This photo is a tiny bit blurry, but it took us quite a while to get one where both the girls look at least somewhat happy... and since I am not a professional photographer (or even familiar with any photography principles, really), I'm satisfied to just have this one of the two of them together.

Family Fun at Pepsi

This year, Pepsi held a Family Inclusion Festival. We headed up to Pepsi Headquarters and had a grand old time eating tons of yummy food, watching many different performances, bouncing in a bouncy house (well, only Lexi did that), eating food, getting faces painted, petting animals, eating more food, watching clowns twist balloon animals (Lexi said to the clown, "Sometimes I like 2 animals." Very subtle, that girl), eating even more food.... A very fun afternoon! We're hoping the new CEO will continue having these fun days every year.

8 Weeks Old

 

Ella's Blessing

Today we blessed our little Ella Ruth in the Inwood 1st Ward. We were so blessed to have some family there and Great Grandpa Elliott and Great Uncle Doug were able to participate in the blessing. I wish we had gotten of photo of Ella with all the priesthood bearers, but alas, we can't catch all the good moments, can we? It was a beautiful blessing and Matt spoke slowly enough for me to be able to jot down most of what he said (not verbatim, but I'm still happy with what I got). Ella wore a dress that has been worn by generations of women in my family. My mother, her sister, me and all my sisters, my cousin and now both of my daughters. There is a photo of all the women (including Great Grandma Elliott who began the tradition by dressing her daughters in the dress) and only my sister, Laura, is missing. We don't have photos of Ella by herself in the dress yet- those should be coming shortly!

City of Brotherly Love

Philadephia, PA 7/18/07

Yesterday we took a day trip to visit good ol' Philadelphia. Matt has never been and the last time I went was on a field trip during middle school. It was pouring rain when we left and as we pulled away we thought, "Is this a mistake? Are we going to regret the 2 hour drive?" But it cleared up by the time we arrived- although the humidity was pretty intense throughout the day. We were able to see a few good sights like Christ Church, Elfreth's Alley, Benjamin Franklin's home site and printing shop, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. Of course we were able to find a carousel and playground to spend some time in. Also drove around Society Hill to check out what the locals were up to... and had Philly Cheesesteaks for lunch. A good day- but exhausting after corralling 2 children.

Open Wide!

I just love these photos... this was an attempt to capture one of Ella's smiles...

Sleeping Beauties (& Prince)

Matt had taken Ella for awhile while I read a few books to Lexi. She was practically falling asleep while I was reading, so after we finished, she picked up and went into our room where she apparently found dad and Ella sleeping and decided to join them. (They really are all sleeping in this photo- no posing!)

Smile for the Camera!

Smile!

So Ella has been responding to our smiles for about a week now. She's still not extremely proficient, but each day she gets a little better. There are times when I will sit and smile at her and she will respond with the biggest toothless smile she can, but as soon as I take out the camera, she turns off the smiling act. Just like her big sister.... I did manage to get a few decent shots, I think.

Lexi's Artwork

Great-Grandpa made a desk for Lexi back in January and ever since, she has been working on her art skills... so much so, that we have had several piles of paintings and drawings all over the computer room. I recently read in a magazine about a mom who had the same *problem* and chose to take digital pictures of all the artwork. She downloaded everything onto her computer and the pictures are now a part of her screensaver. That helped her feel better about throwing away most of the work but still being able to enjoy it daily on her computer. Great idea, me thinks.

Joyful Father

The other day we were out doing some errands and a woman asked us if Ella was a boy or a girl. When we said she was a girl, the lady said, "Well, you can have a boy next time." Matt was the one to reply, "We're very happy to have two girls." And I think this picture shows that he is indeed happy to have another daughter...

One Month Old

And The Answer Is...

posted in the comments section of this post... didn't want to spoil anyone else's guess by posting the answer right out here in the open...

Who's Who?

Can you guess which one is Lexi and which one is Ella? These photos were taken of them when they were three weeks old...

Groundhog Day

Today we went out to the Bronx Zoo again. Grandma bought us a membership, so we can go anytime we want now! Today they were celebrating the *homecoming* of the Sea Lions to their new home in Astor Court, so we visited them there. Then we went over to the Children's Zoo where Lexi joined the prairie dogs popping out of the ground and pretended to be a turtle.

