European Vacation, part I

Get ready for a LONG one!


We've known for a few years that Grant would be one of two chaperons for the MUS in Europe program, where he'd be teaching upcoming seniors about art and photography. The option always existed for me to attend, but when I got pregnant we started to reconsider our plans and decided to make the final decision once Elliot arrived. It wasn't too long after she was born that we decided to make it a family event and I am so happy we did!

 I'll have to admit, the preparation for this trip was fairly intimidating and slightly exhausting. Packing for a weekend trip with an infant is hard enough, but 3 whole weeks?! I thought it would be impossible. As usual, I procrastinated with packing and even agreed to go out of town the weekend before we left for a girls getaway. (I'm sure glad I did though, because we had a great time relaxing on the lake and something I desperately needed!). We did our best to pack as light as possible (even for Elliot!) and here's what we ended up with:

1 checked rolling suitcase for Grant,
1 checked hiking backpack for me
1 more checked rolling bag that we had to pay extra for which held all the teaching supplies,
1 carry-on each (Elliot was allowed a 20lb-er)
Diaper bag with purse stuffed inside :)
*For a grand total of 7 bags. Not bad, right?

Grant would like for you to think that he carried them all the whole time, but oh no-no buddy. Momma carried her weight, too. And here's proof.

We're in the Paris train station here, waiting to board the night train to Florence. What followed after this picture was deemed my breaking point of the trip. And I'll tell you about that later :).
When traveling from city to city, I was responsible for this cutie, my hiking bag (better believe that thing was to the 50lb limit!), Elliot's carry-on and her diaper bag. After 3 weeks, I was begging for yoga!


The flight to Amsterdam and then on to Paris went quite smoothly. In fact, much better than I expected. Elliot slept for a little over half of the 9 hour flight to Amsterdam, thanks to this little bassinet. And a little Benadryl :). 

 We reached Paris in the early afternoon after about 15 hours of traveling. We boarded a charter bus headed to La Tourlandry. And what was supposed to be a 2-3 hour drive took roughly 6 hours to reach the chateau. There was one pit stop, no air conditioning, no ability to open the windows and yes, we were lost. By this time, all three of us had lost our minds and our patience. Elliot was exhausted, hot and needed food. And I thought everyone was going to kill us with how much she screamed the last hour of that ride!


But, we finally made it to our resting place and I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled through the iron gates and caught a glimpse of this place. I had a feeling it would be nice, but this was just unbelievable.

Since we arrived at dusk, I had no idea exactly how beautiful the chateau was until we woke the next morning and walked downstairs to the breakfast room. Each morning, we enjoyed french bread delivered from a local bakery straight to the front door, along with fresh fruit and yogurt. And since we were up way before the boys each morning, we were able to enjoy breakfast as a family. What I wouldn't give for this view at our house right now!

Elliot would scream each morning as we walked downstairs because she knew that bread was waiting on her!

 

Special Mother's Day bread as they celebrated June 3 this year and this was my favorite

She and I spent a lot of our days playing outside while the boys were inside having class. It was a bit of a challenge to keep her busy with just a handful of toys and a new environment, but we settled into a routine of events and I would try to switch them around each day.

We took strolls 

with and without the stroller

 

took pictures with Daddy

 

 

Played several games of petanque. Grant had been playing all week and this was my first game. Beat him. Fair and square. We're pretty competitive with each other and I think he was a little shocked after he talked a big game to the guys before I showed up :).

And we took more pictures!

I'm giving it my best shot here to try and make this girl laugh and this is what she came with. Ha!

This was "our" little chair. She'd get all her bottles in this room, in this chair. One of my favorite spots in the whole house. You could see outside in both directions and the best spot for getting the internet to work :)

We spent the first 5 nights (+ naps) like this. We thought jet-lag was the culprit in the beginning and I'm sure it partially was. But by day 6, we knew something else was going on. We opened the antibiotics we brought with us and once we started them, she was back to normal-sleeping all night. I thought she might have a small ear infection based on other symptoms and we're so glad we had that on hand. Because little did we know, we'd need those last few restful nights before heading off to other cities!

