My 30th

It was a good birthday. Pretty uneventful, but considering our circumstances (Elle still nursing, Spencer starting finals, moving in one month, etc, etc), I knew there wouldn't be a bachelorette getaway for me, or an exotic vacation. Luckily I'm easy to please. We got our favorite baby-sitter and Spencer took me out Saturday night. He was set on getting me a new dress and shoes, but I'm not a big fan of shopping and probably didn't have the best attitude (ok- I was a bum about it- sorry Spence). We went to dinner and shopped for as long as I could last. Then we rented a movie, picked up stuff for my birthday dinner/dessert, and called it a night.

Sunday was the big day and Spencer spent it's entirety making it special for me. He wanted to make a really special dinner with a fancy dessert, but I had to remind him several times that it was my birthday and I don't do fancy- I like easy! I requested BBQ chicken and homemade french fries for dinner (which of course Spencer didn't disappoint). Then we had my regular requested birthday dessert- angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. I know, I'm boring. Later I told Spencer I'd let him surprise me next year and not throw out requests. He's just extra busy this year and I didn't want my birthday to become an added stress.

It was great being together and spending time as a family. The weather predicted a big rainstorm for Sunday which thankfully held off until the evening. After church both girls were awake and relatively happy so I requested a family picture (one favorite thing about it being my birthday is being able to throw out requests- knowing that Spencer will most always go along with them:)! My parents got me a tripod which I was super stoked about and couldn't wait to try out.

Spencer set it up, but still has a little to learn about focusing a picture . . .

Then I messed around with it, but obviously didn't center it enough. . .

By the third attempt I think we had it pretty well figured out. . .

Now if only Elle were looking, I'd say this was an ok family picture.

Not as cute of a smile for Madi, but at least Elle's looking. What's up with the arm though. She always has to be pointing at or touching something- silly girl!

I guess Spencer could have taken this one, but I was having way too much fun using the self timer!

Yeah for now being able to take our own family pictures! Thanks mom and dad for the fun birthday gift! And thanks for all the calls/ emails/ messages- I loved all the birthday wishes!

Celebrations, Stresses, and Turning 30!

Today was Spencer's last official day of law school. He's got 2 review sessions next week, a 30 page paper to write, a couple of finals to take and then he's DONE!! I can hardly believe it. More thoughts on the law school experience later. As for now all I can think about is what we've got planned for the upcoming month. I'm turning 30 on Sunday but for some reason it just seems overshadowed by all that's going on in May. Luckily we've got tons of fun things to look forward to- like the Brewers coming to stay for a week (something I've been looking forward to for months), followed by vacationing with the Brewers at Virginia Beach (again something I can hardly wait for), then a week of planning, packing, and organizing; family visitors here for Spencer's graduation, GRADUATION, and then moving (can't even begin to express how grateful I am that my mom and dad will be out here for this part)! At least the month ends with more fun and excitement- Rudd Family Reunion in the Outer Banks!! Oh Ya! But really the main thing that's been consuming my thoughts has been the overwhelming stresses of moving. Packing up a houseful, putting it into storage, and keeping only 2 suitcases each is going to be quite the task, especially since as of now we don't know where we're going to be living after our summer in California. The one reassurance I've got behind me that we've done it before and everything worked out beautifully. Seriously, it was one of those faith building experiences that only confirmed my knowledge of a Heavenly Father who knows me individually and loves me. So, as scared and overwhelmed as I am, I know we can do it again.

Now on to my to do list that I really can't keep putting off:

-book plane tickets (we've decided to leave our car behind for now)

-check into storage units

-decide what moving company to use

-purchase packing supplies

But truthfully, I think I'm gonna block it all out for now and just enjoy my birthday weekend. I have a feeling 30's gonna to be a big year with lots of changes for our family!

Two very different girls

I don't know why I was thinking that just because I had a second girl, and born in the same season, that she'd be just like Madi. Quite the opposite- but boy has it been fun discovering all the ways my two girlies differ.

