Vacation Let Down, Chore Charts, Rice Cereal and a Great Big Sister

Well, it has been a week filled with a bit of vacation let down. I have just been a little down because we are no longer on vacation and aren't spending 24/7 with Daniel anymore. Plus, it makes me want to go on vacation again, but realizing we can't afford it.

On the positive side of things, the vacation really gave me a break and I have returned home with a renewed vigor for spending time with my children. I have been much more patient, more eager to teach things to Ellie and have been concentrating on doing more things with Owen as well. All in all I have really enjoyed my children this week.

We started Owen on rice cereal. He has done pretty well with it actually. He eats about half of what goes in his mouth and spits about half out... which is pretty good for this early on. Ellie wanted to try a bite of it, so I gave her one and she about threw up. I just mixed the rice cereal with formula. Some people mix it with breast milk or water. I didn't do breast milk because some children won't tolerate it at all... they must know they are being tricked!! Plus I am trying to introduce a little formula to Owen because I want to transition him to a bottle so I can stop breast feeding him at about 6-9 months (or whenever he has teeth!). So far, he hasn't taken a bottle though.

Owen is growing up to be such a cute little boy! He is mister personality and is so happy. I definitely appreciate it after having Ellie who wasn't the happiest baby most of the time. Sure am glad she has grown out of that! Owen still is working on rolling over... Ellie even squats down on the floor with me and tries to talk him into rolling over.... not effective.

Yesterday we had a play date at our house. Ellie had a blast and was really tired when everyone left. So was Owen and they both slept for over two hours. It made me mad because I never lay down on the days when they take long naps. I always try to nap when they wake up after 5 minutes. Urgh. I am in the process of making Ellie a chore chart. Since she is really into chores right now, I want to continue them and hopefully she will do them on her own soon.
Ellie continues to be a great big sister. I know a lot of moms probably say that, but she really is a good one. When Owen is sad in the car she will reach over to him and say, "It's okay, Owen, it's okay". (Because that is what I say to soothe him) It is so cute! She also brings him toys and kisses him all on her own. She entertains him a lot and likes him to sit next to her in his exersaucer whenever she watches her toons. Ellie helps with Owen's diaper duty and plays with him during tummy time.