Party, party

Wow, what a weekend we had... Saturday began with Gramma Frankie's 60th Birthday party and ended with (our good friend) Kari's "80s Prom" Birthday party. Today, rounded it out with the final weekend party, a baby shower for another friend (different Keri). May I say, "Whew?" But each event went so well and despite some record temperatures yesterday, Elena and Michael fared well. We think Gramma enjoyed the party, despite not wanting one and was especially happy that Uncle Jeff flew in to surprise her. It meant Jeff could meet Michael for the first time too, so it was a special day indeed (and Uncle Corey flies here in a couple weeks for the bachelor party, so Michael gets to meet him soon too!). 80s Prom didn't include the kids at all, but Mommy and Daddy enjoyed dressing up and "playing" with their friends for the night. It was a weekend to remember and we are sure looking forward to our next big weekend in October when Corey and Zoe get married. Until then, we are expecting some calmer weekends as Mommy prepares to go back to reality (where some tears will be shed) and where one event a weekend is just right for our little family.

Learning curve

Elena starts her new preschool today and she is as excited as any kid can be. Depending on her progress this year, we'll determine if she'll attend kindergarten in a year. I don't know what to hope for... that she is able to go with all her friends, or that she'll stay my little girl another year longer. Ah, well. We have a year to decide.

And not to be outdone by his sister, Michael is learning too. He's fascinated by the bubbles on the bouncy chair. He stares and coos and kicks his legs in acknowledgement. What a love bug that kid is. He is so like his sister was as a baby - happy, sleepy and really sweet. How lucky we are.

Multiple blessings

Our house is rarely quiet anymore with two happy kids growing and laughing. Michael is giggling and smiling constantly. He has also started 'talking' to us and kicking his little heart out. Elena cheers him on and remains his biggest fan (Well, one of his biggest fans. We're rather fond of the lad too). Seriously, we feel so blessed and each day I stop to think about all we have. I haven't done this enough and I find myself counting my blessings a lot lately. Maybe it's the presence of a newborn or maybe it's because time is passing so quickly, but I am acutely aware of our multiple blessings and I'm eternally grateful.

The house that Elena built

Thank you Pottery Barn and Red Envelope for the boxes that contributed to the house that Elena built.
Here are a few shots from our days this week including Michael (a.k.a. the Bug, Ga Ga boy and Chuckles) whooping it up (kind of), Elena prepping for swimming (again, whooping it up) and of course, Elena's house in the making... Proof again that toys are completely unnecessary.

Another short edition of mutterings

"Mom, your stomach is small now. You can be a good woman again."

When I accidentally poured Elena's milk in her cereal for her...
"Next time, can you let me milk it?"

And who gets tired of Elena's constant need to tell us... (literally two dozen times a day)
"I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad. I love you, Michael."

Us

Thank you, Theresa... The other photos will remain a secret for awhile, but here are a few we loved.

Growin' strong

Michael had his two-month appointment today and no surprise, the kid is big. He weighed in at 13lbs., 12 oz. (93%), measured 24 1/2 inches long (95%) and has a 15 3/4" head (50%). We laugh at the head size because Elena's noggin was SO big, always in the 90th percentiles. He also had his shots and true to her little Mommy personality, Elena cried as much as he did.