A Looooong Winter

It's been awhile since our last post, I know. And what, might you ask, have we been doing that's keeping us so busy?? Not a whole lot, but somehow the time for blogging is few and far between. The winter in Cleveland this year has been filled with lots of snow, wind, and cold. Pretty much like all parts of the country, I hear. Things we do on a daily basis: watch PBS cartoons, draw with crayons for about 5-10 minutes (Ellie isn't a fan for very long), watch Gilmore Girls (my/Emily's favorite), go to McDonald's or Chik-fil-a to eat lunch and play on the indoor playgrounds, and chase Winnie around in the snow. As you can see, the days really get away from us with all of these exciting adventures.

A Maura update - she is doing very well. She is smiling and happy all the time. She has reached the point where she is consistently sleeping through the night (if I didn't just jinx myself). And she loves her big sister and TV as you will see in one of the pictures. She has been such a blessing and a bright light in our lives when we're surrounded by snow and nowhere to go. And today is the eve of her 3 month birthday. I can't believe it's only been 3 months (in a good way) because it feels like she's been a part of our family the whole time!

Anyway, here are some pictures of those big events...actually we did do something. We took Ellie to Sesame Street Live to see Elmo and all of his friends, because first and foremost we care about Elmo. It was funny because Andy and I thought we were out on the town for the evening (along with one child). Andy looked at me at one point and said, "I never knew how easy just one kid is." And we both laughed because it felt like a cinch. We then proceeded to take our daughter out to eat to a place called "The Pub" - that's right - we took our 2 yr. old there. We did call ahead to ask if kids ever come in and if they have a kids' menu. We really wanted to sit in a restaurant that felt somewhat grown-up and where we could enjoy a good beer. They answered yes to both, so we didn't feel as stupid when we walked in and in fact saw a baby and one other child. What can we say, that was almost a date out for us.

So, as you can see, we're livin' it up in the Cleve-land!

Ellie's beautiful smile, as she patiently waits for Elmo and his friends. Andy said we had to get her a spinning flashlight...which we did, along with a t-shirt. Man, they know how to rip you off at children's stuff. I should've gone in to making crap to see at kids' events!

We just can't get enough of spinning Elmo!

Group shot!

Aunt Molly, here's a picture of the cute sweater you got her. She is sporting better fashions than me these days. I'm in sweat pants and t-shirts, and Ellie is wearing skinny jeans, mary-janes, and adorable sweaters.

There's that amazing smile again (I don't know why she has decided to smile like that, but every time, that's what she wants to do).

Trying to get a smile out of Maura - the camera is a little slow.

Ready to watch TV or eat or both.

I don't have a comment - Maura is just a great baby.

"Don't bother me, mommy, I'm busy."

This was Saturday morning, where Andy and Maura were cuddled up. I kept trying to get Maura to look at the camera but she was way too into what was on TV.

Our 3 month old cutie-pie!

Maura the beautiful!