7 Months

Shockingly, Gabe will turn seven months this weekend. We're in the thick of my favorite part of babyhood: chunky thighs, big toothless grins, and a real beginning of personality. (Unfortunately we're also still dealing with the sleepless nights.) I can take or leave the first six months of a baby's life - but now the fun begins.

People are always saying how much Ellie and Gabe look alike, so i threw together this little side-by-side. Ellie's just a couple weeks younger than Gabe in this shot. And no, I'm deciding they don't look alike at all. But Gabe does have Aunt Barbara's hair.

Morning Playtime

When people found out Ellie would only be 16 months when Gabe arrived the general consensus was "the first year will be insane, but then they'll play together and that will be awesome." I know we're far from the end of the first year, but I present Exhibit A: The Light at the End of the Tunnel. This kept them both occupied for about 15 minutes. And yes, it was awesome.

Sibling Bonding

"Wait - you're telling me my belly button did what?!"

Also

This is my new favorite picture. EVER.

Grateful

There was a time this summer when I really didn't know if I'd ever get a picture like this - my dad chilling on the couch with his grandson. Life is good.

Block Party Part 2

So our neighborhood held a block party on Sunday. Yay! Years ago (a lifetime ago, really) Bri and I used to share a studio apartment on the Upper East Side. It was the size of a postage-stamp, but was the last apartment before the stairs to the roof - so we considered "private roof access" part of the package. The landlord may have disagreed, but that's beside the point. Anyhow, we used to routinely drag half our furniture up the stairs to create an outside living room for parties. In the same spirit - we moved the backyard to the street and "chillaxed" all day.

There was quality time with Uncle Mike...
And Aunt Melissa...
Pizza!
Disagreements about how many cousins can fit in a tiny plastic car...
And giant balls to be chased.
And finally a potluck dinner with some of the best knishes I've ever had.

We also realized that on our street alone there are three Ellie's all about the same age (our Eleanor, an Eliana, and a sweet little boy named Ellis). Plus an Elya who (thankfully) doesn't go by Ellie. Calling these kids to dinner is going to get darned confusing.

Holy %#&*

When did my baby become this big kid who slouches through the apartment with her hands in her pockets?

Block Party Part 1

Ridiculously dirty face? A sure sign of a super fun day.

Today was our neighborhood block party, and oh boy are we exhausted. Brian thinks he's going to stay awake for tonight's Eagles game, but my money has him coming to bed before halftime. More pics to come tomorrow but this one was too cute to wait.

And on a completely unrelated note - Welcome to the World, William Daniel Valentine! My dear friends Maggie and Danny welcomed their son on Friday night. Hopefully we'll get to meet him next weekend. He's a lucky boy to be born to such fantastic people.

Just Because We Could

Happy Anniversary

Our anniversary was technically Monday, but Brian and I finally went out to celebrate last night with oysters, clams oreganato, Old Bay shrimp, and more crabs than can possibly be a good idea. All while sitting out on a deck overlooking a canal. And don't forget the pitcher of Bass. Plus, no kids! 7 years. Happy anniversary, babe.

Mommom Doris

Here's Gabe and Mommom Doris, his Great-Grandmother. Sadly, Poppop Eddie passed away in April. He was one of the Edwards honored by Gabe's middle name. (It's also a long-standing name in my family, including my father and brother.)

Poppop and the Gabe

Little Swimmer

I don't think we're ever going to get her out of the water.

Beach Day - Ellie's Photo Blog

"I really need to hire better help."

"Sunscreen is very important. And yes, Dad is wearing Mom's hat."

"But isn't he cute sitting with my brother?"

"Mom hung out with him, too."

"I think I can get behind this ocean business."

"Especially if it comes with a pedicure!"

Baby's First Dairy Queen

Ya think he liked it? He screamed for more between every bite.