Lucy turned 7 months old on Thursday November 19th. With the help of Grandma Ruth, we documented 24 hours of her life. I thought this would be fun to go back and look at some day. Enjoy.

Here’s what we’ve been up to lately. Enjoy.- Just Pics

Our Halloween Costumes (Ginny Weasley, Butterfly, Caterpillar, Harry Potter)

Ben casting his spell

Lucy shows off her rolling skills

Grandma Ruth with Jack the monkey

Grandpa Gary with George the pirate

Ellie's first Pony Ride- she is still talking about riding "Charlie"

Picking out a pumpkin

Posing for the obligatory pumpkin patch pictures

Eleanor gets to hold a baby rabbit- I love this shot!

Going on a hayride at the pumpkin patch with Grandma Ruth

Lucy at 6 months- Learning how to crawl

(Warning, long post, pictures are at the end.)

Eleanor turned two on Sunday. The weekend was filled with celebrations. Two is truly a milestone and Ellie has marked the past year with change after change. She’s gone from walking to running. Words to sentences. Crib to “big girl bed.” Diapers to Potty. Only child to Big Sister. Baby to little Girl.

As a mom, it is hard to express in words just how much I love, adore, cherish, and marvel at the lovely daughter God has given to me. Moms have the gift of seeing the unique beauty in their children. Here is what I see in Eleanor:

1. She is a gifted problem solver that will find a unique solution to challenges. Example, Ellie wanted to pull down the remaining streamers from her “Friesen Birthday Barracade” but couldn’t reach them. She wasted no time in announcing “stool,” then promptly found her little stool and arranged it to suit her needs.

2. She is a risk taker. With trying new words, exploring playgrounds, meeting new friends, attempting to sing, and even potty training Ellie attacks life with a “come what may” attitude.

3. She has a thankful heart. Ellie rarely forgets to say thank you every time I give her food to eat. “Tank you mama!”

4. She loves her little sister. Eleanor adores”Lucy Lu.” When Ellie takes a bath she will ask, “Lucy Lu bath too?” When Lucy smiles or laughs she gets the biggest smile on her face and will usually declare “Lucy Lu miling.”

5. She has a memory like a steel trap. Ellie can recall people, places, and events with uncanny skill. The slightest reminder can trigger a memory about something to which we thought she was totally oblivious.

6. She’s a hugger. Maybe reluctant at first, but when she comes around look out. It’s really a “bear hug.” (Pun intended).

7. She loves Broccolli. Enough said.

8. She cares about friends. Every night Ellie asks to pray for her friends by name. Starting with “Mama pay Dayla?” She even prays for Ezra and Porter even though they moved to Utah and we haven’t seen them in a while.

9. She loves to make silly noises and silly faces. Her understanding of humor amazes me. I think it stems from her analytical mind. She is fascinated by what makes people laugh. Once she finds the right button, she’ll keep trying to push it again and again to get the response she desires.

10. She’s just Ellie Bear! I have a song I sing to Ellie. I call it the Ellie Bear song. Lately she asks for it by name. Sometimes before bed she will look at me, tilt her head to the side and ask sweetly, “Mama sing Ellie Bear.”

Being Silly with Lu

The one and only Ellie smile

Tummy time with Lucy

A more contemplative Eleanor

Sliding in the backyard

The Birthday Barricade

Birthday Cake that Mom made

Lucy is three months old today. I’d like to share a moment that I hope to remember always.

This morning the four of us were sitting on our bed before getting ready to go to church, sort of a Sunday morning ritual. I was holding Lucy and trying to get her to smile, which is pretty easy, especially if you are mama. Lucy began cooing (agooo, ahhh, ahhh) and smiling, and then to our surprise she laughed. It was a chuckle really. Three times in a row, with the biggest possible grin on her face and the unmistakable Lucy Twinkle in her eyes. I am still in awe of what a blessing it is to be a parent. There I was holding one of God’s most precious creations, and if that weren’t enough of a pleasure, I was witness to her very first laugh. The first of many moments to come when joy is expressed aloud because it simply cannot be contained within.

I couldn’t choose from all the cute pictures I have taken of Lucy lately, so I just posted them all.

Lucy and her radiant smile- 3 Months Old

A Classic Lucy Face

So much to smile about

Loving Life

2 weeks old

One Month Old

Two Months Old

Some of our friends like to joke with us that we live on a farm. Apparently four chickens and a vegetable patch qualifies for a farm these days. Our house is nothing, however, in comparison to Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Gary’s house. This past Friday Ellie spent the day with Grandma picking corn and tomatos then eating them. Instant gratification, just what toddlers live for.

Ellie in the Hen House

Picking corn off the stalk

Showing her bounty

Ellie finds a "mato"

Finally, enjoying the "fruits" of her labor