42 weeks 3 days

Dear Baby Bean,

Whoops! It was another crazy week, and I am only now getting around to writing you and telling you all about it. Sometimes you just wear me out a little too much, E-bean!

Sunday was Father's Day, like I wrote about before. You were a complete stinker in church and did not want to nap. I guess you just wanted to spend extra quality time with your Daddy. I understand why...he's awesome!!! He really loved the book you made him. I think it was a BIG hit.

Then it was gym and home. You were a very sleepy little princess when we got home. Not taking good naps will do that for you, little one!

Monday you got to go spend a little bit of time with Aunt Lori! You sure do keep me on my toes, girl! You took and awesome morning nap...almost 2 hours! Then I had to wake you up at 10:30 to go to Aunt Lori's, and she texted me later to tell me that you were really tired and went down for another nap around noon. What? You and your schedule, crazy girl...I don't get it.

Tuesday you went to Grandma's for a bit. Then, when we got home, it was HOT HOT HOT! So we did some playing on our splash pad to cool down a bit. 

You love playing in the water! You did not love, though, when you leaned too far forward and the water came up under your hat. That made you a little timid of it for awhile. You got over it pretty quickly and continued to splash away like the little fishy you are!

Speaking of little fishy...you are also a little vacuum! You are doing such a good job eating! You typically do three meals a day now, plus a snack here or there. You have, however, found the joy in feeding Truff. You will throw him food and giggle up a storm. I'm sure he loves it...although your aim is a liiiiiittle too good, apparently. I caught Truffle the other day with Cheerios stuck in his fur thanks to a certain little Ellie-bean! See?

You are also not the most tidy of eaters. Nope...you end up wearing a lot of your oatmeal. Oh well...it is good for the skin, right? Maybe you will be my spa buddy after all!

Wednesday we very much needed a Mommy and Ellie date, so we went to the zoo. This time, the lions were sleeping so you were okay with that. We watched some kangaroos get in a fight (which you thought was SO funny!) and we saw the sea otters swim along in the underwater viewing area. You thought that was pretty cool, and you kept pointing them out to me. I must say, I love that we figured out that the Beco works really well for the zoo. Not messing with the stroller and having you attached to me where I can talk to you and point out things to you is just SO much nicer!

Wednesday we were at the gym again. That is getting more challenging. You know exactly where Daddy and I are, and you are not happy to be away from us. We're definitely entering into the world of separation anxiety. When I take you in the gym, though, you get SO happy. You showed the big girls how you can walk across the floor holding my fingers and you were just SO proud of yourself. I love seeing that smile on your face!

Thursday we had to run some errands. But other than that it was a pretty low-key day. Daddy has been going into work early so he can get off early and work on landscaping stuff, so he's been a little worn out. Luckily, he makes it a point to spend time playing with you every night, which I know you love!

Friday started out interesting. I heard you stirring, but then I heard a THUD and giggle. What? So I checked the monitor and saw this: 

Yeah...what happened? You LOVE to stand in your crib and knock the camera down. Which you did. And then you decided to play with your feet through the crib slats. Oh, little one...you are giving me a run for my money already!

Then, you headed over to see Grandma and Grandpa. And it was even Grandma's birthday! So you had lots of fun playing with them, and you were a swinging machine in your swing! You blew bubbles and looked at the pinwheels, and had a very good time. 

We did have a rough afternoon, though. You were not wanting to go down for a nap and...the power went off. What??? It was nice and sunny. Arg. So, you were NOT napping after that. Good thing the UPS man brought some new toys from that Amazon sale, and that your Mommy has zero self restraint when it comes to fun new toys!

Friday night we surprised Grandma by going out to dinner with her and Grandpa. She was very surprised, and Daddy and I were pretty surprised that you did so well at dinner considering you had a very crappy napping day. But you hung in and had a good dinner. 

Saturday was Daddy and my anniversary! We've been married 11 years! Well, we decided we should go to the beach to celebrate. You had an awesome time playing in the sand!

Daddy and I had some yummy Silver Beach pizza and then we took you over to the splash pad. You LOVED that. You had the biggest, cheesiest smile on you face the whole time! You loved touching the water jets and being swung into them. You were getting really mad that you couldn't chase around the other kids, though! I know, you'll be walking soon enough, but it definitely frustrates you that you can't yet!

