Raising Baby Ellie

Daddy's Home!

2010-01-17T11:57:00.001-05:00

My dog likes to bark. A lot.

When he barks loudly in the early evening, it can only mean one thing...

Daddy's Home!

I rush to the door & giggle with excitement. I tap on the glass and Daddy taps back. Then he scoops me up into his arms! I'm a lucky kid.

Elmo-Lee & other Ramblings

2010-01-12T12:39:00.000-05:00

Can you say this?

Can you say that?

These parents of mine never give me a break! And guess what? I love it!

The only thing I don't like right now is hearing the word, "NO."

Mommy and I have been practicing saying "Emily" but I get a little confused between my cousin and my furry red monster pal. Sometimes, I say "Elmo-lee". It's pretty close.

Like my hair? This weather hasn't been too good for it. Today, it looks like a science experiment.

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Mom says I should tell you about my visit to the doctor last week. I weighed 22.8 pounds & I am 2 feet, 6 inches tall. Fifteen more inches and I can ride the Phoenix! Anyway, Nurse Angel came in the room to give me some shots -- I foolishly thought she was checking out my knees until I felt an intense pain in my leg! So I reached down and ripped the needle out of my leg. You can bet she wasn't expecting that! No more shots until kindergarten! Yahoo!

Lucky Doll

2009-11-24T12:35:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, Daddy, Mommy, and I went to Hilton Head. Wasn't that a good idea? It was warm enough that our whole family could walk around on the beach. The first thing I did was run towards the water. It looked like the biggest bathtub ever! When I got to the ocean, it started to chase me and I didn't really know how to feel about that. Then I fell and it was cold...

So I cried.

Then Toby wanted to play chase and that made me happy again.

See how much fun going to the beach is? Mommy let me practice all my yoga moves on Aunt Judy & Uncle Cecil's couch cushions. I am perfecting downward dog.

On Saturday, we had the most fun. We visited with Aunt Judy & Uncle Cecil and then went to Coligny Plaza. We went to the toy store and then to Big Bamboo Cafe. We had a delicious lunch -- three cheers for black beans, cucumbers, & hummus. What?! I have a refined palate. The best part was the music -- while Mom & Dad ate their lunch, I danced to the Jimmy Buffett music being played by Mr. Guitar Man.

After all that dancing, I was SO tired. So my parents did what every responsible parent would do...

they took me to the Cajun Fest at The Salty Dog.

and Guess What??

I can't wait to go back!

Where's My Candy?

2009-11-04T07:24:00.003-05:00

Baaaaaaaaaa!

I am such a big girl now! So big, that mommy dressed me up like a sheep last weekend and let me beg for treats in the neighborhood for Daddy. I liked picking out treats and putting them in my bag. Better than that was cruising in my stroller with my friends in the dark. AND there were cheerios.

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I have some new words that I say aloud. As you know from this blog, I am a master of the English language. When I'm not speaking Japanese, I like to say...

cracker!

milk!

ack you (thank you)

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The Road Less Traveled...

2009-10-22T09:37:00.002-04:00

"Mama? Can I eat nature?"

"No," said Mama. "Nature is for exploring."

"And enjoying."

I love autumn.

Sibling Rivalry?

2009-10-09T12:23:00.004-04:00

I love my fur brother. He is sweet & soft. He likes to roll around in the playhouse in my bedroom. Maybe he thinks toy kitchens are fun like me. I bet he pretends to make omelets. He keeps me company when I eat my lunch. Isn't that nice of him? He just sits right there underneath my highchair.

Good boy.

Now get in my basket...

365 days

2009-09-29T11:47:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Baby Ellie!

This has been the best year of my life.

Love always,

Mommy

Who says I'm loud?

2009-09-21T19:17:00.002-04:00

Ellie Speaks

2009-09-16T10:09:00.004-04:00

I am very chatty. Mostly, I speak Alien & Japanese, but I can say a few words in my native tongue. My favorite word is "ball" pronounced, "Baaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhlllllllllllll!" I get very excited when I say this word.

The other word I enjoy is "dog". There are dogs everywhere -- in my house, in my books, & on the television. I see them walking down the street and I point and yell, "Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhgggg!" I like real dogs & stuffed animal dogs. I do not discriminate.

In the middle of the night, I like to say, "Ma. Ma. MaMa." Works like a charm.

Everyone beware: little ears are listening & my little mouth will soon repeat.

My Mommy is Freaking Out

2009-09-10T12:43:00.004-04:00

Dear Diary,

Hey, it's me Ellie! I've been distracted by all the things that I can reach and get into that I completely forgot about the computer. Have you ever been inside a pantry?! It is SO fun -- there are shelves down low made just for babies to wreck. I love plastic forks and paper plates. I just carry 'em around and drop them all over the place - it's great! A lot of that junk fits perfectly in my wooden cart, so I stash things in there right next to Elmo.

Do you know what's better than a pantry? Guess! No, really... take a guess! A Lazy Susan! There are so many small glass jars and bowls and tea bags and coffee buckets and spices and I can throw all of them! And when Mommy catches me there, I just take off running with whatever I can fit in my little hands. Yesterday, I snatched Cayenne Pepper & 17 tea bags.

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So, it's my birthday in less than three weeks. I don't really know what a birthday is but Mommy says it's the only thing I really own and that we can have balloons. One thing I know for sure is that I LOVE BALLOONS! They are so fun. I have a purple one from Harris Teeter, but it keeps getting smaller. Why is that? Must be magic. Back to the birthday thing -- Mommy is kinda freaking out and saying things like, "You'll always be my baby." If I could talk out loud, I would totally tell her that she's starting to sound like Papa. And she keeps asking why I have to grow up and all that nonsense. I mean, does she REALLY want me to pee in my pants for the rest of my life?

