Happy Thanksgiving!

With baby boy's impending arrival, we tried something new this year and stuck around home for Thanksgiving, hosting a few friends and their families. Jeritt did a terrific job with the bird, and we had a great day with wonderful company. And with four little girls under the age of three, there was certainly never a dull moment! Backing up a bit, Ella's little brother has been keeping me up at night, so on Monday  morning Jeritt stayed home for a couple of hours and took Ella to their favorite neighborhood spots - Starbucks and the park. I really needed the extra rest, and they clearly had a fun outing. Aunt Erin came to watch Ella on Wednesday morning while I went to the doctor, and then the three of us girls enjoyed a great day together. After the big holiday, we spent Friday at home with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin, watching the final Hawkeyes' loss of the year. On Saturday we ventured out to the burbs for some fun at an indoor play place we'd heard great things about. We had a lot of fun and will definitely make another trip soon. That afternoon we met our friends, Nick and Jovana, at Scooter's (our favorite neighborhood ice cream shop) for one last scoop before it closes for the winter. And on Sunday we enjoyed brunch with friends, Gavin and Korin. Interestingly enough, we met them for brunch on the Sunday I went into labor with Ella, so it only seemed fitting that we meet at the same place. However, I'm a week earlier than I was with Ella, so I doubt there will be any baby in the next 24 hours - but you never know!

Daddy and Ella's morning out.

Who doesn't hit Starbucks in their jammies?!

Ella has been working on this rock wall at the park for a while. She's got it figured out!

Clearly excited about her rock wall accomplishment. 

Blowing bubbles with Aunt Erin.

Jeritt's beautiful bird.

The last photo as a family of three?!

Chocolate pie for dessert. And a little finger painting.

Cinderella loves to help Mommy clean the toilets. 

She found a comfortable spot.

Ella playing at the Exploratorium. 

An enormous lite brite. 

Gone fishin'.

I think she would've fallen in if we hadn't stopped her!

Under the Weather

I had a sinking feeling during our Monday morning play date that something wasn't quite right with Ella. After all, she sat quietly, snuggling on my lap, for most it! Sure enough, she had a fever by afternoon that didn't let up until Thursday, and was just generally not herself all week. We take for granted what a happy, healthy, funny little girl we have, because when she's not feeling well, she's not a happy camper. Needless to say, it was a long week spent indoors. Finally, by the weekend, she was back to her busybody ways, and we were able to enjoy dinner with our friends, Mark and Katie, and their daughter, Charlotte, on Saturday night. Ella was pretty interested in Charlotte's car seat and toys, which confirmed the need to get out the baby gear ahead of time so that she can get used to it and hopefully the novelty will wear off. On Sunday she spent time rocking her baby in the swing while we put up the Christmas tree. Yes, it's a little early, but baby boy could arrive any time now! The weather was beautiful today, which was great timing for Ella to get some much-needed fresh air. We're sure glad she's feeling better!

The pajama party play date. 

Ella was pretty interested in Charlotte, and thankfully, didn't get too jealous.

Parent date night - wine and dinner with our friends, Mark and Katie.

Baby Charlotte was all tuckered out!

Rocking her baby in the swing.

Testing out the infant seat.

Excited for a trip to the park.

What a tree hugger.

Making new friends.

Brunch, Parks, and Friends

With the weather predicted to be near 70 for the weekend, we packed it all in. On Friday night we played and dined with the Short family, and even though Ella and Bennett hadn't seen each other in quite a while, they had a great time together, providing plenty of entertainment for all. Saturday morning brought brunch with Abbie and Eric, and then some park time before the rain hit. That evening we celebrated our friend, Mia's, third birthday with a princess pizza party. Ella enjoyed making her own pie, and of course, eating lots of cake, and even more frosting. Another brunch on Sunday, this time with Erin and Martin, and then lots of park time before and after, as the weather was gorgeous and we knew it wasn't going to last. Every other Chicago family seemed to be in the same mindset, as the parks were busier than we've ever seen them! I guess we all know what's right around the corner...

A tiger face while brunching with Abbie and Eric. 

Pizza making at Mia's third birthday party.

Sprinkling on the cheese.

Sneaking a little cheese....

Getting a ride with Bennett.

Bouncing with Daddy at the park.

Waiting patiently to be seated for brunch.

Happy Halloween!

What a busy week! Between parties and trick or treating, our little elephant was able to squeeze in plenty of celebrating. Ella's friend, Harper, and her mom and dad joined us for trick or treating on Halloween night. Fortunately, one of the streets in our neighborhood is blocked off on Halloween, making it a great spot for trick or treating. While last year she was simply along for the ride, this year Ella was fully aware of the 'treats' (or cookies, as she still calls anything sweet). Even though we cut her off early, she was still bouncing and dancing around in the street, and really seemed to enjoy it all. Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin stayed with us on Friday night, and we were able to spend some much-needed time catching up and hanging out. Ella was battling her nap this weekend, so most of Saturday and Sunday afternoon were spent trying to get her to fall asleep. With her little brother's arrival only weeks away, we can't afford to lose the nap now!

Modeling her new hat and mittens.

Eating 'cookies' while trick or treating.

Post-trick or treating. 

Reading a book after getting her face painted at a Halloween party.

She found a chair at the park, so of course she had to push it.

Playing some hoops.

Daddy and Ella playing with her train.