The Petersens

Par-Tay

2011-06-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Elle turned 2 on April 3rd and had a wonderful party at the Enchelmayer's house. Of course the theme was Minnie Mouse, which she can actually say now. (For a while Mickey was "meemic").

I was so excited to have a theme to the party I knew Elle would love. The plates, the cake and cupcakes, the napkins, the ears I made for the party goers, and Elle's two birthday outfits all screamed Minnie Mouse. The joy on Elle's face when she walked into the house and saw the "Pin the flower on Minnie" poster hanging on the door was priceless. Pure elation. Here are a few pictures from the special day.

Elle just making sure to get a little bit of reading in.

A shot of the table. The cake and cupcakes that Beth and I worked on the night before and Brock making a funny face.

Grandma thought it would be fun to have red vines at the party. I think red vines and Cheetos might be all Elle ate that day...oh and cake!

Reading the card first of course.

This book was from Auntie Ro, and it was the first gift Elle opened. She was satisfied with just that gift. We had to lure her with Minnie Mouse in order to get Elle to open another gift.

The messy face and the Minnie dress from Papa and Grandma = Happiness!

Phrases Heard Around the House

2011-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Elle reading her book all by herself

Elle is now 26 months old and I can totally tell that she is becoming an independent woman. Here are some of the phrases heard in the last couple weeks at the Petersen house:

"No Mommy, I do it!"

"Forget about it"

"Go away Coach!"

"No bite"

"Thank you Mommy, welcome"

"I git you Daddy!"

"Elle chocolate milk too, now"

I love to see how Elle strings words together to make short sentences. It is becoming much more fun to have a conversation with her these days.

Our Little Bully

2010-10-11T20:31:00.001-07:00

Apparently our "little darling" is kind of a bully at school.

When I picked Elle up from school last week her teacher informed me of her bully-like behavior. I guess Elle as started pushing her classmates and is kinda sneaky about it.

Apparently Elle looks to see if the teachers are watching and then, if she thinks they are not, she pushes her classmate and runs away really fast so the teachers can't pin it on her. WOW! I'm not looking forward to when Elle is a teenager. Sneakiness is not good!

Then, oh yes, it doesn't end with pushing, the next day Elle's teacher said that Elle has started taking toys from her classmates and then taunting them with it. Oh, wow do we have our parenting work cut out for us!

Last night Cole was biting Elle's arm and she was loving it, giggling and squealing up a storm. She kept putting her arm in front of Cole's mouth as if telling him to bite her again. I had to put an end to this playtime for fear that when I pick her up from school today I would get the "Elle has started biting her friends" report.

Fun times!

The Deaf Cousin

2010-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

When we were in Oregon for our family vacation, cousin Karen, observing Elle communicating in sign language, began to call Elle "the deaf cousin".

Karen is anything but deaf. In fact she is the loudest in our group of cousins. Karen is very animated, always telling a story loudly, and of course with her hands. When Karen began calling Elle "the deaf cousin" I assured her that if she hung out with us long enough she might pick up a few signs and this might make her stories a bit more exciting. At least it would keep her audience on their toes! Here husband gave me the thumbs up.

Elle does love using her sign language, and I love it because instead of yelling at me she can tell me what she wants. (not that she doesn't still yell to get my attention) We started signing to Elle when she was 6 months, and we didn't get a sign back until she was 12 months. Now it seems like she is learning at least one a week!

Elle now signs:
dog
mom
dad
grandma
grandpa
water
milk
cereal
ball
car
hat
all done
more
please
cracker
juice
banana
coat
shoes
bird
apple

She can also, dance, bow, clap, snap (no sound comes out), "get in your seat" (bumbo seat), and show us that Elle is "So Big" all on command. Which are all WAY TO CUTE!

Of course Elle does SAY words, with her mouth too. She says mama, dada, daddy, dog, duck, go, no, nonononono, and she has said a few others, but very infrequently.

Here's an example of the "Clap"

Elle's Latest Stats

2010-08-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

At Elle's 15 month check up she was...

20.5 lbs = 9th percentile
28 inches long = 48th percentile
Her head's circumference was still in the 7th percentile (I don't remember the exact measurement)

All measurements are on the curve which means that she is growing just fine!

When the doctor told me that she was in the 9th percentile for her weight, I said, "What? Only the 9th percentile?"

The doctor gave me a "rrreeeaaalllly?" look and said, "Have you looked at yourself lately? You are not going to have a large child!"

I did however, find a picture in which Elle does not look 9th percentile (I actually don't think she looks small ever, but this picture helped her pack on the pounds)... My dad said she looks like the Michelin tire man!

Family Fun!

2010-08-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

About a week ago we got back from a great family vacation.

My grandmother (my dad's mom) treated the entire family (42 of us) to a weekend at the Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City, Oregon. Our family has spent many vacations at Spanish Head throughout the years, and it was so nice to be there all together once again. There was not ONE family member missing.

We had such a great time. The beach was chilly, the hot tub was warm, the bonfire made delicious s'mores, and it was SO good to see my aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids!

My grandma hired a professional photographer and we all had a individual family session with her. Here are a couple of the cute pics.

The Three Musketeers...
Elle started walking while on the trip, and I believe it is because she knew it was the only way to survive with the older cousins. :)

A sweet picture of me and my man!

Marly and "baby" Elle

Elle absolutely LOVED the sand! She even enjoyed eating it...So gross!!

My beautiful sister-in-law and me!

I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great family. I'm sure I'll be posting more pictures from this trip as time goes by. They all turned out so great!

Okay...It's been WAY TOO long!

2010-07-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay, I'm back!

Things have been crazy busy around our house and thus, no blog posts lately. Things are starting to slow down so I think I can keep on top of the blogging . Summer is just a week away!

Here's a quick update of what's been going on since the last time I posted:

We moved
I helped direct a musical at school
Elle is now walking (mostly on her knees)
Elle is talking and doing much sign language to communicate
Cole has a new job
I am applying for VP jobs
Elle is a dancing machine
Elle had her first birthday (what a blast!)
Elle has 10 teeth (all 4 molars came in 4th of July weekend...not the best!)
Elle just had her 15 month check up and it went very well. Here are her latest stats:

Height: 30 inches (48th percentile)
Weight: 20.5 lbs (9th percentile)
Head: 17 inches (13th percentile)

Life is good. We are adjusting to our new place, school is almost over for the summer and Elle continues to be the joy of our lives! We are looking forward to a fun summer!

A Day at the Park

2010-03-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we headed to the park as a family unit. Me, Cole, Elle and the dog. We brought the big leash extender thingy that we tied around a tree, so Coach could roam a bit, a couple sodas, a blanket and some toys for Elle. Here are a few pictures from our adventure...

Of course Elle had to ride the swings...her fav!

Everytime I look at this picture I laugh out loud!

These might make a tasty snack...

Our first lesson on "opposites"...big stick...little stick...

...and neither are supposed to go in your mouth!

Mom...please don't bother me right now...I'm on the hunt for tasty leaves!

I love the grass!! I love Spring!

Cousins Take Two

2010-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

In January Elle got to meet her cousins Grayson, Sydney and Sierra for the first time. We went to Colorado for a week at the beginning of January to see Cole's family.

Grayson, Sydney, and Sierra absolutely loved Elle.

Sierra would go and get Elle toys and then sit and play with her. Grayson and Sydney really enjoyed playing with the toys Elle got for Christmas. They all treated her just like a little sister.

I don't have any pictures of Elle with Sierra which is a bummer...here are a few pics of Elle with G and Syd:

Cousins

2010-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

In January Elle got to go and visit her cousins Morgan and Marly.

Elle had a blast! Marly thought that Elle was the coolest thing yet! Every morning Marly would wake up and say, "Baby Elle??" and look all over the house for Elle. Morgan even liked Elle too. Morgan gave Elle hugs!

