Ella gets a pumpkin

Ella's Tricks

Here are some recent tricks Ella has learned

13 months and counting

Today is Ella's due date anniversary. I figured since I haven't updated the blog since JULY! then I should probably do it now.

Ella had a great day of developmental milestones yesterday. She now runs, says mama, dada, and I THINK she says cat, can point to Ella's, mommy's, and daddy's belly button, and generally "feed" herself with a spoon. Last night she also came up to me, took my hand, walked me over to John, took is hand, and walked us both to her bedroom where I proceeded to nurse her to sleep (yeah, we're still doing that these days). It's unbelievable how much she's turning into a child.

Today on the train I saw a mom and her 7 week old babe. Is it sad the first emotion I had was sympathy? After asking if she's sleeping yet she said her little girl slept for 6 straight hours last night. 6 HOURS?! I had no shame in telling her that although my child runs at the speed of light, shakes her head no constantly, and has thrown not only a pile of laundry but a roll of toilet paper into the shower with me that I was no where near jealous of her and her champion sleeper. I am finally happy to report that Ella sleeps from 8-6. Although I have to say the best part of our day is when Ella comes back to bed with us for a remaining 2 hours in the wee hours of the morning and we have family-bed time with even Luna sleeping at our feet. Our trip to Detroit last weekend made us realize how AWESOME a king sized bed would be. Ella's uncle Tyler let us sleep in his bed built for large royalty and we all slept so comfortably that even Ella was sprawled out in the middle of us. Maybe a future investment? We'll see.

Needless to say our baby is now a toddler. I just picked up the "What

to expect Toddler years" to gain some insight on discipline, speech, and socializing; amongst other toddler woes. I am slightly sad to be embarking on this new chapter but very excited to see our child come into her own (and of course to feel somewhat normal again).

And here are some of Ella's good side:

It's in the blood

Baby and daddy getting into trouble

After this picture was taken Ella proceeded to sit-down in the water

Baby jewelry

Monkeying around

Luna love

Bonsai kitten

Wiggle Worms

Ella and I have had a great opportunity to join Old Town School of Folk Music's 6-12 month Wiggle Worms class. Our mommy friend Brooke and her little one told us about the class they joined on Tuesday's at 12 and we decided to follow suit. Thank goodness because not only have we become great friends with Brooke and Cora but Ella has also learned to dance, clap, and play nicely with other babies since joining WW's. Julie, our teacher, is OUTSTANDING (she's in Millennium Park at 10 AM on Fridays). We usually start the class singing our hellos to each baby, then clap and bounce, then tangoing with our little ones, then singing Old McDonald had a farm with plush toys, and finally ending our class with bubbles bubbles everywhere. Every class is always an enjoyment when you get to see little babies' personalities emerge, bow ties get pulled off of little girls' heads, and little jumpers and crawlers moving all around. With only two classes left our last class was especially nostalgic when Ella, Cora, and two other babies attempted walking. Although a bit pricey - $120 for a 6 week class - it is well worth the money. I would definitely recommend enrolling your little one's for some extra socializing (for you and baby) and rhythm building. Here are some pictures and videos to give you an idea of how fun/insane/rediculous this class can get.

Ella's BFF Cora

Bubbles

Ella watching

Ella's Horoscope

Here is Ella's horoscope today from the RedEye (chicago's free newspaper) () = my own predictions

Leo

A moon apposition is making you cranky. (or teething?) Don't blame your lover if you're not having enough orgasms. (Hm, Ella is there something your not telling us? Do I need to start locking your window at night?) Don't lash out at your boss just because things are stressful at the office. (I am your boss!) The world doesn't revolve around you, you know. (The RedEye said it, not me!)

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/redeye/

Blogging in the early AM

Yes, I am up at 4 AM because my child hates sleep with a passion. So instead of getting some good Zs in I break out the camera for some baby milestone recordage (new word?).

Ella's attempt

Ella dances

Ella goes for a ride