Tagged

This post will have nothing to do with the kiddies... instead, it's all about Kendra! Because, apparently I have been "tagged"- which I guess just means I am supposed to tell you some things about me that you may not be aware of... truth be told, I have a working list of 100 things about me inspired by several friends who have made lists of 100 (Jessica, Amy, Julia) but you'll have to stay tuned for that monster. Here goes my short list:

1. My high school job was at Universal Studios, Florida (which, incidentally, was across the street from my high school). I was a ride/show attendant at the E.T. Adventure. One day, the ride was suffering from technical difficulties and I was at the main control center, so I became the ominous voice that reverberates through the building "The ET Adventure is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please remain seated. The ride will continue momentarily." The area lead supervisor was so impressed with my voice & inflection that she offered me a position at the JAWS ride or the KING KONG ride. I actually chose to stay at ET.

2. I played varsity volleyball for 3 years in high school. I was awarded the Bob Noyes Sportsmanship Award, and named to the All-County and All-Metro Conference teams in 1994.

3. I had bunion surgery for free because I participated in a pain reliever research study. To this day I don't know if I had the real drug or just a placebo, but I do remember that it was quite a painful recovery. However, if I had it to do over again I would!

4. I didn't meet my in-laws until I had already been married to Matt for 11 months. They were serving a mission in West Africa.

5. While at college at BYU, I was a member of the Spanish Choir. One of the highlights of that experience was singing a beautiful arrangement of "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" in Spanish at a Tuesday Devotional. My sister, Allie, sang the same arrangement at my missionary farewell. I am also a member of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Hispanic Society.

6. I had 18 companions on my mission (that includes the MTC). I was part of 5 different threesome companionships and am happy to report that I only had major personality clashes with one sister. (For those who may not know, 18 companions in 18 months is A LOT).

7. I love to travel. Our budget seriously limits our traveling opportunities now, but some of the places I've been are: Spain, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and 26 of the 50 United States. Still on my list to see: France, Germany, England and Spain again! What can I say- I love Europe. And even though I don't necessarily want the whole world to see me at my best/worst moments, I would absolutely love to be on The Amazing Race so I could do amazing things in amazing places.

Hope there was something interesting there for you. That's all for now, folks!

oh! And I'm supposed to tag someone else... so I tag Stew & Carolyn, and anybody else who reads this blog and is up to the challenge.

First Bath

Here is a clip of Ella's first bath. The camera batteries ran out, so it's short. She seemed to like it- no squawking until she got out!

Mad Hot Ballroom

Today we went down to the World Financial Center's Winter Garden to see some of Matt's students compete in the finals of the NYC school ballroom dancing competitions. If you've seen the movie Mad Hot Ballroom, you may be aware of this program. Matt's kids won a bronze medal (along with several other schools).

Thriving

Ella had a doctor's appointment today and we learned she has regained her birth weight and then some- she is up to 9 lbs 11 oz and is now 22 inches long. The doctor said she is doing really well, so let's hope things continue that way!

The Only Thing We Have To Fear....

We had a pretty loud thunderstorm the other day and it was the first time Lexi has really exhibited an intense fear. She has been nervous around dogs ever since she was knocked to the ground by a *mean dog* several months ago, but nothing like the fear she displayed at the thunder. She refused to remove her hands from her ears and wouldn't budge from Daddy's lap. It took lots and LOTS of convincing that the storm really had passed and there would be no more loud noise. Wonder where she got the idea to be scared of thunder- not too long ago we sat on our bed watching the lightening and rain and listening to the thunder with no qualms whatsoever. I guess she's just growing up.

Sisters

Lexi has been amazing adjusting to her new baby sister. She has been more hyper than usual (literally bouncing off the wall behind the couch at times), but overall just adores Ella. She has been a big helper and also loves to *hold* Ella and sing to her. I feel so grateful for her sweet kindness towards her sister. It is heartwarming to see your children love each other. My wish is for them to always feel this way about each other (wishful thinking?)