When we left Morgan hugged Elle, and Marly cried. It was too sweet! Elle can't wait to see her cousins again at the end of July.

Here are some photos from our trip!

These are the boxes of clothes we went through the girls thought they needed to get inside the boxes...hand me down time!! YES!

Three munchkins in the bath. This lasted only a short time. Elle decided that bath time alone was much more relaxing...less bubbles on the face and less squirting of water.

A quick wagon ride in the backyard! They all look a bit nervous!

Marly and Elle in the disaster that Elle created...Elle started crawling while we were there and thought the diapers looked better all over the floor instead of on the shelf.

More wagon ride...Elle is thinking...What have you gotten me into Mom?

Cousins out for a stroller ride in their newly knitted hats!

What goes through an infant's mind?

2010-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some of Elle's latest thoughts...

I love Disneyland...but this sun is a killer!

I'm silly..and I'll prove it!

What? We have to leave Walmart already?? I was just getting comfy in this cart!

Watch out boys...here I come!

What did you say Mom?

You mean I'm not allowed to have popsicles? But Marly gave it to me!

Here's my angelic pose...whaddya think??

No way!! I love cheerios! Hand 'em over!

Really? You're gonna play that game?

I love my mom!

Mom's Old Clothes!

2010-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another picture of Elle in my old clothes:

Me in 1978

Elle in 2010

Mom..do you think I'm cute??

Bad Puppy!

2010-03-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

We enjoy that fact that we live so close to my parents. A little over a two hour drive and we are at their door. Of course when we go to spend the weekend with my parents, this involves packing the car to the brim with baby stuff....pack and play, highchair, stroller etc., and of course stuff for the dog.

Coach is a great dog. She is almost 4 years old, knows many tricks, and loves other dogs and everyone she meets.

My mom, not the biggest fan of dogs in general, but she has grown to love Coach. Mom has even taken Coach outside a time or two.

There are a couple things however that my mom cannot stand about Coach...

1. When my mom is loading the dishwasher, Coach tries to be helpful and lick the plates that might have a bit of food still on them. My mother does not appreciate this at all!

2. Coach is not dummy. The floor is a very hard place. There are many comfy options around the house. One of the chairs in the living room is especially comforting, and Grandma and Grandpa's bed....just heavenly! Although my mom detests the dog's choice in comfort, she has started to put a towel on the chair, but her bedroom door remains closed.

I happened to snap a picture of Coach making herself at home on Mom and Dad's bed...Unacceptable!

Sorry..you forgot to close the door!

This Girls Can STILL Sleep Anywhere!

2010-03-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

This girl can sleep anywhere! She can sleep in her carseat, stroller, (even the whimpy umbrella stroller), a concrete patio, the nursery at church, a swing...and now here:

This seems like no big deal...a baby can usually sleep in a Baby Bjorn.

...but while her father plays the cajon?? YEP!

11 months!

2010-03-02T13:07:00.001-08:00

Last Wednesday Elle turned 11 months old!

I can hardly believe it! Before we know it, she'll be a whole year old!

I have been the laziest blogger the past two months, but Elle has continued to grow despite my laziness.

Her latests are:

Elle lovees to dance (she sways her head from side to side and bounces on all fours or while standing holding on to something) mainly to U2. She even kissed the CD player proving her love for Bono.

She eats cheerios as if they were candy, and has just started biting them in half with her four, widely spaced teeth.

Elle doesn't quite understand the meaning of "No". She thinks its a game. Elle just looks at me, smiles and continues doing what I told her not to do, which I find totally unacceptable.

Elle is an experienced Disneyland fan thanks to G and Gma. (she's already been there 4 times)

I think Elle might end up with red hair, or at least the attitude that comes with having red hair. If something makes her mad, she growls in frustration while clenching her fists.

Elle has started mimicking anything we do...blinking, tilting her head, coughing, laughing...the more we laugh the more she continues...she is going to be a ham!

I need to get some updated pictures up here and perhaps a video or two...

Elle's first birthday party will be on Saturday April 10th...and suggestions for the theme?? Elle's Bells is what her father came up with...I think we need some more ideas...

Christmas and New Years 2009-2010

2010-01-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since a real post and I'm feeling like writing a post for everything we did over Christmas and New Year's is a bit to overwhelming for me at the moment. But I DO want to make sure to post some pictures of the fun times we had, you know in case they don't end up in a scrapbook or baby-book...we've got 'em here.

We've had the best time with both of our families over the past two months.

We spent Christmas this year with my parents in Pasadena. Elle opened gifts, mainly enjoying the sound of the tissue paper and the bright colored ribbons. We got amazing gifts from my parents too...the sewing machine that I got has been put to some serious use in the past couple weeks. Coach had an enjoyable time too....Mom and Dad's bed being her favorite spot!

Then we went to Colorado for New Year's with Cole's family. What a great time we had. Elle saw snow for the first time, met her aunts and uncles, and had a great time on the plane. Elle even had fun on New Year's entertaining Grammy, Papa, and Aunt Marilyn and Uncle John, after waking up from her slumber. Grammy and Papa were supposed to put Elle back to sleep if she woke up, but they pulled the 'grandparents card' and kept her up from 10:30-1:30.

Elle hanging with G

Elle and Gma

Elle and I in our "tacky Christmas shirts"

Elle taking a bath at G and Gma's house

Coach chillin' on Mom and Dad's bed (they love this)

I love G and Gma's house

Elle listened carefully to the flight attendants

Mom, look! There's snow!

Dad and baby girl in the snow

It's a winter wonderland...

I'm not so sure that I like the snow... it's cold!

Fun family time in the snow!

Happy girls!

Sleeping baby with daddy

Daddy still has to play...

Everything goes in my mouth these days

Elle in my old sweater and hat

Brothers setting up the new surround sound

Bath time at Grammy and Papa's

Cousins!

Our Attempt at Christmas Pictures

2010-01-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

These were our attempts at Christmas pictures.

Mom and Dad bought the Christmas dress for Elle...she looked adorable and loved her new shoes....okay she really wanted to take them off and eat them...

What do you want from me? A smile?

Yay!!

The Family. Including Coach!

Oh Wow!!

2010-01-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, It has been over a month since I have posted...CRAZY!!

A lot has happened since my last post. Here's a snapshot of what we have been up to since my last post:

1. We have had 2 Christmases...and Elle was a pro at opening her gifts.
2. Elle has touched snow for the first time...not that she liked it!
3. Elle has cut TWO teeth, and her parents hate teething...or the lack of sleep at night as a result of the brutal teeth making their debuts.
4. Elle is now crawling up a storm....the storm being the dog hair flying behind her.
5. Elle has pulled herself up to a stand...thus we lowered the crib mattress
6. We have hung out with Taylor, Amy, and the girls...Marly loves Baby Elle and sharing with Elle too...can we say Honey Smack and Popsicles??
7. Elle has begun to eat cheerios....what a way to pass the time!
8. I'm feeling very crafty...in a good way...let the sewing projects begin!
9. Elle believes everything belongs in her mouth....everything!
10. Our daughter enjoys making out with herself in the mirror...open mouth kisses and all!

oh...

Elle also went potty in the big girl potty.... this is a good story...more later!

Elle will be 10 months old next week. It is so hard to believe. She is growing so fast and we are having a BLAST!!

December Nights

2009-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Two weekends ago Elle and I with our friends and number 1 babysitters Ryan and Beth went to December nights at Balboa Park. Every year Balboa Park has "December Nights" which is filled with free admission to the museums, carnival games, kettle corn, music and dancing in the organ pavilion, and food from the international cottages.

This year we bundled up and walk through the park. We enjoyed fine art at the San Diego Museum of Art, and food from Lebanon and the Philippines. The music in the organ pavilion...well, that left something to be desired. Let's just say the director should have just kept directing instead of trying to sing Santa Baby.

