Back to blogging: First day of school

So I took a four month hiatus from the blogosphere.  How embarrassing. This is supposed to be a record of my life and my poor daughter Laura Jane has about four posts about her.  My reason?  My life with three kids.  a.k.a. "The Game Changer" (which is a blog post in itself.)  Suffice it to say I am spending all my energies on raising three little kids and keeping up a home.  I can honestly say working part-time with two children was much easier than not working with three children.  Another post to elaborate on that one later.

So it has arrived.  The milestone of sending my dear babes into the public school system.  I have grown to adore this little love bug and her wisdom, wit, helpfulness and love of life.  Sending her off to be taught by a stranger has been something I have dreaded all summer. 

As I shed a few tears the night before her first day of school she said the following:

"Don't be sad.  I need to go to kindergarten to learn and make friends.  I'll come home for dinner.  You'll be okay Mom." 

How could I not smile when I heard that?  So I sent her off today to early bird kindergarten to one of the best K teachers in the history of our school with a hug, a kiss and a wave.  She beamed at her teacher, excited for her day.  She was ready for this day.  

And I was ready to set her free without shedding a tear.  Especially since she was home back with me well before dinner.

School is a beautiful place to this girl.  So happy to learn.

Bebe

Elisabeth pronounces baby with a French accident. Sure do love our "bebe" girl! She also pronounces bag with a MN accent, much to her Papa's chagrin. Makes a mama proud.

What's in a name?

Many people have been asking why we chose the name we did for our little girl. Here are some of our thoughts:

Elisabeth: Having just lost my second baby to an ectopic around Christmastime 2006, I spent a lot of time trying to find answers in the scriptures as to why we couldn't seem to have children. I was deeply touched reading the account of Elisabeth and Zachariah and their desire to have a child. I decided then and there that if we had a girl, she would be named Elisabeth and if we had a boy, he would have John in his name (after Elisabeth's son and my grandpa).

Why the Brittish spelling? That is simple. The Brittish spelling allows us to use different nicknames than those usually associated with the American spelling of Elizabeth. I am not a fan of the name "Liz" for a little girl. I figured having her name spelled with an "S" would eliminate people's need to call her Liz. Furthermore, I love the name Eliisa (Finnish spelling) and I thought that was what we would eventually call her.

Lance has already started to call her Ellie. It fits somehow. I prefer Elisabeth...never being a fan of nicknames myself. So, she is her Papa's Ellie and her Mama's Elisabeth.

Sidenote: After waking up into a drugged state after my ectopic emergency surgery, I told Lance we were going to have twins someday and I was going to name them Elisabeth and Darcy. I think he was a little relieved when we found out we were only expecting one...Not sure he is as big of a Jane Austen fan as I am.

Dorothy: Dorothy was my mom's name and she wanted grandbabies more than any person I have ever met. She would have throughly enjoyed Miss Elisabeth and would have cuddled, spoiled and loved our baby girl. Though far from perfect, my mom had a good heart, a wonderful sense of humor, Christlike compassion and devoted her life to her children. I hope Elisabeth cultivates these good qualities in her life as she grows. I also hope she feels a connection to her Grandma Dorothy who loves her dearly from above.

Elisabeth: first week mélange

Some of our friends and family asked for more photos of Elisabeth. We can't get enough of her, either! And so, with no more ado. . .

Lance prepares Ellie to leave the hospital

She's dressed for action

Mama and daughter

Rolling to the car

Hello doggie

Snuggle time

Getting ready for the first sponge bath

Mom, is this really necessary?

Whew! Done at last.

New arrival

She's here! Mom and baby are doing well. We were moved into a recovery room Sunday afternoon with only one bed, and so I came home that night to sleep and post some pics. Enjoy!

Elisabeth

May 4, 2008, 7:49 a.m.

7 lbs. 3 oz.

18.75"

Dr. Kaminskas, Kristi, and Elisabeth (bottom left)