We went on several day trips throughout our 9 days at the chateau, usually leaving in the morning and getting home before dinner. Elliot and I went on all but one of these trips and loved every city. The first was Gerande. It reminds me a lot of a small town in Italy- San Gimignano. A little less medieval but equally as pretty. They're known for their fleur de sel and I'm kicking myself for not getting any!

Can you believe this face? Where does she come up with this?!

 

La Boule is about an hour from Gerande and we stopped here next so the boys could have a little beach time. It started out pretty hot and I was nervous Elliot was going to be so burned. But was relieved to see the clouds roll in because there were no opportunities for shade and the bus wasn't coming to get us for another couple hours. This is my kind of beach weather! Elliot didn't seem to enjoy it as much as we hoped she would.

I fell in love with this candy and pastry shop

Another day we stopped in Amboise to see where Leonardo DaVinci was buried. Elliot slept through most of this tour :)

And near the end of our time in La Tourlandry, we walked a few miles up the road to the local chocolate factory, Cesbron. Oh my. Now, I love chocolate, but mainly as an ingredient for other things- chocolate cake, pie, whatever. Eating a piece of chocolate just doesn't do it for me. But this was like nothing I've ever tasted. And we tasted so many, we were sick after our visit! Better believe we brought some home, too.

Day one, I thought I'd be ready for something new after nine days of the same place. But it was just the opposite. I wanted just one more day to sit on the grass, enjoy coffee in the breakfast room and watch this cutie enjoy her new environment.

This portion of the trip may go down as my absolute favorite for the entire 3 weeks. I hope we get the chance to return one day.

Next up... we take our adventures on the road. First stop, Paris!

We're back!

We've had three wonderful weeks away as a family but we are glad to be back on American soil! We are recovering from lack of sleep, laundry and getting Elliot back on some kind of schedule. But once we can get it together a bit, I'll share our adventures with you.

First stop will be La Giraudiere in La Tourlandry, France. This is how a lot of the pictures turned out on the trip. Camera goes up and Elliot stops smiling! Despite this expression, she really loved it, too.

7 months old and then some...

Let's face it- I'm never on time, I'm constantly forgetting things and I have a bad habit of procrastinating. So the fact that April 20th (and now, May 20th-8months) has come and gone without a 7 month post about our little Elliot does not surprise me one bit. And I'm sure you, either! 

Dear Elliot,

This month has been filled with so many fun memories and "firsts" for you. Starting with your first road trip-- to Heber Springs, AR. We hope to spend some more time here this summer and take you on the boat! You were a trooper in the car and we loved introducing you to our favorite little burger and shake joint- the Bulldog. And we got to spend some time with your "aunt" Emily, "uncle" Jarrod and Sadie. (Thanks for letting us stop in for a visit!).

gimme that shake, mama!

you seem to enjoy the water so far

Mommy has been waiting for the perfect time to take you to a Grizzlies game so you could experience what your Daddy and I love so dearly! And I think it's safe to say you had a good time. Here you are meeting the very guy that inspired us to choose your name- Elliot Perry. (his name was one of many on daddy's "sports list" of names and for some reason, even as we threw around other contenders, this one just seemed to stick). Thanks for sharing in our joy, EP!

We celebrated Easter during this month and how special it was to be there with our family and friends on such an important day. And of course to see you in your first little Easter dress was special, too :)

And that's about how the pictures went for us this afternoon. I think we pushed you to the limit! But to me, it's these kind of pictures that make the best memories. :)

We also got to start snuggling with your BFF, Juliette and "aunt" Leslie again. We had so much fun!

The weather was amazing during this month and we enjoyed taking you to the zoo several times

You also started sitting up last month, but we can officially say that you are sitting up all by yourself and can wiggle your way to safety if you start to fall, this month. You are such a big girl, now!
You started saying "da-da" recently, too. I wasn't too surprised, as you love your daddy something fierce! What's with this screaming when Dad leaves the room, huh?! It's okay, I know I'll be the favorite later :).

