (see above), Baby Dragon, Baby Turtle, Pink Bear & Mommy's bear have all threatened to replace her.
My favorite friend is... I DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE FRIEND RIGHT NOW. MOMMY YOU CAN BE MY BEST FRIEND AND WHEN I AM FIVE, I WILL GO TO A KINDERGARTEN AND FIND A NEW BEST FRIEND. BUT DON'T WORRY, EVEN DOUGH I WILL HAVE A NEW BEST FRIEND, YOU WILL STILL BE MY FRIEND TOO.
My favorite thing to do is WHAT EVER YOU DO, NO WAIT... SWIMMING!
The best things about me are I AM NICE TO MY SISTER BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU HAPPY and I CAN RUN REALLY REALLY FAST!
I am good at jumping on one foot...
... spinning around really fast...
... standing on my head and getting dressed by myself...
... swimming...
... holding my breath under water...
... and knowing the words to lots and lots of songs!
My favorite color is WHAT DID I SAY WHEN I WAS EATING? IT STARTS WITH AN OH OH OH... ORANGE!
My favorite food is PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY POCKETS.
My favorite animal is A DRAGON! CAN I BE A BABY DRAGON FOR HALLOWEEN?
My favorite song is THE CHICKEN SONG!!! ("If the Stars Were Mine" by Melody Gardot) I LIKE IT BECAUSE SHE SOUNDS FUNNY WHEN SHE IS TRYING TO BE A CHICKEN. I KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT! DO YOU WANT TO HEAR?
My favorite book is THE RAINBOW FAIRY BOOKS.
My favorite weather is WHEN IT RAINS BUT IT IS SUMMER TIME. I CALL IT SUMMER RAIN.
If I were a superhero, I would be RAPUNZEL AND DEN I CAN SWING IN A TREE WIF MY HAIR! BUT MOMMY? I'M NOT A SUPER HERO. SUPER HEROES ARE BOYS. I'M A SUPER **STAR** HERO INSTEAD.
When I grow up I want to be A MOMMY AND I WILL HAVE A BABY IN MY TUMMY! AND WHEN YOU PUT YOUR HAND ON MY TUMMY, YOU WILL SAY "OH, I FEEL THE BABY MOVING!"
My favorite place to visit is THE PLAYGROUND.
The most beautiful place I have ever visited is DA MOUNTAINS. REMEMBER WHEN WE WENT CAMPING UP DERE AND DERE WAS A DEER???
I would like to help the world by PRETECTING PEOPLE FROM BAD GUYS! I WILL PUT DA BAD GUYS INTO JAIL AND TELL THEM, "TIME OUT UNTIL YOU SAY YOU ARE SORRY!!!"
How many people are in a hot air balloon? THREE, BUT MOMMY? WHEN CAN I GO IN A BALLOON? MAYBE WHEN I'M FIVE?
How many people are in the entire world? (SIGH) I DON'T KNOW. MAYBE I CAN COUNT THAT HIGH WHEN I'M 10. I ONLY KNOW HOW TO COUNT TO A HUNDRED.
What we will remember most about Ellie at this age is...
You are still a wonderful big sister and always want to teach Addie how to do new things. When she learns how to do something, you are usually the one cheering her on the most. Sometimes you use this to your advantage and trick Addie into doing things she wouldn't otherwise do, but for the most part you use this power for good and not evil. You love to wake her up in the morning and still give her lots of hugs, especially if she us upset. You are starting to learn that sometimes friends grow apart. Though Brynn is still your favorite friend, you struggle with her not being as nice to you as you wish she were. You have decided that you do not need a best friend right now because you are sure to find a new one in Kindergarten. You still love books but have started to enjoy the longer chapter books, which is quite exciting for Mommy and Daddy. You can spell a few words and are very proud of yourself for it, but the thing that brings the most pride to your face is your ability to swim. If you can call it that. Imagine a bobbing butt, with legs and head sprawled out under the water. That's ok, though, because after only a few weeks of swim lessons, we are blown away by your confidence. You even try to convince us to let you go down the big water slides by yourself. You adore your grandparents and even have a photo of Gramma and you by your bedside. You are a tender, kind girl who seems to consider her friends and doing nice things for them more than I would expect a girl your age to do. Your confidence allows you to ask grown-ups questions and you act more grown up every day. You have a beautiful soul and you make Mommy and Daddy smile every day with your growing wisdom.
You know how life works: IF SOMEONE DOES SOMEPING MEAN DEN DEY THINK DEY ARE FILLING YOUR BUCKET BUT THEY AREN'T. THEY'RE CALLED BUCKET DIPPERS. BUT IF YOU ARE NICE, DEN YOU ARE A BUCKET FILLER. AND IF YOUR BUCKET IS FULL DEN YOU ARE HAPPY. I DON'T LIKE BUCKET DIPPERS. IF YOU ARE A BUCKET DIPPER DEN PEOPLE WILL NOT WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND.
My name is LORI-LELLE VINCENT
I am FOUR YEARS OLD. I'M ALMOST FOUR AND A HALF! WHEN MY BABY TURNS TWO, I WILL TURN FOUR AND A HALF AND DEN I WILL TURN FIVE!!!
This is how I write my name:
This is what I look like:
This is what my family looks like:
I love my mommy because I SNUGGLE WIF HER and SHE'S PRETTY. SHE IS MY MOMMY FOREVER.
