The Parrillo Family

Hard to believe, but Eloise c ame into our lives one year ago today.  Looking back, I can't belive she's done so much in just one year.  She met her best-ie Maisy , met some friends , relaxed in the sun , traveled to NYC , made a trip to Google , picked out pumpkins  and helped us select our Christmas Tree . She's grown from a little 7 lbs 6 oz peanut into a rompin' stompin' toddler whose curiosity is unending and who expresses love to everyone she meets.  The transformation has been breathtaking - and taking this (short) walk through memory lane brings a lot of smiles to my face. While I wish she would stay this size and demeanor her entire life, I know that's not reality.  I am excited to stand right behind her as she grows and experiences life and all that lies ahead of her.  I hope she'll always know that she is LOVED and supported in everything she does.  I whisper to her "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE" before we go to bed - and I want her to take tha...

This seems kind of silly, but Eloise got her big girl car seat and I am really struggling with it. She was still a baby when she was in her bucket. She looks so much older in the convertible seat. I know she is more comfortable and she is safer. I just loved the bucket days. She really is turning one! She is still getting used to it and doesn't love it quite yet, but I am sure she will when we are able to turn her around.

Eloise was able to participate in choosing our Christmas tree this year. Last year, she was may have caught a glimpse of it in between feedings and naps, but she was hardly alert enough to pay any attention to it. She is very interested in it this year! Moran tradition is to take a trip down to the Tammen Treeberry Farm in Wilmington, Illinois. We go the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving and purchase a few trees- one for us, one for my parent's front hall (my mom's fancy tree) and one for their family room. The visit usually includes getting lost on the huge property at least once, lots of pacing in between trees and lots of breaking the peace with screams across fields when we lose each other. Choosing three gorgeous trees works up an appetite! We headed over to our usual lunch spot at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In for cheese fries and burgers. The food isn't... good... but its a typical greasy spoon with a huge menu and a generous serving of cheese. Eloise broke from...

Eloise had a very exciting first Thanksgiving! We started the day with the parade and some baking. We headed to the Coyles to celebrate with the Parrillos. Through some careful calculating, we were able to have dinner with all of Jake's sisters, our nieces and nephews, and Noonie and Papa. It was very special and very delicious! We scooted out right before dessert (unfortunately!) for dinner with the Morans. Uncle Charlie was home from New York. Great Grampy, Great Great Uncle Frank and Great Uncle Greg were also there to chow down. It was, as always, a perfectly prepared and tasty meal. I think Thanksgiving was made for people Eloise's age! Everything is soft and easy broken down into pieces. She had turkey, corn, stuffing, sweet potato, beer bread- you name it, she ate it! She LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Grammy's cranberry sauce. I have had to start buying frozen sweetened cranberries as a snack. Eloise is a cranberry fiend!

Eloise had her first trip to the American Girl Place on the day of her eleven month birthday. We had lunch in the Cafe with her cousins, her Grammy, her Noonie, her aunts (including Aunt Lisa) and Sophie and Juliana's Grandma Mary Jane. Before and after lunch, we did a little shopping. Grammy even bought Eloise a birthday present while she wasn't looking. Lunch was quite fancy, with pretty china and several courses. The grown-ups had champagne cocktails. Eloise had a little of everything, but enjoyed her mac and cheese. I think the best part for her was sitting at the head of the table, watching some of her favorite people interact. She loves hanging with the girls! American girl has come a long way since I was little! My mom would pick the dolls out of a catalog (no website, no stores!) and order it over the phone. When Eloise is old enough to enjoy them, she will inherit Kirsten (now retired), Felicity and Addy dolls. I think we will even send Kirsten to the spa at the A...

Eloise had been pretty good during mealtime. She didn't try to grab her bowl or spoon. I don't think she knew that was an option... until now. She thinks its hilarious to dip her spoon into the bowl and try to find her mouth. She makes a huge mess, but with all the giggles, its worth it!

Eloise must watch me talking on the phone. She grabbed our home phone today, put it up to her ear and started chatting... I'm pretty sure she is saying "Hi!" I never taught her to do this, we don't play with the phone. Its getting a little scary- she really watches what we do! Also note the curly hair!

