Long Island City

A trip outside will always soothe Ellis when she gets a little fussy. Sometimes it's hard to get everything together and get out of the house quickly, but it's always worth it when we do. Getting outside everyday has really helped me too. I can get a little stir crazy after too many hours inside.

Today we walked to Long Island City, enjoyed brunch at a new Latin restaurant and popped into P.S.1 to check out some art. We even discovered a great second hand children's clothing store in the area.

I love the piers and park along the waterfront and can't wait to enjoy it more next Spring when Ellis is older and the weather is warmer.

An unexpected date & 2 months of Ellis

This morning we took Ellis to the pediatrician for her 2 month well visit. I was excited to see how much she has grown, but nervous for her to get her first big round of vaccines. She's grown so much! Ellis now weighs 13 pounds 5 ounces and is 24" long. I guess that means she's two feet tall, but nobody ever says "tall" with infants since they aren't really standing. Ellis handled the shots really well, even though I was almost in tears to see her in pain.

We spent a relaxing afternoon at home after the doctor, then decided we needed to get out for a walk and possibly dinner. We wandered over to Williamsburg and ended up at the well recommend restaurant Walter Foods. It did not disappoint! Ellis slept in her stroller the entire time and half way through dinner we realized we were actually out on a date . . . babysitter or not. It was such a nice treat. We even splurged on some chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

Fall walks

We've had some pretty pleasant fall days this week. I've been trying to take advantage of the nice weather by taking long walks around the neighborhood. It's so great to not be in a hurry or to even have a real destination. The motion soothes Ellis and the exercise will hopefully take off the rest of my pregnancy weight. I feel good, but I would love to fit into all of my pants again so I don't have to buy new ones when I go back to work!

Ellis and her mobile

Marijke had sent us this beautiful wooden mobile before Ellis was born. It's always been hanging above her changing table, but a few days ago I decided to move it further down. What a difference! Ellis cannot stop staring and gives the sweetest smiles when I give it a spin. It's amazing to see her growing and discovering the world around her. I had just as much fun taking these photos.

A few other photos

Mommoms visit

Last week Mommmoms flew up from Florida to meet Ellis. It was really special to see the two of them together. We mostly took it easy around the house, playing with Ellis and watching some favorite shows on TV. Mommoms was introduced to Thai cuisine during her last visit and couldn't wait to have it again. I never need convincing! Her visit was short, but well worth the trip. Ellis is so lucky to have 6 great grandparents and I can't wait for her to meet the rest of them!

Ellis on the bed

Spent a few hours this week trying to get a photograph of Ellis smiling. I wasn't able to capture her full smile, but did manage to get a few other adorable expressions.

Our little pumpkin

Uncle Mike sent Ellis a very cute pumpkin outfit for Halloween. It fit her perfectly. We went to Central Park yesterday to see the changing leaves and had a little photo shoot.

Welcome Roman!

Many congratulations to David and Simone on the birth of their son Roman! He's adorable and healthy and I am sure will be as much fun as his big sister Sophie. We were so excited to meet him yesterday. Roman and Ellis are only 5 weeks apart. I can't wait until they are old enough to play together. For now they are both happy to hang out with their Moms in the BabyBjorns!

Sitting pretty

Ellis vs. the Giraffe

One thumb up

Fall Sunday

The light was beautiful yesterday afternoon. Erik and I took Ellis for a little walk around the neighborhood and enjoyed our last (possibly!) outdoor ice cream of the season.

5 weeks

This was probably our busiest week yet. I made it out to the new Moms group in the neighborhood on Tuesday. There were about 10 other Moms there and it was so great to talk with everyone and see all of the adorable babies. Ellis was on her best behavior. We had a few gorgeous fall days this week and it was so nice to take a few walks and introduce Ellis to the park. That same morning I took Ellis for her one month pediatrician appointment. She's gained 2 pounds in her first month and is putting on some very cute baby fat in her legs, arms and face. Even her fingers are a little rounder!

On Wednesday, we ventured up to the Upper West Side to visit Simone and Sophie. Simone is going to give birth any moment now and I really wanted to visit before the big day. Sophie is going to be a great big sister. Watching Sophie play in Central Park makes me really excited for when Ellis will be an adorable and active two and a half year old. After that I met up with another mom in Greenpoint for a beer. It was my first beer in months and it tasted so good!

On Thursday, I had a follow up appointment with the breast doctor. The week before she had done a needle aspiration (sounds more painful than it is) to help with my clogged milk ducts. Things are looking better and despite the setbacks with breastfeeding, I am relieved that Ellis has been a great eater and that I haven't thrown in the towel...or the boob! After the doctor, Erik and I took Ellis to our offices to meet Paul, Alison and my FSG family. It was surreal to be back in the office after a month. Thankfully it made me excited about designing again when I return in January. Hopefully loving my job will make those first weeks away from Ellis a little easier. That night we went out for our first dinner at a restaurant. We're learning that going on off nights or a little earlier will be the easiest with a baby.

On Friday, Marijke and I went to Dumbo to visit Josephine in her new studio. What an amazing space and view! Then it was into the city for a little shopping and Sara and Kari's birthday party. Everyone was so excited to meet Ellis and I was so excited to catch up with friends and have a night out!

On Saturday, we had a nice last brunch at home with Marijke, said goodbye and went into the city to meet up with the families from our childbirth classes. It was so neat to meet all of the little ones and to share stories with the other parents. We even managed to do a little photo shoot on the bed. The "baby orgy" (as one Dad called it) was one of the most hilarious and fascinating things I have ever seen.

Marijke's Visit

Yesterday we said goodbye to Marijke after a really great three week visit. It was so nice she was able to come to NYC for as long as she did. We had a lot of fun and she was such a big help with Ellis, the doctors, and everything else. We really got to know each other and I will always look back on these early weeks with Ellis and picture Aunt/Tante Marijke there.