We have been having so much fun with you, Elle and we are so in love with you and your little personality. We miss you when we're not with you and have to stop ourselves from waking you at night to play!

We love you, little angel.

6 months

It's hard to believe that 2 more months have passed. Lots of things new things have happened with our little, Elliot and we are having a blast!

Little E,
Your daddy and I think the world of you and can't get enough of this little smile of yours! Since you started solid foods about 1 1/2 months ago, you have really begun to grow. You've enjoyed almost all the foods we've introduced with the exception of peas. :) Although, your favorite foods right now seem to be carrots, sweet potatoes, mango and bananas.

We almost made it to our goal of nursing for at least 6 months! Unfortunately, with Mommy's return to work and other variables out of my control, your last milk bottle was two weeks ago. I'd like to think you haven't noticed the difference between milk and formula, but I'm sure you do. In fact, your Daddy and I are surprised you enjoy it, because it certainly doesn't smell very good as we prepare it! But you are now taking 8oz with an occasional 6oz when you eat more food and seem to be doing fine.

During the last month, we've seen you roll over for the first time! Luckily daddy and I were at home together with you and were able to enjoy that little milestone. This is a true testament to what I'd heard before you were born- babies will decide to accomplish their tasks or reach their milestones in their own time. And while I thought I'd see you roll over from your tummy to your back first, it was the complete opposite. :) In fact, we're still working on tummy to back right now. But I know you'll do it when you're good and ready.

A few more things we've seen and enjoyed about you these past 2 months:
- You're so close to sitting up on your own without our worry of you falling backwards
- Your laugh is infectious and is most often heard while being tickled by Daddy or being thrown in the air. Did I mention you love your Daddy?! Man o man, there's nothing like Daddy right now. We pretty much fight over who gets to put you down at bedtime, get you up in the morning and so on. But there's no doubt about it- when you want to be consoled, snuggled or have your bottle, Dad's the go-to person these days. And I'm glad y'all are bonding so well. (with a little secret jealousy mixed in there, too :) ).
- You are starting to show your smile to others now and it's so fun to watch.
- You are sleeping through the night, UNSWADDLED! This is still very new for you (maybe one week in) and something we consider a huge accomplishment. We went through a few rough nights trying to help you transition but you are now sleeping with just your legs in a little velcro blanket and have slept through the night without a peep. In fact, you've slept on your tummy for 2 nights now!
- You've still got pretty blue eyes and I hope you keep them! We think these must have come from your poppy (or so we like to tell ourselves) because there are no blue eyes in this Burke family.
-We haven't been to the doctor yet for your 6 month check up and I can't wait to hear how much you've grown!

This is one of your favorite books to read and eat! (Thanks, Aunt Debbie!)

Spring is finally here, but way too warm right now. If you're anything like your momma, you will stay close to water this summer!

a little ride on the turtle or frog? we weren't quite sure what this thing was!
But we know you'll come to love this park in the next few years.

First taste of squash

And new shades!

One other fun thing we did with you this month was get you your very own passport because we are taking you to Europe this summer, little Elle! Daddy is teaching a group of senior high students in France/Italy for a few weeks and we decided we'd make it a family affair! Some think we're crazy- and maybe so, but we are excited about this family adventure and look forward to more fun memories with you.

We are completely in love with you and are in disbelief that you are already 6 months old! We thank God each day for you and the opportunity He has given us to be your parents. Happy 6 months, Elliot!

Love,
Mommy

3 and 4 months

(**warning-this is a long one and the spacing is all weird- despite my many attempts to edit with no success when publishing)

I can't believe you are already 4 months, Elliot. My, how you've changed in the last 2 months!

(you love walks to the park)

For starters, you're sleeping through the night with only a few exceptions here and there. And luckily, you so kindly did this the week before I had to go back to work :). We don't know what we did (probably nothing!) but it just happened and we are loving it!

