Peek!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love these babies! (and yes, I still think of my 3.5 year old as my baby...he will always be my baby) They have been playing together more and more. Zachary likes to play peek-a-boo with E, and she likes to cackle at him whenever he does it. I love that they help keep each other entertained, especially in the morning, when Elara is in her best mood. I can actually find myself a few minutes of peace, just by plopping them down near each other. They aren't always interacting, sometimes Elara is watching Z play with his toys, or run around the house. And, bonus, Elara seems to love Zachary's toys more than her toys. Who needs a baby rattle, when you can play with your big brother's dinosaur?

The Big Game

 

 

 

 

Our new next door neighbors are awesome. Erica is an Iowa girl, so of course she's already close to my heart. Paul and Zach joined Ryan and little man Colin in some very manly activities, watching the Super Bowl, and drinking (milk and beer, respectively). 

Zachary then declared his love for Beyonce. 

ray of sunshine

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, E. You make things crazy around here. No regular naps, no sleeping through the night, no more than six inches of separation between you and Momma at ANY time. But you're sweet and wonderful and funny, and I don't mind nearly as much as you might think!

if you build it

 

 

 

 

 

This workbench is pretty awesome, first off, it was Z's reward for officially getting out of diapers! Second, it has a light, drill press, circular saw, utility sink, and all kinds of "wood" for building things. I've seen Z and Paul build, rocket ships, robots (that one was with Poppa!), cars, birdhouses and even a tank.

Elektra City! (Capital of T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited to Add: Sorry! Elara somehow managed to publish this blogpost, before I even had a chance to finish the title. Story of my life!! I can't finish anything around here..lol.

warm inside

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zachary didn't care that it was cold outside. At least not at first. He was happy to be frolicking, and yes, I'd say that was definitely frolicking, in the snow. He made snow angels, and threw snowballs, and generally tried to distract Big Daddy Paul from getting the walks shoveled. 

A little bit Spicy (tabasco!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elektra and Tabasco came for a nice long visit, and we got lots of play time, especially with Tabasco! I still have trouble sometimes with his name, I must admit. It doesn't help that Zachary's two favorite stuffed animal kitties are Elektra and Cobbler...and Z spent many months calling Tabasco, "Tumbasco."

sit still...

 

 

 

Well, at least I got one picture of the two of them before Z was off again. It never lasts long!

I Saw the Sign

8 months old today, and look what Elara can do!!!



(ETA) And here's an even better video (I thought it had failed on my phone..but showed up after a reset!)

the flapper

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Elara is happy, the whole family is happy. There is no mistaking this little spitfire's mood, either. When she is happy, she flaps her arms, and kicks her legs, squealing in delight while a huge grin splits her face. Of course, if you haven't had the wonderful experience of a miserable Elara, I'm you can imagine what she's like when she's unhappy..