Happy Easter from Ella

Up! Up! Up!

This morning, Jason was playing with Ella on our bed, holding her hands and helping her sit up while saying “Up! Up! Up!” in an enthusiastic tone of voice. To our surprise, our dog Katy enthusiastically jumped up onto the bed – which is NOT ALLOWED. Furniture is strictly off limits. (And so is drinking out of the toilet.) It took us a minute to figure out that she was just doing what Jason was telling her to do. We’re sorry for yelling at you, dog! You’re more obedient than we give you credit for.

More Pictures from Vegas, Baby

Uncle Scott and Aunt Heidi


Have Your People Call My People


Ooh La La!

Five Months, Zero Weeks, One Day ...

...since my baby was born



Dear Ella,

At this point in time, you’ve been on the outside half as long as you were in the inside. And I much prefer you on the outside. :) Especially since you’re so much fun to have around – with all your smiling, laughing and kissing. Your likes and dislikes are becoming more apparent each day. Your favorite song is "The Wheels on the Bus" – particularly when the horn goes "beep-beep-beep" on your nose. Your favorite toy is your 6-legged, bright-colored, unidentifiable bug. And tummy time isn’t so bad anymore now that you know you can just flip over to your back any old time you want.

Ever since our President’s Day trip to Grammy and Pop-pops, which coincided with your first cold, you no longer sleep through the night on a consistent basis. You get me up at least once a night for a feeding – which could be worse (and could be better...) It probably means you’re ready to start rice cereal soon. But we’re going to try to wait until the 6-month mark. Which might be tough – you’re getting very interested in everything we eat or drink. And by "interested," I mean grabbing.

Your biggest dislike these days is having us leave the room. I think it’s all part of you figuring out who mom and dad are – and wanting to keep them close. But believe me – that will all change one day. :) I think it was the author Anne Lamott that wrote: "Having a thirteen-year old daughter is revenge for being one."


This month’s accomplishments
Grabbing your toes – and putting them in your mouth
Sitting up (and then falling over a few minutes later)
Giving “kisses”
Saying “ha-ha” like Nelson from The Simpsons
Making the music on your exer-saucer play by hitting the top of the jeep

This month's big events
First trip to the zoo
First trip to Las Vegas (Baby needed a new pair of shoes)
First swim (in Uncle Scott and Aunt Heidi’s giant hot tub in Las Vegas)



Much love,
Mama

Katy Kisses

I never guessed that our dog Katy would be an influence on our daughter -- perhaps a companion and even a living pillow, but never a teacher. But Ella has picked up a peculiar new trick, and Katy is the only one who could have taught it to her.

It involves Ella putting her face right smack up to yours -- with mouth wide open -- and licking your face. We’re not quite sure whether to be grossed out or flattered.

Fourteen Pounds of Cuteness

Friday was Ella’s four-month “well baby” check-up. Although technically she’s 4 ½ months old. Her appointment was originally slated for the Friday before President’s Day weekend, but we rescheduled because weren’t about to do a road trip with a post-shots cranky baby. So now we just have a quiet weekend at home with the little crankster. (Thank God for Baby Tylenol.)

Without further ado, here are the latest stats:

Weight: 14 pounds, 1 ounce (50% percentile)
Height: 27 ¼ inches (>95% percentile)
Head circumference: 17 inches (90% percentile)