Making Splashes

The family enjoyed a fun day at WhiteCliff pool. It was so helpful having Tim around to help out with Ella. It also allowed Tim and I to have some fun ourselves and find the kid inside of us. We went on the lazy river, jumped off the diving board, slid down the giant water slide and unsuccessfully attempted the monkey bar/rope climb. After the pool we all enjoyed a nice nap. : )

Big Girl!

Over the last 2 weeks, Ella has shown us many of her new talents. Here are just a few of her latest developments.

- Eating cereal, and pureed bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, pears, peaches, squash, apples, and avocado. She likes most of them.
- Rolling over from back to stomach, and occasionally sleeping on her tummy at night (which admittedly scares Mom and Dad)
- Sitting unsupported for up to 3 minutes
- Bearing her own weight when standing
- Using the exersaucer and loving it
- Touching her own toes!
- Wearing hair bows directly in her hair (no elastic band)
- Weighing 14 lbs and getting tall at 24 1/2"

Crocodile Tears

Ella is an incredibly content and well behaved baby. However, there are occasions when she isn't a happy camper. Here are a few of those moments. Please don't judge us for taking pictures during such traumatic moments (joking - they are very painless events such as stopping her from eating so that she can burp!)

Slumber Party at Grandma Norma's

Tim and I decided we wanted (needed?) a kid-free Saturday night. This situation was a win-win because while we got a night out for dinner and drinks with friends, Ella got to spend some quality time with Grandma Norma, Aunt Shelly, Uncle Tim and Cousins Evan and Mallory. Mallory was especially excited to entertain Ella with toys and spent a couple of extra hours at Grandma's.

When we first arrived in Perryville, we stopped by the Cliftons and Ella pulled out the "stranger danger" tears. This is the third time she's experienced separation anxiety, where she only wants to be held by Mom or Dad. It only lasts a few minutes, while she warms up to faces that she doesn't see frequently. So if happens to you, don't take it personally...it's a perfectly normal phase for infants. : )

While we were away, Ella went to church, stayed up a little later than usual, ate well, and I'm sure enjoyed the bonding time.

Hangin' in Ste Gen

We took a short road trip south to see Ella's cousin Blake play baseball in Ste. Genevieve, MO. We met the Gang II (Jeff, Holly, Blake, Shelby and Lindsey) at the ball fields and then headed to a cowboy-style lunch where we met up with Holly's brother and niece. The kids had fun hanging out together, despite the scary taxidermy hanging on the walls.

Everyday Life

Here are a couple pics taken of us hanging out around the house. We make the most of our limited awake time together. Ella is such a joy to have around and makes us smile constantly.

Fun on Mom's shoulders!













Ella's and Daddy's hand

















Hmmm, what's for dinner? Ella helping in the kitchen

Future Athlete

Tim was in Brazil last week for work. While there, he was able to experience the local culture during the World Cup games in which Brazil was still playing. It was quite a memorable experience for him. One of the best souvenirs Ella got was a small soccer ball - she loves it! She seems to really enjoy having a toy that reciprocates movement...none of her other toys roll back and forth in response and she seems quite amazed by the concept. We think she's going to be a talented athlete. I'm so excited to sign her up for soccer, gymnastics, dance, swimming lessons, t-ball...she is going to be busy. : )

- Stef

Fun in the Sun (continued)

Tim, Ella and I celebrated July 4th with a traditional trip to Tablerock lake to stay with the Rohatsch's. Ella got more fresh air than she typically experiences in weeks. The weather was pleasant (for the most part, despite a few showers and minor humidity), and the sunshine and breeze wore Ella out. She took good naps and partied hard during her waking hours.

During our stay, we hung out on the house deck most of the mornings and on the dock most of the afternoons. Ella was a brave girl and even enjoyed a couple dips in the lake. After Ella's 7pm bedtime, the family ate dinner and created their own (impressive) fireworks display. The loud 'booms' woke Ella however she handled the sudden awakening by cooing and kicking her legs in a playful way in bed for 5 minutes and then peacefully going back to sleep. She is such an amazing sleeper!

Emma and Ella were the life of the party (well...and her drunk Tantes). Each of them enjoyed the other's company. Emma would chatter to Ella and play with her toys, while Ella observed Emma's every move. Matching bikinis were compliments of Tante Gisela, too cute.

- Stef

Fun in the Sun

Ella has started experiencing a real St. Louis Summer. The heat has been blazing and the pool has been a perfect relief.

A couple of weeks ago, Tim went swimming at Grandpa Tim and Nana Renee's pool. This was, of course, after Mom and Dad went on a Saturday morning golfing date (where Mom taught Dad a few things about playing the game). Ella enjoyed chillin' in her floatie for the first time, and got so comfy she feel asleep. Mom and Dad took her out of the pool before her hands and feet turned into raisins. She slept soundly in her umbrella stroller for a few minutes while we packed our pool gear. Everyone was hoping her Corona didn't go to waste.