Our Halloween, and the week leading up to today, has been quite low-key, but we've done a few things to "celebrate" here and there.
On Tuesday, our Mum's group together for a little "party". Ellen dressed up as a Halloween Princess (she was convinced of it, at least.)
Brenna was a Halloween Kitty.
The Girls together. (Getting a picture of them together was a very frustrating experience. This was the best I got.)
The Kiddies enjoying their snacks. From left: Elli, Eva, Miss E and Luke
On Wednesday, Ellen created this Trick or Treat bag at a craft session at the community centre.
To begin a family Halloween tradition, I made pumpkin chili and cornbread.
Brenna enjoyed her chili and cornbread.
Ellen helped to hand out candy to the Trick or Treaters. She thought it would be fun to dress up and go around the neighborhood asking for candy. We told her that she'd be big enough next year togo trick or treating next year.
Our gorgeous Brenna is 7 months old today! Since last month she is able to sit-up unsupported and two little, very sharp teeth have appeared. Our happy baby loves to laugh, babble and make a loud inhaling noise. Even though Ellen says Brenna is a "tiny little baby" while drawing a circle with her finger on her hand, Brenna is growing beautifully and her upper body strength is improving. She still loves to try food and is amazingly successful chewing her finger foods. Brenna and Ellen love giving each other kissies and huggies and continue to grow closer together.
Our beautiful, intelligent, lovely Ellen amazes us every day... despite the "terrible twos"...
Brenna is 6 months old today! I feel we've reached an important milestone; it should get somewhat easier and more fun from here...right? Most of the past month has been spent with our family in Ohio. Brenna loved meeting her extended family for the first time (besides Gramma and Palon). Brenna has rolled over from her back to tummy for the first time and has begun to wean. We're still waiting on that painful first tooth to make an appearance - I sure hope it does this month! While in Ohio, Brenna also got her first ear infection and a viral tummy infection - both we're still battling. The tummy infection is actually bothering her more with sudden, long-lasting cramping pains, around the clock. On a positive note, I'm starting to see Brenna and Ellen's sisterly affection take place. Ellen is becoming increasingly affectionate and attentive to Brenna... it's just lovely and heartwarming to watch.
Brenna watching her big sister trying to make her laugh
"Baby Ellen" - she looks like such a big girl in this picture!
I started to give Brenna tastes of real food over the past month, but today she sat in her highchair for the first time. She loves tasting food and will even grab the food or my hand when she's sitting on my lap.
Before I started filming Brenna on our bed this morning, she was so cute playing with her lamb... too bad it didn't last for long once the camera was rolling.
Brenna is 5 months old today! She can now roll to both sides and is quite steady on her forearms. She loves to smile at familiar faces, but is becoming increasingly insecure being held by those she's not familiar. If you are holding her - beware - any finger or hand that comes in the vicinity of her mouth will get attacked and sucked on by our drooly baby. The past week or so I have given Brenna a few things to taste, such as cucumber, kiwi, tortilla and strawberry...(and chocolate...sshhh). Ellen loves to make Brenna laugh and Brenna loves to watch Ellen. As Jeff just put it, "She's a boo and we love her."
This afternoon, the girls and I went over to the Lawley Community Centre to see animals from the Exotic Zoo. I wasn't sure how Ellen would respond to seeing "exotic" animals, but I couldn't believe my eyes! She held and touched every animal that was shown around, which included:
Two cute, fluffy baby skunks... to my Ohio family and friends, can you believe skunks are considered to be exotic?!
A baby crocodile... her favorite animal she held today. The look on her face says it all.
A millipede... I squirmed in my seat the whole time "Millie" was out
A massive snake
A chameleon
A very cute and fluffy meerkat
...And a tortoise (but I didn't take a picture of that)
Meanwhile I got to hold an exotic, but cute little monkey goober
And yes, I washed her hands very thoroughly after this!
I'd like to post more blogs more often of everyday happenings. There are so many precious moments I'd like to remember and share with our family and friends.
Last Thursday (July 24th) Ellen and I were having lunch when she asked to look at the ketchup bottle. She started "reading" the letters on the front. By the time I grabbed my mobile to take a video she had stopped, but I thought it'd still be nice to post the video.
This was a very precious moment - Ellen and Brenna playing together in Brenna's room, and it's a great example of Ellen's funny personality.
This summer has been the nicest summer I've had while living in England - meaning, it's been warm, even hot, sun all day long and very few rainy or even overcast days. We got out the paddling pool last week. This was Brenna's first time in a swimsuit and paddling pool.
The girls are patiently waiting for me to get the water warm enough by pouring 3 kettles full of water into the paddling pool, despite having filled the pool in the morning.
Ellen said,"It's like a bath... outside!"
Me: "Ellen. Say cheese!" Oh, the reluctance to look at the camera. The straps kept falling off her shoulders, so I finally convinced her just to take them off.
Our rhubarb plant has grown this much from being just a root a month ago. Jeff's aunt gave us the root while we were in NI last month.
We thought it'd be fun to go to Chirk Castle in Wales on Saturday, since Ellen is becoming increasingly interested in princesses. Ellen was only 5 months old the last time she visited this castle, so another visit was due.
Daddy and Ellen played a little croquet in the castle gardens before lunch.
We found a shaded place for our picnic. Brenna was napping in the pushchair/stroller.
Brenna loved rolling around and stretching out on the picnic blanket after her nap.
I was wowed by this giant, beautiful hydrangea.
In the garden
A very bright and colorful flower
We never actually made it into the castle, but we spent some time in the courtyard catching up with friends of ours from Shrewsbury.
Brenna Boo can now sit up in a Bumbo seat! She only lasts 5 minutes or so, but she loves being part of the action during our meals and I love having two hands to eat!
On Tuesday, a few of us from my "mum's group" got together and the girls made pizzas, even the pizza dough!
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