A Lesson in Genetics

When my mom teaches her genetics class, she passes around a picture of me and Tess. No one would ever guess from looking at us that we are sisters. Well, maybe the nose. And apparently we sound the same on the phone.

On the other hand, there are my children. There is absolutely no doubt that they are siblings. Here's proof. Here they both are at 4 months old, engaged in the same activity. Except for Imogen's lavender outfit and the cute crop of hair, they are practically identical.

And here they are at 4 months and 4 years old. They adore each other. Elliot makes Imogen giggle all the time, and they are each other's comfort when either gets upset. I'm so looking forward to watching them continue to interact and play as they get older. Here they are, having a grand time together.

Happy almost Groundhog Day! We here in Portland can't wait for spring so we can get back to jumping on the trampoline!

Everything Looks Better in Black and White

Imogen had her four-month doctor's appointment today, and she's doing great. It turns out she's tall for her age (just over 2 feet!), but she's still a little gal at 13lbs, 5oz. We started her vaccinations today (just one), and she was a champ. She barely made a peep and didn't even need to nurse to calm down after her DTaP shot (her brother always hollered like a banshee). We are doing an alternative vaccination schedule, and for anyone interested, I highly recommend The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert Sears. It is the first objective book I have seen on the vaccination issue, and it's extremely well-written and helpful.

I thought y'all might enjoy a few more of the pictures from my b&w photo shoot of the kiddos. I'm glad to know I haven't completely lost my touch after months of being out of practice! I much prefer the WYSIWYG of 35mm to the delay of digital for these candid shots. Here you go!


Have a great weekend, everyone!

Idgie in the Mile High City

Imogen and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Colorado. Idgie logged a lot of grandparent time, as you can see here.

And not to be left out, here's Atman, even though he's not holding Imogen...

We had a large gathering of family on my mom's side, and Imogen was one of four generations of women. Here we are: great grandmother, grandmother, mother, and daughter.

I also saw my friend-since-first-grade, Jim Curran. Lydia - you could have been in this picture. Call me, girl!

Imogen also met our longtime friends, the Haugs. She was quite popular with Ken, Mary Ann, Brad, and Cristiana, even though Brad is afraid of babies. You can see from the video that Imogen changed his mind.



Imogen was the amazing sleeping baby on the flight home and slept the entire time. She never sleeps that long at home. Maybe it had something to do with there not being an adoring big brother nearby. Elliot and Imogen were very happy to be reunited. I think she missed him as much as he missed her! Here they are in my first foray into 35mm black and white photography in a long time.

Thanks to everyone in the Mile High City for making our visit so much fun! We miss y'all already!

And You Thought Pterodactyls Were Extinct

I assure you, they are not. Because my children clearly have pterodactyl genes. Imogen, who will be 4 months old tomorrow, has discovered her voice. She is definitely her brother's sister, and I'm convinced she learned her skills from him. They can both out-shriek any prehistoric reptile, hands down. Elliot used his vocal cords in the very same manner when he was a baby. Though come to think of it, he still does that now! Both kiddos are capable of reaching remarkable decibels with shrieks ranging from utter joy to extreme frustration. Here is pterodactyl girl herself.



Imogen has also decided that she's a punk rock girl. She has a very rebellious clump of super-soft, super-mohawkish hair right in the middle of her head. It's very becoming on her.

And not to be outdone, here is Elliot modeling Papa's snowboarding helmet. Is he a cool cat or what?

And Aunt Tess will like this next picture, as she is responsible for our fashionable little girl. Apparently pterodactyls can be charming and hopelessly cute, as well as loud.

Imogen is also completely fascinated with anything placed in her line of vision these days, be it her hands or the package of spaghetti I'm opening for dinner. Here she is, little hobbit, coveting Papa's wedding ring.



Ok, now back to our little dinosaurs. We sure do love 'em.

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

Happy New Year, everyone! We had wonderful holidays here at the McElroy household. Nana and Atman were with us for Christmas, and despite the kiddos having colds, we had a great day. It was filled with stockings, presents, food, and even some snow. Really, snow! Here is proof of the first white Christmas in Portland in over 70 years.



Everyone got dressed up and jolly for the occasion. Here's little Miss Idgie in all her cuteness, and big brother Elliot and Papa in their matching Carharts.

Here are the stockings hung by the chimney with care (notice Imogen's new stocking, made for her by Nana), and Elliot having a big fun time pulling things out of his.


We had more than one Santa drop by on Christmas, as well. Here they are checking their lists twice.

And I'll leave you with a cute baby picture to ring in the new year. We hope you all had great holidays!

Peace!