Happy half birthday Eloise

She's always got a smile, she's sweet, patient and always wants to snuggle. Her bright blue stare captures our hearts and pulls us in, but makes us feel, more importantly, lucky to be ourselves. While she brings us just as much love and joy as her sister she couldn't be more different than our Dalia.

Eloise is clearly saying mamamama when she wants me and is practicing her da. I think she weighs about 16 pounds and just started sitting at the table with us. She couldn't be happier about this. She likes sweet potato, apple and avocado and it seems she'll have her sister's appetite. While she doesn't sleep as well as before, she's so easy to settle and can even settle herself (honestly did not believe that was possible).

I am still carrying her around mostly in the Ergo instead of putting her in the stroller, and can't seem to believe she doesn't fit in her 3 month clothes anymore. We're so excited about who she is becoming, but we're savoring every last bit of her babyhood.

So happy half birthday, Lovely Eloise. You've made us feel complete. We love you so much.

A short visit from Uncle Tony and the sun

sunny days are starting...sort of

When Amy (plus growing baby) and Archer came over to play, we discovered a frog from our nearby hiking spot must have followed us home. Eloise was content to lay in the grass and hold her feet.





Later that day it was warm enough to play in the sprinkler with our neighbors, Nora and Emma.

Sittin' sisters

Eloise is now sitting with some assistance. Dalia is more than happy to help.

hike at Oaks Bottom

Just a few blocks away is a great hiking spot and a tadpole habitat. We had so much fun exploring together. Dalia even made a fairy bed out of tree moss and flowers. Also, she can now say and identify the Willamette River. Can't wait for our next adventure. So much more fun for Mama than the park or zoo.

Mother's Day

Also Gigi's birthday. We celebrated Pops' birthday properly, too now that he's feeling up for cake. My girls gave me the gift of being their mother- the laughter, especially. Mark gives me everything. My life is blessed.




A side note: My best friend Rachel lost her partner and father of her daughter, Adele on Thursday to ALS. My heart aches for their loss. No doubt this Mother's Day is particularly difficult. I am so glad he left her as a mother with such a wonderful little girl to share her life and journey. I ask you all to keep her in your thoughts and whatever kind of prayers you make.

outside in springtime

When the sun is shining here, it's grounds for celebration. Our weekend took on a project in the making for years. We tore out the grass in our parking strip and planned and planted our new garden. Dalia was a huge help and Eloise was completely smitten with hanging out under the tree in the front yard while we worked.

Easter

Easter was a fun filled 3 days! Thursday, Dalia had an egg hunt at her school, Saturday we went to an egg dyeing and hunt party with some of our friends and their kiddos and on Easter Sunday good ol' Gigi hid eggs all over her little apartment and made both girls sweet little baskets of goodies. Mom and dad got out of doing much around here, but we had a great time. Dalia officially LOVES candy! Yikes.