An Elie For All Seasons

When Elison was born, it was winter. December here is chilly, and sometimes there's snow and ice. Right after she was born, though, I didn't want to leave the house at all. For one thing, I could barely get out of bed without pain. For another thing, I didn't really want to expose her to anything when she was so tiny and vulnerable. So the fact of the cold was a good reason to stay indoors where it was warm, and where I had family to help out!

Both Grandma & Nana help K change Elie in hospital

My little glow worm

By the end of winter, though, if the temperature was above 40, I would bundle us up and Elie and I would go for a walk around the neighborhood. Even if it snowed or rained lightly. The stroller she was in during those early months had a canopy over it, so she was always protected. She actually only seems to mind the sun in her face, though, even to this day!

Once spring had officially arrived, we were out pretty much every day to watch the leaves grow and the blossoms open...

Our neighborhood is known for the cherry trees that line the main roads. It's beautiful in spring! Elie was a bit more aware of her surroundings at this time, too... not always awake, though! She would nap during most of our walks (which was the point, let's be honest) and so miss the last half of every walk we took. I hadn't yet gotten her onto a nap schedule, so it was difficult to get her to sleep.

Early summer had us at the nearby park to swing and slide... Elie really enjoyed the kid-watching as much as everything else!

Mid-summer and we were able to play in the little pool her Uncle Kyle got her... she got to explore water outside of the bathtub, which was a real treat for her! She also got a visit from her Aunt Eustacia, one of her namesakes... they took to each other very quickly!

Auntie E and Baby E

Of course, all the sunlight for a winter baby was reason for the squinty face she sports during the summer season! It was funny, though. We didn't complain! She loved sitting in the grass out back, pulling at the green blades around her legs, and often putting them into her mouth. She also loved the park and her pool. We spent lots of time in both places.

Elie charms friends at a summer party

Late summer and we were sweltering! Rain walks turned out to be one of her favorite occurrences!

Walking back from Musikfest in the rain

We also got to spend a week in Cape May, which was REALLY hot and humid! Beach days were preferred... though she didn't mind playing on the deck, learning to drink (and spill) cold water from a water bottle.

Playing in the water with Nana

A new challenge!

Dada squirting water at Elie, cracking her up & cooling her off!

Lots to think about.

Summer turned into fall, and we had new things to see and experience! Elison's Aunt Sharlene came in August, and helped celebrate Keith's birthday! We hated to see her go. Elie had so much fun with her auntie!

A new pink crown for the princess

With Auntie at Keith's birthday lunch 

Checking out the rocks

Swinging like a monkey with Auntie

We also got visitors from Minnesota, a few times last year! Bob and Ann came for some short, but sweet visits. Judy and Em came in October for a few days, bonding with Elie very quickly, too!

Judy and Emily with Elie

Saying "goodbye" to family

 We got out for lots of beautiful, sunny walks, too! Elie would smile when I got really excited about a particularly beautiful tree. She liked to hold and examine the leaves, too.... and I took her to my favorite cemetery: Nisky Hill. There are many very old trees there that are flush with color every autumn.

With Nana and Dada at the park

The view from the little park in fall

A variety of pretty leaves at Nisky Hill

Walking from Nisky with a bright leaf

On a neighborhood walk

And of course, we went to the pumpkin patch! There were so many photos take there that turned out so nice, but I don't have access to them, ha ha. However, here's one of my favorites, taken by Keith.

At the pumpkin patch

Snacking after a fun day at the patch

Every season has had new and exciting revelations for Little Elie... especially coming 'round to her first birthday, which brought with it the first snow of the season!

Birthday pancakes!

The birthday girl goes to join her friends

Chewing on a present

Elie's 1st birthday was a Pancake Pajama Party!

Elie also went to some of her first holiday parties! She had fun at both of them... although she caught her first cold immediately after!

Playing with The Girls

At another holiday party, having a blast!

She was entranced with snow... she loved watching it fall. She looks like a Snow Princess, I think.

Her first time seeing snow, on the day of her birthday

After a big snow, she got to slide on a mound of it

It's crazy how far she's come in a year... I'm happy that she gets to experience all the seasons here in Pennsylvania. I know she would be just as happy in California, but there wouldn't be the variety of challenges that she gets here... and also, this is where we are now, isn't it?