Our last few days in Wellington!

Oh how time flies! It is hard to remember our drive down here nearly 8 weeks ago, from MA, packed up nice & snug in the van with Felix & Matti.... seems like such a long time ago. Yet, I can't believe our 2 month vacation is nearly over!
We got to do so much during our stay here in FL, we were able to visit friends and family all over the state and are so grateful for the opportunity to do so at this point in our lives!
I was nervous that these last 3 weeks without Felix here might go by slowly, but we have been more busy than ever. Taking advantage of the awesome weather, Emma & I have gone out for post-nap walks nearly every day. Each Tuesday we went on an early morning exercise walk in the mall with Steph & Ava and some friends, played in the playzone there, then went with Ava to ballet. Thursdays we were invited to tag along for "Costco Thursdays" with Mamare & Saba, and Steph & Ava for a delicious hot dog lunch and some fun shopping and playing with the music display. Each night was filled with plenty of entertainment from Bubbe & Grandaddy prior to bedtime, and lots of assistance with dinners & tubby time! Emma even got to enjoy a semi-sleepover with her cousins one evening. We even had the opportunity to visit Ava at school one day. The fun just never stops!
The best part has been the constant playtime buddies. Gavin, Ava & Emma have been playing so well together, and she is really learning a lot just by watching them play- and they even include her and give her special jobs to do.

For our last weekend here, we went out to the park for some playtime and a picnic with (almost) the whole family! (Jackie was camping).
-Emma's first attempt at soccer. Sad to admit, but I was no help at all.

Juggling with Uncle Roger

Enjoying the views of the park with Bubbe on the "Princess Chair" swing.

Ava leading Emma over the scary bridge on the playground. Although, even SCARIER was what they found on the other side of the bridge!!!!!

Getting in some good old fashioned playtime in the backyard.

Ava & Emma at Costco, thumbing through the carpet selections.

Many people comment on Emma's unique running style.... I thought I would catch it on video. Unfortunately, the sand is no excuse- it is the same on sand or pavement. She has quickly earned the nickname "twinkle toes". (This video actually doesn't really do it justice, I'll have to catch a better one in the near future!)

A Beautiful Day At The Park

Well... maybe not so beautiful, but at least we could still wear shorts!

We met up with my friend Andrea and her daughter Sienna to play at the park this morning. Emma kept calling the sand "snow".... poor girl is going to be very confused when we get back home!
She has had a runny nose for the past week, which makes for even MORE drooling, so the bib is still a pretty standard piece of her wardrobe.


I like for her to try and climb and play by herself.... she is getting better and better and going down the slides on her own, but still a little weary of going down steps. The other day at our neighborhood park, she tried to walk UP the slide and when I told her no...she started to walk back down but slipped and fell... and her tooth actually chipped the SLIDE! A little blood, but she was just fine after some good old fashioned mommy hugs.


Hugging buddy Sienna bye bye.

Eli Matthew

Welcome Eli Matthew! Such a tiny little baby!!! I think Emma was his size when she was 36 weeks in the womb!!!!

Sweet baby Eli was born on Dec.27th at 8:01pm. Might I add..... that is the day I told Steph I thought he would be born! He was due Jan 11th.

As usual, she had a very easy labor, 2.5 hours total. I am extremely jealous, but happy everything went so smoothly.

Family photo. Ava is such a cutie big sister, she always wants to hold Eli and is very aware if he needs his binky or might be hungry. And Gavin is a great big brother- not shelling out as many hugs and kisses as his little sister does, but still a cutie!!!


Everybody was able to visit the new baby so soon after he was born, I am so glad we were here in town to be able to meet him so soon!! What a special event!!!

Although cold.... we are still enjoying our time in FL

Family portrait.......


Emma enjoying tea time with her friend Miriam, and Ava.


She is definitely my daughter...... eating her very own ice cream cone!


Private chat time with cousin Ava in the mall playzone.


Emma, Ava, & Gavin have a blast dancing to 'Supercalafragalistic' from Mary Poppins. Emma even puts on a fancy hat to dance around.



One morning during breakfast she actually requested to use the potty! I couldn't believe it... I took her out of the highchair and told her to show me where she wanted to go. I STILL didn't believe it, so I didn't even bother taking her diaper off... but the potty is definitely where she wanted to be! We went several times that day.


Snuggle time with Saba while Ava snuggled with Bubby. Emma LOVES her Saba- she runs to him whenever she sees him, it is very sweet.


Felix introduced Emma to his ipod. They enjoy sharing headphones together.


Chasing ducks in the park with Daddy.


We went to visit Mamare & Saba at their house, and Emma enjoyed putting the found money in Charlie. She now walks in their house and says "charlie, charlie" as she runs to their bedroom where he stays.

We have been getting in lots of quality family time. Unfortunately, Felix leaves to head back home on Monday.... so Emma & I will be without him for awhile as he is back home working and cleaning the house for us!! Hopefully we get time to enjoy some sun while we are still out here!!!

Check back soon..... I have news of our newest arrival, Emma's cousin Eli Matthew!!!!!!!!!