#1 Appetite- Elle sure knows how to eat! Those of you who know of our frustrations with Madi's picky eating habits, will understand how excited we are about Elle's love for food and her ability to out eat her sister! At 9 months, Madi would pick and nibble at her food, whereas Elle can gobble up a whole muffin within minutes! It's awesome!

#2 Sleep- Elle just doesn't need as much sleep as Madi did. She can miss a nap and still be happy and playful.

#3 Looks- People have told me that they think Elle looks just like Madi but I really can't see it. I think they have two totally different looks and two different body types for that matter. Madi's always had a very small frame and gotten many comments on how little and petite she is. But for some reason, even though Elle weighs less than Madi did at 9 months, she looks bigger to me. Also, there are some outfits I loved on Madi but just don't look as good on Elle, and vica versa. This might sound weird, but I've also noticed that Elle doesn't have as good of posture as Madi did. Madi always sat up super straight and I've noticed that Elle always seems hunched over when she's playing.

#4 Volume- When Madi cries she sounds like a siren. Seriously- she's obnoxiously loud and is very hard to ignore. Elle on the other hand, has a much quieter cry and is easier to comfort and calm down.

#5 Personality- Madi's always been my serious child. She thinks things through and is very cautious about almost everything she does. Then there's Elle who's much more easy going. She's seriously funny, makes all of us laugh, and just seems to go with the flow. She's definitely more curious than Madi ever was and has to touch, feel, grab, taste, and /or pull anything and everything within grasp (ya, it's quite the annoyance for Madi when they're sitting side by side in our double stroller). Loud noises freak Madi out but only intrigue Elle. When Madi cries, Elle laughs. When Madi screams, Elle's never phased.

#6 Cleanliness- As a baby, Madi rarely put things in her mouth. She never spit up and was never a drooler. Elle on the other hand still spits up and puts everything into her mouth! Since a baby, Madi's always been very clean. She can't stand being wet, sticky, dirty, etc. etc. When she spills food she refuses to eat until it's been cleaned up. Then there's Elle, who's already been caught eating dirt, doesn't mind being completely covered in food and is constantly throwing food off her tray. I hardly ever had to clean up the floor after Madi ate, but now my only complaint about Elle being such a great eater is the clean up afterwards. No matter how meticulous of a cleaner I am, I always seem to find bits of food on the floor! Drives me crazy!

Aside from all their differences, they do also have their similarities- like their love for their Daddy, hanging out with mom, swinging, a favorite lovey, babies, singing and reading.

And here's a few random pictures- taken over the past 3 months. Just wanted to make sure they made it into my 2010 blog book:

January 12, 2010

January 20, 2010

January 26, 2010

February 18, 2010

February 19, 2010

March 17, 2010

March 25, 2010

April 16, 2010

No matter their similarities and differences, I'm pretty sure my girls are gonna grow up being the bestest of friends!

9 Months

Weight: 17 lbs. 2 oz. (20%)

Height: 28 1/8 in (70%)

This past month was Elle's busiest one yet. Her curiousity seemed to peek, she's started to become more mobile, and no longer is she satisfied with just plain old baby food.

Meal time has become a whole new level of fun at our house! I finally have a child who eats! It's actually made me excited (and more motivated) to cook. Elle's a fabulous eater with a huge appetite (surprising with how much she weighs)! She seriously out eats her sister every meal! Even though she's super messy, letting Elle fed herself has made meal time so much easier and a lot more fun!

Elle's been doing lots of fun things this past month like pointing, waving, singing, rolling, moving, and just being her super silly self. Unfortunately, she's also had to experience:

-1st fever

-1st runny nose

-1st case of diarrhea

-1st ear infection

In all honestly though, even with all the trips and phone calls to the doctor, Elle has never once seemed uncomfortable, sick, or miserable. She's pretty much stayed our happy, smiley baby!

I have noticed that Elle's not as patient as she used to be though. I think it stems from her wanting to be more independent. She's a very curious little girl and into everything (well, that she can reach and/ or roll to). We might just have to "baby proof" this time around!

Aside from never sleeping past 6am, there's absolutely nothing I'd change about this little girl. We love you so much Elle and love how happy you make us!

