One, two, three, FOUR months!

Elise is four months old today! As of this week, she can roll over...and boy does she love it! She can't quite sit up on her own yet. She can't crawl yet either, but she sure tries! I tried to take a similar monthly photo to the previous ones, but she will NOT stay still. Case in point: 

Happy Birthday Baby Elise!

Jebel Hafeet

We took a little day trip down to Al Ain this Saturday to check out Jebel Hafeet. Though it is not the highest point in the country, it is definitely the highest point anywhere nearby. There is a road that goes to the top where you can see some pretty nice views (on a clear day).  I was not too impressed with it - especially the amount of trash and general unkempt look of the roadway. It was one of those things that you just have to do while you're here though, so we went. There is a hotel at the top as well as a little convenience store. Outside there are some very old looking kiddie rides and a few pathetic games.

Quick stop on the way up

There is a palace at the top

The coffee shop was closed, but we were able to get some ice cream and water at the little convenience store.

Who would play this game?! All there was to grab was old foam squares and a really old looking watch.

Elise on one of the rides! (Don't worry, it's not moving...she's not old enough for that, yet!)

The road to the palace: "No Admisition"

Hazy view from the top

Elise Hosts B&B

Elise and I have been going to a weekly get-together held in our area since before she was even born! The group, called Bumps and Babes, is for pregnant and new mothers and their babies. It's a good chance to meet up with babies that are similar in age and commiserate with the other mothers. Right now, the group is made up of several babies that were all born within a few weeks of each other. It's pretty cool to watch them grow and progress together! This week, we hosted the group at our house. It was a good turn out! We cleared the living room so there would be plenty of room for the babies to play:

You can tell a couple of the babies are enthralled with Baby Einstein on the TV 

Happy Birthday Pete

Awhile back, Pete asked for some photos to decorate the blank walls in his office. I was pregnant at the time and too tired to really get around to it.  When I was trying to think of what to get him for his birthday, this finally popped into my head! Here is the little photo collage I put together for his birthday present.  Hope he enjoys it! :-) 

Happy Birthday Pete!

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!