Step One

This week marked a major milestone in Ellie's school career.

She had her first day of drop-off preschool.

We have belonged to this co-op preschool for 1 1/2 years but I've always stayed at school with her.

I was a little worried about drop-off day since she wouldn't even play in the playground by herself last year.

But we've been talking about drop-off day all summer and much to my surprise it was easy as pie!

Happy girl! She was so proud of herself.

Ellie has talked about her friend McCormick ALL summer. He's such a sweet little guy and they actually stood still for a photo! Doesn't she look grown up??!! When I got her set up at the art table and told her I would see her later she looked up at me and said "bye mum" eeek! I felt a few pangs pf separation but I quickly got over it and ran to the coffee shop to enjoy a cup of tea and 2 hours all by myself!

Is this winter?

"Is this winter, mommy??"

That's the question Ellie has been asking the last few weeks. Summer definitely faded out with rain and clouds and Ellie seems to have noticed!

Good thing she has such a great collection of rain coats! Drew's sister, Aunty Neen, came for a visit over labor day weekend. Look at that family of blue eyes!!!

Bebe Belly

26ish weeks with baby boy

26ish weeks with Ellie (we had just moved to Boise) Wow, has life changed a lot in the last 3 years!

This & That

Since postings have been scant I thought I'd share some of the little nuggets of random info that have made our summer a busy one.

We are in the process of growing out Ellie's hair. It wasn't exactly by choice . . . she refused to get her hair cut. So it's getting longer and her bangs are always in her eyes. Fortunately, she likes having her hair done up in "pup tails." Here are her first braids. Not quite long enough but almost. We signed up for "Tot Soccer" this summer. So every Friday evening Drew and Ellie played soccer with about 20 other kids and 'coach Jeff.' It was pretty hilarious to watch the parents try to keep their 2 - 3 year olds focused on one activity for an entire 30 minutes!

Ellie is really into art lately. Body art that is.

We knew we needed to think about the stroller situation with the baby boy on the way but the thought of a double wide stroller made me cringe. Drew saw this 'Phil & Teds' at the park and loved it. It doesn't take up any more room than a single. But there was a problem . . . they cost between $400-$800!!! Ahhh.

So we had a yard sale and decided to put all the money towards our new stroller purchase. Unfortunately, we only made $175 bucks. BUT as luck would have it we found the exact stroller we wanted on craigslist for . . . $175. Now that's good karma! Even Ellie and Olin like riding in it.

Preschool starts next week! Ellie is so excited to see her friends from last year and Teacher Betsy. We went to a playdate/open house at the school a few days ago and Ellie loved getting back in the groove of school.

This year she has one day of drop-off and one day where I stay with her. I'm sure a blog post will be dedicated to the drama of drop off day.

We are also in the midst of potty training. So far, so good . . . with tattoos being the incentive. So if Ellie looks like a tattooed biker chick you know we're having a good day :)

End of summer visit

We just wrapped up a wonderful week long visit with my sister Michelle and nephew Jules!

Jules is 5 yrs old and just about to start kindergarten.

I really hate that I only see my sister once a year but I know Ellie will talk about her Auntie Michelle until the next time we see her. Already this morning she has been saying "My Auntie Michelle lives in Brooklyn. That's in New York."

Cousin Jules! Actually most of the trip Ellie just referred to him as "Cousin!!" Even though this photo marked one of only 10 minutes they weren't fighting, it was still great to see them get to know each other. The fam. Now the countdown begins to next summers visit!!

New addition!

We have a new addition to the Ocampo/Noble family today!

(And no, it's not an extremely premature baby boy)

Welcome, baby Bodhi

My parents, rather unexpectedly, returned from a trip to Victoria, BC with a 9 week old 'Shitty Bitch' (3/4 shitsu and 1/4 bischon)

He's super mellow and very snuggly. Ellie loved him right away, of course, and Bodhi was amazingly tolerant of a rambunctious toddler. His name means 'enlightment' but was really chosen because it's Ellie's favorite nonsense word. Sometimes she just walks around the house singing "Bodhi, Bodhi, Bodhi" (pronouced: Bodey) Welcome to the family little pup.

Summahhhh

I truly don't remember a summer with this much cold weather and clouds.

Drew is really sick of my complaining but even he has had to admit it sucks!

We've gotten in a few summer moments lately . . . here is a smattering . . .

Our 4th Anniversary was last week and let me tell you, the Nobles know how to celebrate!

Massages at Ummelina Spa in Seattle, dinner at Cafe Zoe in Belltown and watching the sunset from Kerry Park.

Sheer perfection!

Ellie finally discovered the sprinkler this week too. I've tried to get her to run through it so many times . . . of course the fact that it was bed time made trying it out much more enticing! Kai, Joelle, Drewby, DA and baby boy at 20 weeks Our annual river float in Twisp was full of adventure this year! I didn't float since baby boy probably wouldn't like THAT much bouncing so I went up to Sun Mountain Lodge and had a massage (in case you didn't guess - my rx for pregnancy = massages!) The rest of the group went on a 6 hour float and spent the last 2 hours dodging lightning! Exciting? Yes . . . Scary? That too. This weekend Drew is on his annual 'Man-cation' (i.e. hiking and surfing with his buddies) It's supposed to be fabulous weather! Welcome summer, you're only 2 months late!!!