the big 2-5

It's the day after my day of birth and I am officially a quarter century old. I couldn't be happier with life right now. I've always been an old soul, so it makes sense that I'm the first of my girlfriends to be doing the housewife thing, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

It is true, things have changed a little since the days before baby; showers got a little shorter, naps lost their existence, "wine" is now just a noise my baby makes, and nights full of dancing fell to the wayside, but for one night, just one night, I got to experience a little bit of the past.

  Saturday, Shawn and I went out dancing for the first time together in nearly two years! Virtually seven hundred days (give or take a few). I have been a dancing fool since I can remember and this night full of footwork did not disappoint. 

For two hours we danced like the carefree couple that fell madly in love with one another years ago. This time however, we had a beautiful little monkey waiting at home for us and that my friends, is what made this particular birthday perfection.

the only photo from the night.

Of course on my actual birthday we ate at our favorite place. Scallops, lobster, filet mignon, and way too much fried rice filled our tummies. Again, perfection. Will add photo tomorrow...

And lastly, today I got to try out some of my fabulous gifts (camera, sandals, perfume, gift cards etc.) during our bi-weekly trip to Target...

she's already a lil' shopper like mama...

price checking...

my sweetie pie.

my twins. my loves.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday week. Absolute perfection.

ears, eggs and eats!

April has been full of fantastic times. My first Easter Sunday with my favorite little girl was no exception. Of course we had to eat. Ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, another delicious bean salad, and cake. We not only celebrated Easter, but Susan and I also got to celebrate our birthdays with the yummiest whipped cream strawberry cake and gift cards for the spa!

And just when I thought this day couldn't get any better, it was time to take a stroll to the park down the street and meet the rest of the family for egg hunts and sunshine play...

grandma Susan (hiding) & baby.

sweet.

digging into her goodies...

a very special egg (filled with cheerios) that Shawn's grandma Betty would give him on Easter as a little boy (Filled with his own special goodies of course.)

bunny-ing around...

cousin Kimmy trying to steal my angel.

my other bunny love.

I love her unbelievable amounts.

Another amazing "first" holiday with the light of my life. She makes every day better than the last.

when life hands you oranges...

baby has a new favorite toy! I was hesitant at first to give in to my daughter's pitiful plea to play with this acidic fruit. What if she was able to bite through the peel? She's not allowed citrus for another two months and I can't even bear to think of some of it squirting into her eyes! 

Well, after trying to tear through the peel myself and confirming it's virtually impenetrable exterior (for a baby with two teeth and limited means), I allowed a few minutes of some thoroughly supervised, fruit-filled fun...

It's the simple things in life...

life at nine months

Baby Elle,

I really should be catching up on housework, birthday crafts and laundry but I don't want to forget your nine month stats. While you're sleeping like a baby (go figure) I'll try to quickly recap all that you do as the sweetest little nine-month-old that ever graced my presence.

Let's see, you are no longer a vegetarian. You quite enjoy your white meats and we're working on the beef. Where's the beef? Not in my baby's tummy that's for sure. (Sorry Ellie, Mama had too; this is only the beginning of many embarrassing Mama moments to come.)

You watch us and learn how to get into absolutely everything. 

You are a little cruiser. You walk well with your push cart and can stand freely, but have yet to combine those two little talents to master your first steps. Mama guessed you'd be a ten month walker, but we'll see...

You have discovered the wonder that is the toilet paper roll. 

You are twenty-one pounds of beautiful which for mommy means it's time to retire your snap-n-go car seat that I cherish so much. The day I can no longer plop your sleeping body right from the car, into the stroller and back again (without you ever making a peep) is a sad, sad day indeed. You, one the other hand, will probably love your new big girl seat. Fingers crossed!

You are very smart. 

Mama is your most favorite word in your vocabulary and nothing breaks my heart more than hearing you tearfully utter the most pitiful Ma...ma, Ma...ma from the back seat. (The one place Mama can't come to your rescue and scoop you up in a flash.) Nothing breaks my heart more.

