5 months

Our little one is now 5 months old. She weighs 15 pounds 3 ounces and is as happy as can be. Eleanor is a go with the flow kind of baby, easily adapting to changes in the routine. She happily travels along to her big sister's dance classes, work meetings, family functions, and even weddings. Eleanor is quick to smile and her toothless grin is heart melting. We love you so much baby Eleanor!

At 5 months old, Eleanor...

rolls over from her back to her tummy.

growls like a dinosaur.

giggles with any attention from her big sister.

has begun to eat pureed baby food.

sleeps 4-6 hour stretches at night.

is teething like crazy, but no teeth yet.

grabs anything she can reach, including her mommy's hair.

loves splashing in the bath tub.

Escape to the Arboretum

The girls and I had a fun trip to the Landscape Arboretum this week with Evelyn's friends Lucy, Max, Olivia, Violet, Natalie, Evie, and Eli. We discovered a new place at the Arboretum that is great for kids.   Under the Oak and nearby childrens' garden were perfect spots to spend the morning with nine busy children under the age of 5. The kids loved exploring the play house, climbing on fallen trees, pretending they were camping, and getting a little dirty.

Art Park

All of the females in our house have been under the weather this past week and by Saturday it was time to get out for some fresh air. We took a quick trip to the Caponi Art Park to enjoy the beautiful crisp fall weather. The park has beautifully groomed trails and unique pieces of artwork that blend into the natural surroundings. Surprisingly we were the only people there... the peace and quiet was just what the doctor ordered.

Evelyn leading the way

Evelyn has discovered...

... a fungus

... a stick

... Caponi art

Eleanor was there too

Preschool 2012

Evelyn started Preschool this month and is very excited to be with the "big kids." She loves her teachers Myra and Catalina and her new friends. Since beginning preschool, Evelyn has already had the opportunity to take her first field trip to the Bell Museum of Natural History. She told us that she got to ride the school bus and see snakes and turtles. We have noticed with the transition from the toddler room to preschool that she is talking more Spanglish at home which is always fun to hear. She definitely misses her toddler teachers, Alba and Yesica, and all of her toddler friends she left behind. Most days she insists on stopping by her old classroom to say hello and give hugs to her old friends...so sweet.

Back to School Interview (responses are in Evelyn's own words)
Name: Evelyn
Age: 2
Teacher's name(s): Myra and Catalina
Best friend: Mia
Favorite color: blue
When I grow up I want to be: a big tiger
Favorite snack: cookies
Favorite cereal: crunchies (Fiber One original bran)
Favorite book: Llama Llama Red Pajama
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite food: cookies
Least favorite food: green beans
Favorite game: playing babies
Favorite summer memory: riding the tractor & dance class
Word(s) that describe me: happy

NOTE: If you like this chalkboard you will be happy to know that it is super easy to make. I made this one in less than 10 minutes. All thanks to Pinterest! Check out the link if you want to make one for yourself. 

Wedding day kid parade

Evelyn (and Ari) had the honor of being in Emily and Jason's wedding this past weekend. Evelyn was one of the children in the "parade" that walked down the aisle hand in hand just before Emily made her grand entrance. Evelyn adores Emily and Jason and was so excited to be a part of the wedding and wear her special dress. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous and we couldn't be happier for the beautiful couple. Here are some pictures of Evelyn in her special wedding parade dress.

Sweet headband adorned with "jewels"

Evelyn holding her wedding favor - a cute little succulent.

Evelyn and Eleanor dressed in their wedding parade best