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!

Pug Love

Ella is now super aware of the pugs' presence.  It's really entertaining watching her observe them.  She's recently started to talk to and smile at Mia and Remy.  She especially gets a kick out of Remy and will just laugh at him.  He could just be sitting there and she cracks up.  Which, of course, cracks us up!

I was snapping a picture of Ella in her dress when Mia got up on the couch and sat down.  
She wanted the attention, too.

Ella really wanted to read to Remy.  Remy just wanted to take a nap.

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.

Fall Into the Holidays

We had a huge rainstorm last week that momentarily turned the weather cold and crisp.  Even though the temperature has risen since then, the mornings and nights still feel cool and I can feel autumn in the air.  This is my favorite time of the year (though I have an affection for every season of the year, especially when themed parties are involved).  Halloween is just around the corner, which kicks off the holiday season.  Slowly, but surely, we are getting our fall decorations up, and I'm very excited to introduce Ella to the fun and tradition of this time of year.  It's amazing to think that this time last year we found out we were pregnant with her.  Time just keeps flying by and the blessings just keep multiplying.  To say we're grateful is an understatement.

girly

So when I was pregnant, Adam and I didn't really have a preference as to what gender our baby was.  Still, I was pretty thrilled about having a little girl first.  And one of the reasons was because I could dress her up (shallow, I know).  Now that she's getting older (and thus, bigger), I can have a lot more fun with her outfits.  Some of my favorites come from tea. and peek..., which have really cute styles and super soft fabrics.  At least I've curbed my own shopping addiction to balance all that I buy for Ella.  And the pugs are definitely grateful that I no longer use them as my dress-up dolls.

I love this skirt from peek... And the toes? I nibble them daily.

lemonade

There's this restaurant called Lemonade that just opened up by us and it's my new obsession.  The food is pretty good (though pricey), but I've been craving their watermelon mint lemonade on a daily basis (that, and McDonald's sweet tea, but that's a whole other issue).  We especially like the restaurant because it's easy to bring Ella to.  She enjoys looking outside and watching the people walk by.  When she was first born, I couldn't imagine taking her out to eat (blame the post-partum hormones), but now it's a weekend adventure that Adam and I really enjoy.

Doing Time

Finally!  After three solid months of absolutely hating tummy time, Ella is finally learning to spend some time on her stomach.  She's always had good head control and strong neck muscles, so the pediatrician wasn't too concerned if she wasn't putting in her time, but I really wanted her to have the opportunity to explore the world from a different perspective.  I didn't want to push it too much because she seemed so uncomfortable every time we put her on her stomach.  The worse was when she'd throw up.  So we never forced her, but one afternoon I thought we'd give it a go again.  I anticipated her to just cry 15 seconds in, but she lasted at least 5 minutes (which is huge)!  Since then (about a week and a half ago) she's been enjoying some time just looking at herself in the mirror, smiling at the pugs and looking out the window.  Speaking of pugs, she's finally started to notice them and now is fascinated by their little furry bodies.  She has already kicked Mia in the face and grabbed Remy's fur.  She'll smile while she looks at them.  It's really sweet, but I think the dogs are starting to brace themselves for what's to come!