Early Fosters: May 2012

Aaahhhh, we can smell summer! It's amazing! I absolutely love all these sunny days we have enjoyed. There is just something about Vitamin D that makes everything that much better. We have been trying to spend plenty of time outdoors when we can - mostly going on walks, but Ellinor is also an awesome helper when it comes to washing the cars (which has happened the past couple of Saturdays). She mainly just wants to smear the water around. But who doesn't love water play? :)

Bryan and I are caught off guard every day when we see Ellinor do something new. She's such a little grown up these days. We cannot believe how fast she grows and how smart she is! I think we all take for granted just how much these little minds take in. She is truly the light of our lives - Bry and I couldn't possibly do without her.

Lately Ellinor has been giving lots of kisses. She has two types - either the wide open mouth bombardment, or the tight lips peck. I am thrilled that she wants to give me any kisses at all, so I welcome both. Just loving that she is more lovey-dovey right now. She went through a period where hugs were even a bit much for her. LoL.

Ellinor is incredibly active. I swear she would beat down the energizer bunny in any type of contest. She literally runs in circles from morning 'till night, with one small break called naptime. And thank goodness for that! :) Every time I turn around she has discovered a new "treasure," which is, inevitably, something she is not allowed to have. Lately she seeks after all things dangerous, so it has been a life-or-death struggle of sorts keeping her contained. ;) Hahaha. With all this energy comes some difficulty taking Ellinor out and about, without losing her in a chase of some kind. We attempted a SLC Bee's baseball game last week. She lasted all of 5 innings before we had to vacate our seats - she just won't be contained this girl. :) So, until she gets a bit older we may have to succumb to getting babysitters. We have been putting that off, other than her Aunt Becca and Aunt Lexi, but I think it's about time. We love having her with us, but we are pretty sure she doesn't always love going, as it means losing some of her freedoms. ;)

Attending church is quite the feat. It usually results in 3 hours of Bry and I trading off Ellinor in the hallway or the car - although she is such a daddy's girl that Bryan usually gets the brunt of the work. Poor guy. She loves to move, run, play, scream, etc. Church is a tough environment for her at the moment - the countdown to nursery has begun!

This weekend Ellinor starting saying "Thank you" back to us. She has been making the mimicking sounds of that expression for awhile now, but the words are finally relatively formed. It is so cute! Bry and I get crazy excited at things like this. The pure joy and pride you feel as a parent at each of these milestones - big or small - is quite the rush. We are loving each day with our little girl.

Ellinor, Becca, and I will be heading up to Seattle towards the end of June. I cannot wait to get up there and see my family!! I'm not sure how Ellinor is going to take to the road trip, so I am grateful Becca will be there with us to assist. Ellinor LOVES her Aunt Becca so hopefully that will ease some of the suffering. Haha. There is something about a summer road trip that is appealing though - just wishing Bry was going with us. He is incredibly busy with work these days. He works so hard for us and I just LOVE him for it. I'm proud of my cute husband!

Here is a galore of pictures that I've been meaning to post but have been too "busy" - aka, lazy - to do. :)