I need my beauty rest or something like that. More like, I need some fuel for my afternoon of cabinet shenanigans. Smoochie Boochie!

Hugs & Kisses,

Baby Ellie

p.s. What's a toddler? Toddler Ellie doesn't really roll off the tongue...

A Revelation

2009-08-25T08:33:00.002-04:00

Do you know what is more fun than walking?

Nothing!

Let's Ask a Baby...

2009-08-18T16:17:00.007-04:00

Baby? How do you feel today?

Glad that you asked, computer.

To quote my Uncle Joe...

"My nose is broke. This side is leakin' & this side doesn't even work."

My gums are sad and look like little white pillows. Mom says it's more teeth. She was feeling sorry for herself at 2 am, but she's not the one with erupting gums. I don't mean to complain, but it's really the pits.

On a happy note, I am the best little walker on the planet. When we went to Ikea on Sunday, I insisted on walking everywhere. Mommy insisted that I ride in the cart. So I suggested a duel. She suggested that maybe it was time to go home. I hate losing. So I screamed. Really loud. People looked. Mothers covered their toddlers eyes.

Really, I am quite good at walking. Last night, Mommy took me to Daddy's practice field and the grass was very soft for walking. I walked right over to the cooler of popsicles & waited for an opportunity to pounce. I said, "I'll have orange, s'il vous plait." It was ice cold & delicious. It turned my white shorts orange, which then matched my legs that were already covered in macaroni & cheese. I wish that every Monday could be orange food night. Yum.

It's a Great Day to be a Wildcat!

2009-08-15T16:05:00.002-04:00

Today was Fan Day on the Town Green. All my boys were there -- all 100 in their white jerseys. And my most favorite boy of all was there, too... Daddy! I got to ride around in his arms until it was his turn in the dunk tank. Here is a picture of me watching...

Everyone who saw me said, "Oh, just wait! She'll be walking soon."

So I showed them my moves.

After Daddy left, it got really hot outside, & I had had enough.

So I showed Mommy this move:

Talent.

Missing

2009-08-11T13:41:00.003-04:00

Uhm, excuse me? Has anyone seen my Daddy anywhere?

Mommy says he's at football camp, but I don't know how to find this place called "football camp".

I looked in my tunnel -- no Daddy.

I looked under the table -- no Daddy.

I called out, "Da Da?" but there was no answer.

Toby started barking loudly and I thought maybe it was Daddy, but it was just a leaf.

If anyone knows where I can find Football Camp, please call me on my Little Tikes kitchen phone. I will be awaiting your call.

Mom Said...

2009-08-03T20:02:00.003-04:00

Mom said that trying to cut my fingernails was like trying to give a pill to a cat.

Mom said that my last stinky diaper reminded her of Amish Country.

Mom said that she didn't mind at all if I use the stepstool at the library as a walker.

Mom ALSO said, "Just be sure you don't get caught."

Mom said that she doesn't really mind when I want to snuggle at 2 am because someday I'll go off to college.

Mom said that boxes of noodles make great shakers --- Ooo! And they do!

Mom said that she just can't imagine a life without me in it.

Mom, you never have to. I'm your girl forever.

WEEKEND UPDATE

2009-08-02T08:11:00.002-04:00

Three words for you:

I Can Walk.

Pictures coming soon!

I was feeling camera shy this morning, but here is a clip of me from last week.

"Training Wheels"

My Big Day

2009-07-26T18:11:00.003-04:00

What a day! Today I was received into the household of God -- pretty big stuff, huh?! At my church, we call it Baptism. This is me with Mommy, Daddy, & Father David. I didn't even cry when he poured water on my head. I knew it was really special and let's face it... I really love water. He sealed me with oil, too. I am marked as Christ's own forever.

After I was Baptized, I did get a little squirrely. Remember, I am still just a little baby. I crawled around and cruised on the pew behind me. I will be walking VERY soon.

When church was over, my whole family went to the Lake for a picnic! I got to swim in the lake and go for a boat ride. If this is what we get to do on my Baptism Day, I can't wait to see what they do for my Birthday!

What We Learn at Playgroup

2009-07-25T08:44:00.001-04:00

Oh my gosh, playgroup was SO much fun this week. That's me in the back somewhere. *wink*wink*

Baby Design Star

2009-07-23T12:10:00.002-04:00

Welcome to HGTV's new series, "Baby Design Star".

It features me, Baby Ellie, as the designer.

Need help organizing your shelves, repurposing cabinetry, or coming up with an entirely new design plan for your room? If so, then tune in because each day I will choose a room to completely destroy... I mean, redesign.

And the exciting part? It's all done in under an hour!

See your local tv guide for times.

Table Manners

2009-07-21T08:59:00.007-04:00

Mommy says that my table manners are a-trosh-iss.

I know what you're thinking,

"Ewww... that baby is feeding that dog!"

That dog is not like any other dog -- he is El Tobe. He's my buddy, my pal, my P.I.C.* He is also STILL afraid that I'm going to pull his fur, so I lure him to my eating throne with cheerios, chicken, peaches, and anything else bite size. It makes him happy & it makes me giggle.

Mommy says, "Baby Ellie, you eat it."

But look at that little face. How can I say no? He is so hopeful for a morsel of whole grain o's.

