The Wild West

We're not THAT far west but it has been fun seeing more nature in our own backyard. In the winter there were lots of deer and the other morning I saw a huge turkey wandering around! This must be a loner turkey because about a week later I was driving on the highway very close to our house and I looked over at a field and saw a single fat turkey wandering around. I wonder what his story is. Maybe his friends all left him last November and he is still confused? Or maybe he planned the great turkey escape of 2009 but he was the only survivor? It would be fun to have a "neighborhood turkey" but unfortunately I haven't seen him since. On a slightly scarier note, our neighbors told Tom that they saw coyotes in their backyard this spring! Entertaining to watch out a window but not if they decide to eat Parker for a snack!


I celebrated my 30th birthday last weekend. It was a low key celebration but just what I could handle for this year. A lovely birthday brunch at one of my favorite restaurants, The Good Earth, plus a night out to dinner and a movie with Tom.


Tom's enormous cinnamon roll. As my dad said, Eloise's expression reads "and all I get is this lousy smashed banana"




Ellie (sophie) and Grandpa


Abuela y su nieta

It's nice to be able to bring Eloise out to a restaurant and actually have her sit at the table but it's also a much more intense experience! Good Earth is a perfect family friendly spot.

I often hear how much Eloise looks like me (and she certainly looks like my baby photos) but I think she is taking after her dad's enjoyment in EXTREME activities. Not that we're about to sign her up for baby sky diving but she definitely likes hanging upside down, being held up over our heads, swinging around...Here she is sitting on dad's shoulders which she found to be VERY fun.





I thought this photo was so cute. She is getting "attached" to her teething ring and falls asleep with it. I also hear her banging it on the side of her crib. Whatever works... Tom got me an iphone for my birthday. It is AWESOME. I have wanted one for so long that I gave up hope so it was a huge surprise. One of the best features for me is being able to take photos and videos and email them immediately. I took some cute photos of Eloise at bath time. She loves to sit up for her bath now. I just have to work a little harder to clean the food that is stuck in the folds of her neck!






Coming up this week...the 1/2 way mark, 6 months old! Grandpa and Abuela just had to drop off a few little gifts. Eloise liked the wrapping as much as the gift, to be expected I guess.



Eloise also got her very own phone from her great aunt Sheila and uncle Larry! She was MESMERIZED. We made a thank-you video since she isn't quite up to speed on writing yet.



Not looking forward to the 6 month shots but excited to see the latest stats on weight and height!