Sunday we went to church, and thankfully you slept a little better in church. Then, you were entertained eating cheerios for pretty much the duration. Yay cheerios!!! You did not want to nap when you got home, though. Too much fun to be had in the crib, I guess!

Monday we met Grandma at the mall, but since your naps had again been icky, we didn't get to stay long. You were pretty crabby most of the day, and didn't take a good nap until right before Daddy got home. Luckily, since that made for a pretty long day for me, you and Daddy took off to get dinner so I could get some rest. Yay for rest!

But then, that night, Daddy noticed you were feeling a little warm. We took your temp and sure enough...102. Poor baby bean. We gave you tylenol and put you to bed. When Daddy checked on you a bit later you still felt really warm so he got you up at the 4 hour mark to give you more Tylenol. good thing, your temp was still over 100. Poor thing! You woke up on your own about an hour before your next dose, and luckily your temp was down under 100. I fed you and then put you back to sleep until you woke up at 5:15. Another dose of tylenol, a snack and you were out until about 7. Luckily, when you woke up at 7, your temp was down to 98.9 so the tylenol was definitely doing its job now! Phew! We were so worried about you. So today we are hanging out, watching disney movies and playing on the floor. I hope you will take some good naps so you start feeling better!

I cannot believe that you are almost 10 months old. That is just crazy to me! You are so much fun. So social, and happy. I just love spending time with you. Even when all you want to do is watch Beauty and the Beast and cuddle up, there is NO place I'd rather be. And when I hear you calling for "Mama"...it just melts my heart. There is no sweeter sound in all of the world! You are so amazing, bean, and Daddy and I just love you so much. You are the best little princess EVER!

I love you, 

Mommy

Father's Day!

We had an awesome Father's Day. Busy, but low-key...pretty much everything we wanted. Ryan had already gotten his Father's Day present (and cooked some yummy steaks on it for lunch. Yum!!!) but Ellie and I also made him a photo book with all their pictures together. It turned out really nicely, and I was very happy with it.

Oh, and when we were eating lunch, Ellie said, clear as can be "Dad." I'm sure she had no idea what she was saying, but it was awesome to see those happy tears well up in Ryan's eyes. He really is just the best Dad.

41 weeks!

Dear Miss Ellorie,

You are 41 weeks old today! I feel like this week has been such a big week for you. It really seems like you are just growing up right before my eyes. I'm terrified to blink, because I am sure I will miss something, little love.

Tuesday we were still in full-fledged competition recovery mode. Thankfully you were feeling a lot better, so I enjoyed being able to play with you, like normal. You were back to being a little ham, making your farty noises. I'm SOOOO glad Daddy taught you how to do that, and that you think it is hilarious to have little fart conversations now. Can you sense the sarcasm, bean?

Tuesday evening Daddy and I had a meeting at the gym, so you went to spend some time with Aunt Lori! I heard that you were very interested in seeing the zebras on the TV, and you of course were yelling at them. Why am I not surprised? When Daddy and I came to pick you up, you were zonked in Aunt Lori's arms. I think she loved that, since she doesn't often get Ellie time at the gym. 

Wednesday, you were showing you are a silly little girl! I always accuse my cheer kids of being "window-lickers" but now I guess I've got one of my own. Now if only we can put you on a short bus! 

But seriously, standing at the glass door is one of your favorite things to do. You get especially excited if there is a bee or some birds out there. Then, you'll start to jump. You are quite the jumper! That time in your jumperoo served you well, I think!

I has been fairly nice all week, so in addition to taking lots of walks with your brother we've also spent lots of time outside. We've played with the water table, had grass tickle fights, and played with bubbles. Those bubbles are SO mesmerizing to you!

Wednesday night it was off to the gym again. When we got home, the weather was kind of icky, but I am happy to report that you slept right through the bad storms, and this time, the lightening stayed away and all our electronics stayed intact. Phew!

Thursday was a BIG. DAY. Picture this...I put you down for your first nap. You are a little fussy, and are whining for a minute. I check in on you after a minute or so via video monitor and see...nothing. I can't see you in your crib. So I pan the camera and see...

...feet.