Eloise is eleven months old! She has been for a few weeks, but the holidays are here and there isn't a lot of time for blogging. Photos this time around were the hardest they had ever been. She will not sit still for a moment. We gave her props, Jake was making his silliest noises and she wanted to be anywhere but in front of her banner. I had to bribe her with Cheerios. Good thing she is cute and can get away with it! Eleven months means purposeful "Da Da Da," although almost everything, including Daddy, starts with the letter D. Bath, Maisy and Granddad are all "DA!" Exceptions include MAMAMAMA, ho ho ho and "IIIIsh?". We're not sure what that last one is. She is saying Ho Ho Ho Ho for Santa. Video to come! She has taken one step on her own, towards some cheese. She has considered doing it again, but she always chickens out and drops into a crawl. She thinks its pretty silly! Jake and I really thought she would be walking by now, but she ...

Jake, Eloise and I took a trip to the Morton Arboretum a few weeks ago to see the fall leaves changing color. It was the perfect day for a picnic in the trees. Eloise was able to try out our new hiking carrier and she LOVED it! She was dancing and laughing as we walked around. After a walk and a little drive, we headed to West Chicago and Sonny Acres . I have been visiting this small farm for their pumpkin patch since I was in kindergarten. It was so fun to take Eloise there. Almost nothing has changed. It isn't the fanciest patch, but it definitely has the right amount of kitsch. Eloise loved the wagon!

Eloise is ten months old! The past month brought two teeth- and lots of ibuprofen, poor baby. She looks so cute when she smiles big and shows off those tiny little chompers. She is eating more finger foods, including spaghetti and grilled cheese. She loves both! Eloise gives sloppy kisses when she is in the mood. They are the absolute best. She has also started standing on her own. It started when she would briefly let go of the coffee table or her crib. She would giggle for a moment and then snatch the crib rail. Now she uses other things to push herself up and squeals with delight until she falls on her tush, as evidenced here, pre-tush fall: She seems a little camera shy and we don't have a good video of it. Hopefully, we will be able to share that soon! Here are the rest of her ten month photos. We also took a trip to Champaign last week for U of I's homecoming and Eloise's first Illini game. She enjoyed it thoroughly, particularly all the clapping as the I...

Eloise learned how to clap by watching all the happy guests at Rachael and Tim's wedding. Here she is, showing off her skills! I love the sweet little noise her hands make.

We spent a weekend in August in Bloomington to celebrate Rachael and Tim's wedding. It was a sweet, casual wedding, with a ceremony at a chapel in the trees and a big party in the couple's backyard. It was the perfect way for Eloise to have her first dance with her daddy. The weather was perfect, the love was palpable and there were good friends everywhere. We had an awesome time!

Visit to Erin and Cooper- photos and kissing babies Day at the park

Eloise is nine months old! This month has brought more crawling, more climbing and more talking. She loves stairs! Our house is on its way to being fully baby-proofed. She has become very chatty- ma, la, da, ba. She will imitate raspberries for her daddy. She learned how to clap at our friends Rachael and Tim's wedding. The clapping during the ceremony scared her a bit, but by the time dancing started she was doing it on her own. We took a trip to Michigan for a gorgeous late summer weekend and apple picking. Eloise loved hanging with her cousins Isabelle and Grant. They even found a tiny little apple for her. As always, we took a million photos with her pony and her banner, as well as a few from apple picking.

Eloise is eight months old! She celebrated her eight month birthday in lovely Isle of Palms, South Carolina with half of her family. Grammy, Granddad, and her Uncles and Aunts from the Moran side took a trip to the Charleston area and had a wonderful time. Eloise did such a great job on the flights and quickly got used to sleeping in a tent. We rented home on the beach (with a pool) and took a few trips to the beautiful city of Charleston. Charleston rocks. Eloise is crawling at a rapid pace and climbing on anything that will hold still. We still haven't found anything that she doesn't love to eat. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. She wiggles like crazy and changing her diaper has become quite an adventure. She is also considering standing on her own. She climbs up on the coffee table and lets go for just a brief moment. She has also discovered the stairs. Mom and Dad will soon be investing in some safety gates. Here are some photos of our little eight month old!

It took almost eight months and a coordinated visit from Rick Bayless and the Parrillo Dyer family to get Eloise to Google. We had a wonderful time! Izzy and Grant went crazy over the candy dispensers, coolers full of soda cans and office scooters. Noonie and Aunt Sharon enjoyed a gourmet lunch from Rick Bayless (of Frontera Grill, Topolobombo and Xoco) with amazing tortilla soup and guacamole. Eloise was on her best behavior so that she didn't distract Daddy's coworkers with her cuteness. Here are a few photos from the day. Chef Bayless was kind enough to sign a cookbook for the Wheeze! >

Props again to my phone for catching this magic moment! While watching Eloise scoot across the kitchen floor, my mom said that it reminded her of a special moment in my life. Shortly after I performed my own army crawl, she walked into my bedroom to find me standing in my crib, laughing and so proud of myself. Sure enough, one week later...

