Happenings

 For the past almost four months we've been in the process of selling our house and looking for a new house that is more suitable for our needs and our growing girls. Because of this, I've been sorely neglectful of the blog and even Eloise's baby book. Eesh, and so much has happened. 

what I get to look at most nights

Eloise is walking, talking, dancing, signing, singing, playing ball, being silly and generally turning into a very interesting little person. 

first day sitting in a chair all by herself (with her purse and drink)

Her yeses are starting to look more like yes, unless she's really excited and then they look like big, enthusiastic no's. Very cute. If she wants something she says, "Mamamamamamama" or she points at it and then points at herself (very cute). But she's clearly saying phrases like "what is this?" and "can I have that?" She's matching Dalia in the noise department, joining in with growling, yelling, screaming, laughing. And just recently she really got the signing we've been doing with her for months. She loves to sign more and cracker, all done and is just starting on please. 

playing yoga together

We've had great weather this winter and she's learning to walk around outside. A treat for everyone. 
 

If only our preschooler wanted to go outside more. 

she happily and confidently tried roller skating

Dalia is currently in a fear phase. She's afraid of skunks and forests (oh no!). She's even boycotting Sellwood Park because she heard Mark having a conversation with a woman about how her dog got sprayed by a skunk. She thought the woman meant there at the park. So, even though we've explained differently, she still refuses to go. She will, however, go to a park downtown, conveniently close to our new house! So, that's good. But she doesn't like going out after dark. She's also taken to wearing only my clips and hair ties as she's so afraid she'll lose hers. What have I done!??!

pushing sister at Washington park

I know she's transitioning in so many ways. We all are. And I totally empathize with the fear stuff taking over. Not only has she had to endure probably 50 or 60 house viewings (some of the time staying with Gigi instead), she had to help keep this house clean for 27 days of sheer exhaustion without Mommy sitting down or really playing with her at all. Thank goodness for school! Ironically, she was with her gigi when we finally found our new house! But, we went back for the inspection and she gave it a thumbs up, especially the doorbell and the dutch door. 

We also lost our beloved cat, Zoey. Mark and my first baby. She was 15 years old. It was such a sad sad time for us. But she was so ready to go. Her body wouldn't keep up anymore. She spent her last day outside, where she loved life the most. 

saying goodbye

We'll finish out Dalia's school year at her current preschool, which should help with the transition. And even though we are moving to the other side of the river, it's still only 4 miles away. So we'll be sure to spend lots of time in the coming months visiting with all our friends. Hopefully, they will come to us so she can realize that our friends can all come to our new house with us. I did find a wonderful new school for her to go to Pre-K in the same little neighborhood as our new place. I'm very excited about it. 

In the meantime, she's working on counting to "amillion abillion" and doing dance performances daily. Eloise, happily helping out with performances - dancing and clapping with glee (and a lot of spunk).

dancing with Dalia