My Favorite Necklace

As a reviewer for Mommies With Style I often get to research the latest and greatest products on the market. Most of the times the items are great. But recently one took my breath away. I'm working on the review so you'll have to wait for the full post, but let me give you a sneak peek at my absolutely favorite piece of jewelry—a necklace from Magic Dog Studio. This necklace was made by Jennifer Bunt. But it was also made by Ellie. See I gave Jennifer a self portrait Ellie had drawn and she hand-crafted a beautiful silver charm from the picture. Mark my words, Magic Dog Studio is THE place you will go to this holiday season and for all those special occasion gifts to come.

The Bestest Model

We had a nice little photoshoot yesterday to get the last image for the website. Ellie was a terrific little model! She was playful and very patient. Of course, after the shoot we headed over for some ice cream. After working so hard, she definitely deserved a special treat.

Slackin'

So I realized I have been majorly slacking over the course of a couple weeks with delaying getting my posts up. So if you're wondering what Ellie and J-man have been up to on any given day, I'll try to make the posts more timely.

In the meantime, enjoy some of these classic (and completely random) pics...

Science Lessons with Ellie

Ellie: Mommy can you turn on the tv for me. It helps me grown.
Me: Tv does not help you grow.
Ellie: That's what the commercial says.

Thanks Sprout. You're little slogan Let's Grow has had its desired effect.

The Baltimore Museum of Industry

On a warm sunny day a couple weeks ago, the kids and I strolled over to the harbor to take in a museum we'd never been too before. The Baltimore Museum of Industry was very interesting and hands-on. Baltimore has a rich history of being a working town and the Baltimore Museum of Industry highlights it all. From operating a linotype press to sitting in a mock-movie theater surrounded by movie posters of pictures shot in B'more, we found a lot to learn about and do. The museum is best geared toward school-aged children but we had a good time taking in the exhibits. For instance, did you know that Baltimore is the American birthplace of umbrella manufacturing? Fascinating I know. Try to contain yourselves.

So, if you're in the neighborhood (it's on the Federal Hill side of the water) you should check it out. It's situated right on the water and since it's not located on the Harbor promenade you'll most likely have a nice low-key visit. Enjoy!

The First Day

Ellie is off to a new school this year. Going to a drop-off program from a co-op (where the parents are very involved) has been a difficult transition for me. Considering it's only the first week, I may be in for some trouble. I've already had to resist the temptation to email her teacher to get a run-down of everything Ellie did the first day. A minute by mintue log would be nice but I'd settle for one done every quarter hour.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll get over it. Who knows, perhaps I'll learn to embrace the fact that I don't go into her school. Maybe I'll even look forward to not having to work in the classroom with all those rugrats. Oh who am I kidding? I loved participating in the inner workings of the classroom. I marveled at the way Ellie interacted with the other kids and how selectively she choose her activities. I loved their little conversations—how sophisticated they sounded for three-year-olds...

Oh, am I rambling? Ahem, ahem. Well then, let's get to the good stuff...pictures! Here are some from Ellie's first day.

Helmet

You know a kid loves something when he brings it to you and whines to have you put it on him. Jonah walked around much of the day yesterday and a good deal of time this morning wearing this lovely yellow number. Thanks for the hand-me-down sis!









Note the box of raisins in this picture. He doesn't go anywhere without them.

Our Big Guy

I should have realized that our little guy is actually quite a hefty guy. After all, the boy can eat! Lately he's been going through about three boxes of raisins a day* (yes it makes for some very lovely diapers) in addition to constant snacking and meals. Plus he's wearing a size 18 to 24 months very comfortably and his shoe size is only 1 and 1/2 sizes below Ellie's.

So needless to say I wasn't that surprised to find out at his 15 month check-up today that he's in the 95% for height and 75% for weight. Well actually I was surprised. Only 75% for weight?? He definitely feels a lot heavier than that!

*Note the box of raisins in his hands. It's in every picture I've taken over the last couple days. It's this fall's most fabulous accessory—that is according to Jonah at least.

Ellie the Photog

It seems as if Ellie is travelling in her daddy's footsteps. She snapped this picture of Dave with the digital yesterday and I have to say, it's better than some of the ones I take. It's a pretty good shot for a preschooler don't you think? But I have to watch out because before I know it, she'll be asking for her own camera! Let's hope she'll settle for a Hello Kitty instead of a Canon 5D.

Twice Yearly Baby Sale

Run do not walk to your local Old Navy to pick up some great deals on clothes for the kids. All Old Navy baby and toddler clothes are on sale and many are 25% off the lowest ticketed price. Take advantage of their closet cleaning to make way for their winter/holiday wear. Oh geez! Is it that time of year already?