Tooth-Hurty!!

Dear Elzora,

On Monday you had your very first dental appointment and you totally impressed me by being a really good girl and saying "ahh" when the dentist asked you to open your mouth (just like we practiced at home).

I am not sure if the woman that examined you was the dentist or the dental assistant, but she gave us a lot of good information. You have 8 teeth on top and 8 on the bottom, which is kind of a lot for your age but absolutely fine. You are too young to worry about flossing (sorry) and we should wait with candy as long as possible which has not been a problem so far. She also told us that you shouldn't have any sugary drinks at all. You mainly drink water, but you do have a little OJ on occasion. You actually ask for juice quite a bit, but I think that you think milk is called juice. Mommy will be better about just sticking to water when you are thirsty.

The dentist also informed us that it is very important to let the teeth rest completely for 2.5 hours between meals and snacks. Good to know! She was very happy to learn that you don't use a pacifier or suck your thumb. Good work, Elzora!

Hopefully we will have no reason to visit your dentist again until you are 3 years old.
And if we stay in Sweden, you and your sister have free dental care until you are 18.

Keep on brushin'!

Love,
Mommy

Pool Time!

Dear Elzora,
I love your booty!!!
Love,
Mommy

Trevlig Midsummer!

C is for Cookie (K is for Kak-yah)

Dear Elzora,
Yesterday Starla received a box from the US, but of course your Liisa included a special gift for you. You love your new Cookie Monster doll. You gave him a big hug the minute we took him out of the box. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a very serious relationship between you and "Kak-yah" as you've taken to calling him (in Elzora speak "Kak-yah" is a cross between the english word cookie and the Swedish word kaka).

Love,
Mommy

PS Thank you Liisa, Jer and Captain Awesome for the wonderful gifts for Elzo, Starla, Andreas and Jenna!

McKenna Goes to Fairy Camp

Dear Elzora,
On Monday McKenna started her 2 week adventure at Fairy Camp.
Maybe one day you can go to a camp like this in the US.
Have fun McKenna!! We hope you have a fairy good time at camp!

Love,
Mommy

Grattis, Molly!!

Dear Elzora,
This past Saturday we attended the name giving ceremony of our dear little Molly girl. It was a fantastic day! Mommy didn't want it to end. Molly and her mommies are very special to us and we are so fortunate to have them in our lives.

Aunt Miranda took this picture the other day when Molly and Erica were visiting during daddy and Susanne's condo board meeting. So fun!! I just love this picture.

Congrats, Molly! You are growing into an amazing little girl and we are all so proud of you. Thank you Erica and Susanne for including us in Molly's name giving celebration and for introducing us to your terrific family.

Love,
Mommy

Goodies from Michigan & Miranda

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Dear Elzora,
Miranda is here!!! And she brought with her a whole bag of goodies. Here are some pictures of you enjoying all of the wonderful presents. What a lucky girl you are. You are especially enjoying the grocery basket full of fake produce and other food items. You still LOVE playing fika-time and you are continually offering mommy pieces of pie. I hope I don't get fat! (But please don't use the word fat. It is not a nice word. Or stupid. I don't like that word either.)

Mommy is really enjoying having her sister here. When does a grown woman have the opportunity to spend an entire summer living with her little sister? I feel so lucky.
Maybe with Miranda here we can do even more fun things together. Unfortunately the weather has been totally confusing, so we have spent a lot of time in the house, but we have been doing lots of painting and playing.

You were supposed to go to preschool today, but you were awake a lot in the night. It's weird because you weren't crying or sick or anything. You were actually singing and talking and in a very happy mood. I sure hope we get some sleep tonight because daddy has to go to Stockholm tomorrow and I think you would enjoy spending a few hours at preschool with the kids tomorrow.

I love you and Miranda and your sister and daddy very much.

Love,
Mommy

PS Mommy must say a special thank you to Grandma Mary Jo and Aunt Jessie for all of the awesome gifts. Thank you!! xoxo