Cuteness Incarnate

So I personally like it when moms include a little bit about themselves in their blog posts instead of making it all about their kids, but now that I AM a mom I see why it happens - Ellie is kinda my life, so when I post about her I really am posting about me :) So with that excuse, here is my update on the very cutest part of me.



See what I mean? Elaina's bedtime routine includes a bath. Giving her a routine adds some routine to my life. Ellie has also taught me a bit about making new friends...

Or enemies...


She has also taught me the importance of trying new things. We finally started her on actual solids (as opposed to "solids" which are actually mostly liquid mashed up sweet potatoes ). I gave her a few saltine crackers this week. The result was something akin to releasing Cookie Monster in a Mrs. Field's factory.


Eliana is also always ready to cheer on a friend. Here she is at Brooke's thesis defense (Brooke is in Dustin's research group). *credit for the idea of writing on a white onesie goes to my incredible sister Emily*


Thank you Ellie, for teaching me so much!

As far as the rest (and less important ) part of Dustin's and my life, things are just peachy. Dustin spends his time at the lab taking data that could contribute to finding a cure for cancer, AIDS, and other diseases. I spend my time at the zoo playing with Anna the cougar, training hyenas, and having the time of my life training with the sea lions. I am loving summer (heat and all) and love the freedom of being able to go outside without wrapping Ellie and myself in fifteen layers of clothing. In fact, Ellie seems to love being outside (this bodes well for my hope of lots of family camping trips in our future). Speaking of Ellie, she has just finished her crackers and now seems suspiciously interested in learning to type, which is my cue to leave. Have a great summer!