It's a Hard Knock Life

I must have looked weighed down by the stresses of the world yesterday as I was driving Spencer to the Metro.

After some moments of silence, Spencer asks, "What are you thinking about."

Responding with my true, exact thoughts . . . "I just can't decide what park to go to this morning."

"Wow, " Spencer exclaims! "You've got some pretty tough decisions to make today!

Now of course my life isn't always this easy and carefree (I DO also do the cleaning, laundry, shopping, diaper changing, face washing, breakfast/lunch/dinner making, and story reading, on top of. . . being a constant teacher and entertainer) but over the past couple days I've more than once thought about how much nicer my job is than Spencer's. We've had 80-90 degree weather this week, so I've spent my mornings at the park and at least an hour every afternoon hanging out poolside. This kiddie blow-up pool was one of the best $10 purchases ever!

Madi wanted me to get in with her. I asked if it was cold. She's tells me, "No, it's not cold mom. It's perfect!" Ya right! I added warm water from the house and did eventually get in though. I'm sure our neighbors think I'm a weirdo. Thankfully most people are at work during the day.

So while I fill my days (not all days remember) at the park, going on walks, getting together with friends, playing outside in the sun, and most importantly- getting to hang out with my favorite girls, Spencer gets to sit inside for hours, listening to lectures, reading huge (HUGE) books (which must be comprehended and remembered for his finals months later), writing 30 page papers, drafting motions, briefs, and memos (none of this I could even begin to explain how to do), and then coming home to read, write, and study some more. Ya, next time I feel like complaining about my day, I'll try to remember to bite my tongue. I'm sure that in a couple of days I'm going to regret that I ever wrote this post, but for now, I just want to remember this feeling- of loving life, being 100% happy with what I do all day, and knowing that I would never, EVER, want to trade jobs with Spencer (well, and in all honesty, I never, EVER, could read, write, and produce the kind of work that he does). Oh, and just to add one more thing to his plate, a 30 pound box arrived on the doorstep yesterday afternoon . . . This is what Spencer gets to spend his summer with!

Just what I Needed!

With class canceled and work closed, Spencer had Friday off giving him a full 3 day break. This is seriously the first weekend in a long time where he's had no other obligations. No big paper to write, no Saturday church meetings (well, aside from Priesthood session), no work project to finish, and he even put off all his studying (which I'm sure he has lots of) just to spend time with us! I loved it, the girls loved it, and we were able to squeeze in tons of fun outings! Some of the highlights included:

* Getting fit for and buying new running shoes (both of us)

* Going to several parks (it's so much nicer (and easier) being one on one with the girls)

* Walks- my favorite was around the pond at the Rio on Friday evening. Usually the girls are bathed, in jammies, and eating dinner by 5pm. But with both of them taking long afternoon naps, we found ourselves still out after 6pm- something that rarely happens! It was fun! :)

* Picnic lunch out on Friday and Saturday

* The airplane park- funny how Elle wasn't phased at all by the loud planes zooming by, but Madi ran to Spencer almost every time.

Madi trying to be brave and waving to the arriving plane. Notice the tight grip she's got on Elle's arm!

* Watching General Conference in the comfort of our own home and at our own time.

* Shopping with Spencer. Most people know how much I do not enjoy shopping but there's something about having Spencer with me that makes it so much more enjoyable (maybe because he's really fast at making decisions, and his opinion is the one I value the most).

* Visiting some of my favorite spots- I love this time of year when all the cherry trees are in full bloom!

* And last but not least, having a husband who knows how to cook! Here's what Spencer whipped up for our Easter meal: Mustard-Rubbed Lamb Rack with Apple Mint "Marmalade" with polenta and a salad on the side.

Unfortunately, I'm not the type of person who appreciates "fine dining" and I liked it just ok. I did try it though, and that's coming a long way from where I used to be. The salad was really good though! :)

It really was a fabulous Easter weekend- pretty much perfect!

Article of Faith #4

Madi passed off the 4th Article of Faith last week but had to do it on video to get that second sticker- so here it is!

This was a fun one to teach and surprisingly easier than I thought it was going to be.

