"Why is Daddy in a hotel by the sea?"

Daddy has a trip to Memphis this week and he, Elena and I could not have had a nicer weekend before we sent him off for a few days. We are always very sad to see him go, but for Elena this morning, it was especially difficult. Maybe because we had such a relaxing weekend...

So the story goes: Daddy was giving us kisses, but had to wake Lala to issue early morning goodbyes. When he bid his final farewell, we closed the door and she started to sing, "Oh Daddy, I love you so much... Mommy and I will miss you when you're working every day!" This sweet, albeit song sans rhyme was followed by, "Daddy misses his girls" (prononuced 'goils'). Then after significant explanation about his trip to Memphis, Tennessee where he is staying in a hotel, Elena asked, "But why is Daddy in a hotel by the sea? When will we exercise?" (Something got lost in the translation, I guess).

Oh and because this blog felt a little bare without a new photo, I've included a picture of dinner last night at our new kitchen table, given to us by some kind friends who are demolishing their kitchen. It worked out perfectly because we weren't interested in spending the money on a table right now, but pretty much needed to (if you read the blog from a couple weeks ago) and they needed to clean house. I thought this photo would be relevant because of the dinner I showcased at the pink table.

Nesting

A different sort of blog update today....
Daddy has been working on the baby's room and I'd give him two thumbs up, wouldn't you? We planned a 'travel' theme complete with wall maps and airplane curtain rods (they might be a little tough to see here). We were going for the anti-cutesy and I think this is gonna do it. I think this kiddo may live without much furniture until he's older and we can choose 'big boy' stuff, so the decor will have to carry him.

I've heard boys really care about that stuff.

Please excuse the clutter still hanging around the room... I'm not quite there yet.

Sicko

Just recovering from a cold, Elena was stricken with a stomach bug yesterday. She threw up. And threw up... And mid-sickness, she looked up at me as if to say, "What's happening to me, Mommy?" (Poor Lala)

So we spent the day at home finding things to keep us busy. But by early afternoon, Elena was feeling remarkably well and enjoying the "Goop" Mommy whipped up (cornstarch, H20 and food coloring) for her.

As you can see here, she looks quite ill. These photos aren't for the faint-hearted.

Bump watch

Mommy: Just about 6 months


















Elena: Just likes her belly.

Revealing...Dos Grohs

Well, I always knew the blog would evolve someday and become one for two kids (hence the url http://www.grohsfamilyblog.blogspot.com/ instead of one solely for our Elena Maren) and I guess today's the day! I have to admit, we love the title. Daddy laughed for quite some time at our clever pun. :)

So in the spirit of our 1 1/2 children, today's photos will reveal our sweet Lala making Valentines and popping bubble wrap and our little boy, well, becoming a person. It may be some time before there are too many more photos of him, as his interests these days revolve around sleeping and making Mommy pee a lot.

Enjoy... and watch 'em grow!

Lady Emmen

We have a new child in our lives and it isn't the baby we're expecting. Her name is Emmen and she seems to be visible to only Elena. She is very small, has yellow black hair and doesn't much care for naps. That Emmen.

We've had a sick little girl lately who has kept us up with coughing fits and water requests, but she's been a trooper and was very excited to re-join society this weekend with some ballet, a birthday party and a Superbowl party at our house. Her favorite friends attended, there was plenty of bad food and people with whom to chatter. She was only momentarily dismayed (to say the least) when Daddy and his buddies yelled at the TV... I don't think she knew what to think of that.
Here are a couple (very poor quality Blackberry) shots of Elena as she slept, open-mouthed and trying to breathe through her sniffles. The other is of Daddy and Elena working out. As you can see, Elena provides the resistance.