The End of an Era (and the beginning!)

Today is Georgia's last day at school (the crying you hear could be me, or it could be her.) G loves school, so it was a really hard decision to take her out of it for the summer and for the foreseeable future, but she can't stay at UTCDC since Casey is graduating, and since I'm home with Adele, it doesn't make sense to put her in school for the summer somewhere else. So home it is, and it will probably be an interesting (read: somewhat difficult) transition for both of us. G is used to having lots of stimulation, other kids around, and a fairly regular schedule Monday through Friday. After all, she's been in daycare/school since she was 6 months old... she doesn't remember anything else.
Now that we're going to be at home a lot (at 1604), I'll try to keep track of what we do during the day... maybe minus photos of the frustrations that come with being asked the same question 87 times in a row (example: "Why?"). It should be interesting!



When did she get to be so big?

Playtime with A

She's not quite sitting up on her own yet (still toppling like an egg when left to her own devices), but Adele is enjoying the Bumbo! Homer approves, it seems.



She also loves playing with daddy... he's the only one who can truly make her laugh.



And her perpetually surprised expression is here to stay, apparently.



Thanks to the Fogels for Adele's sunshiney shirt!

Last summer

We had a girly summer in 2008... Casey was in Denver for the majority of the summer, and G and I had lots of dinners apres-swim, which meant that she spent a lot of dinners without clothes on. Too bad we can't get away with that forever.

Actually, that's probably a good thing. I am 30, after all.

Spring done sprang *

Since it's been so beautiful lately, we've taken to walking in the neighborhood after dinner. One of our favorite places to head to?



They have an amazing garden.



I'm partial to their flower beds. Ah, to rest my head on a pillow of lettuce...



Is there anything better than a spring evening? G thinks not.



*this brings to mind a few family-isms... "canadia" and "brung." I know that Mom, Lizzie and Meri will appreciate the reference!

Obviously this book is riveting

Doesn't Adele look enthralled? The book (out of the shot) is an Easter book sent by godmother Amanda... it's all about Peeps and the crafts you can do with them. Also, it contains a recipe for a Halloween Peep cake that involves chocolate cake and orange Peeps. If anyone is brave enough to make it, I will give you the recipe. But you have to share!

If You Can

This is a little different than the usual posts... some of you may have noticed the March of Dimes sidebar I have up on the right. The March of Dimes March for Babies is on May 9 here in Austin, and the girls and I will be walking with our dear friends the Galligans in honor of the brave boy below. He's a looker, isn't he?



Not only was Blake born 5 weeks early, he was also diagnosed with a heart condition that has already necessitated two open heart surgeries. He and his family have my complete admiration, love and support, and this is one way that I can help show that support. If you can, please click on the link to my page to donate to Team Blake G. in the Austin March for Babies. All babies deserve the chance to have a healthy and wonderful life, and this is one small way to contribute to that goal. Another way to make a difference is to join our team... we would love to have you walk with us! 

they couldn't stop laughing

The Best Day

It doesn't get much better than this.

Playing on a rainy day

Easter Afternoon

And on the day before Easter...

A basket arrived from New York! 

The Godmother sent goodies.

Georgia liked how hefty the basket was... it meant it was full of "special treats."

Including the now legendary Gruning's Easter Bunny from 3 Tarts!

AND some homemade Peeps. 

Sadly, no pictures exist of the insane sugar rush that followed, as all electrical appliances and auxiliary machines (like the camera) exploded after one of those Peeps was ingested by the small person pictured in the photo. Just use your imagination.

Thank you, Amanda! We'll be shipping her up to NYC for a visit, accompanied by chocolate, cookies and other items so that you can experience the sugar mania firsthand. (Just kidding.)

Three Months

It's hard to believe that she's three months old today. We love you, Adele!

(We, um... we like patterns. What else can I say? Photo taken on Georgia's bed.)

A Morning at the Park

A gal and her helmet.

The trike on the move.

Adele hides in the blanky.

A Weekend of Doing Nothing

Our weekend was amazing, mostly because we didn't do anything at all.

There was some quality tent time in the backyard (well, actually we spent the entirety of both days in the yard!).

Three amigo(a)s in the tent... Daddy was telling stories about the Elm Elves. Definitely ask him about those sometime.

Casey and Adele looked in opposite directions for awhile.

I admired my basil.

We ate some of the lettuce that Casey and Georgia planted.

G did some quality hiding behind a scanty gardenia that I have almost given up for lost.

Truly, the best kind of weekend.

Performance review

In this, my official three month review as the official baby fattener-upper, I would like to show that my performance this quarter has been exemplary.

A Few Weekend Images