Indie Babe

It was bound to happen. She had discovered almost every other interesting thing to get her hands (and mouth) on – plants, wine rack, coffee table magazines, dog toys – so it was only a matter of time before she came across the CDs.

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I suggest that jewel cases come in a close second. All those glittery plastic cases with vibrant cover art, who could resist?! Given the sheer number of them hanging out by the stereo (arranged alphabetically AND categorically), it’s obvious that I am also quite susceptible to their charms.


The CDs began to beckon to Ella about two weeks ago. Ella promptly crawled over and sat down in front of the two towering racks. She quickly surveyed the collection, and then reached in. Now what happens next is exactly the kind of thing that makes an indie rocker dad proud. Out of the 300+ CDs, she picks out Interpol. The “Antics” album if you must know.

I think she rather enjoyed the high contrast cover art. So much so, that she quickly put it to her mouth to make the experience even more visceral. It could also be that she’s only 9-months old, and everything goes in her mouth. But who am I to question such things?


The next venture to the wall of CDs yielded a recent U2 album. Definitely not indie, but a respectable choice all the same. While it may still be too early to tell, I am encouraged by my daughter’s musical leanings thus far. Just today, she pulled out a Death Cab for Cutie album and then proceeded to crank the stereo while an Eels CD was playing. While I was concerned that she might have blown the speakers, I certainly couldn’t fault her for wanting to turn it up.

Little Swimmer

Ella swam today. Atually underwater. All by herself. For about two seconds. There were feet kicking and arms waving. Or maybe more like grasping for mom. But she wasn't afraid. She's been "jumping" into the pool at lessons everyday. It's so cute to see her face when she comes up for air. It's like she just can't believe it.


She's the one in the middle.

Ella in 1894

Dorothy Dresser Costello (Ella's Great-Great-Grandmother) and her sister Ella Josephine Dresser -- painted in 1894

This painting used to hang above Bammi's (my Grandma) couch. It's now being passed down to my second cousin once removed*, Dorothy, but we were able to take a photo of it while we were in SF.

* I think I have the relationship correct. I always get confused about the difference between second cousins and removed cousins.

Happy 3/4 Birthday!

Dear Ella,

Yesterday you turned 9 months old. Nope, I’m not sure where the time goes. You’ve been “out” for almost as long as you were “in.” As you start to get more and more independent and less and less babylike, I see why people want another one. (No, we’re not going to act on that quite yet.) You now want down when you’re on my lap -- there are so many places to explore and leaves to eat. The list of things I’ve fished out of your mouth includes: leaves, paper, cardboard and a foam tire you bit off of Charlie’s subway train.

You’re pulling yourself up on everything. The rocking chair, the cabinets in the kitchen, your highchair, the CD case, Katy… Today you made a copy on the printer. And you even take a few steps while holding on to things. It won’t be too long now… heaven help us.

But for now, you can crawl pretty darn fast when you want to. We have to close doors to keep you in the same room as us. Although most of the time you’re right under my feet, playing happily with measuring cups, funnels, wooden spoons or any other object that is not an official baby toy. The fridge is your new fascination. You make a beeline for it whenever it’s open and get mad when I pull you out and close the door. When you start paying the bills, you can leave the fridge open for as long as you want.

Other new tricks this month:
- Doing the bear crawl
- Climbing into Katy’s bed
- Climbing on top of boxes
- Playing peek-a-boo
- Giving zerberts on my arms, legs, face...

Next month: Swimming lessons

As always, you fill our days with smiles. I can’t imagine life without you, little Lovebug.

Much love,
Mama