Picture Day

Today was a day of great pictures...

the informal:


the formal:

the fun formal:

and the perfectly fun:

Is this what Oprah meant?

I've heard that we have these lightening "a-ha" moments - almost where life makes sense. I never really believed in them, and I'm not sure that I do yet, but here is what at least was a perfect moment.

Ella and I had been out shopping all day - we went from store to store, looking for good deals and cool things for Mom, Dad, or Ella pie. We made frequent stops to the Macy's dressing room (which is in desperate need of a makeover) for trying things on, quick diaper changes, and a quiet place for Ella to eat out of the wide eyes of the public. We had a lot of fun...


We then made our way over the Dad's store and shopped a bit with him after work - picking up the essentials - another photo album for Ella's expanding collection, a new Ella sized dress, and chewer. Since Ella is now out of her stroller and into a shopping cart - we decided she needed to ride in comfort and style...


Then on to Dad's favorite part of the night - a quiet dinner out of good company and cheeseburgers... (Here's the good company, the cheeseburgers had already been devoured)


And for the best part of all, the ride home. Dad and Mom met after work so we had two cars. But there we were - our little caravan driving down the highway back home. Ella was asleep in her carseat, Dad was following behind, and just as we made it onto the highway the finale of an early 4th of July fireworks display began and ended through our windshields above our heads. At that moment life was perfect. I can so vividly recall last 4th of July - attending the same town's display with Dave and an Ella in my belly. Dave and I sat close on a blanket looking up at the stars as we ate sno-cones (a pregnancy obsession of mine) and bad popcorn - joking about the loud noises and wondering what next year's fourth would be like. What life would be like. What kind of parents we would be. How would our life change. After months of waiting and speculation, at that moment everything felt right.

It is better already...

TGIF

So, as new parents you are told that “this is the best age,” with really very little consideration for the actual age of the child. We’ve heard that since she was born… and it keeps changing. People tell us that we better enjoy her now as it will get much harder. Yet others tell us that newborns/infants/babies are the hardest because of the sleep deprivation and the turmoil it creates in a marriage. We’ve heard that we should forget about ourselves because it will never be about us again. Really… all things are hard, many things get easier, and somehow you get through it all. What we know is that Ella is a total blessing – even when she fusses, even when she goes on a napping strike, and yes – even when she poops, spits up, or pee pees on us.

She has started to find her voice more and more. She screeches when she gets excited and babbles all day long. Today we went to the book store and she had so much fun pulling on Mommy’s new book the she screeched and entertained all who were passed by a very noisy stroller. She eats and gurgles, and coos. But the best is when she blows bubbles. We can’t wait until she is talking.

All I know is that we’re looking forward to each new thing, always a little sad to see each new stage ending. Here are a few pictures from the past two days – simply lots of joy.

What a good baby!

"What a Good Baby!!!" It's all we hear everywhere we go. Ella and Dad came with Mom for her leg surgery the past two days. She spent a few hours in the waiting room and made friends with lots of receptionists, doctors, a few nurses, and even some pharmaceutical reps. She doesn't fuss or cry in public hardly ever. She knows when she's tired and hungry, or stinky - and she just lets us know. She loves to smile at all who pass and is "talking" so much. She even sings along in the car. She is spending more time just looking at everything - people, things, and she loves chewing on tags and her feet.



She also has been open to trying new things the past few days - this morning it was her first experience with oatmeal. From all accounts, it was much better than sweet potatoes - or at least a little less confusing and we think some of it made it down into her belly.

Ella's pediatrician also recommended introducing the illustrious sippy cup around 6 months... so we did to mixed success. We test piloted two different cups. She was able to grab them and slurp - but the tipping upward was a bit of a challenge. Luckily Mom was there to lend a hand, unluckily Mom put the only approved juice in there - prune - yucky!



Plus she is really loving high chairs when we go out to lunch. Granted she does try and eat them, but the new found independence is nice as she gazes up curiously at all of the waitresses and passers by.

And Nana's rocking chair is finally being put to good use - minus the rocking for now, but it sure is fun to sit in.


She is always a fan of Dad's work and will soon be reading at a 3rd grade level from the vast amount of books in her evergrowing collection.



Although possibly the sweetest thing this week is that - after 6 months, and approximately 2200, yes that's right, 2200 photos - Ella is now posing for the camera. Here's proof:

Our Big Girl

At least once a day I have to remind myself that I was pregnant, gave birth, and that is how Ella came to us. She is such an amazing little person. She is so funny and is learning new things all the time! We are in total disbelief about how big she is and what she can do.



We are happy to announce that Miss Ella has rolled over!! That's right, both ways! Dad got the first few rolls on daddy cam, and Ella saved a few spins for Mom too. It is working out well for her except when she inadvertently rolls over onto her belly when she is sleeping and wakes herself up.


Ella is also growing each day - so we did it. We bought the big girl car seat... flowers and all. (I didn't say we installed it yet...)


Here is just a quick demonstration of what six months can do:
4 weeks old:



8 weeks old:


Just about 6 months old:



WOAH! And don't just think it's big girl car seat time -- it's also high chair in the resturaunt time, riding in the shopping carriage time.. Where did my BABY go?? We are starting to really safety proof the house and she is into tons of new and different toys. I actually found myself thinking about her first birthday party (Yeah, I know, she won't remember it anyway... but we will! and we'll have pictures to prove it!)