Bananas are a different story. They are not for sharing. They are for ME only. This does not stop El Tobe from asking, begging, licking my ankles in anticipation.

"Toby, you are not a monkey." Mommy tells him.

"OO-ooo-EE-eeee," says Toby as he hangs from my highchair by his tail and scratches his head.

Nice try, buddy. Bananas are not for sharing. Have a Cheerio.

*P.I.C. = Partner in Crime

My Family

2009-07-21T08:42:00.001-04:00

Sand

2009-07-15T10:36:00.004-04:00

Sand

A Love Poem

by Baby Ellie

Crunch, munch, looks like lunch

Tiny grains of sand

I eat it by the fistful

From my right & my left hand

Yummy, tummy, making Mummy

Wash my mouth with water

Still I place it in my mouth

"Determination" I have taught her

Daddy, Can We Move to Hilton Head?

2009-07-14T09:39:00.002-04:00

New Favorite Number

2009-07-02T10:03:00.002-04:00

My new favorite number is 5.

Can you guess what that means? At precisely 5 in the morning, before the sun comes up, before all the birdies are out of their nests, I begin to rise. I rub my sweet little baby eyes, stretch my chubby little arms and legs, and pull myself up to standing.

"Hey, y'all! I'm up! Who wants to play?"

2009-06-29T08:32:00.003-04:00

Today is my Nana & Papa's Anna-Verse-Ah-Ree!

I am really happy that they married each other because if it weren't for their love, I wouldn't be here. And I really, really like being here. They've been sharing the same toothpaste for 33 years. And not to bring this back to me, but I am also officially 9 months old today. Yea, me!

Things I Help Mommy With...

2009-06-26T14:18:00.002-04:00

I help Mommy load the dishwasher.

I help Mommy find higher places for books & magazines.

I help Mommy cook dinner!

(Hmmm... I wonder why she put me in my crate? Could it be because I like to spill Toby's water? Or is it because she doesn't like it when I rearrange the contents of the kitchen cabinets? Nah... I'm pretty organized, so it couldn't be that. I wonder if it has something to do with all those cookbooks I like to throw on the floor? Or because the oven is hot? Might be on account of that table that I broke. Ahh.. all in a days work!)

Remember... I AM FAST!

First Father's Day

2009-06-22T15:30:00.005-04:00

As Daddy picked me up out of my crib on Sunday morning, I shouted, "Happy Father's Day!" which sounded more like, "Iddle diddle diddle, sphghthth!"

I bought Daddy a hat & a fishing license because he promised to take me fishin' at the lake. Just FYI, Daddy -- you probably shouldn't let me touch the bait because I'll probably try to eat it.

After my nap, we went out to the boat. I love being out on the water -- I am JUST like Daddy.

Take a guess at who I look like! Do you like our matching dimples?

We even have the same hands & feet.

"Is now a good time to talk about that pony?"

I love you, Daddy!

When Babies Attack!

2009-06-20T14:03:00.002-04:00

Never underestimate this species of baby. While we may look friendly, we often attack without warning. Our ability to move quickly and climb aids us in our quest to dominate your lap.

What did I tell you? Never turn your back for a second.

Gotcha!

Freedom!

2009-06-17T11:46:00.005-04:00

Dear Diary,

You should see me now! With one knee down & a heel to propel me forward, there is nothing outside my grasp. Crawling = freedom. The freedom to pull baskets of magazines off of coffee tables & baskets of files off of desk shelves. The freedom to find every cord attached to every lamp in the house. The freedom to pull myself up to standing wherever I choose.

Daddy is away in Floor-i-duh, but he comes home today. So, this morning Mommy & I read the newspaper all by ourselves. I especially enjoyed the classifieds -- they are a lil' bit slippery if you crawl on them.

Now that I have crawling crossed off my "to-do" list, I've been working on some other tricks. I will keep you in suspense and post about those later with pictures included, so STAY TUNED!

Here is the latest photo montage:

Hugs & Kisses,

Baby Ellie

Inspiration

2009-06-15T20:14:00.004-04:00

Eight & a half months, 27 crackers, 96 Kix, & a visit from the Landis Family gave me

the Inspiration to...

Danger Baby: Episode 3

2009-06-11T09:17:00.003-04:00

On today's episode of Danger Baby, you will learn the importance of never turning your back on someone small. I understand that you needed to chop the broccoli for dinner. And I understand that you had only turned your back to me for a few seconds.

But understand THIS...

I AM FAST!

I am... Danger Baby!

I think I'm gonna need a cape...

Diary of a Baby

2009-06-09T14:14:00.002-04:00

Dear Diary,

Check me out! I am really growing! My hair is getting fuller, my legs are getting plumper, & my feet are getting big. I'm still not crawling and it's really beginning to disappoint me. Just when I think I'm going to go, my feet get caught. I really need to stop sitting criss-cross-applesauce.

Last Wednesday, Mommy & I flew to Pennsylvania again. Flying is so cool & the boarding pass is so fun to chew on. Mommy brought me some new books to look at on the plane, but I felt like being squirrely instead. I wanted to get down & play, but she kept making me sit there. So, I pulled her hair, stole her sunglasses, climbed her torso, & put my fingers in her diet coke. She didn't like that too much.

Uncle Joe graduated from high school this past weekend & they let me go to the ceremony! I loved the orchestra, but I jumped everytime the people clapped. The program was pretty good to chew on & Aunt JuJu let me drool on her calculator, too. I hope it still works. Mommy was so proud of her little brother and Nana took lots & lots of pictures. I will be sure to borrow some pictures of the evening from Nana's Facebook page soon!

