End of Summer

As the end of summer (vacation) nears I feel a little bittersweet knowing that a new school year is about to begin, but I will not be there. This is the first in the past 7 years that I am not at work getting my classroom ready.  I am not cleaning, organizing, and eagerly anticipating the new school year ahead.  I am not writing names on name-tags and wondering what this year will be like.  I am not sitting in professional development sessions or meetings.  I am not getting ready for back to school night or endless beginning of the year testing. Instead, I am thinking about making Eva laugh with my funny faces and noises.  I am thinking about going for walks through the neighborhood, attending book babies at the library, meeting other moms and their little ones, and spending time as a family on Chris's days off.

I am missing a part of the old me, but loving this new chapter and adventure.

two months

Wow!  I'll say it again, how time flies!  Eva celebrated her two month birthday on July 12th.  She was in quite a different mood compared to her one month birthday.  This month she was more subdued and relaxed.  I didn't get as many smiles from her this time, but I was able to capture another side of Eva, the calm, quiet observer side.

Eva's two month milestones

• smiles when she recognizes someone (she LOVES uncle Zach)
• moves her head from side to side to track objects
• talks a lot more-seems to be at the end of the day
• loves to play with the hanging toys on her play-mat
• developing a routine/pattern of sleeping and eating habits
• Eva has found her fists!  She attempts to put both in her mouth at a time!

Marlena and Chris's two month milestones

• falling more in love with Eva everyday
• better able to recognize Eva's needs

Family Time

 Although I usually spend my days with Eva, Chris often only gets to see her on his days off from work. Often, she is sleeping when he leaves and sleeping when he gets home.  Therefore, he really takes advantage of our time together as a family.  Most days we like to at least get out of the house, even if it is just for a walk or a bite to eat.

This week we decided to load up and head to the mountains.  In Colorado we have lots to choose from, but instead of heading West on I-70, we headed South on 285.  The drive was beautiful.  Eva soaked it all in rarely making any noise.  She is definitely an observer.  We made a few extra stops here and there. You know, change Eva's diaper, feed Eva, give her a break from her carseat!  At last we made it to Kite Lake (just outside of Alma, the highest incorporated town in North America)!  The scenery was beautiful, the weather not as much.  It wasn't horrible, just a little windy and a bit chilly.  Eva didn't really like the wind, but handle it well.  We had planned on hiking more around the area, but it was just too chilly for the little one! Chris did manage to get some good pictures though!

Afterwards, instead of heading back home we decided to go to Breckenridge.  It was just a quick drive North.  Breckenridge has lots to offer in the summer, hiking, biking, rafting.  But, we decided to just walk around and check out all the shops.  They have a little of everything.  We even took a little break and got some good pictures of Eva.

"Gosh Mom, enough pictures already!"

At last, we decided it was time to eat dinner and head back home.  Chris and I have always enjoyed meals out, but we usually have a hard time deciding where to eat.  This time it was a quick decision.  We headed towards Dillon to eat at the Dillon Dam Brewery.  Remember how I said Eva was pretty quiet the entire trip, soaking it all in?  Well, once we arrived and settled in for dinner she had LOTS to say!  It was fun sitting down as a family and listening to her ooo's and aww's about our day.  Some of the other patrons may not have been as thrilled at a few of her high pitched noises, but overall she was very polite!

It was a wonderful day trip and I look forward to many more!

Chris's Mad Photography Skills

This past birthday/Christmas my family was very generous and bought me a new camera (something I have wanted for a long time).  I have always enjoyed photography and was super excited to use my new toy to get back into taking pictures.  I am slowly starting to learn the ins and outs of my camera (with a little help from my amazing photographer friend, Jessica).  Well, during my pregnancy I wanted to document my growing belly.  Considering it is difficult to take my own picture Chris stepped in as photographer.  At first he would just point and click.  The pictures weren't bad, but he could use a couple pointers.  So, I began with what I remembered from photography class in high school (which wasn't much).  Slowly his pictures began getting better and better.  And now, I think I have created a photographing monster!

Here are a couple of my favorite of Eva...

Then, there are these...just some experimenting with flowers and bees!

Independence Day

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a favorite in the Smith household.  Other than celebrating America's Birthday, Chris loves the loud booms and dangerous fireworks and I enjoy time with friends and family.  This year was a bit more special because it was Eva's first!  She partied like a rock star. Since this is favorite holiday I splurged and bought Eva a darling outfit that said "Little Miss Cutie." On Independence Eve we enjoyed the fireworks from the Home Depot parking lot in Glendale, Colorado. We grubbed on pasta salad, fried chicken, and crack corn (aka Clinton Kelly's Sticky and Sweet Popcorn), enjoyed lots of family time, and watched the fireworks.  Other than a little startle with the first big booms Eva didn't actually watch the fireworks this year...she slept.  Everyone else spent their time starring at her!!!

Gran with Eva admiring Uncle Zach

Great Aunt Karen and Eva

Great Auntie Rochelle and Eva

Uncle Tom and Eva (she took a mild break from crying in order for me to snap this picture!)

On the actual fourth we headed to the Highlands and participated in the People Parade.  It was fun seeing all the American pride!  Lots of red, white, and blue.  All of the kids were adorable!

Even this Little Lady!

We then headed to our friends house for good ol' BBQ!  It was nice and relaxing.  The boys went shopping, prepped and cooked all of the food, and even did the clean up!  In the meantime, Rachel and I enjoyed a glass of wine and adult conversation.

After a day in the sun and good times with friends we were all ready for air conditioning and quiet time!

Miss Photogenic

The Pool

This week on Chris's day off we journeyed to the pool.  Our new place has a very nice pool area.  There are lots of tables and chairs, sun and shade.  Staying in the shade we stuck our feet in the pool.  Eva even took a little foot dip.  She isn't quite ready to fully take the plunge, but considering she likes baths I can see a swimmer in our future!