Ella Week 44

This ache in my heart....

Wow, this two boys in school thing is making my heart hurt. Eli only goes to school for half days on Tuesday and Thursday, so yesterday was his turn to stay home. Every morning last year, Owen and I would play tag in our drive way as we waited for the bus. Of course, this tradition had to continue with Eli and Ella joining in. Ella is quite speedy in her stroller. The boys came up with some super hero name for our "girl dynamic duo." They will have to remind me what that is. You should see me push that baby! We were laughing and chasing, when I spotted the bus. I ushered Owen to the end of the drive and Eli quickly followed. We held hands and said our family prayer (a new tradition I love--you should here how compassionate my boys are and how often they think of each other) and then prepared for the bus to roll by and stop. Eli just assumed he would get on the bus too. When I had to hold him back, he looked a little sad, but was ok. Then Owen walked up the stairs and waved to Eli saying, "I'll see you soon buddy." And that's when Eli started to cry. Not just a few tears, he was sobbing. I asked him if he was crying because he wanted to ride the bus and he shook his head no. I asked if he was crying because Owen was leaving? He shook his head yes and said, "I miss my Owen." Guess who started crying at that point? I am so glad they are best friends. I'm so glad that Owen protects his baby brother. I am so glad Eli looks up to his big brother. I remember my wonderful friend C, telling me how beautiful the bond between siblings would be. I just had no idea it would be such a blessing. So....I do have an ache in my heart for my boys. I miss hearing them giggle, pretend, wrestle, fight, laugh, and so much more. But, I do know they have each other in that big world of school. I know they will have each other for as long as they live. Now, I can live with a little ache.

Ella Week 43

Eli's Big Day

Eli had his Pre-K Jump Start Day last week and boy was he excited. He has been wanting to go to school since Owen started at WLB last year. He talks about being a big boy in Mrs. Maxwell's class with his buddy Jayce (you can see the male bonding above). Those two boys are going to break some little hearts. Oh, he also LOVES the idea of riding the bus. I wasn't going to let him ride, but it's obvious that he's ready and Owen will be on there to watch out for him.

I love watching Eli's pure joy and excitement in taking on this new role of student. I love his teacher and the school. It's hard to let go, but it's so wonderful to watch him grow in confidence.

I love you Eli Benjamin. Here's to a year of learning and growing.

Ella Week 42

He says...."My girls."

Lately, Aaron has been thanking God for "his girls" during our prayer time with the boys. He'll say something like, "Thank Lord for my strong boys and my sweet girls." Sometimes he'll say the boys are brave, sometimes he'll say they are sweet. Sometimes his girls are precious and sometimes WE are strong too. I love that my husband allows us all to be strong and gentle!

When Aaron started saying this, Owen could not understand why he said girls (plural) because he only had one baby girl. He explained, "Mommy is my girl too."

I love this for two reasons. One, there are two girls in the house and two, I'm still "his girl!"

Ella Week 41

Ella Week 40

Brothers

This Mama can't wait to see the men you will become....

Ella Week 39

Florida Vacation Week Two
Just had to get a shot of this sweet baby girl in her ruffly swimming suit and sun hat.
More pics to come....

Ella Week 38

Florida Vacation-Week One
Ella's first trip to New Smyrna Beach