Walk to the Park

The highlight of my weekend was a wonderful walk to the park with Ben and Eleanora. We tried the swings, but Eleanora was much more interested in exploring the grass (a precious commodity in the desert!), watching the other kids and playing with Ben and Charlie.

Fun on the Phone

Eleanora has added a few words to her repertoire. She says "yeah", "awwdone" (all done), and has been signing "more" all the time. As soon as I finish reading her favorite books, she signs "more" to hear them again. So sweet!

"Talking" on the phone


A very messy kiss (and so worth it!)

Because clothes are totally overrated...

Now where does my head go?


I give up!


I may not be able to dress myself, but I'm still soooooo big!

Little Piggy in Pigtails

Even though Eleanora has recovered from her stomach bug, her appetite is still not what it used to be. This means we've had to become creative to get her to eat. We've tried feeding her outside, giving her control of the spoon (our walls will never be the same!), singing, dancing, and all kinds of entertainment. Our most successful method to date is feeding her in the bathtub. Clean up is certainly easier and she enjoys splashing her way through a meal.

In lieu of food, Eleanora has taken to carrying toys in her mouth, Charlie-style. Her favorite is a Lego man. She plays with other toys for hours while the little guy is hanging out of her mouth.

Lego people are never safe from Ellazilla!

Another recent first is an attempt at pigtails for our little sweetheart. There's not a ton of hair to style, but we made it work. Thanks to Mom for the inspiration!

Missing Mama

My Mom spent a glorious two weeks in Tucson making our home look, feel and taste (!) amazing. She pampered us with her babysitting, dish washing, laundering, cleaning, cooking and improving. Most of all, she showered us with her all-encompassing, given-with-abandon, feel-it-in-your-toes love. We are all missing Gigi around here!

Gigi helped Eleanora with her first coloring session.
Look at that concentration!