Melina is 3! And welcome home, Elliott

With due dates that were exactly a day apart, we knew there was a pretty good chance that Elliott's birthday could be the same as Melina's or at least very very close! As it happened, because he was 3 weeks early, not only do they have different birthdays, they also have different birthday months - good job, kiddos! Because Elliott was in the NICU though, we made it home with just a few days to spare before Melina's birthday. How exactly we managed to pull off a family party for her just 3 days after coming home I don't actually know - lots of help, I think! And a bit of pre-baby planning since we knew that things were likely to get a bit crazy. :-) 

Elliott ended up having a 2nd transfusion while in the NICU, which prolonged our stay by a couple of days, however, we were so happy to still be in the rooming-in room during this time. 

Some dad time with Elliott during his last days in the hospital 

A moment off the lights with mama.

Snuggles with Auntie Hallie

Meanwhile, Melina was partying with her PEPS buddies! Here's to 3 years and counting of great friendships! 

 Same group of kiddos at their 1st....

... and 2nd birthdays. Thanks to Kamm for making the T-shirts, each year!

Elliott all ready to go home!

Finally home and hanging out with Bubbie in the back yard.

Birthday dinner!

Aunt Hallie brought an ice cream cake. 

A little candle help from mama

Look at those presents! This is what a little bit of parental guilt does. 

Melina with her new balance bike. She loves the idea of it, but has not had a ton of interest in learning to ride it.

Taking the balance bike for a spin

Trying out the new Ukelele and gold cape from T-ma. Kinda like Elvis.

Finally we have some space outdoors for painting projects (at least while the weather is nice). 

Fingerpainting with Bubbie

Wearing her baby "Miss Clavel" in her new sling, made by Auntie Claire

 Already multi-tasking, baby-wearing and mowing the lawn with her bubble lawn mower from Auntie Hallie 

Auntie Hallie and Elliott

Roger with the new grandson.

Bubbie gets some time too.

Happy mama. Finally out of the NICU.

Everyone wants to hold Elliott

Snuggles with brother.

 Showing Elliott her caterpillar

He is clearly fascinated

 Even Misha wants in on the action

Ice cream with Bubbie at Seattle Center

Three generations (Elliott's in the carrier)

Morning hair is big, big, big.

Glam shot!

I think Elliott is wondering what he has gotten himself into.

 Goofy smiles from Lola hanging with mama Becky and Elizabeth

 Rob and June

College housemates, 15 years later! So good to see you, Chris and Mara! So happy to get all of our kiddos together.

K College alums! 

Melina had her first play date at our house with Ivy. They put the new yard toys and the costume box to good use. 

Happy Birthday, sweet Melina! This year you got a baby brother and all of the fun and chaos that goes with it! We have loved seeing you grow and are so excited to see you already being an amazing Big Sister. You are so full of energy, expression and life. Here are some of things you are up to now:

• You love telling stories! You communicate with your whole body, especially your hands and arms. We are constantly amazed at the detail and intricacy of your games and stories. This morning, you had us all searching for a bear, very very quietly and carefully and holding "bear tickets" which you handed out to everyone. When we found the bear, it turns out she was a friendly bear! 
• You love teaching people things! We think this will be an excellent characteristic as you explore what it's like to be a big sister!
• You love dressing up, singing and performing for us! You love putting on your tutu crown and inviting us to come to the "show"! 
• You have a healthy sense of humor and you love making people laugh, especially yourself!
• Here are some of your wonderful expressions. 

Three years on, the big eye is alive and well! 

 That's our girl, heading a basketball! Just kidding - this is just after she threw it.