Learning how to smile

You'd think with a title like that, this post would be about the infant. Nope - it's Elise. We've really struggled to get her to smile at the camera - she's a girl on the go, and is generally uninterested in pausing the fun for pictures. But, we seem to be turning a corner; I've managed to get some cute pictures of her lately. Here's what she's been up to.

Make Believe - So baking cookies in her play kitchen isn't too imaginative, but it makes for an awfully cute picture, right? Usually, she chooses some object other than the play cookies (like legos) to be the cookies on the tray - I guess that's where the imagination comes in :).

The other day I mentioned to Elise that I still had my blanket (Fuzzer Wuzzer) from when I was a little girl. She was intrigued by this - when I showed it to her, she quickly became attached. Her loveys now include Hippo (pillow pet), Stripe (the blanket) and Fuzzer Wuzzer.

For Christmas, we got Elise a leotard and told her we were going to sign her up for gymnastics class. Here she is before her first class. She had a great time and can't wait to go back.

Another comparison

It has been awhile since I posted a comparison picture of the girls - they definitely look more alike in these shots than the last comparison I posted. They are no doubt sisters, and yet unique, especially from what we can tell of their personalities.

I'm so hungry....

I'm so hungry, I could eat my foot....

Maybe I should try some rice cereal instead.....

I planned to wait until six months to start cereal, but Lilah went from sleeping 10 hours straight at night to sleeping two, waking up ravenous, so I decided it was time. She certainly seemed ready - she knew just what to do and slurped that cereal down.

My Talented Friends

 I am surrounded by wonderfully talented people who can make things with their hands - my friends knit hats, sew aprons, make diaper wallets, and create all sorts of other wonderful, handmade items. And I reap the benefits! Here is Lilah sporting her tutu handmade by my friend Abra. (My friends also downplay their talents, but as someone with no crafting ability, I find their talents to be AMAZING!)

Who knew toilet paper rolls were so much fun?

Elise is really into crafting these days (her words, "Crafts and books are my favorite things!"). And I must say, I enjoy crafts far more than playing Wizard of Oz. So, we try to do some kind of craft together most days. I've been running low on ideas - I have a pretty low creativity meter, but I remembered when I used to have to take my recycling to the Center, there were always bins to collect toilet paper rolls for classrooms. Thanks to the web, I was able to find a ton of toilet paper roll crafts - we chose to do the autumn tree with finger paints (I know, its winter, but I like fall much better) and a sheep with cotton balls this week. Lilah enjoyed watching from her high chair.

Jumperoo

Here's a video of Lilah enjoying her jumperoo.

Lilah is 5 months old

I say it every month, but it is hard to believe another month has passed so quickly! While it is going all too fast, I am enjoying each stage better than the one before. Lilah is at a fun age right now. Her schedule is pretty predictable (not quite like Elise, who took very strongly to a schedule), so we can plan our days pretty well. And Lilah is up to all kinds of new tricks. She is rolling both directions now. I happened to have the camera out when she rolled front to back for the first time (see pictures below). She is sitting up really well, and can even hold the sitting position a couple of seconds on her own (before toppling over - Wes and Elise like to play "Which way will she fall" - poor second child). She also thoroughly enjoys bouncing in her Jumperoo. Lilah recently dsicovered her voice, which she shares when she gets tired (she doesn't cry, she shrieks a high-pitch scream - its really awful). She remains a smily girl - living up to her nickname - Smilah Lilah.

Elise's First Drawing

Well, I didn't feel much like blogging over the holidays. It was such a nice break. Wes was home for two weeks - we enjoyed a lot of family time. Maybe I'll get around to posting some pictures. But, today Elise drew her first real picture, so I just had to take a moment to share. Back to the grind tomorrow.....