I had a really fun time playing with my cousin Emily & today I feel cranky because I miss her. She & I played all kinds of games, like jump on the air mattress (FYI - she jumped, which made me bounce -- FUN!) & we read stories and shared cereal puffs. Emily is so funny -- one day, she dressed like Tinkerbell & did a little dance in her tap shoes. She is like Elmo & Zoey but BETTER!

We are back home today. We had lunch with Daddy & when we were done, he bought me a football jersey at the bookstore. It's never too early to be thinking about football season. I am learning this early.

I will close for now. I am off to find Toby to see if he wants a belly rub.

Hugs & Kisses!

Baby Ellie

Food, Glorious Food!

2009-06-02T09:18:00.003-04:00

Whoa! Where did you come from? You snuck up on me!

Is it just me? Or am I always covered in food?

Who wants a sweet potato kiss?

I'm coming to get you! You better watch out!

Oh, and by the way... I love strange foods. You know, the kind of food that grown-ups give babies so that we make a nutty face and you can snap the moment with your camera?

Go ahead... give me a lemon! Yum!

A Pickle...

YUM!

8 Months Old

2009-05-30T11:01:00.005-04:00

Can you believe that I'm 8 months old already?

It feels like it was just yesterday that I was swimmin' around in my mom's tummy. Here I am sucking on my toes. I only weighed 1 pound in this picture.

Here's a picture from the outside. Mommy's "got back" & "front". Heehee! She said if I post how much she weighed in this picture, that I could never have the pony -- no matter how many people voted yes.

What a difference a year makes, huh? What did these people do without me?

Catching the Culprit

2009-05-29T09:11:00.002-04:00

Bonjour, Vaches!

Little cows you are so sweet

I like your face, your coat, your feet

Your milk makes tasty creamy treats

But of these things I can not eat

Please don't be offended

But until my skin is mended

I'll be holding off on dairy!

Sleeping

2009-05-28T09:17:00.003-04:00

Look at my teeny-tiny self.

I bet Mommy looked at my sweet sleeping self and thought, "Oh, good. This girl loves some shut-eye." I sure fooled her! Eight whole months of waking up ALL NIGHT LONG -- give me my binky, feed me some milk, hold me, let me sleep with you, let's play!

HOWEVER...

Just this past week, I realized that sleeping is a beautiful thing. I have more energy in the morning to play and roll around. Last night, I slept from 7:45pm. - 5:45 am.

THREE CHEERS FOR BABY ELLIE!

Danger Baby: Episode 2

2009-05-27T20:00:00.004-04:00

On this episode of Danger Baby, you will spy with your little eye

someone who is as snug as a bug in a...

crib bumper!

Here I am LMDO -- that's "laughing my diaper off" to all of you non-texters.

STAY TUNED for more thrills & stunts on next week's episode of...

Danger Baby

On the Move...

2009-05-26T09:33:00.006-04:00

Don't get too excited... I still can't crawl, but I can flippity-flop my way around a room. In the mornings, Mommy puts me on the floor to play while she pours coffee only to return and find me five feet away from where she left me. I like making grown-ups scratch their head.

I'm an elusive chunk of love.

Yesterday, I pulled Toby's hair. HARD. And he cried. And he hid. I'm sorry, Fur Brother. I think he forgave me because this morning, he was kissing my hands. I was also in my high chair and covered in toast & apricots. I wonder if that had something to do with his renewed interest in me? No matter what, I like that he gives me such loving attention.

But look what he did when he thought we weren't looking:

BUSTED, Cheerio Eater!

The Interview

2009-05-20T10:07:00.005-04:00

Full Name: Eleanor Grace, but everyone calls me "Ellie"
Height: 16 o'clock -- numbers confuse me, but I am bigger than my dog
Hometown: Davidson, NC

Hobbies: teething, rolling, & eating Cheerios
Favorite Reads: Mommy Hugs, Baby Animals, & The Charlotte Observer
Favorite Toys: Shape Sorting Bucket & Puppets
What I'm eating: sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, dog hair, pears, applesauce, bananas, crackers, biscuits, seriously... I'll eat anything.

Career Ambition: to be in the Sesame Street segment where "Elmo asks a baby..." I will show Dorothy all my tricks.

Favorite Quote:

"And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet

and the winds long to play with your hair.

-- Kahlil Gibran

A baby in need, deserves Puffs indeed...

2009-05-14T09:54:00.001-04:00

Tunnel of Love

2009-05-12T08:14:00.004-04:00

Mommy thought learning to crawl would be more fun with a tunnel.

This is me after a playful "try to crawl" session.

Rolling back & forth in the tunnel makes me giggle.

First Mother's Day

2009-05-11T08:48:00.004-04:00

Dear Diary,

Sunday was Mother's Day. Well, at least that's what Toby Dog told me. He came to my crib really late on Saturday night and said, "Hey, did you get anything for Mommy?" I said, "No." because I wasn't aware that there was such a thing as Mother's Day. So, he said, "Come on. Climb on my back. Harris Teeter is open 24 hours." We bought some flowers for Mommy & then came home and got online. Toby wanted to type, but he doesn't have thumbs so I let him move the mouse. He is right-pawed. Anyway, we bought Mommy a massage & she loved it. Babies and dogs have such great ideas.

We went to church & then out for lunch. I was a good girl even though my second tooth is starting to make an appearance. After my nap, Mommy & Daddy took me to the playground. I think Mother's Day must be for children, too. Mommy didn't do any cleaning & Daddy didn't do anything with his black rectangle with numbers on it-- they just played with me.

