Finding our hands (and what's in them)

Ellie is starting to realize she has hands...that do amazing things! She has started holding tight to her Wubba paci, which promptly melts mom's heart.

A visit with the Kokkinens

John, Jill and Johnny came to PHX for a visit before their baby girl arrives in May. It was so sweet seeing Johnny with Ellie - and yes, the parents are already working on an arranged marriage :)

11 weeks!

Ellie "found" Penny!

Mom and I were sitting with Ellie on the sofa and when I looked up, I realized Ellie was staring INTENTLY at Penny. Penny started talking to her, and Ellie found was incredibly amused. I hope it's the start of a wonderful friendship.

Ellie's first dip

We decided to stay at the resort following my event, and spent a couple of hours by the pool. It wasn't quite warm enough to swim a lot, but we couldn't let the opportunity to get Ellie in her first pool pass us by. Needless to say, she was not a fan.

Mommy's BACK!

The months of planning are over, and mommy's event is FINISHED! Mimi came to town and watched Ellie while Brad and I had our longest stretch of time away from little girl. They stayed at the hotel, which helped calm my already nervous and stressed self, and we all made it through relatively unscathed. The event was a success and now I get to devote my time to my amazingly resilient and patient little girl. Happy (and relived) sigh.

Mom and Dad all gussied up!

Sunday morning snuggles in the hotel bed

10 weeks!

Ellie's on TV!

I did a 4 minute news segment to promote my upcoming event, and of course we had to use the sweet baby as a prop! :)

Meeting the Greats

We were so lucky to have Great Gram and Grandpa come to visit over Valentine's Day weekend. How special to have a four generation span in one place!

Baby's first Valentine's Day!

Ellie got her first flowers (from daddy!), and mommy got some, too! 

She was also the proud recipient of a heart shaped, personalized rattle. 

9 weeks!

Shit happens

Obviously it was a parent of babies who coined the phrase 'shit happens'.

Not pictured: Ellie's onesie, her socks, or the pocket of my hoodie. Yes, the pocket. Baby poop is a mysterious thing. 

Two month stats

Sweet Ellie had her two month check up today, which included lots of shots (she took them like a champ!) and unfortunately, a two day fever following them (which she also took like a champ). Stats and what's making her special these days listed below:

As of 2/9/15...
Weight: 10 pounds 1 ounce (four pounds over her weight when we left the hospital!), 44%
Height: 23 1/4 inches, 82%
Head Circumference: 37 1/2, 18%
Loves: mirror by her changing table, car seat, stroller, walks, her rock n play and swing
Hates: gas (but who doesn't?) It's about the only thing that makes her grumpy
Doesn't mind: clothes changes or diaper changes
Size: 0-3 but still fits into a handful of newborn pants (they're comfy in the girth, getting tight in the length)

-Still a very happy, chill baby
-She's a strong girl - lots of great neck control already!
-Has slept a 5 hour stretch at night!
-Bibs and burp clothes are our best friends
-Still sleeping in her rock n play next to mom

 

Dad's favorite things about Ellie: 
Her noises and squeaks
Her mimicking (she'll stick her tongue out if you stick yours out at her!)
Her smile and snuggles
How curious she looks when she's on someone's shoulder

Mom's favorite things about Ellie:
Her big stretches - arms overhead (SO BIG!) with her little legs still curled up
Smiles and giggles
Mornings on her changing table - she's SO happy and this is when we do our best smiling and talking
Her smiles when she's finished eating but is still on the boob

Meeting Grammy & Grampy

Grammy and Grampy Kiesling came to visit, and we were so excited to have them stay with us for a week to get to know Eleanor. Lots of snuggles and smiles had by all!

Ellie has LOTS to say!

Little girl is getting QUITE talkative!

First giggle!

Yesterday, Miss Eleanor gave us an unmistakeable giggle. I was holding her making some goofy faces that were eliciting huge open mouthed grins, when one turned right into a quick but undeniable giggle. I have never heard a more amazing sound. 

(My witnesses, Grammy & Grampy, were pretty thrilled to hear it as well!)

8 weeks!

Already? How can this be?!?! Love her more everyday. 

Loads of Ellie love

Papa and Gigi's weekend trip overlapped with the start of Grammy and Grampy's visit to meet Ellie. It was pretty special to have so much Ellie love happening in one place!