Elle was super bundled up in her stroller and fell asleep as we were enjoying the museum. She's such a good sport. She likes to go with the flow!!

Picture with the "Greats" Take two!

2009-12-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Elle got to see her Great Grandparents over Thanksgiving and so we had to take a picture of course. The first picture was taken in August (I think) and the second one Thanksgiving weekend. I think Elle's cheeks may have gone down a bit...

Thanksgiving and the Roles Loved Ones Play in the Production

2009-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Yuma this year with my grandparents. We had such a great time being together. We ate, and ate...and ate. We played games, went for walks, did some shopping (the boys did), made biscotti, and watched Elle for entertainment. She kept us all laughing.

This year my grandma made the ENTIRE dinner! I can't remember a Thanksgiving where I didn't have to cook. It was so nice, and sooo delicious! When we were about 20 minutes from sitting down to eat I looked around and I noticed that everyone had a specific role in getting the Thanksgiving dinner on the table...

Dad was reading and Cole was napping...mmm...helping?? Oooh..

Dad was researching new recipes, and Cole was resting so he could

be the life of the party. :)

Mom was feeding the baby, so I could enjoy the meal.

Grandma was slaving away in the kitchen...while

Coach was praying for some morsel to fall to the floor (clean up duty)

Hot Mess

2009-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Right now we are having a bit of a dilemma.

A hot mess if you will.

Elle's bed.

Both sheets are in the dirty clothes bin.

The bumper keeps getting attacked by a squirming child.

Or attacks a squirming child...either way...attacking

This is how...

A leg...

Has escaped the crib!

Elle's Newest Expression

2009-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Elle's newest expression is absolutely hilarious. She scrunches up her nose so her top gums are showing, (so NOT attractive) and breathes in an out of her nose quickly a bunch of times.

I think it is sort-of pig-like unfortunately! It makes me laugh so hard, and then Elle just continues to make the face.

Here's a picture of the expression. It's not the best, but you have no idea how hard it is to catch this in action! I'll keep up the attempts to capture the expression, I may have to bust out the video camera!

I've told Elle that this is not her cutest look...

she doesn't seem to care...

what a rebel!

Anticipation

2009-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

I would love to know what goes on in an 8 month-old's mind. I love to guess and say what Elle is thinking at certain times of the day. She has gotten way more expressive in the last few weeks which makes my game a bit more fun. She is also able to stand while holding on to something for a few seconds or so, and when we give her a bath we let her hold on to the tub and check things out before diving in!

Bath time is one of my favorite times. I love to see Elle play in the water and there is nothing sweeter than a freshly bathed baby. I could eat her up! I think Elle really enjoys it too. Daddy usually starts the bath while I go and round up the diaper, night clothes and other needed items.

The other day when I came into the bathroom with the goods, Elle and Cole were peering over the edge of the tub admiring the bubbles and toys that lay below. Cole was explaining to Elle about the fun she was about to have, and the grin on Elle's face was too cute for words! (too bad I didn't get a pic. of that) She gets so excited when the water is filling the tub, she starts to giggle and can hardly wait to touch the water. Here are a couple pictures of Elle getting ready for her bath.

Holding on for dear life!

Okay Elle, here's the deal...we have to wait for the

water to fill up, then you get to play with your toys

and make words with your letters!

8 Months

2009-12-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

Elle is now 8 months old!

I can hardly believe it. Time seems to be flying by.

Now at the ripe old age of 8 months Elle is...

About to crawl (she rocks back an forth a bit)
Reading and turning the pages of books
Clapping
Saying bababa and a few others...every once in a while I think I hear mamamama
Expressing herself with numerous facial expressions
Stands up if holding on to something...for a few seconds at least.
Growing hair...come on red hair...you can do it!

Here are a few pics of Elle on her 8 month birthday!

This is an 8? I'm 8 months old? What?

I know Mom...I'm old now!

I'm reading Mom...This right here is a monkey!

It's hard growing up! Am I prematurely aging?

Eye Doctor

2009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Cole and I had eye doctor appointments this week. Our eye doctor told us about the free infant exams that they do, so we brought Elle in for her first appointment.

When we went to Elle's appointment I told our doctor that Elle didn't know her letters yet. Not a problem...

All Elle had to do was follow a light with her eyes and get a light shined in her eyes, and get her eyes dilated.

Elle's eyes are in perfect shape. She followed the light and behaved herself. I was actually surprised that she opened her eyes to have the light shined in there at all, as she usually closes her eyes when we are outside in the sun.

They dilated Elle's eyes, so of course, when we left, Elle had to wear the sunglasses for the walk home...WAY TOO CUTE!! I was so surprised that she left them on even when we got in the house since she usually takes off her regular sunglasses. Not these ones! She loved them!

I can't see a thing...but this toy is tasty!

Where are my toys??

This is how we walked home...Elle is too cool for school!

Christmas Picture??

2009-11-23T11:12:00.001-08:00

We're trying to come up with a good Christmas picture for our Christmas card this year....

Okay...we'll keep working on it...

Now We're Talking...

2009-11-22T08:08:00.001-08:00

The other day we were having some lunch and Elle kept making the funniest faces. Here's what I think she was thinking...

Yo Dad! What do you want from me?...cuz you're not gettin' a smile...

What? You're telling me I have to smile all the time...not gonna do it Pops!

Oh..boo hoo...now you're crying huh??

Well, you are going to have to get over it...and make it snappy!

Too bad! I'm not playing your little game today!

Sorry, maybe next time...

yeah, keep talking in that high-pitched voice and see where it gets you!

I'm out!

Cole's Man-card

2009-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

My back started to hurt from carrying Elle in the swing and Cole so nicely volunteered his services. He even wore the sling!! Yep he lost his man card for that one! But it was really cute! Here are the pictures to prove it!

Look wife! I can clean, cook and bedazzle my jeans

with the baby on my hip!

Elle, these are what we call fish...

So sweet!!

Family picture!

One Sleepy Girl

2009-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

We went to a wedding last weekend. Our friends Daniel and Kate got married. It was a lovely ceremony and such a fun reception. We brought Elle with us to both the ceremony and the reception. She had a great time. She enjoyed the decor, the dresses, the dancing and the food. Althugh she did not get to taste the italian feast that we enjoyed, she did have her lentils, carrots and peas.

Elle was up WAY past her bedtime but she was a sweet girl through the whole thing. We weren't a block away from the reception when she fell asleep in the car. When we got home she did the funniest thing that she has done yet..

Cole was holding Elle. She would open her eyes for a minute and then fall forward as she shut her eyes. She was absolutely pooped. We laughed so hard I thought we would fully wake her up...not so!~

When we got in the elevator another family with a 2 year old was in the elevator and the mom said, "Sweetie, look at the little baby" just as Elle shut her eyes and began to fall forward. We all started laughing so hard. Poor girl!

That's what happens when you party like a rock star!

Elle and her daddy in the elevator

Yum!

2009-11-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

Elle is to the stage now that EVERYTHING goes in her mouth...

hands

feet

spoons

toys

Mom's hands

diapers

washcloths

wipes

Pretty much, if it touches Elle's hand it finds it's way to her mouth. I'm thinking that teeth might be in our very near future. We shall see...

Mom, I'm telling you, you really should taste this...

Blocks are good Mom...think of it as another form of protein!

Okay...that one didn't taste so good!

We Love the Zoo!

2009-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

We went to the zoo last week and we had a blast! Elle was awake the whole time and she enjoyed herself! We saw the elephants, the birds in the aviary, the gorillas and the hippos! Here are a few pictures of our time at the zoo:

Mom! This elephant is about to step on me!

I'm not so sure about this hippo Mom!