Here are the highlights during your 3rd month

- you found your hands and you love to put them in your mouth!
- you continue to dislike being on your tummy, but we're working on it :)
- you are smiling and "talking" more than ever and we have had so much fun with you
- you pooped in the bathtub for the first time (I thought your Daddy was going to lose it!)
- we placed you in the bumbo seat this month and were surprised at how well you did. You are getting so strong!
- we are still swaddling you at night because we're not sure any of us will get sleep if we don't ;)
- we increased the amount of milk you drink to 5 oz this month and you officially moved up to size 2 diapers. Not to mention your departure from size 0-3 month clothing! You're not so tiny anymore and that has been a little sad for Mommy.

We celebrated your first Thanksgiving with Grammy's side of the family and you met several family members for the first time!

(your cousin, Taylor couldn't wait to hold you and you fell right asleep!)

The biggest thing during this 3rd month was Mommy's return to work. I feel so lucky to have spent 12 weeks at home with you. I don't count those 2 weeks at home (on the couch!) that I spent waiting on you. :). I always told myself that I am not a stay-at-home Mom. But as Dec 14th came closer and closer, I started to re-think that. We just got into a lovely routine while we were at home together and I am still adjusting to this new one! Those few hours after getting home and before your bedtime are so precious to your Daddy and me. We are anxious for the weekend most of the time!

We were so blessed to have you stay with Daddy, Grammy and Grandad/Grandmom for the first 2 weeks of my return to work and that certainly helped me feel more at ease while I was away from you. Daddy was so glad to have some special time with you and I think you loved it, too.

This last month (your 4th) has been full of new things.

-You've turned the corner with tummy time. You still don't like it but you are tolerating much better and trying so hard to roll over! You haven't quite mastered that on your own, but with a little help from us, you make it happen.
- You are full-out laughing! We enjoy all your coos but there's nothing like your little laugh. It's only fitting that your first laugh came through a little song and dance with Daddy. I tried for hours to get you to laugh with me but I just didn't have what it took that day. (Daddy's girl, already!). But we've found our little thing now and I just love hearing it.
- You are keeping that head up a lot! You love facing out on our laps and being propped in a sitting position anywhere, really. You love the Bumbo even more this month and especially love being held on my hip.
-You love story time. You are more aware of everything lately, but especially books. You switch your gaze back and forth as we read and enjoy placing your hands on the pages, too. (and I help you with you touch and feel books, of course). I love this time of day when we are reading together!
-You started Day School at Highland and you love your teacher, Miss Jesse! You're surrounded by boys right now but we're think a little girl is starting soon :)

We had several photo shoots with you this month in preparation and celebration of Christmas and it was so fun. We started out with some pictures of you and your BFF, Juliette at her house. And y'all certainly put on a show for us!

Juliette let you borrow her hat and and I think this is the only "smile" we got out of you that night!

And this is pretty much how most of the pictures went.. both of you doing your own thing. But looking adorable doing it, of course!

We did manage to get a cute one, I think.

We had fun one day trying to get a photo for our Christmas card. You did great, but we pushed you to the limit a bit. :)

For your first Christmas Eve, we had Grammy, Grandad and Grandmom over to our house and we had such a good time.

We headed back to visit with both of your Grandparents on Christmas morning

It's hard to believe that you will be walking this coming Christmas. We are savoring these snuggle times with you, as we know things will be much different this year!

We never made it to meet Santa before Christmas, but he made a special stop to see your BFF, Juliette and we jumped in for a visit, too. (Thanks, Leslie!)

We are so glad you feel better, Juliette- we missed this little grin!

We have enjoyed bundling you up on cold days and getting you pumped about the Grizzlies since they started back in Decemeber. I guess we have a little work to do on your excitement with the NBA!

We love you, sweet baby. You are our joy in life and we are so very thankful for you!
Happy 4 months!