month ten

You're 10 Months Old!

Time certainly flies, and I can't believe you are ten months old already!  You turned ten months during your first trip to our family cabin.  You immediately fell in love with the fresh air and the trees.  You loved going on hikes and playing by the fireplace.  You couldn't get enough of all the activity and the sights and sounds.  You proved to be a fantastic traveller, and even seemed to sleep more on vacation than you do at home (which we didn't think possible).  

Gavin, you are such a sweetheart.  And definitely a little boy through and through.  You are all over the place.  Crawling, cruising, climbing everywhere.  You love to stand at the door and bang on the glass.  You like to stand at the baby gate, and shake it back and forth.  You like to stand at the coffee table and reach for everything you're not supposed to have.  You definitely keep us on our toes.  You are shouting and smiling and talking up a storm.  You still love to point at everything and have us explain things to you.  You are starting to sign to us more consistently, asking for "more" or to "come here" or letting us know that you're "all done."  You love to sing along with your sister, clapping your hands and waving your hands to dance.   

You eat almost everything we put in front of you: noodles, tofu, rice, meat, all kinds of fruit, and vegetables.  Your favorite dish these days, though, is definitely soup.  Especially your puo-puo's soup, which is wonderful!  Your favorite pastime is to take long walks outside and to tear up tissue paper or paper towels.  You also think it's hilarious to give us things and then take them back right away.  Your little animal squeal is adorable, and your random moments of laughter and smiles makes the joy you feel for life infectious.  

My favorite thing so far is our Wednesday lunch dates.  I love watching your personality shine through and seeing you experience the world around you.  

month nine

This is so late in coming, but HAPPY NINE MONTHS, GAV!

Just after turning eight months, you became a full-fledged crawler.  By nine months, you started cruising and standing as much as possible, though crawling is still your preferred method of transportation.  You are such the little explorer--getting into everything you can (especially your sister's toys).  You celebrated your first Halloween and were quite the cute little shark.  You started to point to EVERYTHING.  I mean, EVERYTHING.  Nothing goes unnoticed and you demand an explanation for what interesting object attracts your attention.  You are vocalizing more and more and growing independent in your play and in your daily activities.  You are now a professional self-feeder and prefer to put food in your mouth by yourself than be spoon-fed.  You are an adventurous eater, enjoying a variety of tastes.  Your favorite food by far is raspberries and you think sharing anything your sister has in front of her is only appropriate.

You are still napping and sleeping wonderfully (thank you!).  Your favorite game is being chased (especially by dad) and you get so excited, that sometimes you stop and just shout and laugh and wave your hands instead of crawl away.  You love playing with instruments (banging not he piano keys, shaking maracas, tapping sticks) and singing along to our songs.  You are thriving at Gymboree, getting to know the other babies and taking advantage of all the fun things to climb and crawl on.  

We are in a really good routine these days, and you never stop making us smile with your quirky antics.    Your sweet personality has brought so much joy into our lives.  Love you, Gavin!

month eight

Eight Months Old!

How time flies, little man!  You're now eight months old and on the verge of crawling.  You are going from sitting to hands and knees and back to sitting.  You are pushing yourself forward, scooting backwards and spinning yourself round and round in your attempts for mobility.  You favorite place to practice is in your crib--when you should be sleeping--though you are still sleeping wonderfully (thank you!).  

You are babbling constantly and have so much to say.  You love those vowel sounds, and we swear you say "Ella" all the time.  You love to just chat away, making hand gestures and just trying to constantly communicate your thoughts with us.  You are generally so very happy, smiling and laughing during your waking hours.  You definitely make it clear when you're excited by kicking your legs and practically bouncing your body around.  I LOVE getting you in the morning and seeing you do happy kicks in your bed when you know you're going to get picked up.  

