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 ...