More Fun Vistors

We've really enjoyed seeing family and friends lately. Last Thursday, my college friend Laura visited on her way from DC to St. Louis. Alaina quickly bonded with her -- Laura was willing to get down on the floor and play with her. We enjoyed a great lunch at Ripple Bagel & Deli (modeled after a place we frequented during our Miami years) and wandered through Broad Ripple (stopping at a small French bakery to split a cookie and a blackberry/white chooclate bread pudding). It was so fun having her here and introducing her to Alaina.
My parents visited again on the weekend -- Todd had to work all day Saturday so he asked them to come keep Alaina and me company. We went to one of my favorite places for lunch, did some shopping, and started my garden in the backyard with some tomatoes, basil, peas, and strawberries. It was so nice having my mom here to celebrate Mother's Day for us. Todd really made me feel appreciated through his words, acts of service, and gifts (on behalf of Alaina, too).

Alaina loved playing in the dirt!

Alaina is growing in so many ways lately. I really love this stage in her development (except for the occasional tantrums!). She seems to be acquiring a new word almost every day lately. I'm so excited to see what her next one will be (today it was "patty cake," which she loves playing with her dolls). She also can walk backwards now and feed herself with a fork. She is very affectionate and loves giving hugs and hugging and kissing her dolls.