You've grown more interested in your toys and have started to experiment with cause and effect.  You especially love to go after Ella's things, and sometimes Ella herself.  You can't help but grab at your sister (and basically anything else within arm's reach).  You've also started to find the pugs more endearing and will put up more with their close proximity.  You love playing outdoors, swinging on the hammock and taking walks around the neighborhood.  You really love when we march around with Ella, all while singing at the top of our lungs.

You are now getting really good at self feeding.  Your pincher grasp is improving and your palate is broadening.  You will try almost anything I put in front of you.  You love raspberries and blueberries and any flavor of yogurt.  The only two things you really dislike are peas and avocados.  You're drinking water from a straw (and managing not to completely soak your shirt in the process).

My favorite pastime is holding you in my arms and dancing with you to whatever song is playing.  You squeal with delight and it just warms my heart.  You are such a sweet and loving boy.  We can't believe we get to be your parents and watch you grow and thrive.  Every month you mature so much, all the while maintaining the easy-going and jovial attitude that we adore about you.  We love you so much, Gavin!!

month seven

HAPPY SEVEN MONTHS, G!

Oh, Gavin.  Your seventh month was a milestone month, most notably because you are now consistently sleeping through the night (6:30 pm - 6:30 am) in your crib in your own room.  This has done wonders for you and for your parents.  Not only do you sleep twelve hours, you also nap four hours a day and fall asleep on your own.  It is wonderful and rejuvenating for us all!

You have also started to go from sitting to a crawling position, though while you can scoot around a little here and there, you haven't quite started to be mobile.  You DO love to be pulled into a standing position, and are so determined to take steps, that we're starting to think you'd just rather walk and run around (just like your big sis!).  You are learning to self-feed, though your pincher grasp still poses a challenge.  But you love to eat and snack--your favorites being puree carrots and peaches, and yogurt melts and mum mums (still).

You are so happy and jolly, Little Boy.  You laugh and giggle when we nibble you, you absolutely love peek-a-boo and being sang to, and you can spend all day banging on things (tabletops, toy instruments, our arms and legs).  Everything goes into your mouth and you definitely like to grab at whatever you can.  You favorite toys of late are a wooden scooter you love to chew on and anything Ella plays with.  While you still rather eat books, you do love story time and being read to.  You can't get enough of playing outside, and are happy to just lay and swing on the hammock or splash about in the pool.  You are one active guy and we are pretty sure we'll have to be on our toes once you really start to move around.

You are talking more and more and love to gurgle laugh and shout.  (You definitely speak in all CAPITALS.)  I absolutely cannot get enough of you breaking into a brilliant grin when you catch me looking at you.  Your joy is infectious and we love you so, so much!

Month Six

Six Months Old!

Your big half-year birthday happened on your first trip--a family vacation to Hawaii.  Which means you also experienced your first plane ride(s).  You did swimmingly and slept through most of the flights.  You also attended your second wedding, staying up late and partying with the grown ups.  You also witnessed your first tropical storm (not impressed).  You love napping pool side, with the sound of the ocean waves in the background.  Most of all, you love sleeping in bed with us (a habit we are now trying to break) throughout the trip, reaching and grabbing for our arms to snuggle with.

At six months you're 26" long and weigh 16 lbs. 2 oz.  You've started solids (you love butternut squash and carrots, and feeding yourself mum mums).  You're still developing a taste for food, and it's pretty cute how you absolutely refuse to eat peas (you seal your mouth shut).  You are sitting up very well now, and starting to really reach for and play with your toys. Your favorite past time is definitely chewing on something (anything) that you can put in your mouth--fingers, teethers, Sophie the Giraffe, your foot, Mommy's face.  You roll every which way, but prefer to sit than be on your tummy.  You're also growing more and more vocal by the day.  You love to yelp, shout and shriek.  While you'll start to fuss to get into Mommy's arms, you are still very social and will offer smiles to strangers and friends alike.  You smile so willingly and generously; your joy is infectious  You've also discovered your love of standing.  You can sort of stand on your own while holding onto something, and you grin ear to ear with your new sense of independence.  

