Roll-y Suitcase

The guy (Nushad) who hangs stuff up on the wall came over today to put a few shelves up. I snapped a quick pic of the little rolly bag that he brings his stuff in. I don't know why, but it cracks me up every time!

Elise's World

Elise's room is finally put together, for the most part anyway. A lot of people asked to see pics when I was at home, but I didn't have any because it was still in a bit of a state when we left for Ireland. So here ya go! 

Crib and rocking chair - wall decor courtesy of IKEA (and Uncle Steve)

Dresser and changing table (and bright sunshine-y window)

Every room needs a little camel.

Initials on the changing table (The animals they chose are a little random though! Elk, kookabura, and mole??? How about elephant, kangaroo, and monkey?!)

A new play area has suddenly popped up in the living room.

And finally, I just stuck these two photos in a frame together and I really love the juxtaposition of serious and happy. Too cute!

Tres Meses

She sleeps through the night...and giggles! What a joy! Happy three month birthday little one - love you so so much!

Libertyville "Family"

Elise and I made a quick stop in Chicago en route to Abu Dhabi. We stayed with our friends Brad and Molly for a few days and Elise got to meet her "cousins" Andrew, Linnea, and Emily. HUGE thanks to the Bacileks for having us. It was great to see you guys!

Andrew has lots of experience with baby girls!

Love this!

Emily enjoyed making funny faces at Elise. SO CUTE!

Farewell Colorado

Just wanted to give an (overdue) shout out to Bryan and Angela Reid. Thanks for having such a nice BBQ for me before I left! It was such a great chance to see everyone and I know Elise had a great time too ;-) Miss you all...

Fun time at Guido's house

Mom's Bday Wish: A Hike with the Fam

Elise and I spent our next-to-last weekend in the USA by taking a trip down to Farmington, NM and Durango, CO to visit my sister and my aunt and uncle. It was Leigh-leigh's birthday on Saturday, and her birthday wish was to take a hike! We went to Haviland Lake outside of Durango. The weather could not have been better and Elise enjoyed riding in the Baby Bjorn. Afterwards we headed to Uncle Robby's house for a birthday dinner of BBQ chicken and corn on the cob followed by a delicious chocolate raspberry cake. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

 

A New Blanket

Elise has received many wonderful gifts in her short little lifetime. Today, she got a really cool one in the mail from my aunt, Gail, my mom's sister who lives in California. She decided to take up sewing again after not having sewed anything in the last 30 years.  She just finished an adorable blanket for Elise. Not just any blanket though. This one has a story! It's made out of Hawaiian shirts and has a hand-sewn sun in the middle of it. How cool is that?! Elise just happened to be wearing a dress today that matched the blue/Hawaiian theme of the blanket. What a nice present! THANKS GAIL! :-) 

El Rio Grande

The Mexican food in Abu Dhabi leaves much to be desired...and let's not even TALK about the margaritas they have on offer.  Every time I make a trip back to Colorado, enjoying a tasty margarita at The Rio is always on my to-do list. So, I finally made it up to Lone Tree to get one of my favorite beverages of all time with some of my favorite people of all time. YUM!

Two Months...

Happy TWO MONTH birthday to my little Elise. Look how much fun we've been having in Colorado! 

Bathtime with Leigh-leigh

Trip to the Shrine on Cheyenne Mountain

First trip to the ZOO!! (with your adopted Grampy Dave)

Meeting your cousin Taylor

and your Auntie Katharine

It is amazing how much it seems like you have grown up in such a short amount of time.  I am starting to see some of your personality in the form of lots of funny faces and little giggles. You are getting a lot better at sleeping now, which is making me love you even more ;-) Everywhere we go, people tell me how adorable you are (and they also comment on your unique stroller quite a bit too!) I'm so looking forward to the days, weeks, and months ahead where I will get to know you a little more each day. I love you SO MUCH little one. Happy birthday!

Elise in Action

These videos are mostly for Pete, since he is missing his little girl, but you can enjoy them too! She's getting so grown up!