T's and V's are your favorite consonants this week. Mama is using this to her advantage and trying to teach you "ta-ta" (while waving goodbye), and "va va voom!" mostly because you already have the first part down pat.

We have started you out on a sippy cup, hoping to avoid the bottle all together. You are improving every day, but still don't fully get the concept. Or maybe your being stubborn, either way, you have not been able to enjoy a few sips of water after each meal. We'll get there soon enough.

You are thirty-one inches in length which officially puts you off the charts. Mama jokes you may just be the next Elle Macpherson, but don't worry I will never be one of those crazy stage mamas. The world is your oyster, and you can do what ever you set your mind to. (With your mommy's permission of course.) 

You are somewhat independent.

You are fast.

You are happy.

You are the clappin'est little clapper I ever did saw.

And...

 

You are our perfect little nine-month-old.

hurricane elle

I used to always hear ...you just wait 'till she becomes mobile. I shrugged it off 'cause I was just too excited over the idea of her doing things. All kinds of things. Anything and everything I could possibly ooooh and ahhhh after. 

Well, lucky me, she's doing things alright.

She becomes more and more mobile every day, and on days like these when she's not feeling her absolute best, I thought it best she do her things indoors. I love taking her out and about everywhere, but I didn't want to over-exhaust her today. (When there are things to be seen, she has to see them, therefore she refuses to nap when we're out.) 

Anyway, I decided to bring her toys out from her room so I could watch her in the living room. 

All was going well...

Mama's lil' angel shaking up her links

Until I got a look at the bigger picture...

After she left the scene

I used to pride myself on keeping such a tidy home whilst performing all my other life tasks. Looks like that is going to be harder than I thought.

I'll take my little natural disaster over an immaculate home any day.

p.s. Feel better Ellie Beans. Mama loves you very much.

a walk in the park

Last week it was storming, this week it's in the eighties. Get it together California. Not that I'm complaining, the sunshine makes for perfect park play, but a gradual increase in degrees would also be nice. Nonetheless, Elle and I took advantage of the weather and met her Auntie Rooms and Mike for a playdate...

 Although they don't have a baby yet, that didn't stop me from snapping a what-if photo. They're so good with baby Elle and I just cannot wait to become Auntie Rooms to Amber's little angel. Someday. I am just so happy my friends love having my toots around; it always makes for a beautiful day.

Auntie Amber helping with the load

We spent all day going on walks, laughing, playing and soaking up the sun. Ellie Beans couldn't have been in a better mood. I think it's safe to say we will be living at the park from now on.

the one without any shots

Yesterday I took baby girl to her nine month appointment, also know as "the one without any shots." Yippie! We were so happy about this. It was also our first appointment sans Daddy and the whole time I was in a fit of nostalgia. I was fortunate enough to have the Mr. accompany me to every appointment during my pregnancy and after. We also were able to have many, many, many ultrasounds due to a low-lying placenta and a very thorough doctor. This meant we got to see baby girl over eight times before actually meeting her in the flesh. I feel the nostalgia coming on just thinking about it...

Anyway, back to the appointment at hand. It was the first time baby girl was allowed to play with the toys (and a large amount of hand wipes before and after). She seemed to enjoy herself...

trying her hardest to take the truck in with her...

Our usual nurse checked us in and greeted little Elle with a booming "There's my little princess!" I love that the same few people have watched her (and I) grow. Her pediatrician informed me she would be leaving to relocate in June and I simply replied, we're coming with you. I adore her and am a little sentimental. She needs to be with me through pregnancy number two; therefore, we're coming with you.

The Stats: my little angel is officially off the charts in height, 31+ inches and weighs 21 pounds. That puts her in the 25th percentile in weight for her height. She's long but small. She's cute and I love her.

The woman behind the desk asked me her name before we left, after I replied Elle, she shot back, Well of course it is, she's perfect. Not exactly sure what that meant, but I couldn't agree more. 

I am one proud mama of such an amazing outrageously tall little girl. Love, love, love her to pieces.