You are a strong little fellow, grabbing anything in sight (making holding you during meals quite challenging).  You delight in your sister even more now, and laugh out loud when she plays with you.  Your favorite game is the both of pretending to "ride your bicycle" around the kitchen island.  You love that slow build up before we run fast!  You also appreciate your alone time, playing in your jumper or lying on the floor with a teether in hand.  We've been trying to read books to you, but you prefer to eat them.  You still love a good song and game of peek-a-boo.  You still love viewing the world from the baby carrier, and you've become pretty easy going about napping anywhere (thankfully since our routines have been changing so much lately).  You are still the snuggly and cuddly little boy I love and adore.  And I can't wait to see you hit many more milestones throughout the rest of your first year.  

month five

You're Five Months, Gavin!

During this fifth month, your personality has started to really shine through as you are growing bigger by the day.  You weigh a little over 15 lbs now and turning into quite the handsome little man.  You love smiling at us in the morning when you wake up, followed by crying because you're hungry and want to eat! right! now!  You're sleeping through the night (usually a nine hour stretch) in your crib in your own room 50% of the time.  The other 50% of the time, you'll wake up in the early morning in search of your pacifier.  Sometimes it's just easier to bring you into bed with us, where you'll clock another three to four hours.  You still find so much comfort holding our hands as you sleep, and I can't resist your sign of affection.

You are starting to enjoy tummy time more, spending a lot more time playing on the floor.  You have a new interest in toys, and love putting everything in your mouth.  You think your sister is pretty amusing, especially when she plays peek-a-boo with you or sing-songs "hi gaaaaaaavin."  She truly loves you and is always more than happy to bring you a toy, or smother you with kisses and hand-holding.  She especially likes to point out your "nose-nose-nose."

You're learning to sit up more, enjoying jumping up and down, and soaring through the air.  Your favorite game is chasing Ella around the kitchen island while we sing the bicycle song.  "The Itsy Bitsy Spider, "Patty Cake," and "Open Them Shut Them" still bring you such delight, as does your daddy's voice and smiles.  You took your first dip in the pool, and love being a lounge lizard outside.  You attended your first big event, our cousin's wedding, and while you were extremely tired, you refused to sleep in fear of missing out on the festivities.  You'll generally smile at any friendly face, and are quite social and talkative these days.  You're kicking and grabbing, and you discovered your feet.  Best of all, you're starting to hold on to us when we carry you, and your little hugs will never cease to melt my heart.

Month Four

HAPPY FOUR MONTHS, G!

Buddy, you're four months old! You are now holding your head up like a pro, sitting in your Bumbo, and observing all that is around you.  You're grabbing at things, and trying so hard to make the connection from hand to mouth.  You are smiling and laughing lots, especially when you see your dad or hear his voice.  You break into an open-mouth grin whenever we tickle your chin; it's your sweet spot for sure.  You love when we sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Open Shut Them."  Your hands are your favorite part of your body these days.  You are just fascinated by them and can't resist nibbling them.  We constantly have to remind you that you can't eat your hand, but you sure do try!  You've fallen into a pretty good routine, napping regularly (for the most part) and understanding the concept of bedtime.  We still look forward to when you can sleep on your own in your room, but we know you'll get there eventually.  There is something incredibly sweet about reaching over to you in your co-sleeper and having you grab my hand and snuggle it tight as you fall asleep.

You've started classes at Gymboree and find that the parachute flying over you makes you so happy.  You can do without all the clown puppets, but you adore the Gymbo dance (just like your big sis did!).

