My sous chef

After Ellie's nap today I decided to let her help me with my banana bread! We pulled up a chair and she was SO excited to dig right in. Unsurprisingly, it took a little longer than normal, but we had the best time - stirring was her favorite part. And luckily it finished just in time for little miss to have a nibble before bed. She kept saying "Ellie bake it!". So much fun. 

Ellie performs a medley of songs...

...in her crib before falling asleep.

Looking like SUCH a big girl

Lucky mama.

1) The only thing better to getting a few extra minutes to sleep in, is walking downstairs to this when I finally get up. Be still, my heart.

2) I took so much needed mama time this afternoon for a much needed haircut. I came home to a little peanut running full speed at me waving a picture in one hand, and this flower in the other. I am so, so lucky to have a husband who knows that for as much as I say I need my time away, I miss her like crazy the second I'm gone. Life is good.

Art Day!

Thanks to our friends at Musicology, we got to try a new kids art studio called Rachel's Young at Art. What a fun way to spend a Saturday morning! We were so impressed and amazed at Ellie's focus - she loved painting her rainstick, and really loved the canvas on the wall. We hope to come back again soon! (I only took about a million pics, so brace yourself)

Pool day with mama

Thank goodness for a slight break in the heat!

That little hand on my leg just kills me.

Dada.

I don't think I throw quite enough kudos Brad's way. He works so hard, but never forgets where his priorities lie. This morning, despite being ready to walk out the door to work, he stopped for a book when E tugged at his pants and asked. Daddy. He just gets it, and we are two very lucky girls.

New toy!

I broke down and got a fun new toy for the backyard - a kiddo pool! Our trail run was a success :)

Busy Bug

Just a little video of E being E.

Beach Week at Musicology!

So of course we got in the spirit!

Happy 1st Birthday, Beckett!

What a joy it's been watching you grow this past year! We love you!

Meet Buddy.

Ellie and I took a trip to Ikea for a new table and chairs for her, and came out with more than that. We acquired a new friend who we've named Buddy. Buddy quickly became a most favorite playmate, quickly dethroning baby, Momo (the monkey), and Elmo. Buddy went EVERYWHERE with us. He's a special guy, and we can't wait for you to meet him soon ;)

PS: given he's the size of a 9 month old, it's slightly jarring to look in her crib when she's asleep and it's dark, and see this little dude in there with her!

PPS: we LOVE our new art table!

18 months old!

My girl turned a year and a half old on June 9. WHAT?! I feel like everyday I look at her and she just looks bigger. Says more. Seems smarter. It's insane.
Eleanor Claire is simply amazing. I absolutely love that she's talking so early because the insights into her little brain are nothing short of awesome. She's full of energy, and will tell you exactly what she thinks, wants, and needs. She's basically talking in full sentences at this point (toddler style - we're obviously lacking some finer grammar points)!

She loves swimming and music class, and she loves the ladies at the gym daycare (and talks about them all the time). She loves books and her legos. She adores her baby dolls, and as other posts have indicated, is obsessed with the new indoor play place at the PV Mall. She literally talks about the "shopping carts" and "baby doll strollers" (two toys they have there) every.single.day.

She loves all berries, chick peas, cheese, scrambled eggs, yogurt and crackers. Still hates veggies.

She's still an excellent sleeper - we have SO lucked out in this department - sleeping from around 7:30 to 6:30, and usually taking a 2+ hour nap in the afternoon.

She's a lover - she's super snuggly and loves to hug. She's a little wary in a room full of new people, but as long as mom and/or dad seem fine, within 10 minutes she's working the room, making everyone smile. Her pigtails are her signature, and get tons of comments.

She is our Bug, and we couldn't love her more. What a joy to get to be her mommy.

We had our 18 month check up today, and the Dr. was super impressed with her verbal skills (not surprising), was not concerned about how few teeth she has, and suggested we start thinking about a training potty, especially given how much she seems to comprehend. Given that she has started telling me when she's pooping (sometimes it's true and sometimes not) and asks to sit on the toilet, I think this is an excellent idea. Oh Lord are we already entering the messy world of potty training?!

Her stats from her appt today are below:
Height: 32.25" (64%)
Weight: 22.12 pounds (52%)
Teeth: all 4 molars, the two bottom center, and all 4 top center are just starting to push through. FINALLY! The kid's growing her teeth! ;)