Yup, the day has come, you figured out how to stand up in your crib. I tried my best to thwart your efforts by not teaching you how to sit up from a laying position. I knew you could pull up from a sit but if I didn't teach you how to sit I was safe, right? Well, those days have sadly passed. 

Of course this freaked me out because your crib is still on the highest setting. So I went in, layed you down, and you went to sleep. 

We then went to meet Daddy for lunch. You had fun sharing his chicken salad, and I think he had fun showing you off to all his co-workers at the new plant. You hadn't been to that one before, so they hadn't met you!

When we got home, you were in need of another nap. So we did the usual routine. Nurse, noise machine, lay down in crib, angel care monitor on, and sneak out. I sat down on the couch, peeked in on you, and...

...followed closely by...

Really, Bean? Yup, turns out I had to go lay you down 5 times before you would actually go to sleep. You little stinker. The thing that killed me every time is that you were so darn proud of yourself, you'd be jumping up and down with excitement when I came in to lay you back down. It broke my heart, but you needed your nap! I will say it now, though, Bean, I am VERY proud of you, and I am glad you're proud of yourself for all your new tricks, even though they give me gray hair!

Friday you went over to Grandma and Grandpa's to play. We had missed a couple weeks, so I think you liked being back to check out the pretty fan and the jumpy snowman. Then it was back home and play time around here. 

Oh, one other big first that happened this week...you are now rocking out the straw cup! You LOVE it. With as well as you've been sucking down food pouches, this doesn't surprise me, but it is cool to see. ONE little problem, though, you don't understand you should swallow it. Instead, you suck the water out of the cup and spit it all down your shirt like a little fountain. Oh, how I love you, silly bean!

This morning you were up and at 'em, and we've already had some play time and eaten some waffles. Yum! Now it is nap time for you. Hopefully you take a good one and we've got lots to do today. 

You're turning into such a big girl, and you are so much fun to spend time with, Ellie. I love being around you every day! I don't think I've ever smiled more than I have recently when getting to play with you. You are so amazing in every way, and getting to watch you learn and grow is just absolutely magical. 

I love you SO much!

Mommy

40 weeks!

Dear Ellie,

You are 40 weeks old (plus 2 days), princess! We had a very busy week, so I better get to telling you all about it.

Monday started out our crazy busy week with some errands and then your 9 month doctor's appointment. After all that worrying about your weight, you weighed in at 16 lbs 3oz, which was perfectly on your growth curve. And you are officially 27 inches tall! You did great at the appointment and appreciated not having to get any shots. Your favorite part of the appointment, though, was definitely Daddy lifting you up to the ceiling so you could play with the purple sparkly butterfly that was hanging from it. You really loved that. What you did not like so much, though, is when I tried to talk to the doctor and neither of us were paying attention to you. You threw quite the little fit, Miss Center of Attention!

Speaking of you and Daddy...you have your own little language together these days...in the form of fart noises. He will make a fart sound with his lips and you will do it right back. Sigh. Such a lady, you are turning into. 

Tuesday, for the most part, we stayed around home. We did, however, get to go to the park. Your brother loves that, even when he tried to eat a chunk of dirt. There were lots of ducks out, which worked with you wearing your ducky shirt, and of course, swinging was a big hit as usual. 

Wednesday was really nice, so we decided to bust out the water table that Grandma got for you. You loved playing with the sailboats in the water, and you especially love that you can stand on it. You are getting SO good at standing! You can even stand now sometimes without holding onto anything, like when you had a sailboat in each hand playing at the table. You are getting to be such a big girl, bean!

Thursday we went shopping with Grandma, which turned into quite the ordeal. We went to lunch and you did an amazing job eating, and even ordered your own egg so you could eat that. Apparently, though, you ate a little too much. You were in your carrier, strapped to me, in the middle of Gymboree in Merrillville, when you got sick. Big time. All over. Poor little bean, I felt so bad for you. You definitely didn't look as scared as the first time you got sick, though. We were both absolutely covered. It was SUPER fun walking back through the mall to the car covered in puke, while trying not to gag too much myself. That was quite the Mommy test for me, little one! Luckily, we got both of us cleaned up, you nursed to calm you belly, and we were no worse for the wear. Especially after you got your very favorite toy to play with...

