Our Little Girl

Our Ella turns one! These days she is seeming much more a little girl than a baby. 

Here are just a few things she has been doing as of the night before her 1st Birthday:

*She loves to be chased. Give her the right look, or take a step towards her and she's likely to squeal, turn the other way, and toddle off. Once she gets around a corner, she'll peek back to make sure you are indeed coming after her. She loves this game.

*She doesn't really say words yet, but she "moo"s when she sees a cow or hears the word "cow" and "(w)oof"s when she sees or hears a doggie. She doesn't say dada only for Jon, but she usually reserves a "DA!" (with arms flapping or signing "please") for him when he gets home from work. She gets so excited to see him.

*Since taking up walking, I've noticed our rooms being rearranged. We have wise men, and camels strewn about (baby Jesus had to be taken out of commission as she was pulling the yarn "hay" out with her teeth.) Her shoes (which she has never worn, but are within reach in her closet) made it to the kitchen (via a laundry basket; she loaded it up and pushed it around the house.) I know I saw her with our camera case the other day, but I can't find it. There is a pile of lids in our bedroom right now. I must say, it was much harder to relocate things while the hands were occupied with crawling. 

*It is amazing to me how much she understands. Some of the ones I've noticed more recently: "come back where mama can see you" and "can I have a snuggle". She is usually willing to comply with both requests. 

*She's just decided it is super awesome to feed herself with her spoon. A couple months ago, I started sticking a Cheerio to the last of her cereal stuck to her spoon. She used to laugh like that was the funniest thing ever to put the spoon in her mouth all by herself. Now she wants to dip the spoon in the food too. This results in hands in food, spoon on floor, food in hair. . . I made the mistake of rolling her sleeve up to avoid getting in the mess; she just took her other really messy hand and pulled it down. 

*She just added "putting in" to her repertoire of things to do. She's been a pro at "emptying" for so long, I was afraid she would never catch on to the opposite. She drops her peas into a bowl; she puts shoes in a laundry basket (as referenced above); she'll hand over what ever "neat" bit of trash she picked up off the floor. I am liking this skill. 

*She is an avid reader. Perhaps more interested in flipping pages at the moment, but she spends a lot time with books. We have several shelves in various rooms with her books on them. At any given time, there are probably a few (or a bunch) of books in a pile around her or around where she just has been. I've had to tape up a few, but with how many hours she's flipped, inspected, sat on, crawled over those books, I'm happy to do it. 

Thoughts on staying home with Ella for most of her first year:

I am conscious of time. Sometimes time seems to drag on, but mostly I enjoy not having to rush around to get things done. We have time to feel and sniff all (ALL) of our fresh produce at the grocery store, we have time for her to "help" fold the laundry, we have time for her to feed herself. Thank you Ella for giving me a reason to slow down. (And in some cases, since you are now walking, speed up.)

Happy Birthday Ella!

Snack Time!

A couple years ago, my dad made us a step stool for our kitchen. I had requested one not only because I am short,  but because I remember sitting on one for snack time when I was young, and wanted to continue the tradition with our future little ones. Since I've recently dropped a couple nursing sessions, I've added a more intentional snack time most days. Depending on what she is eating I forgo the high chair and sometimes set her on her very own "snack bench". She is still a little short to get her bottom on it on her own, (and I'm specific about "bottom" because, as you'll see later, she can get up on it in other ways all by herself!) but it is a pretty close to being perfect. I am so excited to put it to good use. So far it is a hit!

     

disaster waiting to happen

how the stool is now stored

Singing Ella

Sorry the picture is so bad. However this is a great audio clip of Ella singing while Jon plays cello. 

Cross Country

A little Ella/Daddy time between races

    Jon is an amazing father, and Ella would almost always rather be with him than with me. If he could nurse her, she might never need me. (I tell myself that if she were with him all day, she prefer me for the bits of time I were around, but I don't know that I really believe that.)
    Jon is also an amazing coach. He gets kids excited about running in middle school and builds a really strong team by the time they get to high school. They aren't necessarily the most talented, but they love running, and train so well, that they do extremely well. This year they took a very solid 2nd place at State (2nd only to a team that has won 15 of the last 17 years).
    I feel very fortunate that I am able to stay home with Ella, so that I am able to get us to most of Jon's events without feeling like I spend all my time in the car or at school. I get to be a mom all day, and I get to see what Jon does. Autumn is my favorite time of year and we were blessed with a fairly warm one, so Ella and I enjoyed all but one of his races. I even knew all of his kids names, so I could cheer for them by name this year!
    The cross country season is officially over, and we have started to get Jon back earlier and earlier. I love being outdoors, and cheering for his team, but I also love having a little bit more family time. Let's enjoy this post-season, Ella; track starts in a few months. We've got more names to learn.

