She loves her daddy...

And I think the feeling is mutual ;)

Little shopper

We had to run into Sephora for one quick thing for daddy. A trip that should have taken 7 minutes max took about 25 because this darling girl insisted on carrying our bag all the way from the store to the car- probably 50 yards. Passersby were DYING with the cuteness overload, and e was SO proud. I kept asking if she wanted me to carry her and/or the bag and every time I asked I got a very firm "NO!"  

It was amazing to watch, stumbles along the way and all, and I was so incredibly proud of her b

Park

Beautiful morning, beautiful girl (who is looking SO BIG these days!). 

Indoor play place

There's a new indoor play place that opened in the PV Mall just in time for summer. I'd taken E once, and we decided to take Grammy back for another visit. This girl has too much fun! This trip she loved the cozy coupe (and making sure we were all "fed" with asparagus), and the mini jungle gym complete with drawbridge and slide. In anticipation of the heat to come, I bought a 10 time pass :)

Splash pad fun...complete with learning how to spit water!

Visit with Grammy

We were so happy to have Grammy K in town for five days. Ellie had so much fun reading, having tea parties, and showing off all her activities (swimming, music class, park, splash pad, indoor play place, etc). It was also fun getting Ellie fitted for some new shoes now that she's really and truly walking everywhere.

It was wonderful having another set of hands to help out, and so lovely seeing Ellie so happy with her Grammy! We can't wait for her next visit (with Grandpa!) in late June!

Rock-a baby

Most afternoons when she gets up from her nap, Ellie just needs a little time to wake up. She fusses and wants company, but then doesn't want to be picked up right away - she prefers to hang in her crib and have me read or just chat with her. Yesterday we made up a song, inspired by Ellie saying the words as she was, you guessed it, rocking her baby doll. Leave it to mommy to turn her words into a new song - ha!

Little bitty girl in a great big world

Oh, the places you'll go, my love, oh, the places you'll go.

Earning her keep

Fortunately, she loves to help dada pah-leesh!

Wise words from Karen

When the Carrs were visiting in March, I was talking to Karen at different points about how I wished Ellie would start walking, and in another conversation about how much I adored her chunky monkey legs. My wise mommy sage delicately reminded me that it's hard to have both - that when they start walking, the chunk disappears pretty quickly. Sigh.
So while E was running around pants-less the other day, I decided to snap a few pics so I never forget her delicious rolls and precious dimples.

Bug's 1st Haircut - 5/15/16

We thought it was time for a little trim - the baby hair that never fell out had turned into quite a lovely rat tail and her bangs, which are darling, were just a tad scraggly. So last weekend we took her to a kid-specific spot, Cool Cuts for Kids (clever, right?). I wanted her first haircut to be done by someone who was very used to wiggles and whining.
She did pretty well - no real tears, just some worried glances in our direction. Elmo on TV helped, and the girl in the yellow dress enjoyed driving a yellow car :)
Post haircut we had a little celebratory lunch, complete with chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
Getting big, this one.

Some car ride reading

Our 17 month nursing journey has ended.

These are the faces of two girls I'm so proud of - our 17 month nursing journey ended this morning, Sunday, May 15. I was beyond fortunate that this was a (mostly) easy and enjoyable experience, and one I will always be grateful to have had. 

I was worried this morning how she would react when daddy got her up, and instead of bringing her in to me for milkies and snuggles, took her downstairs for a cup of almond milk. I should have known not to worry - Eleanor Claire has shown time and time again just how resilient she is. 

I think these pictures speak for themselves (taken just a few minutes after I tentatively crept downstairs to say good morning). 

Thank you, sweet girl. Let the next beautiful chapter of our story begin.

Playing in Starbucks

Our new found walking skills are proving SO fun!

Discovering some indoor spots

With summer fast approaching, I've been on the hunt for some indoor play spots. E and I ventured to Paradise Valley Mall last week and checked out a new play place that was opened by a mom and dad of toddlers. It was a blast! A little pricey for every day use, but will be a GREAT option when being outside it NOT an option. Places like this are also a great way to find out what toys she gravitates towards before adding anything to our personal collection. My little mama took right to the shopping cart/kitchen area, loved her some musical instruments, and then hit the JACKPOT when she found a whole container full of babies.