Some updates on the big girl. (or "tough little girl" as she likes to refer to herself):
She is pretty excited that her birthday is coming up.
She is even more excited about her baby sister.
First day of preschool/daycare: 8/17/09. As of today, she's gone about 10 times, for varying duration, but most of those pretty long days of about 10 hrs. Her teachers report she is doing better everyday, but still is more sad than happy about it. When I ask her what she did at school today, she says, "Well, I cried a little bit because I missed my mommy and daddy." Self-affirming for me, but I wish she was happy all day. She has just started this week to talk about the other kids in her class by name, and share some anecdotes.
This last weekend was our church retreat, and another milestone. She wanted to play with her friends, and sit by her friends instead of by her parents. Her friends include Isariah, Marsaya and Johanna, ages 7-9. They are very sweet and doting girls, who seem to enjoy playing with their very own little baby. I'm hoping this new found confidence and independence is being fueled by her aforementioned preschool experience.
Some new favorite sayings:
"Well..."
"Maybe..."
"Chicken!" Her new game in the car, introduced by Nell("Mell")Blevins
"This pretty little girl..." referring to herself in the third person
"Will you color with me?"
"Silly goose!"
"I not a ____, I an Eleri"
everytime we see a convertible, she says she's going to drive one when she gets bigger
everytime we see a building site, she tells Sam she's going to work on it with him when she gets bigger
She likes to point out that her daddy, "built all of Albuquerque", and can point out the bike park as one of his projects when we drive by it.
On the top of Cerro Tome in Los Lunas with Grandma Kris
On the way to the top. Eleri enjoys using her Camelbak on these hikes to stay hydrated.
Lucy at the Salinas Mission Ruins
Eleri at the Salinas mission ruins. We visited these sites on birthday weekend with Grandma Anne, Damjan and Becky.
In the corn maze at McCalls Pumpkin Patch with Grandma Anne
In the corn pit with Damjan and Becky at McCalls
Balloon Fiesta
Racing Damjan on her new bike. Thanks Rob and Rina! She's already getting so she can glide for a few seconds feet free.
mid-October hottub
I think she said these were all kids at their desks at school. I don't remember exactly
playing with a nesting basket set we have
Bosque del Apache Wildlife Preserve in early November
With Manisha (Servas Guest), Ivana, and Domogoj at Bosque del Apache
In Ruidoso for the weekend
Hiking in Ruidoso. Eleri actually asleep. I think this is the first time that has ever happened. Turns out she was getting sick -- she took 3 naps that day.
Slipper and the frog
Bosque Del Apache again later in November on the way home from Ruidoso
Eleri with baby Isaiah in WI over thanksgiving
Eleri with baby Isaac in WI
Eleribug for Halloween
