Good Day Sunshine

Memorial Day Weekend

And just like that, summer is upon us. Has there ever been a more glorious Memorial Day weekend? The weatherman's calling for sunny and gorgeous for the next three days. Bring it on.

The three of us spent today in Prospect Park and tomorrow we're off to Cold Spring to visit with Maggie and Danny. Danny makes these killer cheeseburgers where the cheese is melted inside. He's a total magician, and I think I'll have two.

I submit for your approval...the happiest girl in the world...

...with the longest trail of spit ever.

Swing!

Ellie's first swing in the park!

7 Months

Sophie-Love

When Ellie learns to crawl I am 100% positive it will be in pursuit of Sophie. Three years ago we went to a local shelter looking for a kitten, but the fully-grown Sophie practically jumped out of her cage and made clear her intention to come live with us. Since then, I can't believe such a love-bug ended up in a shelter in the first place.

Sure, her razor-sharp claws are destroying my furniture...but I honestly don't know how so much love fits into such a small cat. Sophie wants nothing more than to adore her humans. She would rather sit on your chest than your lap, purrs loud enough to disrupt your TV watching, and would happily ride around on our shoulders if we would just learn to walk slowly enough.

As Ellie's interest in her surroundings has grown she's become absolutely fascinated with Sophie. She grins like a fool and squeals with delight every time the cat comes near. She bangs her little fists about Sophie's head and pulls out handfuls of kitty fur as she clutches at her. There is no "gentle petting" in Ellie's vocabulary. And Sophie? She sits there purring, loving every second, and only walks away when Ellie's abuse becomes particularly torturous.

So here's to Sophie, designated Ellie plaything and sweet companion. Poor kitty. If only she knew how bad it's going to get once the kid is MOBILE.

P.S. And what about Topaz? Our elderly curmudgeon doesn't express much interest in Ellie, and since he's been known to nip we don't encourage Ellie to pet him. So far, they pretty much ignore each other.

Made In Brooklyn

Happy Friday! After a rough week dealing with some work issues, a stomach bug, and general exhaustion we are REALLY looking forward to a relaxing Brooklyn weekend. Lucy is babysitting tomorrow night so Brian and I get to go out to dinner in the neighborhood. Let's hear it for date night!! And tomorrow day? NO PLANS. This never happens. So I'll be lounging in the backyard, reading a book, and playing with the babe. Small slice of heaven.

Sunday brings a street fair to the neighborhood so we're firing up the grill. Can't wait. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Emerging Independence

Sniff...It's like she doesn't even need me anymore.

Scenes from a Saturday Night

Mmm....smores...

Too windy to be outside, so we improvised...

And tortured the cats!

...and now it's FRIDAY!

Our first Friday off together, and there has never been a more beautiful day...

We spent the morning walking in Prospect Park with Sara and Pauly, watching the gardeners plant gorgeous blooms under a cloudless sky.

During the afternoon we picnicked with Missy (one of Brian's dearest friends from college) visiting from San Francisco with her family. Her youngest, Gabe, is only 2 days older than Ellie!


Finally, Brian and I spent the evening sitting outside by our chiminea, soaking up the fire. PERFECT DAY.

Tomorrow, my dad and Kathy are in town. Then Sunday we'll be hanging out with mom and Aunt Barbara. It's a busy weekend, but full of family and friends...we're so lucky.

Only Tuesday?

Oy...it's a super busy week at the office prepping for what should be a fairly intense meeting tomorrow. So here's an Ellie pic to appease the masses!