I'm on a hippo!

Come on birds...let me see you! (we are in the aviary)

I love the zoo!

Help! My Bumper has Attacked Me!

2009-11-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

The other morning Cole and I walked in Elle's room to get her out of her crib. If we are both home we like to go in together just to see her sweet smile. We have seen many things in the past 7 months...

A girl on her tummy (she was on her back the night before)

Wet sheets (diaper leak)

An arm or leg through the crib slats (surprising since they are so chunky)

Little eyes looking through the slats (way too cute!)

Never before have we seen this:

Ahhh the light shining through the blinds...

and this bumper/blanket is keeping me toasty warm!

Good morning parents!

I think that something is not quite right here...

I guess I'm going to need to find a way to tie down the bumper a little bit better!!

Daddy Fun Time!

2009-11-09T09:00:00.001-08:00

Cole and Elle had a bit of fun at the park...

Cole: Elle, this is the way a big girls jump

Elle: Yeah, well, I'm only 7 months Dad. I don't know if that makes me a big girl, but I'm doubting it!

Cole: ...and this is the way we do a karate kick!

Elle: I've got this one down Dad! Bring it Mom, I'll show you what Dad taught me!

Cole: This is the way we walk Elle!

Elle: Okay...this sounds fun

Me: Alright...take it down a notch...we don't have the baby gates up yet!

Bathtime!

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

I can't resist a picture of a cute booty....

Here's Elle getting ready for her bath the other night...

Well Mom, from here it looks pretty good...I like the variety of toys, the water seems warm enough and the bubbles, well, they looks like little clouds of comfort!

I can't wait to get in there...let me at it!

Just a pair of eyes!! Pure bath enjoyment!

Slide!

2009-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

We headed over to the park to swing on the swings which Elle loves to do, and when we got there Elle told me that she really wanted to be a big girl and ride down the slide.

Of course I told Elle that I would have to ride with her just because she had never done it before. So we ventured over to the slides. Here's a look at our newest adventure:

Okay Elle, this big yellow thing is what we call a slide.

Hold on to this bar. We will use this to propel ourselves forward...

One...two...ready...go!

Weeeeeeee

What do you think??

"Well Mom, it was OK, but really I'm kinda tired, can we go home now?"

7 Months...My How Time Flies!

2009-11-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

Elle is 7 months old now! I can't believe it!

She turned 7 months on the 3rd. Of course I think she is absolutely the best thing that has happened to Cole and me! She is full of happiness and her new expressions are a true joy that can take you from the worst mood to the best in a matter of seconds!

Each month I think Elle gets a little bit more fun. Here's what she's accomplished since her 6 month birthday:

She eats solid food now and therefore produces solid poo
Drinks from a sippy cup (although much of the water goes all over her)
She sits up by herself and rarely falls which is a nice change (I was getting tired of putting pillows behind and around her in case of a fall)
Everything goes in her mouth
She says "Bababababa" (of course she hit this milestone while we were at my parents..for some reason she likes to perform at their house, rolling over and giggling both happened for the first time with Gma)
She reaches out and grabs for EVERYTHING (rice and bean on the lap...not so fun)
She LOVES to swing at the park
The big bathtub is a whole new world and Elle enjoys to play with the toys in the bath...when she can reach them.

I love her to pieces and am so glad that I get to spend so much time with her!

Chunker...

2009-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

We all know that Elle is a chunker. Even though she is only in the 35th percentile for her weight. In fact on Sunday a friend asked when we were going to take the rubber bands off her wrists and ankles! It really does look like we've put rubber bands all over her.

In getting her ready for her bath the other night Cole decided to try and take her shirt off over her head. Here's what happened...

Matchy Matchy

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Growing up my mom would dress my brother and me alike. For example, we had matching sailor outfits. Taylor's outfit had shorts and my outfit was a dress. We were darling of course.

Sometimes when my parents would sing somewhere, my mom would try and get my dad to match her outfit. Obviously not sailor outfits, but Dad never went for it. Matching was NOT an option.

Well....check this out...

G and grand-baby...matchy, matchy!!

It was a pink and brown Sunday!! Too sweet!

Disneyland

2009-11-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Elle went to Disneyland for the second time! She loved it! We got there around 11am and we left at 10:30pm after watching the fireworks. (Which totally woke Elle up from her slumber...she wasn't as thrilled with the fireworks as we were).

Elle was the best! She napped in her stroller, played with her toys, made a bunch of Korean women giggle on the Mark Twain river boat, enjoyed her first ride (Toy Story at CA Adventure), enjoyed watching Aladdin, and slept all the way home. What a trooper!

Here are some pictures from Disneyland...

Gettin' rested up on the way to Disneyland...

Disneyland gets a "thumbs up"

In line for Toy Story...it was Elle's feeding time...

we tag teamed her!

Who's Minnie Mouse??

I love Disneyland!

Wait...what's that?? Could it be Snow White??

Fall back

2009-11-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

I used to love the time of year when we "fall back". Turning the clocks back on a Saturday night in November giving us what feels like an extra hour of sleep.

We wake up rested, get to church on time, and enjoy the sunshine earlier in the mornings.

Like I said...I used to enjoy this.

No one told me that when you have a child you no longer get to enjoy the "extra hour of sleep".

We turned the clocks back last Saturday night, I got cozy in the bed at my parents house ready for the extra hour of sleep.

But oh no, it was not to be. Elle didn't really understand the idea of getting an extra hour of sleep, nor did she seem to care. At 6:30am on Sunday morning Elle decided that since it felt like 7:30am, it was time to wake up for the day.

I on the other hand, would have liked my extra hour. The picture above was taken at about 6:45 am on Sunday morning. She's lucky she's so cute!

Our Fun Weekend in Pasadena

2009-11-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Elle and I traveled up to Pasadena this past Thursday-Sunday. We had such a great time with my parents. Elle always loves to see her G and Gma. We did so many fun things...

Here's our trip in pictures:

Yep, I'm the new Executive Pastor at PazNaz...move over "G" I'm movin' in!

I'm also the newest employee of IAEE...

as soon as my fine motor skills kick in, I'll be of much more use!

Where's Mickey? Minnie? Goofy? Come on...let me at 'em!

Who's the sweetest punkin??

Oh "G" watch out...I could hurl...

My Sweet Little Ladybug!

2009-11-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Elle is one lucky girl!

Elle's Aunt Amy had the most darling halloween costume and which she passed down to us so Elle could be the cutest ladybug around!

Elle and I went up to Pasadena for the weekend. We had a blast! The Fall Festival at my parent's church was on Saturday night so Elle got to don her costume and bring smiles to many faces!

All who saw Elle smiled at her and said she was such a cute ladybug. I think really it is the cheeks that makes her look too cute!

Here are the pictures of our little ladybug:

Elle with "G"

Seriously Mom! This thing weighs a ton!!

Ladybug girl is getting a little tired!

I know I'm cute...but how long do I have to wear this thing again?

Little 'bug and her "Gma"

Lady bug...down!

Yep, I'm cute...

Our Little Pumpkin

2009-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle is ready for Halloween. Taylor and Amy sent, along with a bunch of great clothes, the cutest ladybug costume and this pumpkin sweatshirt. I hear that Taylor tossed the sweatshirt in at the last minute as a joke. You can't tell from the picture here, but it is bright orange. I'm talkin' nearly blaze orange saves lives orange. Taylor decided Elle needed it and Cole decided that Elle needed to be festive the other day and wear her pumpkin sweatshirt. I'd say from the picture, Elle enjoys her new digs!

Elle and I head up to Pasadena today for the weekend with my parents. Elle gets to go to the Fall Fest at the church and show off her true ladybug self...it should prove to be a great time. The sweatshirt might just make another appearance. You never know what fun we'll have. Thanks again Taylor and Amy for the great festive wear!

