August 2010

August was filled with fun times with friends and family, lots of 1sts for Ellie and was marked by a major milestone for Willem with the start of preschool.

Thanks to a few of our great friends along with generous Grandmas, Ellie has quite the wardrobe!! In general she is in whatever onesie happens to be within arms reach, but a few days we had fun playing dressup. Here is a picture of Ellie in her 1st pair of shoes.

Ellie hanging out with her friend. She's fascinated by stuffed animals.

This month Bandaids became a cure all for Willem's ailments. Bandaids can make any boo boo better immediately. We try and talk him out of putting them in his hair but after bumping his head on the counter, this is where he felt the bandaid was needed. (Fast forward 2 months, we now have a new bandaid rule... Bandaids are only for ouchies where blood is flowing. If not enacted, we would have needed to buy stocks in the Bandaid corporation. So far this month, no bandaids were handed out:)



We were able to spend quality time with Tia Julie this month which was great!! Tia Julie quickly realized that napping with Ellie was not possible as it has been with Willem as her best buddy Willem was ready to entertain as soon as little sister fell asleep. Visiting us is more like taking a vacation to a communal farm. Early wake up calls and physical labor:)

Ellie's 1st bath. She was pretty tired during this bath but she put up with it. After this go around we timed the baths better and they are a huge hit. Ellie lays back and relaxes and enjoys the pampering.

Ellie and Willem's 1st bath together. Sounds great in theory as it exponentially increases the chances of our children being bathed, however, decided we will hold off on tring this again for a few months. The water was quite relaxing for Ellie and soon we saw yellow bubbles rising in the tub. Willem was not too impressed with the 3 minute bath.

With the temperature falling to below 110 degrees this month,Jason and Willem ventured out on a bike ride.

Ellie sleeping peacefully with her Daddy and OomRik. This month Ellie has been our night owl. Back in the day a bedtime of 11pm or midnight would have been great, however with Jason getting up between 4 and 5 for work and Willem rising around 7, sleep is a much desired commodity around here. Once Ellie gets to sleep though, she sleeps like a champ. She's nowgoing 5-6 hours before feeding and likes to rise around 10 if we don't wake her prematurely for a family outing.

Gigi and Willem trying out the new swing.

Dad takes Willem on a train ride during our trip to the train park with Opa, Lita, Opi and Oom Rik. How could this have been Oom Rik's 1st trip there?? What awful city guides we have been.

4 Generations of Weiss'

Willem putting up with all this picture taking!!

Ellie loves being held while she sleeps so we found a creative way for her to sleep comfortably in her co-sleeper for times when we don't have multiple adults here anxiously awaiting their turn to hold her. Some may worry about this method, but it has worked great and gives her the pressure she needs on her belly to feel secure.

Smiles:)

Ellie's 1st time swimming. Those of you not in Phoenix may laugh, but it was a bit chilly that day with the temperature dropping to about 95 and it being around 4pm. (note the shade) Ellie and I didn't last too long but she did seem to enjoy being in the water.