Do these come with matching shoes?

Ella and Zoe are ready to shop 'til they drop

Father's Day - #1

Now that Ella’s been around for lo these past eight months, it has occurred to me once or twice that I am now a father. Reminders have come in the form of dirty diapers, interrupted sleep and toys strewn across our domestic landscape – the latter creating a surprisingly challenging obstacle course out of our home.

However, the arrival of Father’s Day is driving the point home in a different way. For 33 years, Father’s Day has always meant a celebration of dad – my dad. It’s odd to think that from now on, Father’s day is about me as much as my father. Although perhaps it’s not entirely different, because I feel like I’m fulfilling the familiar refrain, “You’re becoming just like your father.” And not just in having less hair on top and more everywhere else.

Luckily for me, this adage is more of a complement than the stern warning it might serve for others. When it comes to fatherhood, I would be happy to be just like my father. I have many fond memories from my childhood, and more are generated with each passing year. My dad always made sure us kids had a lot of fun and plenty of experiences growing up. Whether it was a cross country road trip to Mount Rushmore or attending all my basket games in high school, my dad was always looking out for me.

Now that I’m a father, I hope to be the same type of mentor, nurturer and activities coordinator that my father was. I never knew what being a father would feel like, but now that I am one, I understand so much more of what my parents went through (Thank you Mom and Dad!). My life has been forever changed, but in an extremely wonderful way.

Looking into Ella’s eyes and seeing the love she returns is magical. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. I am also blessed to have the best partner a father can have. I’m constantly amazed at how incredible Megan is as a mother. Her love, patience and perseverance seem endless.

While being a father of an eight-month-old is challenging, I know that Megan has shouldered the brunt of the work to date. I also know payback lies in the years ahead, and that’s okay. Ella is worth every ounce of effort. So, Ella, thanks for being such a sweet, cute baby. Oh, and extra points for crawling towards me after I walk in the house from work. You already know how to win your father’s heart.

Tea for Three

Last week Ella and I took Linda (Jason's mom) to Mrs. Burton's Tea House in honor of Mother's Day. Ironically, Ella has the same look on her face that Katy does when we dress her up.

8 Months

Dear Ella-Bella,

You’re eight months old and on the go! You can crawl when you want to, but still do the belly commando crawl to get someplace in a hurry. And forget about lying peacefully on the changing table when I try to change your diaper. It’s like WWF – but without the folding chairs. If I sit you up to try to put some clothes on you, you can grab my arm and pull up to standing in 2 seconds flat. Yup. You pull up to standing now. Not surprising, since you’ve been standing since birth. It’s mainly just the balance thing that is keeping you from running all over the place.

You now have a full head of hair. And it’s even starting to curl a bit at the end, around your ears – especially when it gets wet. It’s very cute.

Also new this month:

- Giving high fives
- Crawling on hands and knees
- Sitting up from stomach
- Pulling up to standing
- Eating finger food
- Making a “fish” face
- Snorting
- Second tooth
- Second sign: "All Done"
- Taking your first train ride (Santa Barbara to San Diego)

I apologize in advance, if there are 17 other Ellie/Ella/Bellas in your Kindergarten class. We thought we were being somewhat original with Ella, but realize now that Isabella is one of the 10 most popular girl names and they can’t all be called Isabella. But at least Ella is easy to spell.



Much love,
Mama

Playgroup!

Just wait until they all start walking.

This is how I found Ella after her nap today:

... and like a good mom, I had put her down on her back.

And here's a close-up of tooth #2.

Recetas Latinas

I forget how close we live to the border (less than 20 miles) until little things, such as the “Recetas Latinas” baby food jars sold in our local Von’s, remind me.

They have:
Mango
Manzanas (Apples)
Calabacitas (Zucchini)

Then there are the dinners, “just like you make at home, but more convenient”:

Pollo y Arroz (Chicken and Rice)
Jamon y Salsa de Papaya (Ham with Papaya Salsa)
Carne Asada (Tomato and Beef)
Verduras con Pavo y Arroz (Vegetables with Turkey and Rice)

And did you know there are jars of baby food desserts? Gerber makes “Apple Banana Dessert”, “Vanilla Custard Dessert” and I love the sound of this one -- “Hawaiian Delight Dessert.” And how is “Apple Banana Dessert” different than plain ole “Apple Banana”? I’m guessing more sugar. Ironically, the first thing that appears on Gerber’s website is “Did you know that childhood obesity is on the rise?” Luckily, “Most of Gerber’s fruit-based desserts are fortified with vitamin C."