A Case of the Sillies

   Ella recently started initiating peek-a-boo. Her version usually involves jamming her fingers in her eye and pulling her eyelid around, while leaving the other eye slightly uncovered. If there is one thing I know for sure, she enjoys life. This girl finds herself hilarious, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
  

Signing

Ella's "more". Opa must have been tickling her with his mustache.

When Ella was about six months old, we started using a bit of sign language ourselves at meal times. We'd occasionally take her hands and imitate what we had done. I was told that maybe around nine months, she would start signing back. Nine months came and went and the closest thing we had to a sign was Ella ferociously flapping her arms when she wanted "more". To be honest, this is a sign that she came up with that would have been clear to anyone who knew her or not that this was her "you better help me get some more of that delicious food into my mouth quick" sign. Almost as soon as she turned ten months, signing clicked. She all of a sudden would do "more" without being prompted at meal times. One day soon after, Jon said "in order for her to get more zwieback, she's going to have to say "more please". I laughed at him, but the next day at lunch, I showed her "please", and she tagged it right on to the end of "more" herself. Zwieback has been the biggest motivator in Ella's little world. In that same meal, I jokingly showed her "thank you", and (after she took her bite, of course) she did it. (I'm not sure I've seen that one since.) Sometimes, if she is really excited about something and I'm a little slow, she'll run though "more" and "please" over and over.

The first time she used a sign in a non-meal setting, blew my mind. I am amazed at these little brains and the way they make connections on their own. I was carrying her though the kitchen on my way to the bedroom, and she saw my water bottle and signed "please". The next day, as Jon was going out the door for school, she kept signing "please" as she watched him go out the door. (Kind of sad really, but nice to know what she is thinking, even if she can't get what she wants. She didn't cry when he left, but she got an extra hug because we knew what she wanted.) She also just recently signed "please" when she watched me walk up the driveway after a run. This makes me really happy because I sometimes feel like she is way more excited about her daddy than her mama.

I've heard people speculate that a baby who signs is likely to speak later than she would otherwise. I don't know if that is true or not. I guess I don't care too much. I want her to be able to communicate in whatever way she is capable of. I talk to her all day long, but it's clear to me she's not on the verge of saying much. She makes plenty of noises and different consonant sounds (heavens, she even whistles on occasion) and she can imitate a motorboat sound. I'm not concerned about her not talking, I know she'll figure it out when she is ready, and for now I'm going to enjoy not being screamed at for more food.*



*Although, all signing knowledge goes out the window when ice cream is involved. She's only tasted it once, and after that instance, I'm not tackling it again any time soon. I do understand though, of the 8 lbs 3 oz Ella was when she was born, probably about 8 lbs of it was ice cream.

Kansas City Marathon and Other More Important Things

At the beginning of the summer, I decided I needed to start running regularly again. Jon and I signed up for a 5k, and my goal was pretty much just to finish. After that, Jon made a schedule for me with the goal of running the KC 1/2 marathon in October. When Kari said she wanted to do a marathon in the fall, I was able to persuade her to to KC. So selfish of me, and it worked! I got to see her whole family for a long weekend. YAY! The race turned out fine - I was more than 20 minutes slower than my best time, but I'm happy with it.. There were, of course more important things than the marathon . . . like our beautiful daughters getting to play together. 

kiss prep

laughing it up after the kiss

Marykate and Ella have changed so much since last time they were together in July. They've noticed each other briefly before, but this time they interacted more. This has much to do with them both being mobile. At one point, MK crawled next to Ella, took her face in her hands, and kissed her. Ella gave MK a hug. They both liked to unload bookshelves together. Ella liked to try to get MK to chase her - it worked occasionally, but most often MK would find something on the way to Ella to play with and forget about her pursuit. They also had times of wanting their own space; MK was good at spinning her back to Ella, so she couldn't take away her toy. I know the day will come when they argue about sharing toys, but this time they seemed mostly indifferent and would move on to the next thing. They have alot in common, but also show some personality differences; I'd say both are really happy, easygoing babies, but Ella is not afraid of new people but quiet, while MK is a bit (although probably only a bit) shy at first and then loud. This is a fun age for many reasons, and I look forward to seeing their friendship grow. 