A little video of Eloise crawling for the first time! It is so cool that I always have a little video camera in my phone. I am able to catch these special moments. Eloise is moving much more quickly now (and climbing! Oh the climbing!) but I will save that for next month!

It was pretty awesome to spend a few days with my college roommate Laura and her little Owen. Laura and I got pregnant at the same time. She called me to tell me that she was pregnant, and even though only a few people knew about our little miracle, I couldn't help but blurt out "me too!" Their due dates were 10 days apart. Owen was born one month early, but they still ended up being one month and 10 days apart. They first met on a road trip last March and we crashed their trip to Chicago earlier this summer. Laura was back in town just in time for my birthday. E and O just love each other. There were lots of smiles, wrestling and toy grabbing. We were sad to see them go! Here are a few photos all courtesy of Laura.

So... a little late on the seven months post. Please forgive me! Eloise started crawling and climbing this month. My computer and I hardly see each other any more. I spend Eloise's precious nap time doing dishes, laundry, taking a shower and, on occasion, napping. E's seventh month included a week in our beloved Coloma, Michigan, her first fireworks, Mommy and Noonie's birthday and a visit from my friend Laura and her adorable Owen. Grammy, Granddad, Elise, Bill, Peter, Elise's friend Jenny and the McAllister family joined us in Coloma for the Fourth. The weather was absolutely perfect. Lots of sun, yummy food and margaritas! We ventured out to the Paw Paw Lake Golf Course for bags and a drink at their lakeside bar. Granddad and Peter took the tube out on the boat. We took the boat back out that evening for some fireworks on the lake. Fireworks on Paw Paw Lake are absolutely amazing. You can see a show from private homes and the nearby cities. So lovely! I had...

Six months also meant a trip to New York to see Uncle Charlie, Aunt Sasha and to wedding dress shop for Aunt Elise. My mom, Elise and I went for a weekend and it was over before we knew it. Eloise did quite well on both plane rides! She got a little fussy as the cabin pressure dropped, but after a quick meal she was a happy baby. On the way out, we played with toys, drank apple juice (first time!) and did silly things with her pants. I changed an explosive diaper like one of those Nascar oil/tire change guys. No, I don't watch Nascar, but I know they are speedy. We had the most kind-hearted flight attendant on our flight out. I wish I had written her name down. I would write a thank you note to American. She was so accommodating with all our baby stuff and was always checking on us. To be honest, everyone at O'Hare was amazing- even the TSA staff. I was so nervous about holding people up, losing things and forgetting to leave the 4 oz of Balmex at home. I had no reason...

If you like baby giggles, enjoy two great videos of our kid in a swing.

Here is E on her 6 month birthday, scooting across her grandparent's kitchen floor. She has come a bit further since, but this was a pretty exciting moment! She is chasing one of her favorite objects- liquid. Anything in clear glass is great motivation to get her moving!

Oh boy, 6 months! Neither Jake nor I can believe she has hit that milestone. She is growing so quickly now. It seems like she is doing something new, exciting and life changing every week. We are writing this a little late, so we will hold off a few major events for the 7 month post, but here is where she was at as of her 6 month-a-versary. She went quickly from holding herself up when propped up on her butt to sitting up on her own. She has been eating small bits of solids- we celebrated her 6 month mark with applesauce and banana chunks. She loves solids! Since that day, we haven't found anything she hasn't enjoyed. She started "army crawling." We will post a video, but she basically uses her arms, legs and occasionally her face to scoot along a smooth floor. She is rolling, pulling and sitting to get to a desired object when on a rug. She has also started swim lessons. She just loves the pool! She watches the other students in her class very carefully,...

Our girl had her first trip to the park today! We went with her cousins Grant and Isabelle. She loved watching them run up and slide down the slides, swing up high and laugh as they played follow the leader. Daddy even got in on the fun. With just a little support, Eloise can sit up on her own... until she sees something shiny over her shoulder. Jake and I need to keep our hands pretty sterile as E is putting absolutely everything in her mouth. She is rolling from tummy to back and back to tummy. She is in love with her Maisy. She will giggle up a storm when we play chase the reluctant dog, or when we play hide and seek. Our little girl is growing up so very quickly! Here are a few of the photos from our trip to the park!

