Happy Birthday, Kevin!

At the zoo

Friday was really hot! We went to the zoo and got to see three animals before we all got too tired and bored and we went to the park instead. I have to say, I do love the animals, but the zoo is totally overwhlelming and not that satisfying with two very small children.

Dad and Emily come to visit

It gives me no end of joy to look out onto this space every morning. It is such a peaceful lovely spot. I can't wait till the weather is warm enought to spend all our time out there.

The completed patio. You should have seen it before! What a wreck!

Last month, Dad and Emily came for a visit. We put them hard at work clearing out the back patio and pruning. Dad bought me a ton of beautiful flowers for mothers day and we planted them in the pots the old owner's left. He also refinished a teak bench that was left. All in all it was a wonderful visit!

Big sister

Elena has turned out to be such a nurturing little girl. She is usually quite sweet with Jesse, though every day she does have problems sharing her toys. She is getting much better at replacing the toy she wants from Jesse with another toy... though sometimes it ends up being the first thing she sees, like a dirty spoon or a magazine. Here she is singing to Jesse to make him stop crying on our trip. It actually works!

Hiking

We took a lovely hike up Turtleback mountain. Elena was carried up most of the way on the backs of the two teenage girls in our crew. Jesse was content in the backpack. It felt wonderful to be out in the wilderness!

Yes, that is dirt that my infant son has all over his lips.

Memorial day trip to Orcas Island

Elena got a fairy dress! She has now officially entered the "pink" stage. I didn't actually believe that my little gender neutral daughter would be pulled into the girlie-girl obsessions, but I am convinced there is nothing I can do about it. It is her genetic blueprint being expressed.

We got to see a pet parade and the Taste of Orcas.

We had a wonderful trip this weekend to the house of some dear friends on Orcas Island. The trip started out with a ferry ride to the San Juan Islands. (Family members-- you may recognize the dress Ellie wearing-- it is the sparkly gem-stone denim farm animal dress that so many of us wore and loved.)

And he's off...

Gotta love the totally exposed and evil looking electrical outlet practically humming with danger in background. I guess I'd better think about the old safety check sometime soon.

The camera is broken...

so we can't take a video of Jesse's first CRAWL!!!! He has been doing hands and knees rock for about 3-4 weeks, and we have been eagerly anticipating crawling for a long time! Elena didn't crawl till 10 months, but this little guy seems to actually have normal motor development, which is super cool. He has been very clingy the last couple of weeks-- he cries when I leave the room or try and put him down a lot of time. Then he would do the backwards scoot, which is so horribly frustrating. I think crawling will help give him some more control and independence. Hooray! He also says, "Mamamama!!" when he is upset and wants me, but I am not claiming that as a first word yet. But stay tuned-- I think it will turn into the real thing in another month or so. Exciting!

The camera is broken

So I'll just share a few funny things Elena said today:

"Mommy, I'm a woman. I am a strong woman."
"I am a dinosaur. A fierce dinosaur. Rahwr!!"
"I am a firefighter! I am a dinosaur firefighter. I am going to rescue the bunny in the fire! Uh-oh-- there is too much water!!"
(After standing on a chair to better see Kevin cleaning out the gutters) "Now I am tall! And Daddy is tall, too! We are tall together."
"Hey you, Mommy! Guess what? I have a question."
(After Jesse pulled over a glass of water.)"Don't worry, Mommy. Don't worry. Big hug."
"Don't bother me, buddy, I'm working on my lecture."
"Mommy, little buddy wants some milk!"
"Let's go outside now. It's a beautiful day!" (It was pouring all day.)
"I need a new carseat. I need a new blue carseat. Let's go to the grocery store and buy a new carseat!"
"Ellie has a pee-nuss, Jesse has a pee-nuss, Daddy has a pee-nuss, Mommy has a pee-nuss, we all have pee-nuss-es."
(Pointing to my stomach) "One, two. Look mommy, you have two tummies!"

A few more photos

Christening gowns

Close up of the Christening gowns made by Amanda Gulick.

Baptism!

Elena and Jesse got baptized today at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. They wore baptism gowns sewn by hand by one of their Godmothers. They are incredible! The ceremony was beautiful and both children were obviously blessed by the Holy Spirit, because despite the fact that it was nap time for both, they behaved beautifully. Elena walked down into the font herself and let Fr. Tony put water on her head. Amazing, since usually head washing gets creams of terror at home. Jesse was his usual happy self and fell asleep peacefully after the ceremony.