Romper

(romper 2)

This, like most "photo shoots" I do of Ella, ended in her trying to eat the camera. 

Can you tell?

In downtown Overland Park there is a fantastic fabric store called Harpers. When my mom visits, I use her as an excuse to go. I frequently fall in love with fabric, but with my limited sewing skills, I don't often buy. Last spring, my mom was with me at the same time I saw a pattern for a romper. So, I bought materials for not one, but two adorable rompers! Mom got me about 1/2 way through romper 1 before she headed back to Ohio. Over the next few weeks (maybe months), between phone calls and me holding the instructions/pieces up to the webcam, pleading for help, I finished it, button holes and all! I am quite aware of some flaws, but I think it turned out pretty darn cute. I even had the confidence to make the other one all on my own. A few things required redoing over and over until it lined up right or laid just so. And the button holes? Oh, the button holes. . .I do not like messing those up, they take forever to tear out and redo. But overall it was a success and I had fun. I am sad that it is getting too cool to wear them now, and I know they likely won't fit her next year. So sad. I guess I'll have to start on the 18 month size.

(romper 1)

She's Got Moooves

A catchy tune of any sort gives Ella a need to shimmy. Other songs that made her "dance" today: "Rag Mop" by Lionel Hampton, "Be-Bop-A-Re-Bop Rhubarb Pie" from Prairie Home Companion, and a goofy song Jon made up while he was reading to her. Silly little Girl. 

A Little Behind

My lack of posting shouldn't be confused with nothing noteworthy going on. I could write forever about Ella and how much she has changed. As part of my new job description as a stay at home mom, I would like to post at least once a week. Hold me to that; feel free to leave nasty comments if I fall behind.

A couple contributing factors, (although not good excuses):
1. losing/someone stealing our camera
2. our computer crashing (files recovered for minimal cost, and now we (and by we, I mean Jon) are slowly copying things off the external hard drive, and putting them back on our computer.  This does not yet include photos. It does, however, have the instruction manual for Jon and (brother-in-law) Dave's new (to them) motobacane moped. Priorities. . .

Once I find the pictures, I'll be sure to give an Ella update.

Starting Solids

We were going to wait till Ella was 6 months to start solid foods, but she made it obvious she was ready to start eating. (No, she didn't really eat the carrot or the quesadilla off Oma's plate.) She'd practically drool over bites of food Jon carried passed her. I knew I was ready when she started to get super fussy between sides, and started having shorter spans of sleep at night. Because she is so active, I thought to myself this kid needs more food. . now! So, we started 10 days early.

She has been a great eater all along, and solids are no different. She's had, and enjoyed: rice cereal, peas, sweet potato, bananas (the only one that she seemed between not liking and indifferent on - I thought bananas would be a gimme), pears, zucchini, and oat cereal. The only thing I haven't made from scratch are the cereals. I've decided avocados need to be next because I love them. She can't eat even half an avocado, and they don't last so, I would have to eat the rest - why didn't I start this delicious food sooner? Pears are lick-my-daughter's-face-clean good, and sweet potatoes are better than the all doctored up Thanksgiving staple. It takes a lot more time, planning, and packing for travels than just nursing, but so far has been fun.

If Ella Could Blog. . .

I'm pretty sure she would say, "My dad is amazing!"

This guy loves his daughter. He is present in every part of her life - even during the 1 or 2 feedings she still has at night. He changes diapers and feeds her. He takes her for runs and walks. He can make her light up and laugh. Ella is blessed to have a daddy like Jon. And I am blessed to see a relationship like this grow. Jon being the father he is makes it easy to be a better mom. I love you both!

This One's For You, Tine

I heart Ella.

If I were one to put silly captions on a picture, this one would have one. Maybe something about farting or forgetting her wallet.

Just one of the ways Jon and Ella hang out. (Can you see her feet?)

