Tuesday, August 28, 2012

FoUr mNnths


4 months = FUN

What a difference a month makes. Over the last 4 weeks Ella has really increased her ability to communicate what she wants, play, respond to our silliness, and show us affection (my favorite milestone).

When it comes to playing Ms. Ella likes action! She loves her new exersaucer (see video below) and anything involving standing up or lots of movement. She still enjoys tummy time but she has been practicing rolling over frequently so she is able to move on if she wants. She grabs at everything now so I have to be more careful what I carry around when I’m holding her. She will dive her hand into my morning coffee if I’m not careful.

Everything must go in her mouth of course so cleaning toys (and our hands) is happening a lot more often now. She has even sprouted a little tooth, which seems to not be bothering her yet. She still loves to bite our knuckles so we have been following its growth that way. Attempting to actually SEE the tooth is very hard.

The best development this month, in my opinion, is her new ability to give us kisses! She pulls our faces towards her and drools all over our checks – it’s messy and adorable.  It looks like she is trying to eat us but I’m sure this is her way of returning all the millions of kisses we give her. We are also getting hugs and earth shaking smiles when she sees us. Sometimes it feels like my heart can’t take it – it’s that cute!

Well – maybe a close second to her kisses are her belly laughs. It has been so much fun getting this girl to crack up! Below is a video of me cracking the code to her funny bone one morning.

She has a little stranger anxiety – mainly with men. Truth be told, she really only wants her dad when it comes to guys. However, Uncle Nick really got her laughing the other night and she’s pretty sure Jonathan is Adam x 2 so the local uncles are in safe territory.

She is very much aware when mommy and daddy are not around and gets a little fussy until we return, then it’s back to happy baby. It’s amazing to watch her with other people – as long as we are close she does okay. But you better believe she is watching to make sure we are there.

Naps have become much better – thank God! I know I wrote a while back that Adam saved the day and got her on the path to sweet dreams. Well – I didn’t update the blog that this went to hell in a hand basket quickly. She HATED naps and I began to feel the same way. It was always a fight. This too shall pass – and it did. She now goes down nicely. She still only sleeps for 45 min. at a time but I think that will change once she gets older and expends more energy. She is still sleeping 11-12 hours at night (has been since 2-3 months).

Now that I am back to work with a contracting job I am working full days twice a week – Monday and Thursday. Adrienne watches Ella in her daycare center and I work from their house so I can see her and breastfeed. The first week was rough but this last Monday was great – she loves Adrienne but needed to get used to being away from me and hanging in a new environment.

Our little miss is becoming such a big girl now – it’s amazing. I know this is only the start of big changes for us as she grows from infant to toddler. It’s sad and exciting at the same time.

Here are some pictures and videos to enjoy! 

She loves to play airplane 

One happy girl!  





Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Ella Rolls...

Just two days after her four month birthday Ella decided it was time to rollover. Our cute little girl has gotten so close MANY times but never made it all the way. Thankfully I had the camera ready so I was able to capture this magic moment ;)

Please excuse my annoying voice - I got super excited. Ella on the other hand, didn't know what the big deal was.