Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Take Me Out to the Crowd

Well one thing is for sure, the Cubbies really stepped up to the plate for Elsa's first trip to the "big show". Granted they were playing the Washington Nationals, who actually lost to the Greenbelt Tee-Ball Team during spring training but hey, we'll take a win anyway we can get it.
The game started out a bit rough as there was a nap delay, unfortunately no one informed Major League Baseball so we missed the first 3 and a half innings. Thankfully, the excitement started as soon as Elsa arrived. At the top of the 4th inning the Cubs scored 8 runs! Elsa was ecstatic, ok, she didn't even notice the field, but she was very excited to see all of the people and was sure they were all cheering for her.

We left the game at the 7th inning stretch but the Cubbies went on to win 11-3. We excpect a contract to be in the mail tomorrow for Elsa's good luck charm services, though she's only available for day games since her bed time is still 7:00.

Jet Setter

Elsa took her second trip on a plane this past weekend to attend Alli's wedding. She got to meet more of Sara's family, ham it up at the wedding, dance with her daddy and enjoy a quick trip to Madison in the summer...doesn't get much better than that!

Our Cutie Pie

Seriously people, how are we ever going to be able to say no to this face!

Fourth of July

Elsa spent her first 4th of July visiting with her buddy Novie and her parents. She didn't make it to the fireworks this year - she still goes to bed like clock work at 7pm. We were not able to convince the organizers of the fireworks on the Mall to bump up the time for her so she's calling Obama tomorrow to complain.

Guest Blogger

I have decided to take over my mommy and daddy's blog for the day. I went to see Dr. Darden today and he said I am on my way to being a super model. Daddy laughed and mommy cringed...the only things worse in mommy's mind would be a cheerleader or pole dancer. Anyways, I guess because I am long 26.25 inches (60%), lean 14.3 lbs (25%) and adorable that's why he said super model. Since I am only 6 months old, I don't really know what a super model is so I am just taking him at his word!

Happy Father's Day - To Me? That's Weird

So Father's Day was a bit weird this year - wanna guess why? Yep, because I'm a Father. Seriously, for the first 5.75 months I just felt like some guy who changed diapers, kept Sara's spirits up when the feeding thing was difficult and got to spend a lot of time with a cutie-patuttie named Elsa. But then, alas, June 21st rolled around, my parents came out to DC, Elsa was in a great mood and oogling at me like I was a saint with one of those little halos over my head and Sara seemed particularly happy that I was her dude of choice. Ahhh Father's Day!

In addition to feeling like a champ for the day, Sara and Elsa got me a super fun present - tickets to the Cubs game!!! I sure hope the Cubbies can beat the Nationals - everyone else certainly can. Since my old Cubs shirt is getting pretty stained, Sara was nice enough to get me a new one, unfortunately I'm not sure I'm going to be able to fit in it - bet I know someone who might though!

6 Months!

Elsa is 6 months old already! Looking back at pictures from when we first brought her home its hard to imagine its even the same kid. She can almost sit up by herself, loves her jumparoo and continues to amaze us each and every day.

A Long Overdue Shout-Out

Elsa is lucky enough to have some buddies who are nearly her same age. These buddies were all born to our Peace Corps friends within this past year and we can not tell you how thrilled we are that Elsa gets to grow up with the kids of some of the greatest people we know.

Most recently, Rigley June entered the world right into the proud hands of her momma Jen and poppa Chris, we are so happy she is here. Gus made an early arrival at the Burns household and proved that Jen and Adam passed along some pretty spectacularly cute and hard core genes and he is doing beautifully. Little Huck is the beautiful baby boy of Kevin and Marygold and is happy up in Ithaca, chilling in his garden and helping momma with her dissertation (he must nap really well!). Mathieu was born to Dave and Sue and is having fun paddling around Tybee.

Elsa positively can't wait to meet her buddies and get playing. She looks forward to Rigley being the other tomboy on trips and being her pal in secretly oggling over how cute Gus and Huck are. She looks forward to Gus teaching her how to burp the alphabet and build a strawbale house. And she is hoping Huck can pass along those mad soccer skillz he is bound to have. Finally, Mathieu is in charge of helping Elsa learn all about turtles and frogs - her favorites.

Many of our other good friends have have babies in the recent months, and Elsa loves them all too, but these dudes and dudettes get a special mention due to the distance between us and the fact that they are all Peace Corps babies!

Elsa and Dalasi - The Love Affair Continues

Each day, Elsa's love for Dalasi continues to grow and each day Dalasi's love for Elsa and her food continues to grow. We used to think he admired her and now we are starting to think our dog has made the connection that as she continues to grow, her food gets better, she gets messier, and this in turns means more snacks for him!

At nearly 4 times her weight he's certainly a gentle giant, cuddling into her when she lies on her mat, tickling her feet when she's in her chair and oh, yeah, cleaning off her face when there are carrots to be disposed of. Seriously, why would anyone want to waste Earthbest Stage 1 carrots right?! Dalasi has a habit of sitting right next to Elsa where ever she is. He gets as close as possible so that she can reach him!

Dalasi is also great with letting Elsa learn how to play with him. Right now this consists of poking him in the eyes, pulling on his tail, ears and fur, and kicking him in delight when he lays down next to her. None of this bothers him in the least. Woof - good dog.

Puhhhh Peas...

Elsa's inner "foodie" has yet to be found. Despite an all organic diet the kiddo isn't much into the eating. Although she eats less than half the amount other kids her age eat...she is absurdly happy and is still growing like a weed...go figure! Peas are by far her least favorite of her new foods...note the look I am getting in the picture. Carrots top the list of fav's.




She is growing at breakneck speed. We swear she grew an inch over the weekend alone. She is also enjoying her voice...at very high decibels. She has an admirer, Mateo, at daycare and seems to charm pretty much anyone she meets including random strangers walking by our yard.

She is gearing up for her first trip to the pool which we hope will be happening soon!