Zoo Boise

Surprise, surprise the Messinas went to the zoo. But this was Eleni's first time going so we had to document it in some way. It was a good day, the weather was nice, it was in the high 40's and the sun was shining. Eleni was only awake to see the lions but she had a good time anyway. Zoo Boise is a neat zoo, it's small so you can walk around and see everything in about 2 hours and they have some pretty good animals: Lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), giraffes, snow leopards.... Anyway, here are some pictures from our day.
Eleni and me in front of the gibbons.

We were there close to closing so the keepers were trying to get the last lioness into the back. Thats why she is crouched the way she is, the door is right in front of her.

Here she is gazing up at her daddy. I think this is my new favorite picture.

Two Months Old

Picture taken 11-4-09, Tyler dressed her

Eleni had her 2 month doctor appointment on the second and she did really well. She got three shots which she did cry for but I had a bottle ready and waiting and that calmed her down right away. She was sore that night but didn't get a fever or anything so it was a pretty easy night. Here are her stats:

Height - 23" - 75th percentile

Weight - 11.7 pounds - 75th percentile

Head Circumference - 15.9" - 90th percentile (hence the C-Section)

Aunt Ellen ad Danny

My sister Ellen and her boyfriend Danny were able to come up for a weekend visit to see Eleni, and everyone else. On Halloween we all went to a pumpkin patch and that's when they got to hold her for the first time. It was a great visit filled with fun, food, and Mah Jong and we can't wait to see them again soon.

A Name and a Blessing

In the LDS Church it is a customary thing to give a baby blessing. The purpose of the blessing is to celebrate new life as well as introduce the child's name into the church and bless the child with certain strengths and attributes to help them throughout life. Eleni's blessing was on November 1st and it was a wonderful day. I have seen a bunch of blessings, 10 of which were my own nieces and nephews, but it's a completely different feeling and experience when it is your own child. I want to thank Chip (my brother-in-law) for giving her the blessing and everyone who was there physically and in our thoughts, for making it such a wonderful day. Her dress was made as a gift by my friend's mother Alaura. It was absolutely perfect and all I had to do was show her a picture.

Here she is with Uncle Chip. Our bishop's wife made the sweater.

Here is all the family that was able to attend. Ellen and her boyfriend Danny were able to fly up from California for the weekend.

As the primary song goes, "We are a happy family."

Halloween!

We had a good Halloween this year. We had a spider theme with our decorations.
We were able to carve pumpkins with Patrick, his mother and aunt.

Eleni got to wear two costumes. We bought this one and she wore it during the day.

And this one was given to us and was worn at night because it is much warmer.

We didn't end up buying any candy because we didn't think we would be home, so when we did get home in time for trick-or-treaters, we opened up the garage and let everyone take a tour of the animals. It was a big hit and I'm upset I didn't get any pictures of it.

Gamma Wanda

Tyler's mom, Wanda, was able to come up and meet her first grand baby. She was able to come and visit for two weeks and Eleni never had it better. The only thing Wanda wanted to do was stay home and hold Eleni and we were happy to oblige. We were able to go on a couple of dates and Gamma got to babysit. She really helped us out a lot and we couldn't thank her enough. It was a great visit and we can't wait to see her again.

First time holding Eleni
Wanda brought this and the green turtle outfit up for her.

Best Friends

Tyler's best friend Patrick has a habit of copying what Tyler does. For example:

• They will both randomly change their hair (on their head or facial) without telling the other and will end up the same cut the next time they see each other.
• Have worked at the same place on at least three different occasions.
• Moving to Idaho.
• Finding out they were going to be dads within 6 weeks of each other.
• Finding out they were both going to have girls.
• Both of their significant others were planning on a natural childbirth but ended up having c-sections for the same reason, not fitting.

So after six weeks of waiting, Eleni got to meet what will most likely be her best friend, Cassidy Margaret Collins.