And Baby Larsen is...

Closet Redo

After our pile of coats and jackets at the bottom of the stairs multiplied (6 pairs of shoes and as many coats? There are only 3 of us!), I decided that we needed to make our coat closet more functional so we would use it.

We put a shoe rack in the bottom, and bought some coat hook racks to hang our coats on instead of the standard bar and hanger method.

It seems so spacious! We have room on our shelves above! We could put a hanging stuff holder on the back! It is amazing!

Mommy Goes Away (For the Weekend)

In a first, Mommy went away for the weekend. I needed to go to my Grandma's funeral, and it seemed impossible to pull off pregnant with a toddler in tow. The plan was hatched that I would leave early on Friday and come back in the afternoon on Sunday.

I tried to plan lots of fun surprises for Ella and Daddy while I was away. After leaving on an early flight, I was excited to see this cute video on my layover! Nothing makes you miss your toddler more than seeing them being cute and not having them nearby to do something un-cute to spoil the image.

I may have forgotten to do the laundry before I left...  but she picked out the outfit herself. 

One of Ella's favorite surprises was her new "cat house." The day before I left a neighbor posted on the neighborhood facebook page: "I'm leaving tons of toddler/preschool toys on the curb. I want them gone before my kids are home from school. What is left is going to get donated." We brought home bags of things, (Mari Kondo is cringing at the thought of me picking up bags of things on the curb. :P) The winner was definitely the tent/cat house. 

We prepared Ella the best we could for Mom going away. She seemed particularly excited at the thought of seeing the Thinkery! I understand that it was a hit! They also enjoyed the warm weather to visit the park. 

I had a quick, productive trip. It was good to see my family, and it was even good to have a little time away from my full time job.;) It was also good to get back to my happy family. 

Surprises for Ella

January came with lots of fun surprises for Ella! Better than Christmas? Maybe.
When Grandma and Grandpa came and visited they brought a fun kid sized table. Ella enjoys playing with it and tells us that "Grandpa  made this table. Grandpa worked hard."

Grandma left her shoes after visiting. Ella promptly claimed these princess shoes for her own. Sorry Grandma.

Ella also got new boots from our friend Joanie. Ella said "They are perfect! I'll wear them everyday." Joanie also gave us a fun toy stroller and our very own pink pony.

Ella's Resolutions