We had a few 80 degree April days, and we all celebrated by filling up the wading pool in the Marini's backyard. Although Jake received a lovely inflatable giraffe pool for his birthday, we had to borrow the Marini's wading pool.. Once we buy a bike pump, the pool parties will be happening in our yard! Of course, we took some photos of our little fishy's first day in the pool. I am so excited to sign her up for swim lessons this summer! We also caught Juliana with her eyes open.

After some of her happy little giggles, Eloise shows us how she can roll over. She had been doing it all afternoon. I think this one wore her out! As you will see, bedtime came shortly after making this video. My laughs at the end were because she was sucking on her mat and making the most hilarious sound. It looks like she is having a hard time breathing and someone should call DCFS on me, but her nose was clear of the mat :)

Eloise is four months old! We celebrated her cousin Juliana's baptism on her four month birthday. The Marinis threw a lovely party on a gorgeous day. We snapped a few photos of E the next morning. She is now rolling over onto her belly ON PURPOSE! At first she hated it and wasn't sure how she got there, but now we are finding it hard to get her to sleep on her back. She did a great job of sitting up for the photos and smiling for me. She is still a fast mover and the camera is starting to distract her from whatever cute thing she had been doing. She is also laughing and talking up a storm. We are loving having another happy little voice in the house!

Our little girl is starting to express herself in plenty of ways.  The most rewarding is with some laughter.  You can see her giggle a bit in the video below (those of you reading this via email, you have to click on the headline to see the video!). She's growing up very fast and can now

Eloise, mommy and Maisy spent some time in the yard today. Little E loved my sunglasses! Baby toes in the grass! Elvis baby! Happy baby! I can't wait to enjoy the rest of this lovely week with her, and to see her chubby thighs in a swimsuit this summer.

Eloise is three months old! She celebrated her first three months of life with lots of family. Her cousin Juliana was born early Tuesday morning, and the family all gathered to spend some time with her. Eloise gave Juliana a good once over, and decided that she is just as cute as can be. These lucky girls will be able to grow up together, attend the same school, maybe even be in the same class! We took a few photos of Eloise in one of my favorite outfits. Her Granddad brought a few back from his trip to Paris from a shop called Nataly's . "Nataly's" is written on all the buttons, and one little top even says "Nataly's, mes amis et moi" which I believe translates to "Nataly's, my friend and me." Here is that top, plus a slideshow of her three month photos.

Last week, we took Eloise to see her Great Grampy in Oak Lawn.  We spent a few hours with him talking about family, his travels, and art collection! While Eloise is fortunate to have all of her grandparents around, she's extraordinarily lucky to be able to spend time with her Great Grampy.  He's the only Great Grandparent left and he loves seeing her smile.  For her baptism, Great Grampy gave Eloise the sweetest gift - and something she'll treasure for her entire life. She also wore at her baptism a bonnet that Great Grampy gave Natalie for her baptism.   As for Great Grampy's art collection - some of which you can see over his shoulder - Eloise couldn't keep her eyes off of some of the paintings.  They're from places that they traveled all over the country and world!   We can't wait to make another visit to Great Grampy's house!

Yesterday morning, we took Eloise to breakfast at Egg Harbor in Downtown Elmhurst with her Aunt Sharon.  While Sharon is a pro at Egg Harbor (she's a regular!), it was the first time for Nat, Wheezie, and I.  Sharon joined us right after her morning routine at the gym.  Eloise couldn't have been happier! Sharon really enjoyed spending the morning - Eloise's best time of day - with all of us.  We're lucky that she lives so close and can meet up with us on such short notice

She soooo wants to talk it seems.  (For those of you reading this in email or via feed, click through to catch the video.)

Eloise is two months old! The photos were much easier this month as she was sitting up with a little less help. She is also moving pretty quickly. You can't really tell from these photos, but she was smiling and giggling the whole time. As soon as the camera would snap, the smile would be gone. I think I need a faster camera! Her hands have also found her mouth. It was a bit of a struggle keeping them apart.

