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.