Hoping today is just like Mother's Day, too!

Much love,
Baby Ellie

p.s. Please don't tell Mommy & Daddy that Toby drove the Jeep.

p.p.s. And don't tell them that I pushed the pedals.

Danger Baby: Episode 1

2009-05-08T15:50:00.007-04:00

Part of being a good parent is keeping little babies like me safe. On Thursday evening, while Mommy cooked dinner & Daddy made recruiting calls, I showed off my clever skill of leaping from the Bumbo. Here's how to do it:

Reach back, lift the leg, and VOILA! You'll be on your way to a noggin stand.

Mommy wasn't as impressed with my acrobatics & declared that "someone" was going to get a new chair. That "someone" is me, Baby Ellie. On Friday, Mommy & I went to Ikea to test out highchairs. Here is a picture of me at the store:

This is the chair that we bought. My only complaint is that it has straps. How am I supposed to do cartwheels now?

Sea Legs

2009-05-06T14:33:00.004-04:00

Are those sweet potatoes on my nose or just a bad camera angle? Or perhaps while the rest of you were drinking diet cokes and swimming, someone very small & cute opened up a bag of Doritos. Either way, I'm not telling.

We had a fun time on the lake with our new friends on Saturday. Do you like this picture that I took of myself? My lips are missing from the photo, best rest assured that I was smiling.

Grounded...

2009-05-04T09:14:00.004-04:00

Dear Loyal Readers,

I apologize for not writing for quite sometime. My affinity for pulling hair got me, consequently, grounded from the computer.

Being a baby still rocks. I am SO close to learning this whole crawling thing. I can sit up on my own, rock bath & forth on my hands and knees, but when I try to make a move, I just topple over. I'll be on the move soon. I am really looking forward to unraveling the toilet paper and seeing what will fit into the electrical sockets.

I recently traveled on an airplane to visit my family in Pennsylvania. All the grown-ups on the plane commented, "Oh, what a good baby." As if I would be any other type? Here's a picture of me in Newark waiting to board a plane for Harrisburg. Our next plane was so teeny tiny, but it allowed me to pet the nice boy next to me. What? His shirt had a nice texture & his skin was so smooth.

I had a great time with the humans, but what really made me laugh this past week was this big lug they call "Abbey". I rode her bareback & let her clean me off after meals. My Papa isn't a big fan of her & I can't figure this out. Please, Papa... love Abbey. It's not everyday that you find a creature that will let you pull its ears and stick your fingers in her eyeballs. Hugs to you, my furry friend.

I just recharged my batteries with a TWO hour morning nap. Where's my bass drum because I'm ready to keep going and going and going and going...

Much love & happy to be blogging again,

Baby Ellie

A Tisket, A Tasket...

2009-04-15T09:55:00.005-04:00

...a baby in a basket!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2009-04-14T17:44:00.002-04:00

...and it finally did. Mommy took me out to play!

In Your Easter Bonnet...

2009-04-13T09:25:00.002-04:00

Dear Diary,

I bet you thought that there would be pictures of me in my Easter dress, right? This is a sore topic for me. You see, I was napping peacefully yesterday morning when Mommy suddenly appeared at my crib with a (gasp!) dress. A pink dress with little white buttons & a matching bonnet.

First, she changed my diaper. That was okay. I like being fresh. Next, came a pink onesie & then fancy white tights. I made her work hard to get those on. I am pretty talented with my "kicky legs". Next came little bloomers & the dress. Mommy eventually got it buttoned in the back -- you have to at least give her an A for effort. That woman does not give up. Then... came... the... bonnet.

I thrashed from the left to the right, I screamed, I scratched, I poked, we wrestled, until finally, defeated, we went to church with the bonnet on my head.

"You WILL wear this bonnet. It looks cute!!" Mommy said through clenched teeth.

Due to the wrestling, there was limited time for pictures. However, I have heard rumors that today just might be a "dress up the baby & take pictures" kind of day. Great. I can't wait.

2009-04-08T07:34:00.006-04:00

Dear Diary,

Yesterday, I had a playdate with my friend Marin. Her mommy & my mommy are friends and that works out well for us. While they talk and drink coffee, we discover new uses for ordinary things. Did you know that toilet paper makes great confetti? Or that buttons make good chew toys?

We had so much fun, that we all decided to continue the fun by going out for dinner. The restaurant gave us a big booth with two highchairs, which was fun because Marin and I could sit next to each other. Here is Marin...

Here is Marin with her Mommy...

See that cup of milk? Right after this picture was taken, she dropped it and her Daddy had a wet, milky bottom. That's when the Daddies voted to put us in our chairs, but Marin knocked a container of salsa all over Mommy. Wow! That got everyone's attention -- note to self, remember the salsa trick.

I happily ate some rice cereal, veggies, and peaches because it was obvious that my parents weren't sharing their enchiladas! I chewed on the menus, entertained folks with my dinosaur growl, and not to be out done by Marin, I spilled a glass of water into Daddy's lap.

At about that time, the owner of El Paraiso escorted us out and suggested babysitters.

2009-04-05T18:12:00.002-04:00

Six Months Old...

2009-03-30T09:50:00.004-04:00

Six months old

So I've been told

And life is pretty sweet...

I'm sitting up

Having peas for sup'

And playing with my feet

My binky's still my one true joy

Daddy's still my favorite boy

And I'm talking more and more...

