Small Stuff

I haven't posted any updates on the small stuff going on around us lately.  So here ya go.

Eli has gotten the hang of this school thing.  He is really interested in being the first in line.  Most of the other kids are wandering around the playground while we wait for the teacher to come let them in.  But Eli likes to line up.  

He's loving school.  He doesn't tell me much but every once in a while he will tell me something he learned or who he played with.  His teacher has 7 fish and a snail but I'm not sure why. I mean, wouldn't most teachers just have 1 fish? Eli said they need 4 more so that they will have 11.  That makes it even more of a mystery.  He is very interested in reading and is working hard at it.  I'm so excited and trying not to push him too hard.  Today while we checked out our groceries he sat on the bench and read one of his books.  He is excited and proud of himself too.

This last weekend we surprised Andy's brother for his 40th birthday.  His amazing wife got him to Wisconsin Dells (all the way from TN) and we spent the weekend at a water park hotel in 2 suites.  I didn't take a single picture because I was either wet or had my hands full.  We were up until 3 in the morning and rolled out of bed at 6:30. 

This is what is going on after time at the water park, dinner, cheesecake, a 40th birthday slide show tribute and an ER visit--- around 1 am.

I think that tub was made for only 2-3 people....That does not stop any Roeders.  PS Greg is 6'8".  And KJ claimed the water was too hot...he's not even IN the water.  It was a good time.  

We are trying to enjoy the last warm-ish days of early fall.  

picture taken by Eli

Going to the zoo in early fall is perfect, good weather and hardly anybody there. Plus the animals were super active.  

A special girl turned 5.  And Eli got invited to her costume/Halloween party.  It was great and Eli met a bunch of neat friends.

we didn't realize it was a costume party until about 2 hours before the party.  Luckily we found the clown costume I wore as a child (my mom made it!).  This isn't what Eli will be for trick or treating but he pulled it off.  

This kid and I are on a roller coaster.

I have had a whole bunch of very special 1:1 moments with him where he is sweet as pie and I could cry.  And I have had some moments where I'm scared to be alone with him.  He is going through some real tough stages.  But we wake up each day, start new and rock to sleep each night.  He is now particular about picking out the books before naps and bedtime and trying to put on his own seat belt.  His favorite song is Ghost busters-man that kid likes to dance.  He's talking more and this helps tremendously.  He is officially trying to say so many more words now, articulating the letters and 99% less screaming.  

Andy and I went on a date for my birthday-he planned it!

We found a praying mantis on our windshield when we left (no we didn't eat at Panera for my birthday meal!).  It was HUGE.  

We took a trip to the famous Bay Beach.  We met our Green Bay cousins and the kids had a blast.

Hold on to your hats people-I have never seen what you are about to see....

I was amazed he fell asleep!

I laugh out loud when I look at these pictures.  

I bet you will too.

Eli told me "Mom. Try not to scream".  Well-I tried.

Earlier in the summer I got to pretend to be Jeff Probst while I hosted the annual Schneider Survivor competitions.  I think it went off well.

Being the host makes it very hard to take pictures so I'm a little sad I didn't get better shots.  Welcome Liz and Aunt Jane this year...and congrats Lori!

This week I officially ran 5 miles in a row.  I have been trying hard to get past that 3.5 mile mark.  I am proud of myself.

Andy and I started watching the new series Breaking Bad.  We've heard too much about it-so we're giving it a chance.  

This weekend we have a double date, it's "girl's day" on Saturday, next weekend I'm heading out of town to go to the (night game! so excited) Packer game and then in November I'm having another girl's weekend with my MOM AND SISTER. Yes I just shouted that.  I cannot wait to have JUST them, with JUST me and a whole lot of free time.  

For now...I'll leave you eves dropping on the boys favorite activity: pile a whole lot of toys behind the rocking chair and make a huge mess.  

18, 19, 20

Dear Hugh Lou,  Loodie, Lou Lou, Hughie,

These days you keep me so busy I don't even have time to blog about you.  You are so far past the 18 month mark that I (oops)  lost your growth stats. Just for reference you are in the 50th% for weight, 90th% for height and I think 80th% for head circumference.  You are keeping your curve and growing well.  

You know what is funny about boys your age?  You don't care what you wear.  I could put you in a tshirt, sweatshirt, overalls, pj's or sweatpants and you never complain.  You have no control over what you wear these days and you don't have a second thought about if your socks don't match.  I wonder if that will change.  

Did you know that you have a strong personality?  You were such a mellow baby that I can't believe how strong, crazed, temperamental, solid, robust, tenacious and durable you are when you want something.   You aren't selfish, you just want to be part of this world and I, being your mom, want to grant your every wish.  

You are loud, babbling, giggling, yelling and talking.  You are lazy with your words and I want to let you get away with it.  I almost didn't survive your screaming phase but it has passed and now you are making many more sounds.  You are trying to say the words but many times not taking your time to articulate.  Your best words are: Doggy, daddy, yeah, done, cheese, cracker, cookie, mickey, book and mama. When Mickey Mouse comes on your eyes get big and your mouth wants to make the "ohhhhhh" sound.  You dance in a gallop-always.  I'll show you.  When you read this letter, ask me to mimic your hot dog dance.  Even if I'm 70 years old when you read this, ask me and I'll show you.

Just like your mellow personality your broad diet has diminished.  You are SO difficult to please at meal time.  Right now scrambled eggs, fruit and cereal are the only 3 things I know you will eat.  Noodles, veggies, oatmeal, and grilled cheese are hit and miss.  Meat and bread/toast are out of the question.  

Eating a home-grown cucumber!

You spend your time asking for crackers and cookie (and I think you even might be asking for candy but I don't want to admit that), walking around the back yard, bringing books over to dad and I and sitting in our laps, turning on the sink in the bathroom, and hiding in the closet or behind your rocker with books and cars.  Mostly you just want to follow Eli around. You want to do EVERYthing that your big brother does.  Every. Thing.   EVERYTHING.  You mimic him when he talks, sings, eats and yells.  You dont' want to be int he stroller or wagon if he isn't and you most definitely want to go up and down the stairs if he is.

You're a child I always wanted.

 You're curiosity makes me jealous-I wish I didn't know so much about "stuff" (stuff= leaves, pine cones, grass, ants, glue, stickers, crayons, wash cloths, toes, buttons, keys, bubbles etc).   I love how little you know about the world because it is through YOU that I get joy of exploring the new things around you.

 You are not scared of adventure.  But you also will take a minute to lay your head down on my shoulder.  With just the right amount of motivation and sensitivity  I know you are going to go far in life.

You take comfort in 3 things.  Your stuffed bunny and blue blanket are two things that go into bed with you.  But you can get cozy anywhere as long as your have your curly blond locks and your finger.  You like to twirl that hair when you are tired.  I know that is not going to last too much longer.  You won't curl your hair around your finger when you are 12 or 15 so I have to drink it all up right now.

Daddy says you giggle hardest when he tickles your legs and plays chase.  He wants you to take after your brother but become your own little man.  We only ignore your cries at night (yes still) because the doctor has told us to.  We hear you though.

And we love you.  A lot and all the time.

Love,
Mama