I love my daddy because HE PLAYS WIF ME, HE TEASES ME AND HE IS MY FRIEND FOREVER.
I love my Addie because SHE'S MY BABY and SHE MAKES ME LAUGH.
I love Merlin because he is BIG.
My favorite toy is still Bun Bun...
...but Lambie, Squeakers (see above), Baby Dragon, Baby Turtle, Pink Bear & Mommy's bear have all threatened to replace her.
My favorite friend is... I DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE FRIEND RIGHT NOW. MOMMY YOU CAN BE MY BEST FRIEND AND WHEN I AM FIVE, I WILL GO TO A KINDERGARTEN AND FIND A NEW BEST FRIEND. BUT DON'T WORRY, EVEN DOUGH I WILL HAVE A NEW BEST FRIEND, YOU WILL STILL BE MY FRIEND TOO.
My favorite thing to do is WHAT EVER YOU DO, NO WAIT... SWIMMING!
The best things about me are I AM NICE TO MY SISTER BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU HAPPY and I CAN RUN REALLY REALLY FAST!
I am good at jumping on one foot...
... spinning around really fast...
... standing on my head and getting dressed by myself...
... swimming...
... holding my breath under water...
... and knowing the words to lots and lots of songs!
My favorite color is WHAT DID I SAY WHEN I WAS EATING? IT STARTS WITH AN OH OH OH... ORANGE!
My favorite food is PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY POCKETS.
My favorite animal is A DRAGON! CAN I BE A BABY DRAGON FOR HALLOWEEN?
My favorite song is THE CHICKEN SONG!!! ("If the Stars Were Mine" by Melody Gardot) I LIKE IT BECAUSE SHE SOUNDS FUNNY WHEN SHE IS TRYING TO BE A CHICKEN. I KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT! DO YOU WANT TO HEAR?
My favorite book is THE RAINBOW FAIRY BOOKS.
My favorite weather is WHEN IT RAINS BUT IT IS SUMMER TIME. I CALL IT SUMMER RAIN.
If I were a superhero, I would be RAPUNZEL AND DEN I CAN SWING IN A TREE WIF MY HAIR! BUT MOMMY? I'M NOT A SUPER HERO. SUPER HEROES ARE BOYS. I'M A SUPER **STAR** HERO INSTEAD.
When I grow up I want to be A MOMMY AND I WILL HAVE A BABY IN MY TUMMY! AND WHEN YOU PUT YOUR HAND ON MY TUMMY, YOU WILL SAY "OH, I FEEL THE BABY MOVING!"
My favorite place to visit is THE PLAYGROUND.
The most beautiful place I have ever visited is DA MOUNTAINS. REMEMBER WHEN WE WENT CAMPING UP DERE AND DERE WAS A DEER???
I would like to help the world by PRETECTING PEOPLE FROM BAD GUYS! I WILL PUT DA BAD GUYS INTO JAIL AND TELL THEM, "TIME OUT UNTIL YOU SAY YOU ARE SORRY!!!"
How many people are in a hot air balloon? THREE, BUT MOMMY? WHEN CAN I GO IN A BALLOON? MAYBE WHEN I'M FIVE?
How many people are in the entire world? (SIGH) I DON'T KNOW. MAYBE I CAN COUNT THAT HIGH WHEN I'M 10. I ONLY KNOW HOW TO COUNT TO A HUNDRED.
What we will remember most about Ellie at this age is...
You are still a wonderful big sister and always want to teach Addie how to do new things. When she learns how to do something, you are usually the one cheering her on the most. Sometimes you use this to your advantage and trick Addie into doing things she wouldn't otherwise do, but for the most part you use this power for good and not evil. You love to wake her up in the morning and still give her lots of hugs, especially if she us upset. You are starting to learn that sometimes friends grow apart. Though Brynn is still your favorite friend, you struggle with her not being as nice to you as you wish she were. You have decided that you do not need a best friend right now because you are sure to find a new one in Kindergarten. You still love books but have started to enjoy the longer chapter books, which is quite exciting for Mommy and Daddy. You can spell a few words and are very proud of yourself for it, but the thing that brings the most pride to your face is your ability to swim. If you can call it that. Imagine a bobbing butt, with legs and head sprawled out under the water. That's ok, though, because after only a few weeks of swim lessons, we are blown away by your confidence. You even try to convince us to let you go down the big water slides by yourself. You adore your grandparents and even have a photo of Gramma and you by your bedside. You are a tender, kind girl who seems to consider her friends and doing nice things for them more than I would expect a girl your age to do. Your confidence allows you to ask grown-ups questions and you act more grown up every day. You have a beautiful soul and you make Mommy and Daddy smile every day with your growing wisdom.
You know how life works: IF SOMEONE DOES SOMEPING MEAN DEN DEY THINK DEY ARE FILLING YOUR BUCKET BUT THEY AREN'T. THEY'RE CALLED BUCKET DIPPERS. BUT IF YOU ARE NICE, DEN YOU ARE A BUCKET FILLER. AND IF YOUR BUCKET IS FULL DEN YOU ARE HAPPY. I DON'T LIKE BUCKET DIPPERS. IF YOU ARE A BUCKET DIPPER DEN PEOPLE WILL NOT WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND.
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