Dear Wheezie, 2 months already. I am so happy and - at the same time - sad that you are growing up. You are getting stronger everyday. You kick with strength and are starting to hold your head up under your own power. All pretty impressive feats. But that's nothing compared to your smile. You've finally figured out how to smile - really smile - at times. When we play on the floor, I've been saying repeatedly "da-da, da-da, da-da" and after a bit you give me a smirk which works it's way into a full out mouth-open smile! There is NOTHING in this world that beats that moment. I can't wait to share more happy experiences with you throughout our lives together. The past month took you on your first of two trips up to Michigan. Coloma is a place of very strong happy memories for me, and I hope that it becomes that for you. We made one short trip followed by an entire week of relaxing. You spent time in South Haven, St. Joe's and Holland and aside...

Love, Eloise

Posted on Jake's Blog here first. Coming home from class two nights a week, I get to barely see the babe before she's off to **bed** for the night.  (I'm using 'bed' loosely.  It really is a bassinet at the side of our bed and she's in and out of it throughout the night for feedings and changings and what-not.) It is a wonderful feeling to come home to a family and one that makes me race home safely each night.  When I do get to spend some time trying to get her to sleep we share a little song together.  One that was pointed out to me by my good friend Neil as a good lullaby.  He was right.  It's a good daddy/daughter number.  For all those dads out there, hopefully you can share this with your babe's too!

Eloise is just starting to appreciate her toys. She likes those that play music, rattle or have mirrors. Fortunately, her little play mat has all three. I wasn't able to catch her playing with her toys on this video, but I swear, it has happened. Her happy little coos made this video worth sharing, anyway.

Jake talked about what he likes to sing to little E. Here are my two favorites. My Darling, Wilco Its no surprise that Jake and I love Wilco. The lyrics from this song are so sweet, I cried the first time I read through them. Yes, having Eloise has made me a little emotional. Lullaby, Ben Folds Five Kind of a silly, dreamlike lyrics, but I love the chorus.

Eloise has just started sharing "social smiles" with us. It is still a little hit or miss, but she will smile when she sees either Jake or my face after a bit of an absence. She will smile back at us when she is relaxed and playful. They don't always last very long, but I was so happy to catch this big, gummy, grin. The only thing cuter than that smile are her three chins. Cutie patootie!

Here is our new family in front of our gorgeous Fraser Fir. It was such a magical Christmas. Jake and I couldn't stop dreaming of the days when we can tell E about Santa and share all our traditions with her. We were so excited that she was there- so little at one week old, but still celebrating with us.

A little late, but still exciting. Little E is happy and healthy at one month. Mommy set her up in the living room with her cuddly little horse and took a million photos. Here are some of our favorites. Happy days, my love! We can't wait to watch you grow!

...and brought the cutest outfits for Eloise!  We can't wait to put them on and strut around the neighborhood this spring. How nice of her to spend Sunday morning with us - and she even said she liked our coffee cake (which Jake made!)!

(Originally posted on Jake's blog here .  If you're not reading it, well....you should be.  Go subscribe via email .    Get goin.  I said...Get go-in!) When we arrived home with the babe from the hospital, we were greeted by this home-crafted sign on our dining room windows. Nat's mom and dad came over, shoveled our snow (so did Equation Boy/Man), brought over a "Birth Day" cake, left behind some presents and hung up this cute sign.  All very thoughtful gestures.  But the sign stands out for a few reasons.* First, it was hand-crafted.  I hate to use the term home-made; that makes things sound amateurish; and this thing is anything but amateur.  Dianne used some pretty cute fabric and strung up the sign in Nat's preferred lower-case letters.  But, the other really interesting aspect to the sign is that it is re-usable (as in not temporary).  Not as in....take off this girls name and slap up another one if/when we have another kid ...

Some nice lady from Daddy's HR department sent me some new clothes! Guess who's feeling lucky today? Me!

Stay with the video until the end.  It is worth it!

"I don't want a bath." "Trus

Eloise sure is! Bunker down tonight, Chicago.

Eloise had more visitors this week! Nat's good friend Gina came by and visited for a few hours. She's a mom in her own right, so she knows her way around a new born. And...Jake was happy because she brought pizza! Also, before she went back to California, Nat's long-time friend Amelia stopped by and spent a some time with Eloise. We're lucky to have such great friends!

We're just beginning to figure out how to handle all of the visitors - and one of our first was our good friends Matt & Suzie. They came by for a visit and gifted Eloise that cute hat! We're looking forward to seeing more friends in the coming days and weeks.