In the Groove

Eight weeks after Jack's birth, I finally feel like we 'found our groove.' Mostly, we resumed our social life, filling the week with plenty of activity and friends. On Wednesday morning we hosted a play date for four of Ella's best buds, their moms, and two little brothers - hello craziness! On Saturday, Ella, Uncle Jeff, and Daddy went to soccer while I entertained a few of my former co-workers and their baby boys. That night, we hosted dinner with another couple, and on Sunday morning we enjoyed our first brunch out since Jack's birth - something we used to enjoy nearly every weekend and had been missing. Despite the bitter cold, we got out of the house quite a bit. In Jack news, he's been treating us to sweet smiles all week, and has even started cooing. What a wonderful sound!

All dressed up for our play date.

Ella received a cash register for her birthday, complete with bar code stickers. She thought Jack needed one.

Gavin and Korin came over for dinner on Saturday.

Friends Jamie and Matt came to meet Jack!

Korin holding Jack (sorry for the massive glass of wine!).

Eight weeks already!

Jack's sweet smiles.

Jack and his buddy, Harrison, finally meet! Their big sisters share the same birthday, and these guys are only one day apart!

A grumpy golfer.

Filling out the tub.

Ella and Morgan playing so nicely at a play cafe.

Ella received yet more 'happy day' gifts at brunch, this time from her friend, Bennett.

My former co-worker friends and their baby boys.

Following directions at soccer.

One Last Happy Day

Between becoming a big sister, Christmas, and her birthday, Ella has enjoyed a pretty good run of presents lately. And today was the last celebration of her 'happy day.' Aunt Erin accompanied us for a drive to Dubuque to meet all of the grandmas and papas, as well as Aunt Jill, Uncle Adam, Ava, and Reid, and Great Grandma K. and Great Aunt Diane, for a pizza party lunch at an indoor play place. It was the perfect venue, and we all had a great time. Ella loved the pizza, cake, and presents, and we're currently trying to convince her to go to bed, as her new toys will all still be here tomorrow. Jack was a trooper for his first long car ride, and has been more and more alert these days. 

We got out the trusty jungle gym, and just like his sister, Jack loves it.

I taught her that the best part of baking is getting to lick the spoon (something my mom taught me early on!). 

Just another day with Ducky and Moo.

The first photo shoot was not pleasant for Jack.

Much happier after being fed.

Rocking her cool new shirt from Aunt Abby and Uncle Brian.

Ella loves her new hat so much that she wears it all of the time.

Playing at the birthday party.

Ella even convinced Grandma C. to go through the tunnels.

Blowing out her candles.

Cake, please!

Snuggling with Papa Al.

Posing with her new stroller and new baby.

Ella going down the stairs

This is Ella's new way to come down the stairs.  She is getting pretty good at it so it is hard to capture on video.

Ella's Happy Day

On Thursday, January 10, Ella Jane turned two! She's been talking about her 'happy day' for the past week, and was very excited that it had finally arrived. The big day began with us singing happy birthday to her in bed and giving her a new vacuum cleaner. Then, we all headed to the doctor for Ella's two-year checkup and Jack's hearing screening. Ella did great and weighs 28 pounds and is 35 inches tall, and Jack finally passed his hearing test (yay!). He's also nearly 10 pounds already! Later in the day Ella's best bud, Morgan, came over with his mom. They brought cupcakes and gifts, and a couple of our neighbor friends also stopped by to celebrate. 

On Saturday we had a big Elmo party for the birthday girl, and she had a great time - dancing, eating, cake, and acting silly with her friend, Mia. It was a fun night, and she received some fantastic gifts. It's crazy that our baby girl is already two years old! (Thanks to Abbie, as always, for capturing some amazing moments. Her beautiful pictures follow mine below:). 

As for Jack, he's half-smiled a few times (we'll take it!), and is much more alert these days. He's clearly growing, and is tolerating the 'tough love' of his big sister like a champ.

Opening her gift from Mom and Dad the morning of her birthday.

Tummy time.

Trying to catch a smile!

First 'happy day' celebration, with her pal, Morgan.

Morgan and Ella enjoying birthday cupcakes.

Jack is six weeks old!

Hooray!!

The Elmo cake.

The Elmo balloons. 

Opening 'pesents' with Gary.

Eating cake with her friend, Mia.

Talking on the phone while grocery shopping. Wonder where she gets that?!

PJ tummy time with Rabbit.

Feeding Ducky cookies.

Jack practicing his standing. 

It looks like he's giving the finger!

Daddy and Ella burping their babies.