Wha' Happen'???

2009-10-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, so last night my perfect daughter decided that it would be fun to throw a wrench in her perfection!

At 7pm, right on time, I put Elle to bed. Not a peep out of her. She went right to sleep not a single tear, no talking to herself, not so much as a whimper. I was thinking to myself..."yep, this is the life!"

10:30 rolls around. I'm in bed just about to doze off and I hear her. Crying. I decide to let her be for just a bit, to see if she'll soothe herself back to sleep. Yeah...not so much.

As the good mother, I assess before entering her room.

I think:

Could she be hungry? Probably not since she got her 4 feedings of milk and three square meals, not to mention she never wakes up to eat, hasn't since she was 3 months old.

Could she need a diaper change? Possible, but really, dirty diapers don't phase this girl. She can sit in it for a while before she complains. (not that I let her sit in it of course)

Could she be in pain? Possible. She was sounding a bit "snorty" kinda like a pig when she was eating before bed, and we did feed her a new food at dinner...millet.

I was now at a loss. But I went in...

Changed the diaper and fed her just a bit. Put her straight back in her crib, so she would know that this is not what we do, this is not a fun time, you are to be sleeping.

She goes back to sleep nicely.

12:30 am....Crying again.

Assess...

This time I did the unthinkable....I brought her in bed with me (after a dose of tylenol for the millet problem, or the teeth?? Who knows, but I've heard tylenol works). I let her lay next to be in the bed and all she wanted to do was look around. Then she got fussy. So, I picked her up and laid her on my chest, just like I did when she first got home from the hospital.

She slept on my chest for probably 2 hours or so. It was so sweet! There is nothing so sweet as being able to calm an unhappy baby by holding her close! I love her so much!

2am: My snuggle time is over mainly due to the fact that it is difficult for me to breath with 16 pounds laying on my chest. I decide that Elle needs to go back to her crib. I put her down and she is fine. Phew!

I hear her again around 4 am and 6 am, but each time she is able to soothe herself back to sleep.

In the morning when she finally woke up at 7:45, I searched her mouth for teeth, red gums or little creatures telling her to cry in the middle of the night. None of the above were found. Let's hope this night-time charade doesn't happen again. A mama needs her sleep...but she does like a snuggle with her baby girl!

A Beautiful Fall Day...In a Sundress!

2009-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, It's technically fall in San Diego, however today it is about 80 degrees! I found a sundress in Elle's closet that she hadn't worn yet because it was too big. Well, thank goodness summer lasts a while around here...she can wear it now and it even has a matching hat! We took a trip to Balboa Park and decided to hit the swings again.

Here's the fun we had:

Thanks mom...I love the swings!

Cheeks baby, cheeks!

Where's Elle?

Yay! I love it!!

I'm an airplane!

What I Love the Most...

2009-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle is so much fun! She is seriously the best baby. I know, everyone says, wait until the second one comes...it'll be the exact opposite. Well, I don't care right now. Elle is the BEST!

My most favorite time of day is when Elle wakes up from a nap, or wakes up from sleeping through the night. Yep, she sleeps through the night...12 hours through the night! Love her!!

When she wakes up she is so happy and too cute for words. We've started this new thing. When I come in her room to get her. I say, "Is my sweet baby waking up? Where's my sweet girl?" Then she lifts herself up on her hands and looks through the slats in her crib to find me. The picture below is what I see. Not quite as blurry, but you get he idea.

How can this picture not put a smile on your face??!!

Then I come near the crib and sing the good morning song and ask her if my sweet girl is ready to get up and start the day. This is what I get to see then:

Mom, I'm ready to start my day right!

Our Doll

2009-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

When Elle wakes up from her naps she is cutest! I love to take pictures of her right when she wakes up. I snapped the picture below and even though it's blurry (taken with my iphone), I think she looks just like a doll!

Here's the picture of our little doll.

Big Girl Bath

2009-10-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Elle is now officially too big for her infant bathtub that fits in the kitchen sink. We put Elle in the big bath tub and she had a blast! Elle's super slippery in the bath tub. So slippery in fact that we had to make her sit on a hand towel so she wouldn't slide so much.

I figure in another month or so she will be so good at sitting up, we won't have to catch her in the nick of time before she nearly drowns. Yep it happened, and we have it on video. Here are a few pictures of Elle in the big girl bath:

I like my bath toys so much...I just wanna eat 'em!

I'm a big girl!

I love baths!

What are you doing Dad?? I'm naked here!!

Check ya next time!

We have the BEST FRIENDS!!

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided....we have the best friends in the whole wide world!

Cole takes care of Elle on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday, when I go to work. Well, his real estate company decided that Mondays would be a great day for a 7 week training session that was mandatory. If you don't go, you don't work here any more type of deal.

Our friends Ryan and Beth just moved back to San Diego this summer and neither of them had a job when Cole's Monday class started. Beth is a teacher and Ryan is a lawyer (and his job doesn't start until Jan.). They graciously volunteered to watch Elle for us on Mondays.

2 weeks into Cole's class Beth got a teaching job and I thought to myself, "What are we going to do now?" but left it up to Cole to coordinate the baby-sitting. I was shocked when Ryan said he would watch Elle again...and he has for the past 4 weeks. BY HIMSELF!! What a guy!

So then along comes this week...Cole's company not only had their Monday training class, but an all day, Tuesday-Friday training as well. Again, I left it up to Cole to find the baby-sitting. This past Tuesday, Brock, another awesome friend of ours came over to the house and watched Elle until 1:30, at which time Ryan and Beth finished the shift until I got home from work!

Can you believe the friends we have?? We owe them big, as all this baby-sitting was done for free out of the goodness of their hearts! WOW are we blessed!

Ryan took some pictures of Elle on Wednesday when he watched her and they are too cute!

That's a funny face you're makin' Cuz! (That's what Elle calls Ryan)

Elle: Yay! I love you Cuz!

Coach: What is going on here?? This girl is Nuts!

I love to do push up...and one... and two...

Hi!

A Progression of events

2009-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle is getting so good at sitting up these days. The only downfall is trying to keep the dog off of her gets to be a challenge. Case in point:

Hi Coach...I'll pet you because you are my sister!

I'm keeping my eyes on you...you know Mom doesn't like you to lick me...

Oh no!

Mom! Coach just got me!

Girls...sit!

Go Charncos!!

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Monday night's football game was so much fun! As you know Cole is from Colorado, so he roots for the Broncos, but we live in San Diego, so he roots for the Chargers. When they play each other it can be such a conflicting time!

Elle wanted to get into the spirit, but just like her dad, she was a bit conflicted. She decided on wearing Charger powder blue and Bronco orange, and looked ADORABLE!!!

Yay Chargers, I mean Broncos, I mean Chargers...oh I'm confused!!

Don't you think I should just sit here and look cute? Okay...done!

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T19:27:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we went to Bates Nut Farm with our friends Ryan and Beth. Elle enjoyed her first time at a pumpkin patch for sure! We had a blast.

We took a picnic lunch and then ventured out to the patch...we chose a couple pumpkins which we carved that night and roasted the seeds three ways for tasty treats!

Here are the pictures from the pumpkin patch:

We love pumpkins and our sweet girl!

I think I'll take this one...no...that one!

I fit it perfectly...some even call me a pumpkin!

I love the pumpkin path and sitting in this hay!

Yay!

A New Application

2009-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cole got a new application on his iPhone called ShakeItPhoto. You take a picture and then the application creates a fauxlaroid. (It makes the picture look like a Polaroid). You even get to shake the phone to make the picture appear. It is super fun and the pictures come out with a bit of a hazy, blurry look, just like Polaroid pictures.

Here are a couple of the first fauxlaroids:

This is my angelic pose...what do you think?

Sweet baby girl!

