Ellie had to bring a good number of toys out with her. She read a story to her Elmos (she told me today that they are brothers). 
And then put them to bed.
Maren had a good time too, checking out the pattern and texture of the porch chairs. 
Don't you just love Elvis', I mean Maren's, curled lip? 
Welcome back, warm weather! We missed you.
Can you tell who my favorite photo subject is? Yeah, that's because she holds (somewhat) still.
Nick had made me flowers, a card, and breakfast. Oh, and a small box of chocolates he had gotten at work. (What can I say? We don't believe in buying Valentine's presents for each other.)
That evening we had our own romantic candlelight dinner at home, complete with three year old (by the time we actually were finished cooking our meal, the baby was in bed). 
First course: crusty Italian bread with roasted red pepper dip.
Second course: Chilled banana and coconut soup.
Main course: Ravioli Caprese (cheese, chicken, spinach stuffed ravioli tossed in lemon, basil, and olive oil) and bacon wrapped asparagus.
Dessert: Chocolate souffle with chocolate whipped cream.
The food was DELICIOUS, but even better was making a big mess with my wonderful husband in our kitchen. It was a wonderful evening, despite a mad Maren and an ornery, nap-deprived Ellie. 
My goodness, how time flies. I swear, it just keeps going by faster and faster. Maren is already 6 months old! I took her to her doctor's check up today and she is developing well and is a healthy baby girl. She is 16 lbs. 12 oz. (65%) and is 25.8 in. long (50%). Apparently, she didn't really grow any taller in the last two months (she was 86% then). The doctor said that that's normal though. She also is a very good sitter, but doesn't roll over. The doctor also said that it's common (I learned that about 25% of babies don't roll before they are sitting), and developmentally, sitting is much more difficult than rolling, so he wasn't worried at all. That makes a mom feel better, ya know? We all want normal children. She is loving eating some solid foods. Others not so much. She squeals in laughter at her big sister and says "mom mom mom". Speaking of 'mom', she has become particular about who's holding her. That's good (makes this momma feel loved), but also very bad (she's been known to scream for babysitters and Grandmas and Grandpas). She loves her jumperoo and slobbering on toys. She is such a sweetie. 