Friday you continued to be a little under the weather. You were even running a little fever. So we stuck to Tylenol, Mommy cuddles, movie time and naps. You were definitely not feeling like yourself. There was not nearly as many smiles and coos from you as normal. I hate to see you not feeling good, princess!

Saturday we headed to Lansing for a competition, bright and early. You are such a trooper with our craziness. You still were running a little fever, and you didn't nap too well, so I was pretty worried about you. Grandma and Grandpa came up later that day and helped watch you, though, which was good. They were able to get you to take some nice naps, and spent lots of time playing with you. 

Saturday night you didn't sleep too great, despite sleeping though the night every other night this week. Being away at a hotel will do that to you, I suppose. But that made Daddy and I even more tired than we already were. 

Sunday you were definitely on the mend. You had fun watching some cartoons while I got ready. 

Oh, and you were trying to convince Grandpa to let you hop the fence and get in the pool. You are a fishy, little one!!! You didn't nap too well, though, and were a disaster on the drive home. 

When you did get home and in your own bed, though, you were one happy camper. See what baby competition hangover looks like?

That brings us to today. You are FINALLY back to yourself 100%. You were smiling at me when I brought you your morning apples and cheerios. I missed that smile when you weren't feeling well. And you were singing up a storm in the car on errands. No fever all day. Thank goodness. I just hate seeing you like that, my baby bird.

Bean, you are just the most adorable little thing ever. You are so much fun. Even though it has been one of the most crazy, tiring weeks since you got here, I have still loved every single minute of being your Mom. Even the puke-filled ones! I still ask your Daddy how in the world we got so lucky that we get to be your parents. You are the most special, amazing little girl in all of the world.

I love you, Bean!

Mommy

39 weeks

Dear Ellie,

I cannot believe that you have now been an outside baby as long as you were an inside baby! How crazy is that? At 39 weeks and 1 day pregnant with you, I had already been induced, you were not cooperating in the least, and labor stunk. I am happy that today, at 39 weeks and 1 day OLD, I had a much more enjoyable time with you!

So, what did we do this week? Well, Monday was Memorial Day, so Daddy got to hang out with us again! Yay! The only bad news was that we planned to go to the parade with Lilly and her family, but got rained out. You tried your hardest to tell the rain to go away, but alas, it does not listen to your bossiness like Daddy and I do.

Yeah, speaking of that picture...standing. You are CRAZY these days with your standing and with walking all over holding onto hands. You do NOT want to sit or lay down. And you are constantly getting mad that you can't stand completely on your own yet. You try to push us away. Silly bean. You will take a step or two on your own to get somewhere, but you haven't figured it all out. Thank goodness. When you do, Daddy and I are in TROUBLE.

Then it was errands and to the gym. You were pretty crabby at the gym. I think that it had something to do with your entire schedule being thrown off. Don't get me wrong, I love holiday, but it does make it a bit harder to stay "on track."

Tuesday we went on a little road trip to Benton Harbor. I had to pick some stuff up from Target up there, so you and Grandma came along and we did a little shopping. Okay, so mostly you. But what's new there? You didn't really nap too well, which goes with my theory about being thrown off by the holiday. 

Wednesday you took a much better nap for me, so we decided to hit the zoo! Wooohooo!

I wore you in the Beco and it worked MUCH better than having you fight being in the stroller, and I could talk to you more about the animals! It was SO funny though, we were looking at the first animal, the tiger, and heard our names being yelled from over by the pond. Edwardsburg schools were there and so a bunch of our friends were there. Jack was there too. A-hem...I keep telling you NO BOYS but I think you have other plans. You talk to him, and reach for him. Trouble, Ellie, you are trouble. 

We enjoyed our afternoon a lot, though. Well except for the lions. They roared pretty loud when we were there before, and although you didn't cry, I think you were slightly scared. Well, you must have gotten Daddy's memory, because when you saw the lion walking toward you, the bottom lip went out, you grabbed my shirt, and started with the waterworks! Luckily a quick detour to the fish made it all better. The kangaroo exhibit is open now too, and you REALLY enjoyed that. Probably because half the time you are jumping and bouncing all over like a little kangaroo!

Thursday was a nice day, so I mentioned that if you took a good nap, we'd go to the park. You were pretty darn excited about that idea I think!

So, we got to go to the park, and swing on the swing set. You still love that. The higher and faster the better. 

