What God has joined together...

My Ellie monster turned the big 5-0 (5mo. 0days - haha).  I didn't specifically do a 5mo. photo shoot, but got some around that mark.  

Here is what's new in the life of Elaine:

• She's an adrenaline junkie.  Falling backward, flipping upside down, getting lifted high in the air and plummeting back down - she loves it all.
• She's fascinated with cups and needs to get her hands and mouth on every cup she sees.  I've let her take sips of water, which has surprised her immensely.  But she'll keep going back for more.
• She gets upset when something is taken away from her (toys, Mommy's water glass, coffee mug, etc.).
• Getting raspberries will now earn a giant grin.
• She will continue looking in the direction of an object that has dropped out of sight and is delighted when it reappears.
• I have now seen her roll from back to front (apparently she first did it weeks ago), several times in a row.  Last night was the first time I saw her stay on her tummy after rolling over and get her arms out from underneath her body.
• On her tummy, she can grab the pacifier and get it back into her mouth.  When it's in her hand, she studies it, makes sure the nipple is facing her, then swings it in toward her mouth, but can't pull it straight in so it never quite makes it.
• Sitting - we're working on this.  She gets better every day at holding herself erect without support, but loves to thrust backward.
• Squealing.  My heavens can she squeal.  It often precedes a laugh, but when she's talkative she will do it too.
• Those blue eyes are changing!  At the center there is a ring of...brown?  Green?  We're not sure.
• She developed her first fever today. :(  But you can hardly tell she isn't feeling well, except that she is sleepier/drowsier than normal.

Sitting in her booster seat.

Her artwork debuted at the local library.

My trip to Kansas City was a success.  Mike and Elaine did so well at home by themselves - she took her bottles well, there was no middle-of-the-night-crisis that I expected, and our home was in decent shape when I returned.  The worst part of my trip by far was pumping - it's disgusting having to pump on the toilet in a public restroom with people using the adjacent stalls.  But I managed, and I made it home with all my milk (except two bags worth, since I wasn't sure if the TWO beers--party animal that I am--that I drank  one night affected it or not).  The flights were smooth and uneventful, which is a miracle considering there was severe weather during both my arrival and departure.  The streets of the city were half flooded and the water was erupting from the manholes and street gutters.  My anxiety was well under control during the flights, thank the Lord.  The hotel was lovely and was right next to the plaza, a cute shopping and restaurant district.

Elaine's Easter outfit

Easter weekend we had Mike's mother visit us.  We all had a nice, relaxing visit.  I took advantage of getting Elaine off my hands and caught up on housework.  Easter Day we went to Mass with my parents and had a lovely dinner with them.

Daddy and his little girl

Ignore her dress riding up...
She loves standing up and pretend-walking!

That's all I can think of right now.  This weekend I'm doing more catching up, Mike is out helping a friend redo his deck, and tomorrow we'll be at church all day - Mass, meeting, and Adoration.

My birthday wishlist - not that I expect anyone to get me gifts, but in case anyone *cough-Mike-cough* needs any ideas!

Jigsaw puzzle (1500 or 2000 pieces!)

Rubbermade produce savers

Thirty-One

• 4085273K0000 
  Hang-Up Room Organizer - Grey Pin Dots
• 3890273K0000 
  Fold N' File - Grey Pin Dots
• 3000688C0000 
  Thermal Tote - Woodblock Floral
• 4100663A0000 
  Coupon Clutch - Island Damask
• 3787439A0001 
  Mini Utility Bin - Lotsa Dots
• 3401758C0000 
  Littles Carry-All Caddy - Turquoise Cross Pop