Ella is absolutely in love with you, always wanting to hold you and play with you.  She also demands to have her picture taken with you on a regular basis.  You think she's pretty interesting, but you also let us know when she's just a bit too close for your comfort.  You are starting to chat a lot, making all sorts of noises.  You also enjoy blowing little bubbles with your mouth.  You're getting better and better at tummy time, though you are only rolling over sporadically.  You seem to really excel at being on your belly whenever you can crane your head to watch the TV.  You love sneaking peeks at the screen, especially when your sister is watching Olivia or Aristocats.  We've definitely learned that we have to keep an eye on you!  You're making your presence known a lot more these days, and we're so glad to have you here with us!

    

Month Three

Three Months Old!

Gavin, you've had so many changes in the last month!  You are such a content little baby.  You can hang around and nap in the carrier, or sit and watch everyone playing outside.  Your beautiful gray eyes light up when you see our faces, and you'll easily break into a giant, open-mouthed grin.  You're starting to try to grab at things, and have started to notice your toes, finding them absolutely fascinating.  You are smiling lots now, especially loving when we sit down for a tete-a-tete.  You are always entranced by a rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "You Are My Sunshine," and will even try to sing along.  You have started to laugh (at Daddy's jokes, of course).  You can't help cracking up when he talks to you or bounces you gently up and down.  You giggle away when we tickle and nibble your belly.  What gets you the most excited is the little panda above your changing table.  I don't know what it is about pandas that make you and your sister so happy.  But you love having conversations with him, and find him so funny.  Your coo is so endearing,  and you definitely have lots to say these days.

Your sister loves to take care of you, wiping away any drool on your face, and blowing raspberries on your toes.  She especially loves giving you kisses all over, and can't wait until she's big enough to hold you.

At ten weeks you started sleeping seven hours at night, which meant Mommy got some of her sanity back.  You've continued to sleep through the night since, with just some stirring in the early morning.  A pacifier usually puts you back to sleep, and we are all grateful that you have something to help soothe you.  At twelve weeks you started propping yourself up on your arms while doing tummy time.  You also rolled over from front to back, and you were so proud when you did it, grinning ear to ear.  As you keep growing, we hope to fall into a better daytime routine, but appreciate how easy going you are with all the hustle and bustle around you.  We love you so much and still can't believe you're here!

Month Two

You're two months old, Gavin!  

And my how you've grown.  You're now 10 lbs. 10 oz. and 22" long. You are starting to be much more alert, looking around and making eye contact.  You've even started smiling at us, which is such a beautiful sight!  We've also heard an occasional coo from you, and I believe it's just the beginning to the many conversations we will have.  You are sleeping four-hour stretches at night, and have made it a habit to hop into bed with me in the morning just for some snuggle time.  You are intent on nestling your head into mine while you sleep, and I can't say I don't like the affection.

You are still very easy-going and laid back.  Sometimes all the commotion of the household will overwhelm you, but a tight hug and a pacifier will soothe you right away.  You've started befriending the little objects that hang above your head and noticing patterns and contrasts in the environment around you.  Your sister can't stop tending to you, whether it's to wipe your mouth after you spit up, or replace the pacifier that fell out.  She also likes to sniff your head and sneak in kisses on your toes.  Your favorite thing to do right now is to go outside and just enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.  You are our little observer and I can't wait to hear what you have to say about all the things around you.  

Month One

Congrats, Gavin!  You're one month old!

My baby boy, I can't believe it's already been a month (has it only been a month?)!  It feels like you've always been a part of our lives, yet time also goes by so quickly.  You are adjusting wonderfully to life outside the womb.  You seem to be such an easy-going baby, only crying when needing to be fed or changed.  Eating and sleeping come so naturally to you; you're such a pro!  You mostly spend your days napping and eating, but when you're wide awake and you're so alert.  You are beginning to look around and take in the sights and sounds around you.  The pugs barking will startle you, Ella's voice will soothe you.  You definitely enjoy snuggling, and sleep best when in our arms (though a rocker or bouncer will do for short periods of time).  You're already lifting your head and you've proven to be quite strong (moving and scooting in your sleep, and trying to launch yourself off of us when we hold you up).  You are very animated, making all sorts of faces.  You do an excellent impression of a fish, and even your worried, wrinkled face is endearing.  You sound like a squeaky hinge whenever we lay you down, and it's actually pretty cute.