You are also getting to be such a pro at pulling up. You try to pull up on everything imaginable. You can pop right up in your crib without a problem, now. You can even now pull up while holding a toy. Eeek. 

That evening, we took a walk down to Craig and Ellie's. They sure LOVE visits with you. You showed off nicely for them, giggling, and clapping, and waving, and showing off your walking skills. Even though it was a little past your bed time, there were people to entertain, and you were sure going to entertain them!

Friday, with the long weekend ahead of us, and not feeling the greatest, I decided we were not going to the Y. Instead, we stayed in our jammies, watched a little Beauty and the Beast, and snuggled. 

Oh, and we got things together for the weekend. But I think we spent a little too much time snuggling and playing and not enough getting stuff done, because we were running a bit behind.

Maybe I can blame running behind on the mess you made Friday! You are an eating monster these days. Seriously, you eat so much! One night this week, you chowed down HALF of my chicken breast. You've started eating oatmeal with me for breakfast, which you are loving! And it is still all about the cheese! I don't think you are amused with me taking messy face pictures. 

Saturday we had a competition at Bethel. We certainly like it being closer, although you didn't sleep to well before, so it was a very short night for me, and I was pretty tired! The Ellie snuggles are worth it, though. Once you got to the competition, though, you were great, as usual. And you had fun with Grandma and Grandpa walking around campus, chasing squirrels. You even found a crane to watch. I don't think he was a cute as new little Ichabod that we see at the zoo, but a fun day none the less. 

That brings us to today. As usual, church this morning, then to the gym. At church you had fun playing with 7 month old Ella. You were talking up a storm to her, and pointing and waving. She thought you were very funny. You freaked Ella's Daddy out, though, because you are smaller than her and you were standing and jumping and such, and she's not even sitting. I had to explain that you're a little peanut and are actually older than you look!

It had been a crazy, crazy week, little one. And this upcoming week will likely be even crazier. But regardless, any day is amazing when I get to spend it with you. All your cuddles, and smiles, and now that you know how to give kisses (I LOVE that you know that now!!!) just make me the happiest Mommy in all the world. 

I love you so much, Ellie-bean!

Mommy

38 weeks

Dear Baby Bean,

You are 38 weeks and 1 day old today. I've been feeling all nostalgic lately. I think some of it is the warm weather, or remembering that last Memorial Day weekend we started working on your nursery,  and some of it is writing 38 weeks. It really seems like yesterday when I was 38 weeks pregnant with you and you were being the little spitfire that would not stay on the monitor during NST's and almost made me pass out! That really should've given be a clue, because now at 38 weeks old you sure do still give me a run for my money!

We had such a big week! Let's see, like I had said before, Saturday Daddy and I took you on your very first trip to the zoo! That was all the excitement we could handle for that day. Especially because we had a VERY early (3am!) wake up call the next day! That's right, Sunday we were up early and on the road to Grand Rapids for a cheer competition. I have to say, bean, we got SO lucky with you. That is true in a million different ways, but one important one is that you are SO tolerant of our crazy schedule! You are a great traveler and did awesome at the competition as usual.

Daddy had so much fun playing with you on breaks! He is your favorite toy, for sure! Since you are much bigger now than you were at the last competition, you got to spend a lot more time out with the bigger girls. You thought it was so funny to watch them and wave at them and talk to them. I think they might be teaching you some bad habits. You can now make a "duck face" for pictures. If you get to the point where you add a peace sign like those silly girls do for pictures, I told everyone to call CPS on me. 

You did an awesome job cheering on all the teams and all of our teams are going to state. And you were so happy, as long as you were strapped to me. Yup, that Beco is worth its weight in gold to me right now, little one. I won't complain, because I love being close to you, but it is times like this where I am thankful for how teeny you are! 

Something else VERY exciting happened...Aunt Mandy asked you to be a flower girl for her wedding! Yay! You showed your excitement by trying to eat the card. Good thing that Aunt Mandy is smart and realizes that whatever dress she picks out you are going to need some cute ruffle-y bloomers because you will likely walk down the aisle with your dress around your ears. She is prepared for you Bean! Anyways, you are very excited for her and Uncle Brian and can't wait for next October!

Monday, I had some hardcore competition hangover. And, I think, for the first time you did too! At least I think this is what baby competition hangover looks like. 20 hour days are hard on you too!