I'm learning not to pull on hair

And soon I'll sit in my highchair

There's so much of me to adore!

2 days until...

2009-03-27T07:42:00.002-04:00

What's this you say? In two days I'll be six months old?

How could that be? It seems like I just got here!

What do you mean there's no party?

I was just kidding -- I can wait for cake, but keep bringing those sweet potatoes!

I Love Toby, but...

2009-03-23T20:51:00.002-04:00

Seriously, I love Toby....

but would it kill Daddy to buy me a giraffe? Think of what I could do with a giraffe... I could always reach stuff on the high shelf. And what if I had TWO giraffes?

Look at this beast... if he was my little pet, no one would ever pick on me. Know what I mean?

my BFF Kit

2009-03-17T13:55:00.002-04:00

I had a play date today. Mommy tried to take a picture of both of us, but Kit got away on her knees. How does she DO that? It fascinates me...

If you look closely, you can see my BFF Kit's cute little baby hand. Like my outfit? Corduroys for babies are a little ridiculous... especially without an escape hatch for my dirty diapers.

Since the weather was fabulous this morning, I encouraged Mommy to find a way to take us outside for some fresh air. She struggled a bit, but eventually I was riding in the Bjorn & Kit cruised in my stroller. Can you believe we both got the hiccups at the same time? Like, oh my gosh! We are SO meant for each other!

Food Glorious Food...

2009-03-12T15:21:00.002-04:00

When we were in Chattanooga, Mommy & Daddy knew I was ready for food when I hijacked a tortilla chip and put it in my mouth. They didn't let me keep it -- something was said about not having any teeth yet. I wonder what teeth are?

Here I am eating my first bites of rice cereal. It's not as colorful as other things I've spied, but it came on a spoon & that was good enough for me!

I licked the platter clean!

Baby Goes to Chattanooga

2009-03-10T09:40:00.006-04:00

Once upon a time, duffle bags were a sufficient method of transporting clothes for weekend get-aways for my Mommy & Daddy. There is much more to pack now that I'm here! Mommy, Daddy, & Toby each had a bag, but I had THREE BAGS & my Pack-n-Play. They call it a Pack-n-Play, I call it "my crate".

Our Toby is a little bit spoiled & he got to come along to Chattanooga, too. Here's a picture of Toby navigating from the driver's seat. He likes to help Daddy with the turn signal. It's amazing what he can do without thumbs.

There were lots of things to do in Chattanooga, but not enough time to do everything. In between basketball games, we took a little trip to Lookout Mountain & walked through Pointe Park where a Civil War battle was fought. I don't like fighting -- just kissing and hugging. Maybe the Southerners & the Yankees should have hugged more.

This was the view from the top of the mountain!

Pointe Park

Here I am THOROUGHLY enjoying being at a basketball game. I just LOVE loud buzzers, but seriously, this baby will always pull for the 'Cats!

Got Milk?

2009-03-04T14:24:00.002-05:00

"A goo-goo! A goo-goo!"

Mommy: "Do you want Mr. Whoozit?"

"A goo-goo! A GOO-GOO!"

Mommy: "Do you want Lambie?"

"A GOO-GOO!"

Catalog Shopping

2009-03-02T14:11:00.004-05:00

Like, oh my gosh, did you get the new Swoozie's catalog?

They're offering 20% off because it's their birthday. Maybe Mommy will order me a monogrammed sippie cup or stationery set. You know how much I like to write!

Shortly after this picture was taken, Mommy took my catalog away from me. I wasn't gonna eat it... I was just gonna taste it.

Get On Your Boots...

2009-03-01T08:35:00.003-05:00

It's another rainy day in our neighborhood, but guess what? We're getting snow! I'm not really sure what snow is, but the nice lady on the weather channel keeps saying "snow in the Carolinas" & Toby is getting very excited! Mommy has my snowsuit ready & Daddy is teaching me all about cold fronts & pre-sip-a-tayshun. Such a big word...

My post title of "Get on Your Boots", by the way, has nothing to do with our weather situation. It has everything to do with the new U2 album -- Daddy & I can hardly contain our excitement. Here is a picture of me in my Bumbo rocking out to their new song online.
I wish Daddy would take me to the library to pick out "new music". Mommy keeps picking up these wimpy Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood tribute CDs. Imagine if Daddy took me, his little "Rock & Roll Baby" to the library! We would come home with a lot more Bruce Springsteen and a lot less Sesame Street.

These hands...

2009-02-25T12:37:00.003-05:00

Experts & parents throughout the world agree -- hands are not for hitting.

I wonder, however, what experts say about hair pulling? I really can't help it... call it impulse, but when I see hair, I just have to reach out and yank it.

My hands can do many wonderful things -- they can explore textures like corduroy, ribbon, & dog fur. They can shake rattles & press buttons. Parts of my hands can fit inside the little holes on my nose & they taste pretty good and are fun to chew on when I put them in my mouth. I can use my hands to play with my binky -- in & out, in & out...

I can use my hands to touch my mommy's face and I know she likes that very much because she always gives me kisses to tell me so.

As I grow older, I know that these hands will explore much more

& I will use them to bring joy to others.

2009-02-24T07:18:00.002-05:00

Dear Diary,

I apologize for not writing for so long! I had such a busy week & weekend -- my Nana & Papa came to visit me from Pencil-Vain-Ya. I'm pretty sure that I spelled that wrong, but I am just a baby & still learning! Speaking of learning, I am learning to make spitty noises and it feels so cool in my mouth!!

