By all accounts, this is a happy baby. Now weighing in at about 17 pounds and stretching about to about 27 inches, this little girl is undoubtedly the apple of our eyes.
In just the last two weeks, Elena's started sitting up by herself for periods of up to about a minute. Of course, she soon topples over (unless propped up by one of us). She laughs, she squeals in delight (mostly at dogs -- Lola, and Grandma Pam's pooch, Chester), and she's been sleeping like a champ... as many as 10.5 hours in a night without a single whimper.
Needless to say, the older she gets, the more stimulation she demands. Songs, toys, her jumper... and she still wants more. She can get a little fussy when she thinks you aren't doing enough to entertain her.
On this big day, she made her first visit to the private clubhouse and pool here in our neighborhood. Kristi, of course, demands that Elena wear her full UV suit; "she'll thank me when she's a model with beautiful fair skin!" says Kristi.
She's now eating solid food twice a day -- her favorite is definitely sweet potatoes, followed by applesauce and rice cereal. Carrots and bananas are okay, but not quite her faves.
Elena falls asleep with Mommy and wakes up with Daddy... and daily proves to be the greatest miracle in our lives. We can scarcely imagine life without her, and we give thanks for her every single day.
(all photos above were taken in the last 24 hours)
