Besides the lack of sleep and the craziness that is a toddler plus a newborn, being on maternity leave for 12 weeks in the summer was not too bad of a gig. We've so enjoyed all the space in our new home and all the fun we've had in the new neighborhood. Many great memories are being created already with these two girls.
Eloise has done a pretty great job of sharing all of her old toys with her sister, as long as she gets to play, too. Mirabel can't keep her eyes off her big sis.
Something new everyday for this little one. She's really starting to grab hold of things. Her meal of choice these days is her fists. Sometimes both at the same time if she's really hungry. I will never get tired of the constant feeling of awe you get watching your child learn and grow.
I just get lost in these big, beautiful, dark eyes. So pretty.
Most of the time it is a whirlwind when both girls are awake, wanting to play. We stay very busy. I've been appreciating time to play with Eloise while Mirabel naps. We chose a very chilly day for a "Mommy and Eloise" day at the pool...
Playing in the rain...
Despite a mommy who steers clear of most things "glittery girly", Eloise has requested to wear "twirly dresses" lately. I can just tell how beautiful she feels in them. Never stop twirling, my dear.
The other morning, Eloise was at the table eating her peanut butter bagel for "brefackst". I was tending to Mirabel in the other room and Eloise says, "Mommy, Mommy! Come look! A Seahorse!" Well, I'll be...it does look like a seahorse.
Mirabel getting a lesson in whistling from her Daddy.
Just a couple blocks from our new home is a beautiful new park area. A creek running through beautiful grass and plants surrounded by bike trails and adorned with fountains. It is gorgeous. They had a "party in the park" every month during the summer here and Eloise had a blast at this one! We got to decorate her bike for a children's bike parade. She got a giraffe ballon animal to ride along with her.
One of Eloise's favorite things to do is play in the fountain. She loves getting her feet wet and loves the surprises splashes it makes.
The zoo will be closing soon, so the girls and I enjoyed a perfect morning there with Gran and Papa. We love all the fun we get to have there. Here's Eloise on Cinderella the pony.
And the sand pit is probably her favorite exhibit there.
Going through the tree tunnel.
Where's Eloise?
Lunch time in the sideways house.
Mirabel sure enjoyed her time at the zoo, as well.
Waiting patiently to board the choo-choo.
Here's Eloise with Miss Ellen, the Train Lady. Eloise is, let's say, a frequent rider of the train. Most of the conductors know her by name and she's even scored some free rides when she was the only one in line. Eloise has grown quite fond of Miss Ellen and wanted her picture taken with her. She had also colored Miss Ellen a train picture for her to keep. It's a pretty sweet little friendship they have.
Summer is coming to a close but we are looking forward to all the fun that fall will bring!