We've definitely had to adjust to having a little boy, especially your dad (who you love to pee on!).
My favorite trait so far is when you lift your head towards mine when you're over my shoulder.  I love feeling your breath against my face, and getting a little cold nose snuggle from  you.  It's sweet and makes me feel like you know exactly who your mommy is.  I also cherish those little smiles that sneak across your face when you're asleep or when you're trying out those facial muscles.  I appreciate the occasional five hours of sleep you give me at night.  Your mellow demeanor is a bit of grace around this (sometimes) chaotic household.

At 8 lbs. 4 oz and 20.5" long, you are growing fast.  I can't wait to see what the next few months hold in store for you as I'm sure you will grow leaps and bounds.

Eleven Months Old

Happy 11 Months, Ella!

Not so easy getting a picture of you in your monthly pose anymore!

I look at you, eleven months old, and am completely overwhelmed by what a little person you are becoming.  With your one year birthday just around the corner, you are thriving in that little body of yours.  Every day you show us something new about yourself; I don't even know where to begin to list all the changes you've experienced in just this month alone.

Let's start with your favorites: wooden cylinder blocks, Remy and Mia's bones, Starbuck your dog, flipping through magazines, blueberries, noodles, and splashing in water.  Picnics in parks, swinging, watching birds and being chased around the house are endless sources of amusement for you.  You're pointing and interacting with everyone around you.  Your curious spirit is contagious as you teach us to notice the everyday things in life.  You're pulling up, starting to cruise, and vocalizing more than ever.  You will purposefully do things to make us laugh, and it's clear that you have quite the sense of humor.  You can blow kisses, tell us how big you are, and follow directions.  You now initiate with us, flashing that grin, showing of your four shiny teeth.  I find myself having conversations with you every day and you are constantly watchings us, ever the observer.  You're a sponge and you definitely keep us on our toes.  I thought it was pretty amazing watching your development, but to witness you maturing has been an unexpected privilege.  

Not only are you growing, but our relationship is changing, too.  As you learn more about what you like and don't like, we're learning more about how to nurture the person you will become.  We are beginning to feel the weight of parenthood, and we couldn't feel more honored to be blessed with you to care for.  I will always cherish our tender moments at this specific time in your life: the snuggles you give me as I hold you in my arms, your gentle kisses, and your sweet smile as you nuzzle me nose to nose.  We love you so much!

Ten Months Old

Happy 10 Months!

Getting a good picture has become increasingly difficult.  This month's shoot lasted all of 4 shots before she crawled away.

You are now crawling your way into your first birthday.  How did everything change so suddenly?  Every month you blossom into a new baby--like a more advanced version of yourself.  It's amazing to watch.  This month has been filled with so many milestones and developments.

There is crawling and dancing and hand clapping.  You are clearly understanding more and more words.  Daddy, Remy, dog, ni-ni, who's here, where's Ella?, come here, yay!, cheers!, share with __, Grandma, hi!, bye-bye!, peek-a-boo, soft touch... the list goes on and on.  You have started communicating with us more deliberately now that you can sign "milk," "come here" and "hi/bye!"  Your babbling has become more articulate, and we are pretty sure you are trying to say "dog," "Remy" and "Daddy."  Watching you make those connections on a daily basis, absorbing all that the world can teach you, is so fascinating and rewarding.  Your confidence continues to grow as you experience new situations, people, and environments.  

