Some recent Ellie funnies

As of 3/30/17 - a few Ellie funnies:

-She calls the pharmacy the "barbacy". This totally cracks me up because there are VERY few words this child can't say perfectly.

-At a recent bedtime, we said goodnight, closed her door and then listened to her on the monitor for about 10 minutes giggle non-stop because she kept tooting and it was totally cracking her up.

-Poor Penny had some warts removed from her head and leg, and so is in the cone of shame. The other day I took it off to give her a break and Ellie looked at her totally calmly and said "You feel better about life, Penny?"

-All the ladies at the gym daycare adore E, but there is one lady in particular (Tami) who is totally smitten. The other day, Tami told Ellie if it was okay with me, she would take her back to the "big kid" area (basically a small basketball court and a huge tunnel system a la a McDonald's play place). I totally trust Tami to keep an eye on E so I told her it was fine. When I took Ellie to the potty before I left to go do my workout, Ellie sat down, then looked up at me with so much excitement in her eyes and said, "Tami is letting me play with the big kids!". "So awesome!" I replied. "I think they're really going to like me, mama!" she said with so much anticipation and joy, and my heart promptly melted into a giant puddle.

Time with the Allens

One great thing about living in Phoenix is all the visitors we get! And we just love when friends come to town on vacation. We spent some time with the Allen girls and what a joy to see your kids with your friends kids - especially kids as amazing as theirs. Kate and Emmy loved on Ellie and Ellie just ADORES big girls. It was pretty darn sweet. As Jess noted on her Instagram post of the photo below, "2nd gen girlfriends. Brilliant, bold beauties." And I couldn't agree more.

Hello baby girl!

I had my final ultrasound and am so happy to report that baby girl is continuing to grow beautifully! She is approx 4 pounds, 11 ounces which puts her at 30%. The placenta and amniotic fluid look great and baby girl is getting all the blood she needs. Her belly was big and round and she has a FULL head of hair already! Dr. estimates that she'll end up right about where Ellie did at birth, which was 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Only time will tell!!

Ellie reads to Penny

I adore this. Just adore it. And said a little prayer of thanks that Penny actually stayed put for a few minutes and let her do it - usually the second Ellie sits anywhere near her, Penny takes off running, and it always breaks my girl's heart.

Valentine's Day 2017

We spent Valentine's Day just like we wanted - as a family staying out a little too late and enjoying a few too many treats :) I started the day with a Valentine's plate and heart shaped waffle - lost on E but made me happy - haha! We also had music class so E sported her Valentine's finest.
Ellie got her choice of where we ate dinner (Shake Shack) and was so excited to get her present from mom and dad - a Beanie Boo skunk she'd eye-spied in Walgreen's the week before. So much love to celebrate!

Child Crisis Arizona Gala 2017

For the first time in two years, I just got to ATTEND the gala and not plan it! What a treat! The theme was Motown and it was so fun getting gussied up like the 60s. Baby girl looked darn good being front and center, if I do say so myself! Almost $500K was raised for the kids and we had a blast with friends who have been before (the Beverages) and friends who we brought for the first time (the Bachelders)! Brad and I failed miserably at getting a shot together, so this pic of a pic will have to do!

Family date night with friends

Love having so many fun friends with kids all around the same age - sure makes it easy to have a dinner date! I'm sure our fellow restaurant patrons loved us...oh well! Check the video at the bottom for a glimpse into how these dinners go with three under 2.5!