She's 1/2 year old!!

It is amazing, six months have gone by and Ella is such a big girl already. Not just in size either, but in personality. She is such a joy to be around and is so interested in everything! So, today was the day to try something new - solid food! After much research, debate, and consultation, Ella was ready to try sweet potatoes for the first time.

We had all the gear ready - high chair, Clark U. bib, baby spoon, baby bowl, homemade sweet potatoes - both pureed and chunked....

Here is the before...



during...



still eating... well eating may be an overstatement - it was more of an exploratory study...



and the after....



Sweet potatoes made it on her nose, neck, leg, ear, arms, and floor - and somehow Mommy's hair too. It was a proud moment to watch Ella explore and play with her food. If nothing else, Ella likes spoons and Dad got to use the Daddycam to catch all the action.

Dad's DAY!! or two...

Dad's first Father's Day weekend was jam packed with lots of fun things to do and see... and lots of yummy food too! We started out the weekend with a trip to Father's Fest. We enjoyed some live music, hot dogs (no, not Joe or Mae), and Ella's first balloon...



But really the most fun was just hanging out with Dad.



Mommy cooked a big dinner for Dad to end Saturday, and a big breakfast greeted Dad in bed on Sunday. Dad receive a nice bottle of scotch from Mommy and a baby bottle of scotch from Ella. It was a perfect start to a nice day. A quick bath for Ella on the big girl side of the tub (as she is getting good at sitting up)...



...then off to the ZOO!!



The zoo had tons of cool animals of course (some of our favorites included the ella-phants, giraffes, lemurs, and the strange cage of pigeons??) but we also played in the sandbox...



ate lunch... (no Ella didn't really eat Doritos) - those were for Dad too


slept, and petted some deer!!



What a day! We headed home, picked up a Reeses ice cream cake and fried chicken (for Dad of course!), and rented a movie. A perfect end to a great weekend.

Has it been 6 months already??

It has been a crazy week in Mass! Hot, humid, and tons of things to do around town. Ella spent a lot of time gardening with Dad and time with Mom in the yard. She tried out her swimmy suit for the first time. She is not convinced that the swim diaper was a good idea, or the water in the pool, but is interested in learning more about this "swimming" thing that Mom keeps talking about. So Ella and Mom are signing themselves up for a Swim class at the Y - Dad declined the invite to join in.



But Dad has been busy playing with Ella... he even gave her a new do. WOW!



Then it was on to visit the doctor for Ella's 6 month appointment. She is still perfect!

Ella's stats: 16 lbs., 6oz. (75th percentile), 27 inches (90th percentile)



Ella is doing all that she should be doing, growing great, and boy is she happy! She loved eating the exam paper, stetescope, and even Dr. Gentile's hand. Yum. She is getting ready for solid foods on her 6 month birthday.



Until then... we are getting ready for the big day- DAD's DAY!! Ella has been planning and preparing all week. Mom has been helping behind the scenes. Mostly we're just excited to have all three of us home at the same time!! On Saturday we're headed to a big Father's Festival and the maybe we'll hit the zoo!

Poop a Plenty

Another day, another poop. Ella seems small in size, but today she managed to poop on 3 shirts, 1 bath rug, 3 large bath towels, 2 changing pad covers, and 1 pair of pants. Poop is good. If we've learned anything, it is that no poop is bad. But not to worry, she is an equitable pooper - distributing fairly to both Mom and Dad.

Other than that it was a rather quiet day. Ella spent some time with Dad at work as Mom was working in town and would swing by on her way out. Things always seem busy and on the go, but it also feels like we do so little.

We are so looking forward to this weekend. A nice Saturday out. There is nothing better than the three of us together. Even when we get out of the car we have a system down. Mom gets stroller, Dad gets baby, Mom pushes stroller, Dad opens doors, and on and on. It is absolutely perfect. We just need to cut out this whole working thing and we'd be all set.

Got veg?

It has been a busy weekend. On Saturday we headed to Newport to see family and so Mommy could have a much needed spa break. Lucky for us we missed a severe thunderstorm with our little trip. Ella loved playing with Nana, Great Grandma Reed and Great Aunt Bette. Ella was even introduced to Jenny, Aunt Bette's cocker spaniel, with a big lick on her cheek! Ella smiled so big at Jenny, she is a dog lover already! (in large part to Joe's calming presence)

Today so far has been filled with a big breakfast at the sky diner -- a little place at the littler airport where you get to see the littlest planes taking off and landing. We're not sure Ella noticed the planes, but Mom and Dad thought it was wicked cool. Then on to the farm to buy veggie plants and herbs for the garden. This year we'll have cherry tomatoes, broccoli, eggplant, bell peppers, lettuce, strawberries, basil, chive, and rosemary. We're hoping to add cucumbers, baby pumpkins, and carrots too.

When we got home Ella supervised Dad's planting while Mom mowed the lawn. Mom almost mowed over a little toad, but Dad came over scooped him up but Ella wasn't sure what to make of him as she was far too distracted by the strange noise coming from the red thing Mom was pushing.

Now off for a little grocery shopping, chores, and a nice walk with the dogs to end the day.