2009-10-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

With Elle's new trick of sitting up on her own, we ventured out and tried the big-girl highchair at a restaurant. Success! I packed a couple blankets behind her just in case. She loved it! I fed her butternut squash and cereal before our food came and she was a sweet baby!!

Mom...not only can I read, but I can sit up too!

Wait, what did they order? It looks so much better than my cereal!

I can't be bothered right now, I'm getting to the good part!

My Friends...

2009-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Elle is getting pretty good at sitting up on her own now. I still put a pillow behind her just in case she falls back...our floors are to cushy.

The other day I had her sit up and I piled all her stuffed animals around her. She loved it!! She has enough stuffed animals that is for sure!

Here's Elle with her fluffy friends:

What Mom? Can't a girl get a little privacy around here?

I mean it...you heard me!

I choose you purple beany baby...

So many choices Mom...what's a girl to do??

The Pictures Say it All...(okay the captions help)

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mom, that was the best dinner you've given me yet!! Butternut squash,

zucchini, AND rice cereal. I couldn't have asked for more!

I want more dinner....watch my hand....you are getting sleepy....

you will give me more squash....

Drinking out of this cup is so exciting, I can barely contain myself!

What you talkin' 'bout Mama??

Basking in the Sun

2009-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I was looking all over the house for Coach and couldn't find her. Finally, I decided to look on the deck, since during the day Coach likes to bask in the sun out on the deck. The concrete tiles on the deck get warm and Coach morphs into her lizard self, warming herself on the "warm rocks". Well, she wasn't laying on the concrete tiles this time. What I saw was shocking:

Mom, this lounge chair is perfect for working on my tan!

Go ahead, take all the pictures you want, I'm not movin'!

Vintage...

2009-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Elle wore another one of my old dresses. She looked too cute! She even wore a pair of my old shoes.

A bunch of friends at church asked about her ensemble and thought she looked so sweet in the darling rosebud dress.

We tried to recreate the picture of me from years ago, but we just couldn't get Elle to cry!! She is just to precious!

My dad and me...I was 6 weeks old

Elle and her daddy...Elle is 6 months old!

I'm liking this food thing!

2009-10-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Cole and I spent a Sunday afternoon making all kinds of baby food. Elle is 6 months old now and ready for some food. I could hardly wait!! We went to the store, bought some organic fruits and veggies, and used the baby cook book my mom gave me at my baby shower last December.

We went to Whole Foods because it was close, (next time we'll go to Henry's and save a little more cash) and bought: peas, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, and zucchini. We got all of that for $12. Then we began the steaming and pureeing. Such fun!!

It only took us an hour to make all the food. We froze all that we pureed in cute little containers my mom got for us, ice cube trays and old baby food jars. We ended up making 68 servings of food for Elle. That's 17 cents a serving...not bad!

We started feeding her butternut squash that night. Butternut squash and oatmeal cereal...mmm

So now Elle gets two meals a day. She gets cereal in the morning, and a veggie and cereal for dinner. She is a good little eater, even though after the first bite she always makes a face that says, "What is this?? Gross!! I much prefer my old meals of milk!"

Here are a few pictures of Elle and the butternut squash aftermath:

Who me? Messy? What?

I'll take some more mom!

I like this stuff, and your old bib Mom!

Yeah, I think we can do this again tomorrow!

I've said it before...not much phases this kid!

2009-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

On our way to our friend's house to watch football, I didn't hear Elle in the back seat. I asked Cole to look and she if she was asleep. He turned around and this is what he saw:

Her bow which was actually two ribbons had fallen from her head. She ended up with what looks like Star Trek glasses with one of the ribbons and the other made it's way into her mouth along with her thumb. A peep however, was not heard!! What a girl. She just rolls with flow. Just like her dad!!

Sporty Spice

2009-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

We went to some friends house to watch the football game the other night. Elle doesn't have any Chargers gear so I put her in the sportiest outfit she owns. Jeans, a cute white top, and her Puma socks. I had to put a bow in her hair to match the Puma socks and to finish off the outfit. She looked so cute that I had to snap a couple pictures.

Sittin' up....or trying really hard!

2009-10-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Now that Elle is 6 months old, it is time to get this girl to sit up on her own! Most babies can sit up unassisted by 6 months, but you know that Elle was a preemie and thus we have to be patient with her development.

She is starting to sit up now! She has sit up for a couple minutes at a time. She is still a little wobbly but she is trying. Here a couple pictures of her first attempt!

Okay Mom, just keep the toy right there...I can balance that way!

Look Ma! No hands!

Awww...crash and burn!

Our Rocker Girl!

2009-10-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Last week my sister-in-law Amy sent us a box of clothes that her two sweet girls had grown out of. It was like Christmas here at the Petersen household!! Going through all the clothes was so much fun.

The following pictures are of the first outfit Cole wanted Elle to wear. She is our little rocker girl! Too bad she can't fist pump, dance, or make the sign for "I love you" and raise it high above her head like a true rocker. Soon enough!

Mom...can I play drums like daddy??

...or maybe sing like you?? Or both???

Nothin' Sweeter

2009-10-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

We had to run some errands and of course it took longer than we thought it would. Nap time hit as we were heading in to Walmart. It didn't stop her from her nap though. She is such a sweet one when she sleeps!

Really?? That CAN'T be Comfortable!

2009-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

It is truly amazing the positions that babies put themselves in.

Elle was taking a nap the other day, I went in to check on her and this is what I saw! There is NO WAY this would be a comfortable position to an adult! I'm glad that she enjoys sleeping though!

My New Sleeping Techniques

2009-10-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago my mom taught Elle to roll from her back to her tummy.

That is all Elle wants to do now! Even in her sleep. Now, I know that you are supposed to put your baby on her back to sleep. Believe me, I do...but she's a roller now! I can't help what she decides to do in her sleep.

The first few nights after she learned the roll maneuver, when she would roll herself to her stomach she got really mad about it. Now, she kinda likes it! Here are some pictures of her sleeping, and waking up on her tummy.

Hey Ma! What up?

Blanket and thumb

Can you find the TWO pacifiers in this picture??

And what's that in her mouth?? Oh yeah, her thumb!

Sundays are NOT My Favorite...

2009-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sundays are not the best day around the Petersen house.

Yes we love Sundays; church is great, lunch with friends is tasty and fun, but Sundays tend to get Elle totally off of her schedule. Sunday school takes place during her first nap. Church happens during her second nap, so by the time we get home, she is exhausted!!

Elle has been known to take 3-4 hour naps on Sunday afternoons. What a true Nazarene!!

A couple weeks ago we went to our friends Ryan and Beth's house for dinner and Elle was sooo over it! Here are the pictures to prove how over it she really was:

I just want to take a nap...it that too much to ask?

Seriously...I know you just set up my pack and play in the back room...put me in it NOW!

6 Months!!

2009-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today Elle is 6 months old!

She is still the sweetest girl in the world!

In the last month she has learned:

to roll from her back to her tummy

to sleep on her tummy

to eat cereal (most days)

to play in her exersaucer and LOVE IT!

to giggle and laugh more often

to recognize and enjoy Coach (Elle smiles at Coach now)

Elle in a sweet dress from Kay and Virginia

I'm six months old Mommy!! I'm a big girl!!

I love me some polka dots!

2009-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Polka dots might just be my favorite thing in the world. When I see polka dots I just get happy! Elle got this super cute polka dot dress from Yvonne Spencer in Michigan (family friend). She looks super cute in the dress!

Mom, I'm going to be just like you...I love me some polka dots!

Rollin' in the Sheets!

2009-09-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

While I was at work, Cole put Elle on the bed while he got dressed for the day and here's what happened...Keep in mind when he put her on the bed he did not cover her up with the sheet...

Aren't I sweet daddy??