This girl loves books and her grandma. She now may spend more time tasting than looking (at both books and Grandma.) The Very Hungary Caterpillar has some very soggy corners.

Three Months

Thoughts from a mother at three (and a half) months:

1. I think this little creature is beautiful. I know I am biased. Part of me wonders whether she is "breathtaking" like the baby in Seinfeld, and that I just can't see past my love for her. But I'm pretty sure she's not and that she really is the most gorgeous baby in the world. (Yes. . . in the world.)

2. This is a really fun age. I hate that I have to spend so much of it at work. I have never been so eager to get home, or so excited when she wakes up from a nap. Saturday and Sunday are a gift to look forward to each week.

3. Before we had Ella, many people said, "oh, how your lives will change forever." And I knew everything would be different, but no one mentioned how exhausting and difficult the first month and some could be. I felt as though I was in a fog that miraculously lifted sometime during her 7th week of life. Around that time, she started going to bed at a reasonable time (9:00-ish) and sleeping later in the morning (also 9:00-ish). She still wakes up to eat a couple times during that stretch, but we have been blessed with a quick eater, that goes back to sleep reliably. (Since her first week - maybe second - she has always been back asleep at most 40 minutes after she woke up; now more like 25-30) It is much easier getting out of bed at night when I know I'll be back in it soon.

4. (Feel free to skip this one if you don't want details of bowel movements.) I have never been so interested in poop until I started changing diapers. What color was it? What was the consistency? Did it smell sweet? (Nothing I'd want to eat, but seriously - sometimes it smells sweet.) How many times? I count myself lucky that she only goes once a day at the most, sometimes several days between dirty diapers. I can afford to note each one because they are rare. (I've read, and been told by my doctor that this is normal for breast-fed babied.) I am not going to rush on the solid food in part because I am not looking forward to the stinky poop.

5. Ella and I have had some really long conversations. There is nothing better than coming home to a baby that lights up when she sees me, smiles at the ridiculous faces I make, and talks to me non-stop for 30 minutes. She thinks I'm the bees knees, and I am going to enjoy this while it lasts.

6. Ella giggles on occasion, and I smile so much it makes my face hurt.

7. Ella drools. . .a lot. She has started buzzing her lips while pushing the spit out (are these called raspberries?) It appears to be fun because she can't seem to get enough.

8. Watching Jon with Ella warms my heart. He has an evening ritual of waltzing with her to Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. (I tried to add a little video of it, but it won't load.) She loves it. Even if she is upset, she can't help but laugh while trying to stick her bottom lip out. It is an added perk when she falls asleep by the end of it.

9. I love, love, love this girl.

French Drain

In addition to taking out the old circle drive, we added an extra parking spot so we can get a car out of the garage and park two side by side.

While the yard was torn up I decided to fix our drainage problem and put in a french drain. Thank you David Benner for your help with this. You are indeed a fine male specimen (if you want to know, ask Dave).

Here is the end result, a perforated pipe is under those rocks.

The pipe down to the street. Altogether, about 150 feet of trench to dig.

And here is the trench.

One More Tweak to Ugly House

We were planning to redo our driveway last summer (since it was our most obvious code violation), but necessary foundation work caused us to postpone until this summer. Since we received a grant from the city and our driveway was in such poor shape, we were required to fix it this year. An opening came up quickly with the company we liked so we jumped on it and away we go again.

These are in the wrong order, but this is the new walk to the front door.

The new stoop.

Putting up forms.

Demolition

More Demo.

Ready to Jog

It has been a long winter, and some days we just have to go outside to keep our sanity.

Feet

The discovery of last week was feet. Since she spends so much time looking at them, I strapped on a couple little wrist rattles for her to enjoy. Ella watches them as though someone is putting on a great show for her. It will be another big day when she realizes that those flashy feet belong to

her. (Warning: most videos to follow for the next few years may only appeal to grandparents.)

Cousin Marykate

When Ella was 1 month old, her cousin Marykate (and Aunt Kari) came to visit from Virginia. They were mostly unaware of each other, but Ella did enjoy trying to suck on MK's hand while they hung out in the crib together. I'm looking forward to the day when they will consciously interact.

Between 1 and 2 weeks old

In case you thought she looked like she might always be pleasant: