Six Months Old

Happy Six Months, Ella!

Can you believe it, Ella?  You're six months old, which means you've been here for half a year already!  (Though you have given us more than we can ask for in a lifetime.)  You are now 25 1/2" and weigh 14 lbs. 10 oz.

You've been so busy this past month, reaching milestones and experiencing so many firsts.  You are mastering sitting up which has allowed you to do so many more things!  You are now sitting in your high chair with us at the table and eating solids.  You love butternut squash, but still deciding on the apples.  We are definitely looking forward to expanding your palate!  You are definitely looking forward to feeding yourself (you already insist you do).  You celebrated your first Thanksgiving and did so swimmingly.  Another exciting first?  Your first plane ride to Seattle!  You made everyone within a 10 feet radius fall madly in love with you, and even got your picture taken by a (pseudo) celebrity!  You also met your extended family for the first time, and got to play with your cousins.

Your personality continues to shine through as you laugh and sing and chirp all day long.  You love sitting and playing with your toys, eating books, and talking to Remy (your new best friend).  You are kicking and scrunching up your butt (testing out those muscles you'll need to start crawling).  You can reach and grab and rake with your hands and fingers.  You still love to cuddle and snuggle, especially when you wake in the middle of the night.  That is also something new this month, as you have become a bit more clingy and in need of comfort.  You know who your parents are, and we love when you reach for us or nuzzle your face into our chests.  Daddy especially loves when you reach for the strings on his sweatshirt and start chewing them (we blame your best pug friend for that).

You think it's hilarious when we imitate your voices, and crack up when we fly you over head or trot you on our laps.  You love observing everything around you.  You're fascinated by the most ordinary, making every day an extraordinary experience (even for us).  My favorite development?  You are now starting to babble and, Babycakes, it is the sweetest, most endearing sound.  You have so much to say, just laying there and talking to yourself, and it's heartwarmingly cute.

We love you so much, Ella Bella!  

Something New Every Day

October had been a busy month for us so far.  I can't believe how the weeks are just passing us by!  A couple weekends ago, Adam and I took Ella up to our cabin to winterize the place and receive some deliveries.  It was a nice little trip with just the three of us, which allowed for a lot of family time (and, of course, photo opportunities).

Minutes away from a nap.

Her new favorite vantage point.

An incredible sunset.

Trying out some hats Grandma made her.

Back home, we've been having fun showing her every day life.  As Ella keeps growing, we like putting her in different positions and places for her to view the world.

Saturday morning reading with Daddy. 

Chatting with Remy.

And now that she tolerates tummy time, she's been having fun exploring what her arms and legs can do.  

Watching Remy chew his bone.  It really intrigues her.

She's also become more playful.  Having learned to grab things better, she now intentionally hugs and snuggles her toys.

Every day is full of surprises and growth.  It's made blogging hard to keep up with, but it's really fascinating to see her learn new things.  These little milestones are so amazing, it really reminds me to embrace the wonderment of being a child.