Mommy....the barber

So I could not deal with Elianna's bangs any longer. I mustarded up the courage to cut her bangs. The first attempt...failed. The second round was on the spur of the moment. She was entertained on the changing table and I called for Mark to get the scissors. It was a success. Unfortuneately, the scissors were pretty dull, but I was still able to cut. This morning I cut a bit more but with my sewing scissors and it was a lot better and faster to snap those little hairs!

This finished product....ta-da!

Decorating Fun

So we have a new tradition around here...Christmas decor goes up on Black Friday, well, when I get back from my shopping duties. On December 26th, everything comes down so Elianna can have a Christmas free birthday.

Elianna was taking her PM nap while we began decorating but joined us at the end to find new "toys."

She began her 1st Christmas decor with she snack.

Became interested in the ornaments.

A little too interested.

....and so did Marely.

Mark put the finishing touches.

....be very very careful.

We're all done and Daddy lit the fire.

Ta-da!

Independent Elianna

Our little girl will soon be walking all on her own. This is a huge one for mama...my baby is growing up way too fast. God has been great to us, in providing us with a wonderful daughter and allowing for her hip to heal.

Elianna is no longer wearing her brace to bed, as of yesterday. When we went back to CHLA (Oct 2010) for a follow up, the x-rays came back perfect. Dr. Skaggs had no concerns with her hips and as a team, we decided to keep the brace on for another 2 months. I initially stated that she should no longer wear it since everything was fine, because she was still not use to it at night (and the teething did not help). Dr. Skaggs explained that there is no specific time or age of when an infant should no longer wear there brace, but to be on the safe side, we should keep it on her for 2 more months. He did give his permission to take it off if she was having a hard time, that worked for me. She is now pretty much sleeping through the night with the harness.

Elianna took her first two steps about three weeks ago at my mom's house and we have been practicing. She is pretty fast in her walker and seems to enjoy it.

Here she is taking a few steps at JC Penny's.

Thanksgiving Fun!

This post is a bit delayed, but somehow time just flies by from me. For Thanksgiving we had lunch with Mark's side of the family and then dinner with my mom, and brother. Elianna had a blast. Her stranger anxiety is easing down, which meant, she was enjoying the company of her extended family members.

Elianna enjoys some yams.

She spends some time with Uncle David.

....and then with Tia Pat.

....and back with Mama!

A New Library and A New Park

I LOVE the new Sorensen Park and Library. They are not brand new to Whittier, they just had a make over. The project started about 2 years ago on a very small library and a not too shabby park. They opened up last week, so I decided that Elianna and I would take a trip out there is past Friday.

The library has at least tripled in size and has a very cute children's section; filled with lowered shelves, small couches, toys and computers. Also, 40% of the materials used were recycled materials.

After we checked out our books we went to the park where Elianna had the time of her life on the swings. The park now has a "Big" and "Small" kids' section. I think this will be our new library and park. It's good to see our tax dollars at work!

Halloween

Elianna was a bumble bee for her first halloween and no, I did not make the costume, I'm still trying to finish her blanket.

So this was the game plan, to do our normal evening walk, but with a flare! We went up and down our street, did not go to homes with stairs (taking Eli in and out of the stroller did not seem fair to anyone) and to neighbors we know, which is quite a few. Halfway through our stroll ride someone was getting sleepy but as the night grew darker it became a bit more lively and Elianna stay up to enjoy it.

At first Eli was not too fond of the hat.

Buzz!

Finally got that shot with the hat!

Cheese!

Elianna made out pretty good!

pumpkin patch

Two weeks ago we headed out to the pumpkin patch at Cal Poly Pomona. It was everyone's first time there. We missed the rides and animals by a week, but we were still able to capture some great pictures....and here they are...

Elianna is trying to figure out what to make of her new setting.

We checked out the sunflowers, but didn't spend too much time there. They were invaded by ants.

Off to the corn maze, which reminded me of the movie, Signs.

Eli says, "This way!"

I'm happy to report that we made it out okay :)