Our Week Without Daddy

As many of you know, James went on his mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico last week. It was a long challenging week here at home, and we missed him very much. He had a great time and blessed others as well as being blessed himself. I kept a play-by-play type journal for him while he was gone of what we were doing here. I wrote notes for him from both girls as well as myself. I'll keep the stuff from me between us, but I thought you all might enjoy the entries each day from the girls.

Saturday
From Emerson:
Daddy, I had a good day today. I wasn't too sad, and I blew a lot of raspberries for Mama. I was a little sad while Mama showered, but I grinned when she stuck her head out and smiled at me. I thought she left again every time she let the curtain drop again.

From Ellie:
Daddy, I wasn't very good for Mama today. She made me stay up until 3 for my nap, which might have been why. I threw my first big tantrum at Hobby Lobby with Quinn, BitBit, and Remy. Mama had to grab my arm and drag me screaming out of the store while Emma was slung on her chest. She corrected me at the car, and I was crying super hard. I was much more agreeable after my nap, though.

Sunday
From Emerson:
Daddy, I almost made it through all of church today without the nice ladies having to call Mama. They were doing the closing prayer when she came to get me. I was just teasing, though, because by the time she got there I was fine anyway. It's so fun to be a baby and get to do that. I was a gem during lunch and took a good long afternoon nap. I'm starting to like my swing more in the evenings, too.

From Ellie:
Daddy, I was pretty good today. Mama let me watch my Elmo Potty Time video on your bed after my nap, and I tried to take it in. (Mama will explain why this was especially necessary below.) I was really sweet and obedient especially in the evening, and Mama seemed grateful.

(Editorial note from Amy: The first 3 mornings - that's right 3 - that James was gone began with poop not being contained in Ellie's diapers. I thought I was going to loose it....)

Monday
From Emerson:
Daddy, I was super smiley today and blew lots of raspberries. I got a little mad at Mama tonight, but I got over it and was smiling by bedtime. That basically sums up my day.

From Ellie:
Daddy, my tummy hasn't been feeling too good today. Mama will expound on that below. (That's right - I know "expound".) I was a very good girl today. I went to Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby with Mama and obeyed her really well. I said Thank You a lot, and I had fun swimming with Mama. Oh, and the best part is that I took a 3 hour nap!

Tuesday
From Emerson:
Daddy, today I got to take a nap in Noah's bed. I didn't sleep too long, though, because all the big kids were really loud. I also got pretty mad later in the day when I woke up from my nap and Mama wasn't there yet. I felt much better when she got there. I was really happy the rest of the day, though. I even drank over 5 ounces of my bottle for Cookie and Crouchburger and very happily went to bed at their house.

From Ellie:
Daddy, I wasn't super good today. I didn't obey Mama very well at Miss Libby's house, and I was really whiny when we left. Mama was wanting to go to Target on the way home, but didn't because of me. I did take a good nap at Cookie's house, and I went to bed there so that Mama could go see a movie with her friends.

Wednesday
From Emerson:
Daddy, I didn't sleep well last night. I was at Cookie's house, and I kept waking up. I woke up at 2:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 6am. Mama brought me into her bed with her and just kept putting the paci in. She thought my tummy was hurting. I finally went back to sleep at 6 and didn't eat until 8:15 when we all woke up. I was really happy all day today, and I took a nice long afternoon nap. I didn't make it all the way through church, though. I kept fussing, so Mama only got to hear half of Mr. Trey's talk.

From Ellie:
I was a pretty good girl today. I was really cute at the meetup play date, because I played in with the older boys. Mom came to check on me at one point and I was sitting on the bed just laughing with them. They were all older than me - 3 and 4 years old. But don't worry, I still think boys are yucky.

I took a good nap, so Mama was able to listen to her work call. I was surprised when Jade and Jasmine came into my room to wake me up! We didn't play too well together. Mama will tell you more about that. I ate fries at dinner with Cookie and Crouchburger and had fun playing at church with my friends.

Thursday
From Emerson:
Daddy, usually I like being outside, but not today! I was very mad when we were at Jack Carter, and I didn't let Mama have a very good time. She had to feed me early and then I finally went to sleep. I took a nice long afternoon nap, and had a great time sitting with Mama during Big Brother tonight. We also learned that Bumbos float when placed in the bath tub. Just in case you were curious.

From Ellie:
Daddy, I wasn't very obedient today. Mama corrected me a lot. I took a bath with Emerson after my nap. Mama got Emerson out and was in the office when I decided I was done. I kept telling her I was done, and she kept telling me to wait. I decided I was tired of waiting and just got out of the tub on my own and ran into the office to show her how cute I was nakey! It was so much fun, but she said "Eliana Noelle!" really mean and told me to get my bum back in the bath, so I said "Okay…." I guess she didn't want me to get out until I'd been washed. Mama's a little picky, I think. I had fun playing with Brylie, though! She's so cute!

Friday
From Emerson:
Daddy, Mama moved me into her room at 5am this morning. (She'll explain why.) I slept until 8:30 and have had a very happy day. I've been home most of the day, so I've gotten to sleep in my own bed. I like that much better.

From Ellie:
Daddy, I was not a good girl today at ALL! I wanted to take toys from Cruse and I even hit Mama when she took a toy from me. Mama had to correct me 3 or 4 times while Miss Shannon was here.

I took a good nap, though, and I got to have Tiba for dinner! I'm so excited for
you to be home tomorrow night. It was fun to talk to you on the phone today!

(Editorial comment from Amy: Tiba = pizza around here.)