I am very mysterious...

too sweet!!

"Uncle Bassam"

2009-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I worked in the Cafe at the bottom of our condo building. Cafe Bassam is the name of the Cafe. I worked there until Thanksgiving of last year, when I grew too big to get the coffee mugs, and cooking the food in the back gave me gag reflexes. You know, typical first trimester stuff.

I still make the schedule for the girls who work at the cafe, and Bassam loves me. Although, I think he loves Elle more! When we came home from the hospital he called us and said, "Come down to the Cafe. Don't buy anything else for the baby, I have everything you need." We went down to the Cafe and sure enough. Bassam pretty much gave me a baby shower by himself! A little bit of everything. Bottles, diapers, outfits, blankets, robes, baths, hats...you name it, he had purchased it for Elle.

Now that Elle is bigger, every time I go down to the Cafe Bassam always wants to hold "the doll". He has also started slipping her $20 bills. Here are a couple pictures of Elle and "Uncle Bassam"

Bassam and the "doll"

He's slipping her the goods!

Cheeks

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle's nickname is "Cheeks" due to the fact that she looks like a chipmunk storing up nuts for the winter.

They are so cute though. I seriously could (and sometimes do) kiss them all day long!! We took her to the swings in the park and took pictures of her on the swing. This is one of the pictures that we captured....

You know you have healthy cheeks when ONE of them fills most of a picture

The "I Was Born Here" Shirt!

2009-09-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

When we had Elle at Kaiser they gave us a diaper bag. Inside the diaper bag was a shirt and a blanket that said Kaiser on it. Elle just now fits the t-shirt, not that she would leave the house in it, but I put it on her just for fun. Here she is in her Kaiser Permanente shirt and her diaper just happened to match!

Mom...this is where I was born!

Please don't make me wear this out of the house!

Just a Look

2009-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how many looks a baby can have.

There's the smile that is so big the dimple under her eye shows.

There's the "I'm filling my drawers right now" look.

There's the tired look that usually involves eye rubbing and fingers in the mouth.

There's the I missed you and I love you smile that has no sound.

...and then there are these looks... just precious!

Rogue Foot

2009-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle is a very active baby. She goes for walks or runs almost every day. She loves her stroller.

The only problem is that she is still too young to wear sunscreen, so I usually put her in pants and socks if we are going out for a stroll so those UV rays don't hit that precious skin.

Lately, even though is is technically fall, it has been blazing hot here so I felt bad putting her in pants and socks, so I just put a blanket over the top of the stroller.

Cole, Coach, and I went on a run. Cole pushed the stroller and I ran with the dog. As we rounded a corner I turned around to see if the baby was okay, and this is what I saw:

One rogue foot

Our Little Giraffe

2009-09-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord that Elle did not come out 6 feet tall like baby giraffes. But she sure is a cute baby giraffe at the zoo!

We took these pictures the first time Elle went to the zoo, back in the beginning of August, on Cole and my anniversary.

Mom, I'm not looking at the camera...because I am NOT a giraffe!

...and the sun is in my eyes!!

Dad and Daughter Week One

2009-09-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

So I'm officially back to work. Just three days a week. Right now Cole is working from home on the three days that I'm at school. He and Elle are spending some seriously good daddy daughter bonding time.

Last week I only had to work two days, since Monday was a holiday. I've had some time to think about and reflect on Cole's daddy skills and I've decided....

Cole is the best Dad ever! (Okay, my dad is great too...but you know what I mean!) Elle got fed changed and napped too! I called from time to time to check on how things were going.

Once during the day I called right after she was scheduled to go down for a nap. I said, "Hey honey how's it going? Is Elle sleeping?" Cole replied, "Things are great, I did just like you said and after she was awake fore 2 hours I put her in her crib, she smiled at me, I put her pacifier in her mouth, and I haven't heard a peep since. Either she's the world's best baby or I'm just dang good!"

I think it's a little of both! From the looks of the pictures below Elle loves hanging out with her daddy!

Dad, you are so much fun!

I love this toy and you too!

Let's not tell Mom how much fun we are having!

Our Little Reader

2009-09-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Elle loves to read.

Every night when we read "Goodnight Moon" she reads along with me. She has also started helping me turn the pages (sort-of). So I thought I'd give her a book and see what she would do with it.

In these pictures it looks like she knows what she is doing. However...I had to put the book back in her hands a few times. She kept throwing it to side. We'll see if she ends up reading books or throwing them. Only time will tell!

Oh...this book is intense!

ooohh...it's a page turner!

Please don't interrupt my reading time!

My Daddy Rocks!

2009-09-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Elle thinks that her Daddy ROCKS!!

He rocks:

at the drums
at bath time
at pushing the stroller
at holding baby in funny positions
at reading "Goodnight Moon"
at making dinner
at loving Elle and Me
...and much more!!

The Trance...

2009-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

So...Elle was sitting on the couch, I was watching TV...

I was trying to get Elle's attention to take a picture, and she kept looking around me, past me, and through me just to keep her eyes on the TV...

The colors are mesmerizing!

The way things move across the screen...puts me in a trance

This is the life!

Diaper Baby!

2009-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've already posted about the joys of cloth diapering...the lack of blow outs, the good effect it has on the environment, the money saved, and the cuteness. No one ever looks at a kid in a disposable diaper and says, "Wow! Cute diaper!" but we hear that a lot. Here's our little Diaper Baby!

Mom... I'm in my skivies! What are you doing?

I love my cloth diapers!

Five Months!

2009-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle is now 5 months old! Wow! It feels like it was just yesterday that she was born.

Here are a few things I've learned:

Get up before the baby.

Have a camera ready at all times.

Numerous burp cloths are a must.

Cheeks are made to be kissed.

Get out of the house at least once a day.

Have a plan, and then be flexible!

I can't believe how much Elle has grown in 5 months!

Just a few weeks old...

5 Months!

Oldie but a Goodie!

2009-09-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dress #2

Here are the pictures of Elle and I in the same dress...31 years apart!

Elle (4 months):

Even the blanket is my old blanket...

I think I'm pretty cute in this dress!

I love your old dress Mom!

Okay, okay...I'll keep my dress down!

Me (9 months)

Put your hands on your lap...

If you're cute and you know it smile really big!

This is me at 6 weeks!

One Great Girl!

2009-09-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Some have called Elle "Serious"

Some have called Elle "Chunky"

Some have called Elle "Sweet"

S0me have called Elle "Beautiful"

Some have called Elle "Perfect"

Some have called Elle "Content"

Of course I think she is all of the above, but she really is a content baby. She is happy in any situation and if she is tired or hungry, therefore a bit fussy, she can always be consoled. Elle is such a great baby. I am truly blessed!

Here are a couple pictures of her in the exersaucer enjoying herself.

Hey Mom! This thing is so cool!

Rattle Time

2009-09-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Cousin Kim and Brett sent Elle a sweet gift. The gift was a pewter rattle and mug with an "E" hand engraved on both.

Because I'm a firm believer using nice things, (we eat on china almost every night), I let Elle play with her new rattle. She loved it. She looked like she was doing chest exercises while she was playing with it!

Oh, it's just you again, taking pictures of me!

Hmmm... what is this thing?

I don't think I'm going to share this toy! Step off!

Whoa! I love this sound!!

Big Girl Swing..Take Two!

2009-09-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Elle and I walked over to the park today. Since she asked, I let her ride in the "big girl swing".

This time she was actually giggling while she was swinging! Way too cute!

Whoa Mom! I love the wind in my hair!

This is the best Mom! (this is when she was giggling)

My cheeks are pulling me forward!

Aren't there any exercises on this thing that I can do for these cheeks??

2009-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Exersaucer: derived from combining the words excercise and saucer, thus meaning, a saucer that gives one exercise.

