Daddy's Book Worm

A picture and a video in case some of you can't view the video. The commentary is cute.

Stuffed Animals

Ella is entering the phase of loving stuffed animals. She has a number of toys that she enjoys cuddling with and slobbering on, however there is one in particular that she has really bonded with - the Pooh disguised as Tigger. She loves to nose dive into the stuffed animal, giving it big hugs (probably not intentional at this stage) and open mouth bites on every limb of the defenseless creature. When she's finished playing, there is usually a good trail of drool evidence remaining.






-Stef

Ella's Kitties

The roles have reversed. Instead of the cats watching Ella's every move, she is now the one carefully not letting them out of her sight. As I watch her watch them, you can tell she is soaking in every bit of the world around her. She has even started touching Shiloh and Tiger's fur if they come within striking distance. I'm sure they are anxiously awaiting the days where she chases them and pulls their tails...

Here is a cute picture capturing the morning routine of Ella playing on the bed as Tim and I get ready for work. I like to call it the 'stare down'.



-Stef

Father's Day

What a great day with my special princess. We started the morning by going to Kenrick's to pick out a big steak. We left with a steak, green beens, garlic bread, chicken skewers and bacon wrapped poppers. Mom and Ella then took me to the mall, where I got to pick out a Cardinal's Jersey. I went with Whitey Herzog's 1985 throwback baby blue. Back home, I grilled the meat while Mom and Ella hung out. Ella was a little fussy - I guess she had been so excited about the big day that when it finally arrived she was a little tired. After lunch, we hung out in the Affton pool a little bit. We relaxed the rest of the day, reading some books (I am reading "Evil at Heart", Ella is reading "Colors" and "Hush-a-Bye Bedtime"). Stef did her Betty Crocker imitation and made an awesome cake (in addition to the tasty homemade breakfast burrito this morning). And that capped off a great, first Father's day.

I love you, Ella!
-Dad

Developing right before our eyes

Ella seems to be developing so fast! This weekend our little Houdini rolled from her tummy to her back several times. The first couple of times we were convincing ourselves it was because she was at a slant on the edge of the area rug, or that her momentum was still going from us putting her onto her stomach. However, the reality is that she is simply that talented to do it on her own. We are so proud of how much she is growing and changing right before our eyes.

Next, we're working on teaching her to give reciprocal kisses. Right now, she opens her mouth wide as we move in to give her a kiss. I guess she thinks she we are a giant toy to chew on, not sure. Regardless, it's adorable.

Baptism

Ella was baptized into the Catholic church on June 6, 2010 at St. Vincent de Paul parish in Perryville. The family went to Mass at 11am and the ceremony followed shortly afterwards. Ella looked beautiful in her long white vintage-style gown.

During the Baptism, she was so attentive, watching the Deacon very closely. She also watched the candle flame very closely...guess the pryo gene was passed along from Dad. Uncle Matt and Aunt Shelly will make fantastic Godparents.

After the church activities, we enjoyed a tasty fried chicken lunch at the American Legion hall. It was a nice, relaxing time to hang with family.

7-Month pictures