Shave and a haircut

Three out of four of us got haircuts today. I'll spare Daddy a picture on the blog, but Michael and Elena are eager to show off their new styles. What's that you say? Michael's looks the same? Well, God bless the lad, there isn't a lot that can be done with his. But we spruced it up a bit and gave him a celebratory baby biscuit. He may have enjoyed it.

Elena went for the bolder look with three or four inches cut, revealing a very sophisticated coif that Elena loves more for the reduced tangling than for anything else. We were opposed to it, but she deserves the right to this decision. And of course, we think she looks beautiful. See

'Before and After' shots for proof.

Low Ri-der

Our little Elena gave us the biggest surprise yesterday and rode her bike without training wheels! I happened to mention to Ryan that we should start working on it with her, so after dinner, he pulled the training wheels off and Elena cried as soon as she had to put her feet on the pedals. Honestly, this is about what I thought the next half hour would look like and we'd try again the next day. But it was chilly, so Michael and I moved back inside and Daddy took La to the park. They returned within a half hour and called us out to witness the most amazing sight. Elena pedaled like a pro, turning in the driveway like she'd been doing it for years. I cried and Michael laughed until I joined him. It was very sweet and we were just so proud of her for picking the whole thing up in about 45 minutes. It was quite a milestone and she couldn't have been more proud of herself. She stayed outside for the next hour, just turning circles in the driveway with Daddy cheering the whole time. Finally the temperature dropped well below what is comfortable and I called the 'cyclists' inside. I think we will all have many bike rides in our future, but Daddy is truly excited to have his little girl enjoying the sport he loves so much.

Boy, oh boy

I know these aren't very good (Blackberry photos), but they capture our growing boy so well. He's literally a light in our lives with his constant smiling and good nature.

Just couldn't love these kids more...

Thank you to Janet Arnold, who met us at our house today for these photos. Janet is very talented and though she's been a photographer for years, has recently started taking pictures of children. We agreed to help and this is just the beginning of the photo shoot from today.

Baptism day

Michael McCarty Grohs was baptized today with Godmother Dana there to guide him and Godfather Gaspar there in spirit, sending beautiful words in a very special card and book. We have definitely made the right choices in these wonderful people. Dana's father baptized Michael as he did Elena almost four years ago (with Godmother Mary and Godfathers Corey and Jeff). I wish I'd started this blog back then to capture all of those moments and emotions. It's not completely explainable, but baptizing the kids provides a very peaceful feeling. Ryan and I always talk about going to church more often for the same reason. This tradition is complete and I hope it leads us on the path back to church because we all need it and appreciate its importance.

Happy Baptism Day, Michael. We adore and love you.

Making their mark

Have I ever mentioned Elena's 'markings?' She covers pages of paper with little tally marks. They are very deliberate and she pretends she's writing a letter or doing work. I've asked her if she thought she was really writing and she says no, but she likes doing this for at least half hour stretches. It's very comical and I think, a tad unusual. That's our girl.

And not to be overshadowed, Michael has learned to clap. Away he goes...

Hush little baby

It's two Grohs in the tub

We're getting Grohs in the tub these days with our little monkeys bathing together. Elena couldn't be happier to have her favorite playmate with her and Michael just can't get enough of his big sister's smiles and giggles. He thinks she is fantastic with all her fancy moves and fast pace. We've been getting back to normal around here with Michael sleeping terribly and making me completely crazy. The hint of top teeth are poking through and one new one on the bottom this morning too, so I'm hopeful there will be improvements soon. He eats anything we put in front of him and has had eggs, toast, mango and even a little ahi lately. Elena is working on cutting with scissors and is really trying to improve. We've heard that it's more difficult because she's a lefty. She made some beautiful Valentine cards and wrote her name on the envelopes. She isn't incredibly skilled at it yet, but she tries hard and we think it's very cute. The results are below... She is: Elema, Elea, ElenA. One thing's for sure, our Elma's got a lot of love in her heart.