Elle is now big enough to use her "Exersaucer". By big enough I mean she can hold her head up and touch the floor when sitting in the seat. I don't mean that she fills out the seat. I still have to pad it with a few blankets! We are wondering if it will help her lose some of the girth in her cheeks!

Here are some pictures of Elle enjoying her new toy.

"Come on Coach...wanna play?"

"Look Mom, I can multi-task!"

"Now...I see that you have a cat's face...but your body..."

"ohhh...now I see..."

"Mom, I really like this toy!"

"This is how it works...you spin this little thing..."

"It makes noise...super exciting!"

"E is for Elle...that's me!"

"Okay Mr. Rhino, I'll come back and see you soon...as long as my mom lets me!"

The Big Date

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Seamus and Elle had another date....okay, Cole and I went over to the Egans for dinner and we posed the two kids on the couch. Here is the picture diary of their 2 minute date:

Seamus: Hey girl...come here often?

Elle: Um...is that your mom?

Elle: I like sitting next to you...but you ARE kinda skinny!

Seamus: I like you too...I don't care that you have big cheeks!

Seamus is trying to grab Elle's hand. (He's puttin' the moves on her!)

Seamus: Oops! I'm sorry, I thought we could hold hands.

Elle: I don't think I'm ready for that yet!

Weekend in Yuma

2009-08-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

My mom, Elle and I went to Yuma last weekend to see my grandma and grandpa one last time before school starts next week. We had a great time. We played games, attended the potluck in the park, and traded off holding the baby! Here are some pictures from our trip:

Mom, Grandma, and Elle

Elle with her great-grandparents

Elle and her great-grandpa on his 48th birthday...

Even though he is 84...I mean...48 he can still blow out his candle!

"Grandma, stop kissing me behind my ear! It tickles!"

The Zoo and Seamus...Take Two!

2009-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Elle went to the zoo for the second time last week. And...met up with her boyfriend Seamus!!

When Elle was 4 weeks old and Seamus was 2 weeks old, they went on their first date, a walk in the park. All seemed to go well on their date in the park, but Elle did not hear from Seamus.

Until....

Last week. Seamus realized that Elle is a cute girl, and too sweet for words, so he called! They met up at the zoo...near the Pandas and took a stroll.

I don't know how many more dates they are going to have though...looking at the picture, they both look a little bored!

It's all about the BLING!

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Papa (Cole's parents) gave Elle two cuff bracelets when they were here in May, and Elle just now fits one of them.

Elle told me that she was interested in being a girly-girl, and that she would like to wear her bracelet. Of course, I allowed this...as jewelry is a girl's best friend. Although she asked to wear her new jewelry, she doesn't look so happy....

Bath Fun...

2009-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Elle loves her baths. She gets a bath every other night right before bed. Here are a couple pictures of her getting ready for her bath and after it is over...

Daddy is just about to put her in the water...

The "Lion King" pose...Look at those buns!

All wrapped up... (iPhone picture with little light...hence the blur)

Look Mom! I'm Playing!

2009-08-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Like I've said before, Elle is starting to like "tummy time" a bit more, and has started to reach out and touch her toys too! Here's the proof:

"I'm going to get you little bee!"

"Why are you so far down there? Don't you want to play with me?"

"What do you think Mom?"

My Bobble-Head Doll Baby

2009-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

We all know that Elle has the biggest cheeks in town.

We all know that when the doctor said her head was in the 8th percentile we were in shock because she seems to have a large head. (the cheeks deceive)

We all know that Elle has no neck when she lays down due to the largeness of her cheeks and the doubleness of her chin. (is doubleness even a word?)

We all know that her cheeks are super kissable and best used as pillows.

What you might not know is when you hold Elle up in air she looks like a bobble-head doll! Her little neck juts out and she looks ADORABLE!!

CRAZY Sleepy Day!!

2009-08-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Alright... We all know that Elle can sleep. She sleeps in her Moses basket, in her swing, stroller, car seat, on the ground on wet towels, on the couch, in her crib and in her mother's arms, just to name a few.

We know that she is a good sleeper. She takes four, 1 hour naps each day after sleeping for 12 hours at night.

We know that Sundays can mess with a baby's schedule. I never knew how bad it could mess with the schedule until today. Here's the play by play.

8 am = Sweet baby girls wakes up

9:30 = We leave the house as a family on our way to church (Elle falls asleep in the car)

9:45 = As a family we enjoy drinks and snack as 'bucks to get some energy for our day (baby is still asleep in her car seat)...don't worry, she is inside with us.

10 am = We arrive at church. Elle heads to the nursery but since she was just asleep, I put her down in a crib, hoping she will finish her nap there. (who knows how long she slept...my guess is not very long)

10 am - 11:45 am = Elle is in the nursery chatting with her friends, sitting in the Bumbo seat, playing with toys, and having a grand old time.

11:45 am = I pick Elle up from the nursery and her glazed over eyes say it all, "Mom...I'm exhausted!"

12 pm- 1:30pm = We head to Pat and Oscar's for lunch with a big group of friends (Elle falls asleep in the car, only to wake up as I'm finishing my food).

2 pm = We arrive at home, I feed Elle and put her directly in her crib, she did not pass 'Go', she did not collect $200

2pm - 6:15 pm = Elle sleeps soundly in her crib... not a peep, not a wimper, not a sound... (longest nap on record.. I'll do the math for you...4 hours and 15 minutes!!)

6:15 pm = Feed the sweet girl and leave the house to get some dinner with friends Daniel and Kate

8 pm = We are still at dinner and Elle falls asleep in my arms.

9 pm = We get home from dinner, feed the baby, put her in bed...not a peep, not a whimper...zzz

I just pray she sleeps through the night tonight!

The only thing I regret is that I didn't get more done today. I never started any projects because I just kept thinking, "As soon as I start _____ she'll wake up."

Now I know: When Elle has that glazed over look when I pick her up from the nursery, it's time to get things accomplished!!

A Lazy Saturday...

2009-08-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

It was a bit gloomy yesterday morning so Elle and I laid around the house relaxing. Since it was kinda chilly outside Elle asked if she could wear her bunny slippers, and of course I couldn't resist! Once we were all toasty in our slippers and robes, we laid on the blanket, read books, talked about our dreams and aspirations, and then took naps. Overall, a fantastic and relaxing day!

Behold, the bunny slippers...

Mom, thanks for the relaxation...

I love this blanket and yes, like my shirt says...I AM the star of the show!

Toronado

2009-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

We take Elle everywhere we go...so when we went out to dinner the other night in North Park...along came Elle!

She was a good sport. She took a nap, ate her dinner, and gave our friends some moments of entertainment. It think when Elle was standing on the table (supported by Cole) and spit up...yeah, that could have been the highlight! Here are a couple pictures of her lounging on the table!

What Mom? I see you trying to take more pictures of me!

Can we go already?? I'm about done looking at the ceiling...

I know the fans are cool, but only for so long!

Big Girl Swing

2009-08-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Elle and I went for a walk/run in the park today and met up with our friends the Millers at the playground.

Elle was jealous of Kelly's kids playing on the equipment, so I let her swing in the "big girl swing" for the first time. She loved it! She doesn't quite sit up straight however...again, I think it's her cheeks that are pulling her forward!!

Look Ma, I'm swinging!!

She doesn't know how to "pump" yet!

Wow! This is hard work!

Sleep is My Friend!

2009-08-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've learned a few things about sleep since becoming a mother...

1. Sleep is good. (a win-win situation)

2. Sleep happens in many different places (all are good)

3. If the kid can fall asleep...let her...(no matter what)

4. If you are out and about and it's time for a nap...rock her to sleep. (it's not going to scar her for life)

5. If she falls asleep in the swing...take pictures!!

Love her!! Cheek = pillow!!

Taken with the iPhone, while swing was in motion...