besties & boyfriends | 1st mother's day

If Elliott has a best friend, it's Ava Claire Campbell, the adorable daughter of my friend Jennifer who I worked with at the library. Ava was born one month before Elliott, and we have play dates for the girls as often as we can. They used to just "parallel play," pretty much doing their own thing side by side and occasionally stealing toys from each other. But the last time we got together, they actually played with each other, passing a toy car back and forth like two little buddies who know how to share.

Jennifer has been a true blessing in my life, especially this past year as I learned to become a mom (she's an experienced one, with two teens under her belt.) Between designer hand-me-downs, great advice, and a shoulder to lean on whenever I needed one, she has been a great friend and absolute savior. I really don't know what I'm going to do without her! I am going to miss her and Ava so much when we leave, and secretly hope we can set the girls up as pen pals someday (what do you say, Jennifer?) Here is a picture and two sweet videos of the girls playing together the other evening, after Jen's dear husband Jerry fed us a delicious meal:

Besties! (5/8)

They'd be even cuter in bathing suits!


Why buy toys when chairs are so much fun?

Now to the boyfriend portion of this title. OK, I wouldn't exactly call him her boyfriend, but there was definitely some cute baby flirting going on the other night between Ellie and Simeon, our friends Tim and Elizabeth's little boy. He is a few months younger, but they still look good together. (Don't worry, Amy, we're moving far away from this possible suitor and closer to Jack!) Tim, Elizabeth, and Sim, we're sure going to miss you, too - and your food was also delish!

Hey, little girl! Look at me - no shirt! (5/6)

The nonchalant shoulder touch maneuver

More proof that toys are unnecessary!

While we're on the subject of baby friends, I'll add another cute picture of Elliott with our friends Larissa and Scott's little 2-year-old Evie. We didn't hang out nearly enough with this very cool family, but we're so glad we got to spend the time together that we did!

Major sweetness! Evie & Elliott (5/4)

And finally, I got to celebrate my first ever Mother's Day yesterday! What a surprise when Ellie presented me with a card and flowers. She is so thoughtful for an 11-month-old!

Yo, Mom. Here's your card! (5/9)

I had to put your flowers on the porch because they make me sneeze.
Achoo!