settling in & loving it

We are now here in DC, and after just a few days, almost every box has been unpacked and every household item organized. Phew! I love my husband for being just as anal as me (yet much more driven and calm), and I love his brother Steve and my mother for helping us out so much with unpacking, cleaning, and entertaining Elliott. Now all our helpers have left and it's just the three of us here, starting our lives together in the big city.

Just the three of us (and our new wagon!) (6/5)

I have to say, I am enjoying it here very much already. Today was Ryan's first day of work, so Ellie and I were on our own. Though I'm not yet brave enough to take her on the Metro and I'm also a little wary of driving through the city just yet, we spent a good part of the day exploring our neighborhood, and I'm officially in love!!! Every street off the main drag (Connecticut Ave.) is absolutely gorgeous and lined with beautiful, quaint old houses - mostly brick houses, brownstones, and Tudors. There are hills and flowers and big huge trees everywhere! (Yes, I missed trees back in Texas, so I am fortunately being paid back big time.) I could walk for miles and miles around here and never get bored looking at all the gorgeous sights (though the same can't be said for Ellie, who nearly fell asleep during our walk.)

Of course, when you feel like being amongst people, you just head down Connecticut and there they are - reading the paper, sipping on coffee, hustling to the Metro - and many of the young ladies looking far too cute for 9:30am, by the way. Though it's not the most hopping downtown, our neighborhood does have its share of restaurants and shops and a Starbucks (of course), and even a University thrown in the mix. Our building itself it filled with friendly people, and there is always someone to chat with or at least exchange a hello with.

There is also a playground just a few blocks away. I took Ellie there this afternoon to check it out, and man - this isn't the usual playground we're talking about here. In addition to the typical play equipment, there are a zillion toys and trucks and little tricycles that people donate to the park, and there's a HUGE sand-box to play in. I talked with a few other moms, and Ellie watched all the kids play. Since she's still too young to participate in much playground action, I thought she might be getting bored, but when I packed her in the stroller to go home, she threw a hissy fit. She didn't want to leave!

I should also mention that Ryan had a successful first day of work. He's undergoing all that fun orientation business that happens when you start a job. Lucky him! He is also happy to report that his commute on the Metro is less than 30 minutes.

Here are a few cute pics of Elliott, since I haven't posted many in a while (have to keep my readership happy!) By the way, she sprouted a bunch of teeth up top (for a total of six) and is also standing more and more with no hands. Her new favorite thing to do is whine until you pick her up, and then point to everything she wants to see and say "this" (sounds like "dissh") over and over. She also clearly said "Fudge" today, in reference to our crazy cat.

Just being cute and playful (6/6)

It was all clean. (5/7)

Coming back from the grocery store in her wagon (5/7)