Your first 4th of July!

Dear Eleanor,

This weekend was your first 4th of July. We didn't see fireworks but we did take you on your first outing to the Minnesota Zoo. I really wanted you to see the large saltwater aquarium with the bright colored fish & you really seemed to like it. You were watching the fish go by while daddy held you up to the glass. We also walked through the rest of the zoo and were able to feed the giraffes. That was a first for me too. A couple of weeks ago you also went to your first parade. The parade passes right in front of grandpa Klimek's house in Fridley & we sat in his front yard to watch it. You stayed awake for some of it & seemed to like to watch the floats go by as well as the marching bands. I think you enjoyed the licks from my lollipop best though. I also took you to a butterfly garden at the Como Zoo. You were babbling the whole time, I think maybe talking to the butterflies. Lots of firsts for you this summer! As i'm sure you know, your daddy is a bird watcher, I call him a bird nerd. We took you on a long walk around Fort Snelling to look for birds and saw quite a variety this weekend. It is so fun to be able to expose you to all of the fun things I remember doing as a kid.

I have been so lucky to be able to stay home with you and see all of your milestones so far. I started working just weekends after you were born and you stay home with daddy while i'm at work so you get some quality time with him too. A few weeks ago you rolled over from your tummy to your back & now you've done it a couple of times since. You've started reaching for toys and other things recently as well as babbling up a storm! Just a week ago you finally discovered your feet & haven't left them alone since. You are so smiley & animated in the mornings, it makes me think you will be a morning person, which will make life easier for you once you start working. You love bathtime, kicking & splashing in the tub. When you're a little older we'll start swimming lessons. I hope you'll be a better swimmer than I am! Enjoy your summers, they go by so quickly.

Love,

Mom