Southern India in Seattle?

We found a great Indian place in the U-District that serves Masala Dosa, a southern Indian breakfast treat. Masala Dosa was one of our favorite culinary delights on our world trip and this place in Seattle is totally authentic. Masala Dosa is like a crepe stuffed with potatoes and other veggies with a curry magic sauce which is then served with multiple chutneys. It is delicious and on this same morning we also got to indulge in authentic masala tea (the real chai). Eliana had a special dosa made for her (less oily) and dug into the lesser spicy chutneys. These are the treats of living in such a great city like Seattle. Yummy! The pictures don't do it justice and I missed photographing the chutneys, but next time you visit us, we'd love to take anyone there!

Sick baby

We just got back from the doctor and Elle Belle has an ear infection. It's been a rough week, but we just feel horrible for her since she's so uncomfortable and we can tell she's in a lot of pain. Yesterday, the only time she was ok was when we were outside - so we went on a run and a walk....hopefully now the antibiotics (her first dose) will kick in and her fever will start to subside.

Ella Bailey Park

Every day around 4:00 pm, after Eliana's nap and just before the day is through, we head up the hill about 4 blocks to this magnificent park. Amazing city views and shots of Mt. Rainier (when it's out) plus brand new equipment. The best part, though, is that Elle Belle starts giggling when we get close to the park, even before we've entered. She knows where we are and loves it! Of course, then it's not so fun to take her out of the swing and back home, but it's amazing how much joy it brings her. This photo shoot happened to be on the weekend, so it was an extra bonus having Dad there!

Recent videos

First time with the walker


Guitar skills


Clothes sorting

11 Months

I was just looking at my pregnancy journal and was reading what we were doing a year ago. There was a lot going on....

This time last year we had traveled back to Colorado for my Grandma Gertie's funeral. She passed away the day after Nate's birthday and about a month before Eliana was born. She was an incredible lady and I was so sad that Eliana would not meet her. But, I do remember how much we could talk about the upcoming birth of our then 'boy or girl' and how much light it gave everyone at the time. The true cycle of life. Anyway, last week when we were in Colorado my Dad and I were talking how much Grandma Dahlgren would have loved to meet Eliana and watch her. One of the greatest moments Nate and I have had as parents has been watching our parents play with her and see the 'child' in them come back out. Although my Grandma didn't meet Elle Belle we are so lucky to have had her in our life for so long and to have been enriched by such an amazing soul. We sure do miss you, Grandma, but I know you're up there enjoying your time with Grandpa.

Also in my journal I noticed how many meals and dates Nate and I were sharing. We were definitely taking advantage of still being BC (before child) and it's fun to remember all that we were doing in preparation.

Well, now our little pumpkin is 11 months old. Her new tricks are: *using the baby walker, *cruising from object to object, *playing the guitar, *emptying the dishwasher, *sorting clothes, *climbing stairs and *learning how to push Mom and Dad's limits (i.e. blowing bubbles while eating, playing Dad's guitar and rocking the rocking chair into the fireplace).

She explores, enjoys and laughs. She still loves to read, take baths, swing, be outside and always has a huge smile when Dad gets home fro work. We are lucky to have you in our lives, Elle Belle! We love you.

















Thanks for my new walker, Grandma and Grandpa! It survived the trip back from Colorado.



Up, up, up!



Nor sure what happened here, but she's not too happy



First passport; all ready for an adventure, Mom and Dad!






Getting good at this sippy cup thing






Tired (rubbing the ear) and teething (fishhook)



Daddy dressed me for church









Miss Rosy Cheeks



Spaghetti!!







Helping Mom unload the dishwasher....oops! Those aren't clean dishes...

Sleeping Beauty

No pictures or videos to post here, just a quick mention so someday I can either put it in Eliana's baby book or we can check the blog when she starts to ask what her naps were like when she was a baby...

Well, today was a first for Elle Belle....her first ever 2 hour nap! She made about 3 phantom cries throughout and just when we were about to go get her out of the crib, she stopped and fell back asleep. Our little cat napper turned sleeping, snoozing baby (at least for today, that is!!).

New Year's Day

Having a snack in the snow


We spent the day snowshoeing in the Cascades on a sunny but crisp New Year's. Dad even rigged a nice bandanna around Eliana's nose/cheeks so they would stay warm; sacrificing one of his layers. Then we made a pit stop at the Snoqualmie Brewery on the way home to refuel:) What a fun day to spend with Auntie Anna on New Year's!