Your love for animals is apparent as you squeal every time Remy, Mia, or Augie comes by.  You love to dance and clap your hands when music plays or when we sing a happy tune.  Whenever we chase you around, you let out that infectious laugh that makes us feel like everything is right in this world.  You love to get comfy-cozy on the couch while we read your new favorite book, "Heads," and any blanket or scarf is an opportunity to play peek-a-boo.  You still love feet and toes, picking up fuzzies and Remy's fur (and "pretending" to eat them), and chewing on blocks.  You have learned to laugh when we find something funny, and sticking out your tongue will usually get you a silly reaction.  You have a new-found love of cylinders and we can barely tear you away from the legs and sides of furniture (especially the coffee table).  We're working on your boundaries and how it's not okay to lick kitchen appliances and splash in Remy's water bowl.    

I love watching you watch the world around us.  Wherever we go, you are more than happy to just sit in your stroller, holding on to the sides, and take everything in.  You are just so happy and content, it's hard not to feel the same way.       

Nine Months Old

 Happy 9 Months Ellaphina!

You are 16.4 lbs. and 26.75" long.  You may be petite, but your personality is huge!  You definitely make an impression on everyone around you.  Most notable this month is your new-found ability to move.  While you're not exactly crawling yet, you are scooting, pushing backwards, rocking, and (most recently) trying to pull yourself up.  You are also growing chattier by the day, and it is easy to see that you are understanding more and more.  You still possess those little quirks that make you unique: nosing, picking up the tiniest fuzzies, and wiggle woggling.  Lately you've discovered how fascinating your two little teeth are and you are constantly flashing them and using them to make all sort of silly raspberry sounds.  You're learning to share as you extend your hand to show us your toy or feed us your finger foods.  Speaking of foods, you are becoming quite the foodie.  You love oxtail and rambutan, and are ready and willing try anything we offer you.

You love hanging upside down, giving big grins, and playing with my purse straps.  You can't help but laugh when we skip with your or when Daddy holds you high up on his shoulder and I chase you around.  You are so incredibly playful and delightful!  You get a kick out of imitating us--sticking out your tongue and coughing when we cough are your favorites.  You're growing more social and eager to engage with other babies, making Gymboree and playdates lots of fun for you.  My heart melts every time your reach out and hug me, or nuzzle me while I hold you.  Watching you nose-to-nose with your daddy makes me fall in love with both of you all over again.

Nine months!  It took about the same amount of time for you to grow in my belly, and now you've grown in our lives.  You make every day a miracle, reminding us how even the smallest of accomplishments are such blessings.  You laugh at the littlest things, reminding us that we have so much to be joyful about. You love so enthusiastically and so purely, reminding us what God calls us to do on a daily basis.  So at nine months, I thank you, Babycakes.  Thank you for teaching us how to be better people, simply by existing and being you.

Eight Months Old

Happy Eight Months!

The days are just flying by and with each one comes new discoveries and experiences for you, Babycakes! First things first, after four weeks, your cast came off and you have rediscovered the use of your left leg, kicking and jumping and pulling up onto your knees.  You've got two (!) teeth now, and you  flash them every time you smile and laugh.

You have fallen into a nice little routine of sleeping, eating, playing and charming the pants off everyone around you.  You are all about explorig the world around you, looking under, around and behind everything. You are quite the curious spirit, always seeking out new noises and happenings--sometimes with so much serious attentiveness. You are learning to play more, whether it's by yourself or with us.  You recently discovered the joys of taking all your toys out of the box, sampling each one as you go.  You love games and movement and basically any sort of human interaction.

You are definitely telling us what you find funny and amusing (and what is not). Sneezes make you laugh until you hiccup, parachute time at Gymboree does not. You are still adamantly offended by the assault of colors. Snuggling up on the couch and reading "Cat and Butterfly" makes you smile, subsequently being put down for a nap does not. Getting up in the morning makes you giggle and chatty, getting dressed does not. You are learning to be more independent with everything you do. You absolutely love being able to eat at the table with us while we dine out. You also love feeding yourself snacks and washing your hands after, just like a big kid.