Over the weekend, I went to the new IKEA store. So much fun, but my dumb bunny Mommy forgot my binky at home. She'll never do that again... I popped her in the lip in the marketplace to help her remember!

Ode to a Binky

(to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

Binky, Binky on my face

You'll always have a special place

In my heart you'll always stay

You pacify me everyday

Binky, Binky soft & sweet

Never leave home without it or you'll be sorry -- you are a special treat!

2009-02-23T13:32:00.001-05:00

2009-02-17T08:11:00.002-05:00

Please excuse the mess in the kitchen. My mom was painting the bathroom.

Watch me giggle!

Sunny & 70!

2009-02-14T06:58:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful day on Friday!

I was so happy to take Toby for a walk.

He leads Mommy on a rope, while I stroll in style.

Dora Band-aids Make Everything Better

2009-02-13T13:26:00.006-05:00

"Hey, Sweet Girl, ready to go bye-bye with Mommy?"

Here's the thing, I'm not crazy about getting strapped in my carseat, but I do love getting out to see the world. Take me outside and I will be a happy baby. Take me to a doctor's office to sit and wait & wait & wait and I'm bound to get squirrely AND suspicious.

"Eleanor!"

I thought, "This can't be good -- they're calling me by my cranky old lady name." Mommy carried me through a set of doors and into a room with jungle animals painted on the wall. I wonder what would happen if I color on the walls in my room...

I soon found out the purpose of this jungle meeting. I had heard whispers of what was to come from the toddler in the waiting room, but was ill prepared for the sharp pains of the needles. At first, I thought, "Not so bad..." BUT, with the second & THIRD shot, I let out a whimper. Hurry! Somebody give me my binky!

As the jungle meeting came to an end, the nurse, who ironically is named Angel, gave me two Dora band-aids & 1 Barbie band-aid and that made me feel much happier. In fact, I've been happy ever since! I am so brave!

Advice from Baby Ellie...

2009-02-11T18:04:00.002-05:00

Life's too mysterious, don't be so serious!

This is me being serious, but only to get my point across.

"In walking, just walk. In sitting, just sit.

Above all, don't wobble."

-- Yun Men

Eat a good breakfast & drink plenty of water.

Take little stress breaks, like the one you're taking now. Pictures of me, a cute & ultra snuggly baby will surely put you at ease!

Be cheerful in your day's work. This is me, multi-tasking!

So many toys, so little time!

Diary of a Baby

2009-02-10T09:11:00.009-05:00

Dear Diary,

Let me first begin by saying what a beautiful day it is today! This sun is out, the weather is mild, and perhaps it will be enough for Mommy to forget about my little experiment last night.

Before we get to that, I should report that yesterday was equally as beautiful and to celebrate the day, Mommy & I went into town. She put me in my stroller (without the carseat) and I could see the whole world! So many trees, puppies, and people! I even got a present -- a friend for my binky. I think they are friends because Mommy tied the binky to the new lamby clip and then she clipped it onto me. She said something like, "Now she won't be able to launch her binky two rows ahead of us at church anymore." Sounds like a challenge to me!

Back to my experiment... in the night, I awoke to find myself all alone and thought I might benefit from a smackerel of milk. "Mommy! It's me, Ellie. If you love me, will you please come get me?" Which of course sounds like, "Wah, wah, wahahaha..." Brilliant! I could hear her coming... okay, look cute and hungry! I smiled, she smiled, and it worked! Tummy full again!

That was so great that I did it again three hours later! What can I say? I'm a growing girl! After I had the second middle of the night smackerel, I was really tired. I had my silky in one hand, Lamby in the other, and a binky in my mouth -- what more could a baby ask for?

Oh, no! I awoke again while it was still dark to find myself all alone. I thought, 'My tummy is still full, but maybe someone will crawl into my crib and snuggle with me.' I asked -- "Mommy? Are you over there?" She heard, "Wah. Wah." At first, she did not come! Unbelievable! I called again, "Mommy. It's me, your baby. You know, the baby that you wanted SO badly. Your cute and very snuggly baby?" Finally, she came and she scooped me up and I immediately snuggled in. She murmured something about it was almost morning, that I could snuggle in bed with her, and thank God for coffee.

We snuggled in bed, nose to nose, my hand on her cheek... and I think I saw a little tear fall from her eye because she knows that it won't be like this for long.

Diary of a Baby

2009-02-07T09:09:00.004-05:00

Dear Diary,

Hi! It's me, Ellie! I'm pretty sure that's my name... these big people say it to me all day long! We have had such a busy week, but you should know that I am feeling much better. I've learned to enjoy the sweet taste of my antibiotics. And now that I am feeling much better, I am SO hungry all the time. Mommy said I grew an extra chin during naptime yesterday.

It snowed this week, which was quite a surprise since Mommy kept talking all week long about how beautiful it's supposed to be on Sunday. Snow on Tuesday... 66 degrees on Sunday. This is beyond me. I'm only four months old -- I'm just trying to figure out how to sit up.

What else have we done this week? Hmmm... we had lots of piano lessons & Bible Study. Bible Study was fun until I realized that Mommy wasn't in the nursery with me. I wailed & wailed until I was a nice shade of crimson. Mommy took me into class & I got to learn about Noah's Ark, too. Miss Sally says that there were dinosaurs on the ark. Wait until I tell that to the other babies...

On Friday, our family went out for pizza. If those big people says, "Mmm" one more time, I don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe I'll steal their cheese!

Before we went out, Mommy gave me a bath.