We went and picked up Truff from Grandma and Grandpa's house and then came home and had a nice relaxing day where we went for lots of walks together and took some nice long naps...all of us! 

It was pretty hot out, so we also hooked up your splash pad. You weren't so sure at first, probably because it was a little bit cold for you. Good thing Dad has plans to solar-heat the hose! But after it warmed up, you were loving sitting out there splashing around in the water. 

Tuesday we had planned to stay at home since it was going to be stormy all day, but when the weather cleared up, we decided to head out to the zoo. Gotta use that membership, right? Well you weren't so sure of the lion when he starting roaring, but you LOVED looking at the monkeys again. You were watching them VERY carefully. No getting any ideas and starting to swing around on stuff, okay, Bean?!?

That night you had another big first...your first Cobra ride. Daddy was so proud, you LOVED it, and you even tried to drive. He says you are a natural! I can just imagine the fights that will ensue about that! But you were very happy to take a ride around the cul-de-sac. Unfortunately that is the furthest you will be going, as much to Daddy's dismay, I will not let him bolt a carseat to the frame. 

Wednesday it was icky and rainy out, so we stayed home a did a little resting. Nothing too exciting. We just spent time playing together. I just love playing with you. You are walking all over these days. You love to hold on to our hands and walk all over the house now. Sigh. I don't know how you got so big so fast! And you can stand for a LONG time. You hold on to your crib, or to the couch, or to your toy and just stand there. You are learning so much, so fast!

We're also going running together these days. You are such a good running buddy. Even when it was rainy and icky out, you were a trooper and stuck it out for a good little jog. You love contorting yourself around in that stroller to see me, silly girl. 

Thursday got off to an interesting start. You actually slept in later than normal (woooohoooo) and I was cuddling with Truff when I found a tick on him. He would NOT let me get it off! So we had to drive to Dad's work for a little assistance and another pair of hands. Of course, the one day you sleep in I have to wake you up. I didn't want to! Look at how peaceful you were...

Waking you up, plus no coffee, plus a detour on the way over to Dad's work made me a crabby Mommy. Luckily after our adventure and a nap, you and your brother were both as good as new!

I am quite mortified to report that you and Daddy have a new game too. There are no words for this, baby bean. No words. 

Take my advice and don't suck too hard. Daddy's boogers do not equal milk. Trust me on this one. I know things. 

Friday you went to see Grandma and Grandpa while I worked out. The fan got a new make-over, and is now decorated for summer in its patriotic splendor! You had a good time playing with Grandma and Grandpa, as usual, and then we went home to rest up for the evening. When Daddy got home, we took off with Uncle Brad and Aunt Sondra to a car show. We don't have a fun car that you will fit in (that runs...Daddy has got to get my Mustang finished) but it was funny to remember that this is the second year in a row we didn't take a fun car. Last year I was feeling huge and we got about 5 miles away from home and you were sitting right on a nerve and making it very uncomfortable to ride in the cobra, so we turned around and drove a 'real' car. Funny what a year does! Anyways, we had a lot of fun walking around and you were, of course a hit. You had to wave at everyone. All the time. You are like the welcoming committee of the world or something. Or a beauty queen in training. Either way you were waving and flirting up a storm. 

Saturday we had a nice relaxing day. We got some stuff done around here, including deep-cleaning a bunch of your stuff. This is apparently where my judgement got fuzzy. I decided that since I was waiting for your high chair to dry, we should have a picnic lunch. What the heck in the world was I thinking. 

At least I still had the sense to take off your clothes before the picnic commenced. Truff, on the other hand, loved the picnic. And I think you loved the deep cleaning you got afterwards, as I was trying to scrub avocado out of the million little nooks and crannies you managed to smoosh it in. 

 Later that day, we got all dressed up and went out to a nice dinner together. It was a delayed Mother's Day for me, since I had to be at the gym Mother's Day and it is just a general sucky day for me. You were an adorable dinner date and were So good at Bonefish, sharing bread and Dad's veggies. I think you really wanted my sashimi, but I don't share that. Dad did sneak you a little bit of brownie for dessert, though!

