March 31, 2011

ELLA

• After a smooth first week or so in her 'big girl bed' at the end of last month, Ella found yet another way to exercise her independence.  This included getting up between 5:15 & 5:45am, getting out of bed, turning off her sound machine, turning off her monitor, closing all the doors upstairs, and coming into our room.  This was cute for exactly one morning.  After about a week or so of even less sleep than I was getting before, we installed a gate in her doorway.  I told her if she gets up and the lights are still off, then it's too early to be up.  I knew I wouldn't be able to stop her from getting up and out of her bed, but at least now I have peace of mind knowing that when she gets up before we do she can't get into any trouble (it mostly made me nervous she was walking around in the pitch black).  Since the gate went up, she is now sleeping in until 6:15 and just stands at the gate very quiet and patient.  
• Ella put her head totally under water at Aquatic Therapy while diving for fish.  See uploaded video for the proof!

NICOLE & TODD

• About 36 weeks pregnant.  Feeling well but sore, tired, and feeling huge by Friday.  At my last  appointment (34 weeks) with my midwives, it was noted that it looks like I have 'dropped.'  Therefore, it was suggested that I get my feet up as often as possible.  Most nights I am able to sleep through with only 1 wake up; however, turning from side to side can prove to be a task in itself.
• Wrapping up my last weeks at school.  My official last day will be Friday, April 15th.
• Continuing to prep the baby's room.  Gender neutral baby clothes have been re-hung, infant cloth diapers and covers have been unpacked along with nursing accessories and such.

1-1/2 Years Later...We're Back

Oh my! Where has the time gone?? So how do I re-start a blog and cover 18 months at the same time, in which so much has changed? As you may have noticed, I did start by adding a ton new videos and pictures to the right. Ok, so a brief summary before I go into the specifics.

ELLA

• A month away from turning 3 years old (and still has a clean bill of health!!!!)
  
• Now in her new big girl room sleeping in her new big girl bed
• Was approved for continued PT through our school district!!
  
• Officially registered to attend preschool next September

TODD

• Just made a batch of Imperial Stout beer last weekend (yes, that's as exciting as it gets around here these days!)
  
• Welcomed Baby Kayla (Jeff & Kim) into the Rassman family in June 2010
  
• Has been working for M&T downtown since February 2010

NICOLE

• Eight weeks away from welcoming Baby Rassman #2
• DJ, April, Zach, & Maya moved from CA to the Buffalo area in October 2010
  
• Went back to teaching in January 2010

HOUSE (Finished Phase 2 of our remodeling)

• Converted the living room into a playroom
  
• Installed new baseboard, window molding, and fireplace mantel and surround in family room
  
• Re-carpeted & painted the family room and both children's bedrooms
  
• Had closet systems installed in both children's bedrooms
• Installed window treatments in the playroom, dining room, and both children's bedrooms

So that's it in a nutshell. I will now attempt to add the specifics in the below posts. Excuse the bullets, but that's the only way I can think of updating without overwhelming myself.

Welcome back!