Pool time with Mama and friends!

My friends and I went to the pool for the first time on Friday- it was so much fun! At first I was a little nervous, but it turns out swimming is just like taking a bath with your friends in a really big tub.

There were lots of toys to play with, like balls and fun noodles and rings. Right away I found a foam "d" (for Daddy!), and I carried that with me while I swam. Later I found an "E" (for Elsie!), and I hung on to that one, too.

My friends and I played swimming games that the lifeguard taught us (she even sang the silly songs for us). I really liked "Motor Boat, Motor Boat" and "If you are happy and you know it (blow some bubbles)" and "The Grand Old Duke of York."

We had two hours to play, but most of my friends lost interest after 45 minutes or so. That didn't bother me, though- I played and swam and splashed and kicked for an hour and a half before Mama decided it was time for me to go home and take a nap! I LOVE the pool!

Cooper family time in Dubuque

On Friday night and Saturday I got to stay at my Cooper Grandparent's house and play with two of my cousins (Lise, almost 2, and Claire, 4), uncle Will, and aunt Kate.


I really liked pulling Claire's hair! How does she grow it so long like that?


Having some naked walking time with Grandma Ann.


Sharing toys with Lise.


Aunt Kate is really nice!


I wonder which side of the family I got my blue, blue eyes from? :)


My cousins are lots of fun, but sometimes it gets to be a little much for me and I need a break!


I learned how to stand on Grandma and Grandpa's couch to watch cars go by...we even saw a puppy! Woof!

Meeting a Great-Great Aunt and Uncle!

Mama, Daddy and I drove to Dubuque, Iowa, to have lunch with some relatives I'd never met- a great-great aunt and uncle (on my mama's side)! Helen Beth and Galen were in town to help Wartburg Seminary celebrate the 125th anniversary of its mission work in Papua New Guinea- the very mission work that led my great-great aunt and uncle to meet and eventually marry.


It turns out that great-great-aunts and uncles are lots of fun! We laughed a lot, and they even took me to a New Guinea museum so I could see the beautiful masks, jewelry, tools, and handcrafts made by the indigenous peoples. I liked the photos and model boats the best!



Helen Beth and Galen eventually had to leave Dubuque to start the long journey home to Fargo-Moorhead, MN. Check back tomorrow to learn about how I spent the rest of my time in Dubuque!

Aw, Mama, stop taking my picture!

Playing in the less-warm weather

It was a rather cold week, but Mama and I were brave and played outside anyway.


I liked hanging out on my blanket while mom did some spring yard work.


We even took a trip to a "big kid" park where I got to play on a big swing.


Mama thinks it looks like I am terrified in the picture, but I am actually giggling.


I'm getting so good at walking that I tried to convince Mama to ride in the stroller while I pushed her, but she thought it might be dangerous since I am still too short to be able to see over the handlebar. Which is probably true. Maybe next year.

Lambing time on A-Z farm!

On Sunday my friend Hannah went with Mama and me to A-Z Farms to see the lambs. Boy, were they cute! I got to pet them and watch them run, and I got to pet baby bunnies and chicks and piglets and calves. Oh, and the question Mama keeps asking me? The one about what the duck says? Well, now I know! Quack!

The many faces of Elsie Rose...

...as photographed by my friend, Stella, at a recent play date. My favorite is the last one of Elsie and Stella's son, Henry, reading a book together (completely un-posed). Elsie was so happy, her feet were kicking too quickly to be captured clearly!

Date night!

On Saturday, Mama and Daddy had their first date night since I was born. They got all dressed up and went to the Epic Red Carpet Anniversary Dinner with Uncle G and Kristin.



I REALLY liked Mama's necklace- she should wear that all the time!



Everyone had a great time, and the night was a success!

Hanging with the animals at the Henry Vilas Zoo

Mama took me to the zoo to play with my friends, Edie and Nico, last week. It was so much fun! We saw tigers and lions and giraffes and rinos...so many fun animals! My boyfriend Nico had fun pushing me in my stroller, and Edie and I talked while standing on a bench together. What a wonderful day!

Playing in the warm weather

I love playing outside! I'm glad the snow is leaving, because there is so much fun stuff to learn about out there. And so many things to eat! It's fantastic! Mama keeps trying to stop me from putting the things I find in my mouth- she sure has some strange ideas!

Swinging!