You are lalalalala-ing and saying all sorts of sounds.  You are recognizing words and associating them to things.  You know "bao-bao" means we're going to pick you up, which makes you reach up and start kicking your legs in excitement.  You also know "Remy" means that a snuggly, furry body will be coming, which makes you shriek in anticipation.  You continue to "nose" everything, and you've created a new dance move that we like to call "the wiggle waggle."  (It's a contagious move, causing everyone around you to join in.)

You are growing into your own little person, and (biases aside), you're pretty fabulous!

Seven Months Old

HOLY MOLY!  YOU'RE SEVEN MONTHS OLD!

This last month proved to be quite eventful for you!  And definitely filled with many firsts.  You celebrated your first Christmas and rang in your first New Year!  You also had your first scary moment as you fell off the changing table and broke your leg (hopefully the first and last broken bone you'll ever have).  Through it all, you have proven to be one tough and easy-going baby.  You continue to be all smiles--whether you're opening your first gifts from Santa, or getting a cast put on by a doctor.

You are babbling up a storm these days.  Your favorite sounds are /m/ and /b/ and a combination of /s/ and /t/ that make you sound like Sylvester the Cat. You love blowing bubbles and making raspberries at everything around you.  You are reaching and grabbing at EVERYTHING (especially Remy's legs and ears and tail).  You have officially learned to drink from a straw (awesome!) and are getting better and better at that pincer grasp (and feeding yourself those puffs you love so much!).  You're expanding your palate and learning to embrace more flavors and textures.  Meal time has become a lot of fun and filled with exploration.

You are SUCH a HAM these days.  You laugh and laugh at all the games we play (one...two...three...tickle monster!), love dancing in the kitchen to your favorite tunes, and discovered that you can do the peeking and booing, too.  

You're getting stronger and starting to push yourself onto your hands and knees.  If it weren't for that darn cast, you'd be taking off!  You are also teething, and we're expecting to see those bottom teeth pop up any day now.  (Which means those nights have been pretty rough with sleeping through the night a thing of the past.)  

My absolute favorite developments this month?  You "nosing" us, and your ability to say "mam," "mom" and "mama" (even if you don't know what they mean yet).  Gets me every time!

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!  

Five Months Old

Happy Five Months, Ella!

You are learning so many new things every single day!  (And teaching us so many new things along the way!)

Most notably, you are starting to sit on your own and you're starting to teeth.  The former is exciting, the latter, frustrating.  But both are evidence of how much you're growing (and thriving)!  You learned to roll over from your back to your stomach, though you're still getting stuck until you learn to push yourself back.  That means sometimes we have to rescue you in the middle of the night.  Otherwise, you're sleeping ten to twelve hours, which gives you plenty of time to creep and inch and turn around in your crib.  Every morning you wake up in a new position, but you always greet us with a smile.  You're learning the joys of playing with your toys.  Your favorites?  Sophie, hippo, and the rosary beads your Nino gave you.  Also, you are responding more to books and enjoy classics like, "Goodnight Seattle," "The Going to Bed Book" and Babylit's "Pride & Prejudice."  You discovered your feet and grab at them whenever you can: in your Bumbo seat, on the changing table, in the shower.  You continue to chat away at anyone who will listen, though you wonder why Remy and Mia don't respond back to your witty conversational attempts.  Still picky about nap time, you prefer to be held and cuddled.  But you make it easy for us to do that now that you're cuddling us back.  You love hanging out in your baby carrier while we go shopping, and you smile and flirt with all the sales people who find you adorable.  We're placing bets on whether or not you're going to be a singer, because, Baby, those are some pipes you have!  You are shrieking and squealing in high-pitched tones, especially when you're getting tired and need a nap.  Daddy says you swallowed a pterodactyl.  Mommy thinks you're part baby peacock.   Either way we are madly in love with you, Babycakes!

Four Months Old

Happy Four Months, Ella!