I told Mommy, "Please, no pictures. It's really too embarrassing." All she heard was "aggle flabble klabble."

Then I said, "Mommy, seriously. I'm only wearing this towel and I'm just not comfortable getting my picture taken." All she heard was, "klabble bla bla".

Finally, I said, "You are SO getting put in a nursing home."

Best wishes for a fun & exciting weekend!

Hugs & Kisses,

Baby Ellie

Tuesday Evening

2009-02-04T12:48:00.003-05:00

Tuesday evening, the Merritt family had a meeting at the church to attend that started thirty minutes before somebody's bedtime. Can you guess who that may be? Thinking ahead, I changed Baby Ellie into her pajamas so that she could fall asleep in her car seat.

"Word..."

So here she is, in her pajamas with a warm hat on, and her sweater nearby all ready to go... and then she soiled herself. Nothing could be salvaged, so I started over. New pajamas and suddenly... a second wind!

I wish I could say that at some point through the night that she became exhausted and slept like a champ. I'm sure her Daddy would agree with me when I tell you all that he and I could both use an intravenous coffee drip.

Four Month Check-up

2009-02-03T15:41:00.005-05:00

On Monday, Baby Ellie was due for her four month immunizations. Poor Baby... Tripp and I were both dreading it for her, but a day of feeling uncomfortable beats a lifetime of polio. Ellie had been running a temp for about a week and the moment we checked in I noticed that her head felt warm. Sure enough, her fever was 102.9! No shots, but Dr. Baker found the culprit... the beginnings of an ear infection. Now I'm wrestling her daily to take an antibiotic. I will try my best to get a picture of that!

Here are Ellie's four months stats...

She is 14 pounds, 6 ounces (75th percentile) & 26 inches long (95th percentile). Like her Nana said, "She's built like a supermodel!"

Ellie's 1st Super Bowl

2009-02-02T07:54:00.002-05:00

Mommy & I were rooting for the Cardinals. Their uniforms were prettier.

Mommy & I debated who was cuter... Ben or Kurt. The answer was obvious.

Daddy caught me holding this sign. Busted. If Daddy was a quarterback, we would pick his team.

Even babies like me can throw a spiral. Girl babies...

Diary of a Baby

2009-01-31T09:24:00.004-05:00

Dear Diary,

My day began very early. I woke Mommy up at 4:30 because I had a fever and needed some of that red goo that she squirts in my mouth. It was okay, she didn't mind because she was already awake. My fur brother Toby was having a sleepover and his friend Sadie had to go outside when it was still dark! I just pee in my pants... I guess dogs don't wear diapers.

The fur creatures make me laugh. They make weird noises, want their bellies rubbed, sniff at trash, & lick things that maybe they shouldn't. Toby's friend Sadie is like my song... "Do your ears hang low..."

While I was getting dressed today, I could hear Sadie barking outside... I think she was saying, "It's me, Sadie. I'm in the garden. I'm being held hostage by this dormant hydrangea." Silly girl. Mommy rescued her. Good girl, Mommy! I would give YOU a treat! Anyway, I decided to wear my doggie shirt today in honor of the sleepover. I'm off to take a nap... my life can be rather exhausting!

Hugs & Kisses,

Baby Ellie

How Ellie does "sign" language...

2009-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

What's the monkey say?

2009-01-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

"I'll tell you what the monkey says..."

2009-01-28T07:54:00.000-05:00

"I'll take cream & two sugars, s'il vous plait."

Diary of a Baby

2009-01-27T08:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Diary,

It's me, the little one, the one that the big people call "Ellie."

The big man, the one referred to as "Daddy" is very formal... he calls me "Miss Ellie." I enjoy this term of respect -- I believe I've earned it.

Mostly, I am a very happy baby. However, recently my mouth has begun to hurt which makes me wail. I can't sleep, I am fussy, and I have learned to whine. The other big one, Mommy, thinks my new whining sound is cute. Just wait until I'm two and asking for M&Ms for breakfast.

I don't mean to boast, but you should know that I am quite clever. Did you know that when you are small like me AND you drop stuff... your binky, perhaps, the big people will rush over to retrieve it for you. Brilliant! Fetch, Mommy! Fetch, Daddy! Bring me my lamb!

I will close for now. My tummy is rumbly -- time to summon the Mommy.

Hugs & Kisses,
Baby Ellie

Ellie in a Bumbo

2009-01-26T08:11:00.000-05:00

When we first entered Babies R' Us to register for shower gifts, I was overwhelmed by the amount of gear that was touted as "essential". The aisles at BRU are abounding with seats, swings, activity centers, car seats, slings... We started at the slings thinking that would be simple, right? Not so. There's the Sling Rider, Hot Sling, Moby, Bjorn.... somebody hand me a paper bag.

I'll get right to the point now. This video is of Ellie happily playing in a seat that I thought we didn't need, that I am so thankful for because now I can eat dinner with two hands and cut my own meat.

2009-01-23T15:54:00.000-05:00

I'm in a 12 step recovery program for my Type A personality. I've been in "therapy" since meeting my husband, but there's nothing that pushes you to the outer limits like having a baby. Some days I feel like I'm drowning in poopy diapers, toys, blankies, spit rags, and all that baby gear!

That being said, I'd like to post what I was able to complete during naptime today. It's amazing what you can do when you have two hands! While Baby Ellie rocked in her swing, I washed the rocking chairs on the front porch with Murphy's Oil Soap, lemon-oiled all things wooden, mopped the hardwoods, ate lunch, washed two loads of laundry, checked my email & created this blog.