Elana walking earlier today

WALKING!!!

Uncle Aaron informed via text message today that Elana took a whole 10 steps!!!! Noah and I witnessed 2-3 steps yesterday, but this seems to make it a bit more real. Now the fun really starts!

Stay tuned for some video footage sometime in the next week . . .

Tamale Dinner

Here are some pics of the Chief Sealth Tamale dinner:

Elana doing laps up and down the hallway with her walker



the gang with noah in his suit


Elana chillin' with Eric


Elana and Papa on the deck enjoying the sun

Spring Break Part Deux

We are nearing the end of my spring break and this is the first post I have done in weeks! I apologize for that. I had a very hectic weekend playing two shows (one in Portland and one in Seattle). Of course I was up late (2-3am) both nights, which caused my immune system to weaken and allow a nasty cold in. The first few days of break I just tried to get better and hang with the babe. Besides that, I have been having severe ankle pain again (2.5 years after having surgery on it) and that has prevented me from exercising regularly, which made me a little bummed out. Today we went to the gym (Elana hung in the daycare there) and I feel a lot better after having a cardiovascular workout.

Now that you know why I have not posted, lets get down to bizness and look at some pics and video!



Elana's boyfriend Frankie came over and they decided they wanted have a drum circle



We had a visit from Holly and Sydney yesterday (hmm it was sure fun holding that tiny baby again)




After lunch we played some rugby at the park



Yesterday afternoon, Maya and Diana (and their parents) came over, along with our friends Becca and Sam. We had a big meal and ate the last of the matzah





Here is a video of me trying to teach Elana some basic vocal techniques. You will hear her chant "hi kitty" at the end. That is her favorite phrase right now. She can also say "Bubye kitty" and "baby".

Spring Weekend

Wow what an amazing weekend. We were lucky enough to get a small taste of spring before the rain returns in a few days. We surely made the most of it!

On Saturday we woke up nice and early and headed to Carkeek Park for a short walk and a trip to the playground. Smelling that salty air made me really pumped for the summer. Now that Elana is more like a little person than a baby, things are so much more fun with her now! Letting her crawl around on the grass and giggle as the blades tickle her toes is one of my favorite spring moments so far. Dave and his daughter Anna came over to play for a bit in the afternoon, then we stayed in and grilled before putting E to bed.

Sunday morning we went out to a family breakfast at a restaurant in Ballard. Elana hasn't been feeling so great (mild fever, EXTREMELY cranky), but she did wonderfully at the breakfast table while ma and pa caught up. After breakfast we strolled down the street to meet Jen and Jonas at the Ballard Outdoor Market to buy our weekly produce and listen to some street buskers. The music really captivated Elana.

Besides all of the great family time, I also got some ME time (AKA working in the yard) which really does wonders for the soul. Just being out there in the sun for a few hours each day improved my mood greatly. Only one more week to go until I get a turn having spring break and hanging out with Elana. I can hardly wait. Now we have to pray for the sun to stick around a bit longer . . .


Elana studying the menu (aka the kitty book) at the Hi-Life in Ballard:


Papa and baby chillin while we wait for our tasty eats:


Mama and baby enjoying the sun!


Jonas and Elana listening to some tunes:


Elana working on her standing skills out on the deck this afternoon:

Standing, Continued...

Elana has made a lot of progress in the past two days. She can even dance for a few seconds now while standing.

Get Up, Stand Up

Elana has been working really hard to stand up on her own. Here are some of last night's attempts: