Halloween take 2

So after getting to see Maddi - I went to Christian and Elizabeth's for Halloween and Trick-or-treating.  You it was a cold night but worth it.  Turns out that you just show up on people's door-step, look cute and they give you candy!!!  I am pretty good at cute so I think I may like this.  Check out all the candy just from tonight.  Next year I need a bigger bag. . .

Yea Cousins!!!

Tonight you got to meet another of the baby cousins - Kaden. He was born to Nicki and Chad 2 weeks after you. He has two brothers Cameron and Mason, but it was too late to get a picture with them too.

It is very special to grow up in a large family, and so nice to have family we enjoy near by.  You are a lucky little girl.

Bradley - Bradley who???

Bradley class babies and mothers

Your mom and I did a lot to prepare for your arrival but probably the most directive was taking Bradley classes.  Bradley is a method of childbirth that focuses on breathing concentration, and simply understanding what your body is going through.  It educated us on the stages, the process but most of all it prepared to make decision we were faced with during the delivery.

Today was the reunion of our class.  We got to hear the stories of everyone's birth - all amazing and fun to catch up after so much time.  It is funny to think that you were hearing those voices every Tuesday for 10 weeks - in a sense you already meet everyone there - you just got to put faces to the voices. . .

The woman in the middle is named Cathy.  She was our coach and our teacher.  A very special person who ad a lot to do with the success of your birth.  She talked to us about nutrition, about pain management, about the stages of labor, and about what to expect and about how to plan for your arrival.

Nothing could fully prepare us for that day, but without her, we would have been lost.

Hello Cleveland!

Daddy had an overnight business trip to Cleveland yesterday.  He asked Mom if he could pack me away in his suitcase.  She said no.

So he asked if we'd like to join him which meant we could all get to see a bit of Cleveland together.  How cool!  I got to stay at my first hotel.  Maybe I should start thinking about opening a Hilton Account.  Can you imagine how many points I can rack up by 10?!  Hawaii here I come!

Another Milestone

The other thing I am learning how to do is grasp and hold. My hands are approaching my mid-line which means I am becoming more and more aware of them.  Today a soft fuzzy blanket. . . Tomorrow a firm grip on a ski-pole ;-)

Fall in Michigan

Road Trip

Here's a picture of Dad & me on my first road trip.  My parents tell me they like to travel so they are really excited. They're hoping I get the travel bug too!

We're headed to northern Michigan to spend time with my soul sister, cousin Maddy (oh yeah and of course Uncle JD and Aunt Kim will be there too!).

Did you notice the McDonalds sign in the background?  A road trip wouldn't be a road trip without a stop at Micky D's.  I'm lovin' it.

More cousins

So you remember how we told you you have lots of family?  Well today you got to meet a few more.  We went to baby Riley's baptisim.  Riley was born just two weeks before you, to Bobby and Julie. 

There was lots of people from Gradma Weitzel's side of the family - Bobby is her nephew.  You even got to meet Grandma Ws mom - Great Granda Tocco. 

This picutre represents 4 generations of your family!!!  It is pretty special to grow up being loved on by so many.

p.s. Did you notice your dress??  It deserves special mention because it was handmade by Aunt Jessica.  Not only do you have lots of cousins but they are all so tallented.

 

My first dance video

It was such a beautiful day so mom and dad wanted to go out to dinner.  I had a good dinner myself just before and a car ride - I didn't stand a chance - out like a lightbulb.  What none of us expected though was such loud music - thank goodness I am such a sound sleeper.

My how time flys. . .

I'm one month old today - well at least 4 weeks!!! And lots has happened even though it is only Tuesday.

Yesterday morning was my 1 month appointment withe the Pediatrician.  She said I was growing and resting well.  The most important statistic to come out of the visit was my height and weight.  I am up to 10lbs 10oz - that is a 2.5lb gain since birth and almost 3.5lbs from my low point.  Does that mean I am on track?  According to standard growth charts - I am doing great.  In fact, I am in the upper quartile for both height and weight - and in great proportions. 

In the afternoon I had a visit from Aunt Derith.  She brought some beautiful clothes for me and some great treats for mom and dad.  It has been amazing to start meeting all my extended family.  Mom and dad tell me I have tons of cousins and second cousins.  In fact, I will have 8 born within one year of me - 4 are within one month.  Now that is what I call family!!

Am I lucky or what. . .

Uncle Cortny and aunt Amber were in town yesterday for a wedding so we went to grandma and grandpa's house to see them. Grandma whipped up some dinner while Maddi and I took naps.

It was a short visit , so no time for pictures, but we stayed a little longer so gma and gpa could love on me. . .

Ohhhhhh

 

So the thing about me is this. . . . I sleep pretty good but when I wake up, I want to eat. I'll start with subtle things like "rooting" or making the "O" face. But if nobody catches on. . . . It is time for the air raid siren.
Dad tries to distract me with a walk around the house or the brightness of the sky-light.  That isn't going to work on me -  I only have one thing on my mind. . .num-num-num.

 




. . . but afterward - I feel lots better.  I am a simple girl with simple needs. . . for now. :-)

What up Cuz

had a great dinner with the cuz.  Milk was on the menu with a side of milk.  We laughed about the old days and and talked about the war and the battle of "le canal".  It was a great time hope to do it again soon.

Just so you know

Here's a quick clip of a Ellie favorite activity...looking out the window above her changing table.  She'll stay a good 10-20 minutes just looking out her window.  She's started to add some vocals to her window time.  Maybe she's making friends with all the squirrels that are busy fattening up for the winter.