Trained!

It's been a whole week now since I started potty training Madi. Thankfully it's been a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. We're very proud of her and how easy she made it for us! Aside from her first day, Madi only had 2 accidents the rest of the week! She refused to wear pull-ups, so the only time she wasn't in panties was at night when I'd put a diaper on her before bed. She woke up dry 3 of the 7 nights and never had an accident during nap time!

A very detailed report (for my record). . .

Day 3 (Friday)

Successes: 7

Accidents: 0

Outings: Library, Target

Favorite moment: Madi had been nervous about having to go poop. She's tried 2 or 3 times with Spencer and I in the room. Then while we were busy making dinner I saw Madi quickly grab her stool, carry it into the bathroom, and then while peeking around the corner I could see her frantically pulling her pants and panties down, and climb up onto the potty. The next thing Spencer and I hear is Madi exclaim, "I did it!" I guess she just needed to do it on her own.

Day 4 (Saturday)

Successes: 7

Accidents: 0

Outings: Church Easter Party

Favorite moment: She used the potty at the church today! I was so glad to see that she was able to use other toilets.

Day 5 (Sunday)- Madi woke up completely DRY!!

Successes: 5

Accidents: 1

Madi had a fever yesterday afternoon and again when she woke up this morning. She stayed home from church. Her one accident happened in the evening as I was nursing Elle before bed and Spencer was busy downstairs. I was super bummed about it, but Spencer assured me that it's not a set back- especially since Madi was sick with a fever and cough all day. She hadn't had much to eat and/or drink and it just wasn't a regular day.

Favorite moment: After the accident Madi begged to put on a diaper, but then a half hour later she redeemed herself by running to the bathroom, pulling it off and going poop!

Day 6 (Monday)

Successes: 5

Accidents: 0

Today was not fun- mostly due to Madi being sick. She's such a drama queen when she's not feeling good. She wouldn't eat and/or drink much of anything- hence it made potty training a little more difficult. I probably nagged her too much about using the bathroom because at the end of the day she said her stomach hurt and she just wanted me to put on her diaper. So I did. She wouldn't eat dinner and was in bed at 6:15pm.

Day 7 (Tuesday)- Woke up dry!

Successes: 5

Accidents: 1

Outings: Post Office, Pet Store

Today went considerably well, despite the one accident. Madi again ate hardly anything today and complained about her tummy hurting. Later I learned why her tummy's been hurting. Today Madi came down with her first case (ever) of diarrhea! Lovely- of course this has to happen on the one week of potty training. I guess better now than later though- she's getting to experience it all! :) Madi did fabulous all day and then right after Elle's afternoon nap we were upstairs when Madi tells me she has to go. I was right in the middle of changing Elle's poppy diaper so I finished as quickly as I could, figuring Madi could hold it for a minute. Nope! Dang diarrhea- it just happens so fast! Luckily Madi held it as best she could and was able to finish going once I put her on the potty. So, really I should count that one as half accident/half success!

Day 8 - ONE week later- Woke up dry!

Successes: 4

Accidents: 0

Outings: Doctor's office, Target, elderly neighbors house (they're so sweet and just love seeing the girls)

Today was great! Madi's good about going all by herself and telling me she has to go when we're out. My only complaint is that Madi gets a little nervous to poop in the potty. She does it, but sometimes I wonder if she's holding it back (hence the tummy aches). I'd say she had a pretty awesome first week though. Way to go Madi!

Rewards

Throughout the week Madi was rewarded was small, simple treats (fruit snacks, popsicles, gummy bears, m&m's, etc.) after using the potty. But then right around day 4 I noticed she didn't really seem to care about the rewards (I took it as a good sign). She forgot about putting stickers on her chart and never asked for anything after using the bathroom. Her main motivation was the sheer pleasure of going all by herself. But then after her first accident I began pushing the rewards again. Then for being such a brave girl, having an incredibly successful week (fevers, coughs, runny nose, diarrhea and all), and having very little accidents, I let her pick out a new toy. She choose a new pink lap top (on sale at Target for $15 :)! What a perfect toy for such a big girl!