I also really, really loved the gift you and Daddy got me! You guys got me a special engraved frame that has your hand and foot prints and then a picture of the two of us. That is so special to me! You and Daddy did a VERY good job. You both are awfully smart and good gift givers.

Which brings us to today. With the holiday weekend, there was no practice today, so instead of the usual routine, we did church, then went to Michigan City. Shopping wasn't so successful, but playing with you was. You are so funny and happy. We were trying to keep you awake on the ride home and you were so delirious, and just singing and talking, and waving and sticking out that tongue. Everything you do is just so cute!

It is so hard to believe that you are nearly 9 months old. How is that even possible. I still often feel like I'm just dreaming, like you are just too good to be true. I am so lucky that I get to be your Mom and that I get to be the one to give you good night kisses and tell you "hello, Super Sleeper" when you wake up. I am so thankful for every gummy smile, and every excited jump up and down. You are the most special baby girl ever and I love you so much!

I love you, Ellie-Bean!

Mommy

The 'must haves'...part 2

Of course as Ellie changes my 'must haves' change, so I thought it was time to do another list. So first, let's revisit what I had before (when E was about 3 months):

1. Swaddlers- We had to wean her off the swaddle awhile ago since she is a rolling machine. Then we had some crappy sleep. Now we're finally back to normal and she sleeps in a sleeper and sleep sack. So yes, this is a must have for the 0-4ish month phase.

2. A Nice Robe- A million times YES! Still useful. Although I will add MULTIPLE comfy robes. You cannot have enough.

3. Cloth Diapers- Still love them. Still not saving money because I feel the need to buy a zillion cute diapers. I feel like my stash is finally at the point where I ALMOST have enough, especially since I just got another shipment of wet bags and 7 new diapers. I am dying to try the bamboo Kawaii's. I am trying to show restraint. Hmmm.

4. Co-sleeper- I had hoped we'd still be co-sleeping. No dice. Girl likes her space and feels the need to nurse every 10 minutes if I am within a 10 foot radius. But again, we used it every night from 0-4.5ish months, and then her pack-n-play as kind of a pseudo-co-sleeper from 4.5ish-6. Now she's in her big girl crib.

5. The Snuza- Yes! Still love it! Still on the first battery, and still allows me to sleep at night. Well, the combo of that and the Angel care monitor. Yes, I have 2 breathing monitors on my kid. I never claimed to be sane.

6. One-handed snacks- I have accepted the truth that I will never do anything with 2 hands ever again. Although now, everything is a one-handed snack. And if you accidentally get pizza sauce on your kid's head....be grateful she doesn't have hair and you can lick it off. No idea why I know that...

NEW STUFF...

7. Boubeads/Teething necklaces- Okay, these are awesome. Necklaces I wear that E can chew on. Basically I have 2 types. Silicone ones that I got from Micheal's that are CHEAP and my new go-to baby present. Or Boubeads. Sigh. Boubeads. They are gorgeous. I wear them with everything.Ellie loves to play with them and chew them. But they are pricey. Best thing about these...the cuddles! She will cuddle right up to your neck to chew. Even Dad and Grandpa have been spotting sporting teething necklaces (even in public!).

8. A good stroller- I lucked into my stroller. I tried to do the research. Really, I did. Then I got overwhelmed. So I ended up with the B-Agile. And I LOVE it. So lightweight. So easy to fold. So comfy for E. Really. Spend some money here. Recently, I even started jogging again, and it is not a half bad jogging stroller. Yes, I know, it is not the safest thing to do. But I figure for awhile it will suffice. See my cute girl after we got rained on during today's run?

9. A video monitor- Since her highness is in another room, and she tends to wake up at the slightest "click" of a door, it is vital for me to have one of these. And I LOVE that I can check in from any laptop or phone. Perfect.

10. A sitting/walking toy- Girl will NOT do what she does not want to do. So in order to entice her to sit up, we used the walking toy. And now, she wants to be standing all the time. She will stand and look out the window for 20 minutes straight if I let her. And she uses it to pull up. And she is starting to walk behind it. So, you know, it is pretty much worth its weight in gold to us. We got this one: http://www.amazon.com/VTech--Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1369333602&sr=1-1 when it was on sale for $19.99.

11. Wine- Because clingy days where I can't even put her down long enough to use the bathroom happen. 

I think those are pretty much all the things that I couldn't function without, for now.