April, 2005
We had a cold, cloudy April, except for a few very nice days at the beginning of the month, when we were finally able to get outside. We explored a playground only a few blocks from our house, were Elisa enjoys the swings and running around in the grass.
Generally this month, Elisa has been a good eater and a good sleeper, making it through most nights and sometimes taking a bottle at about 2am. Our "go to sleep" routine at this point involves a few laps around all the upstairs rooms (calling out each picture). She finishes her bottle on our bed, followed by about a half hour of antics, including standing and dropping face first into pillows and tickling Daddy.
Elisa uses every square inch of our house as play space, so the lack of a dedicated play room is hardly her concern.
On Saturday mornings, Daddy takes Elisa for toddler swimming lessons. Elisa loves the water.
She has no problem putting her face in the water to blow bubbles or getting completely submerged, which the pool instructor encourages.
Now that we have a U.S. visa, we were free to visit Zia Teresa and Zio Luigi's house.
Teresa and Luigi have a grassy hill in the back yard, which is great for running fast.
Elisa trying on her new swimwear collection.
Elisa has a play date with Merideth.
Merideth's mom, Tonya, with Vicki and Elisa in the back yard.
Nonno turned 85 years old. Luigi cooked a whole pig to celebrate.
One big candle has to stand in for 85 little ones.
Elisa loves her Nonno.
Jim and Melonie bring their new baby for a visit.
Alfie shovels strawberry cake into an eager baby.
On Thursdays, Vicki takes Elisa to a toddler gymnastics class, which is basically just a great indoor playground with lots of padding.
Elisa gets dressed up for dinner at Zia Linda and Zio John's house.