You just keep on growing and learning so quickly!  Your grunts have been replaced with high-pitch squeals as you become such a smiley and happy baby.  You love laughing and squealing and even an occasional shriek.  Things that bring you such delight?  Daddy's muppet voice, singing silly songs and nursery rhymes, watching the pugs' crazy antics, and a classic game of peek-a-boo. We're starting to see your personality shine through as you let us know what you like and dislike.  You like fingers (and shoulders and forearms and hands), covering your eyes dramatically while you sleep and while you nurse, and sneaking in glimpses of the T.V.  You love being outside and looking all around you, and you squeal when we nibble on your little hands and toes.  On the other hand, riding in the back of the car with unfamiliar faces, strong smells, being left alone, and (inexplicably) doorways are things you can do without.  You tend to be wary of strangers, and reserve your smiles and charm for those that have earned your trust.   You're finding your voice, talking and singing to yourself before you fall asleep, while riding in the car, and when we engage in conversation with you.  You're rocking tummy time and starting to sit a little in your Bumbo seat.  We started Play & Learn classes at Gymboree, and while you really enjoy the teacher, you can do without all the other babies (We're working on getting over that because, well, you are a baby and you'll want to make friends with more than just pugs and stuffed toys.)  You're reaching and grabbing things, kicking and squirming, looking at and observing everything around you.  You are sleeping (and apparently breakdancing) nine to ten hours a night, and wake up talking to your mobile in the morning.  In just four short months you have completely changed our world and challenged us to be better people.  We can't imagine our lives without you.  We love you so much, Babycakes!

Three Months Old

Happy three months, Ella Bella!!

My, how quickly you are growing--right before our eyes!  Not only are you getting bigger, you're holding your head up better and your movements are smoothing out (soon your robot ways will be a distant memory).  You still hate tummy time, but you can prop yourself up on your arms and lift your head up to smile at us (right before you break into tears for being put into your least favorite position).  You're starting to try to roll over, especially from your back to your side.  You can grasp things (toys, clothes, the side of your bassinet) and you love holding your own hand.  You think your fingers are delicious (as are the shoulders and arms of those who hold you), and you like to blow bubbles with that sweet little mouth of yours.  Your panda has been replaced with a giraffe named Sophie, who you like to hug while you nap in the morning.  You flirt with the movie projector hanging from the ceiling; apparently A/V equipment makes you swoon.  Your first trip was to our cabin and you were a great little traveller.  You may have been needy and only wanted your mom and dad to hold you, but you loved the new sights and sounds.  You dined al fresco on your first boat ride, and you showed everyone that you can say your name.  Your mommy celebrated her 30th birthday and you gave her the best gift of all: sleeping in your crib in your own room all night long.  Foreign languages make you laugh and giggle with delight.  As does playing airplane with Daddy.  You still love music--made up songs are the best.  Your personality is starting to shine as you chat and giggle with all those around you.  You already have such a beautiful spirit shining through.  We love you, Babycakes!

Two Months Old

Happy Two Months, Baby Ella! 

In this short time you have started to explore the world more, seeing patterns everywhere. You love looking at shadows and black and white contrasts. You met and fell in love with a panda bear, who you have daily conversations with while getting your diaper changed. You've added cooing to your vocabulary, and love to make all sorts of noises. Bath time has now become shower time and you love it! You've attended two parties now (one housewarming for Mommy's friends and one to meet your new friend, Riyo). You love being outside, especially when the weather is nice. By eight weeks you started to sleep about six hours at night, though you still hatch like a baby dinosaur when you wake up. We are working on nap time in your big crib, but you have no trouble sleeping in your room as long as you have arms around you. Singing to you while walking around the room is the best way to lull you to sleep. (Your favorite song on the playlist? Music from the musical, Aida, and "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid.) Your hands have found your face and you love when you can suck on your cute little fingers. The most joyous milestone of all? You are now smiling at us and on two very sweet occasions, you laughed out loud (Daddy was the lucky recipient of those delicious giggles). Your face lights up in the morning when you see us smiling down at you. So now we have evidence that you like us just as much as we like you!