Summer 2011: A Recap

T-Ball Tennis

Liv has discovered a new sport...

Future Dog Walker

Family Hug

Last Summer Getaway

Diva

Goat Lover

Apparently Olivia really likes goats.  She showed no fear while in the petting area at the Farm in the Zoo and ran around with a gigantic smile on her face from goat to goat.  It didn't even seem to bother her when the goats started nibbling at our clothes (but that's when her skittish mommy decided it was time to go.)

Lemons

Liv loves to eat lemons.  

I think she would even eat the rind if I didn't take it away.

Congrats Jake & Elana!

 

Congratulations to Jake and Elana on their wonderful wedding weekend up in Northport, MI.   We love you lots and were honored to celebrate with your families.

 

 

 

Summer in the City

 

 

 

 

 Such a fun day at Millennium Park with our cousins!  We are trying to soak up all that summer has to offer in the city of Chicago. 

It's a BOY!

We confirmed today that our new baby is a BOY!  I just knew it.   

(It is wrong to post a picture of your new baby's privates? Probably.)

We are thrilled to be adding a little boy to our brood and keep the Elsener name alive at the same time.  I know Olivia is going to love having a brother.  From my own experience, I have loved growing up and having a brother who has become one of my best friends. Hopefully Olivia and her little brother will form a similar bond and friendship.

Look at my sweet little boy grabbing his toes.  

We cannot wait to meet you this winter!

Elsener Family Weekend

Growing Our Family Tree...

The Elseners are evolving...into a family of four!  Olivia gets to become a big sister this winter when our new baby will be arriving.  My official due date is February 1st and I've been feeling pretty good so far.  I am convinced that it's a boy, but we'll find out shortly whether I am correct or not.  Either way, we're thrilled to be expanding our family.

Somebody is very excited about new baby!

16 Months Old!

Happy 16 months of life to my sweet Olivia!

Liv is extremely curious about the world around her and eager to explore it.  From smelling flowers to shouting at airplanes, she's becoming more and more aware of her surroundings.  She is constantly pointing her chubby little index finger and saying "What's that?"

Her climbing abilities showcase her reckless side as she literally climbs up on anything, stands on the edge and sees how long it takes before she falls off.  It's 50-50 whether the fall causes hysterical laughter or immediate tears.  We're working on the appropriate way to get down from things without getting hurt :)

Liv has loved music since she was tiny and that remains true.  Her dance moves are quite impressive, especially her little booty bounce, her side sway, and her quick foot stomp.  And when her favorite songs come on, she does all the motions which is highly entertaining.  She has started to be able to identify her body parts and points when you ask (teeth, belly, nose, eyes, head, etc).  She is also getting the hang of some animals noises.

We've transitioned from two naps a day down to just one within the past two weeks.  It's been a pretty smooth process and she's been taking a solid 2-3 hour nap now in the middle of the day.  She is still a great sleeper through the night and we love to see her cuddle her lovies on the monitor.

Favorite Foods: Cherries, nectarines and pizza

New Big Girl Skill:  Drinking from a glass

Teeth: The top two have finally broken through her gums. Still just the three on the bottom.

Words: She's starting to repeat lots more words after you say them.