Ella Mae: Week 19

EM 19 travel 2

Road trip!!!  This week was almost entirely spent out of town, first traveling to Chicago for a music conference (for Liz) and then continuing to Evanston (outer Chicago) for Jeff’s work.  Ella Mae is growing more and more comfortable with long trips, though she is definitely not a car baby (even with many stops, she cried often during the longer spells in the car).

During the music conference, Ella Mae won many hearts from loved colleagues.  She was serenaded by Nyssa’s beautiful voice, and held by Andrew for an hour straight while we sang choral music.  Completely calm in his arms, Ella Mae loved being held by Andrew and others!

Ella Mae and music friend, Andrew

Ella Mae and music teacher friend, Andrew

Ella Mae being sung lullabies by Nyssa- it worked!!

Nyssa sang Ella Mae lullabies- it worked!!

She loved our hotel rooms with a view.  Best. Tummy. Time. Ever!  Also during tummy time- she’s raising her bottom high in the air, balancing on her knees and then rocking to her front.  When we hold her hands, she locks her knees and stands confidently!

Hotel living!

Hotel living!

I placed her quilt right by the floor to ceiling window- she watched trucks and people all day!

I placed her quilt right by the floor to ceiling window- she watched trucks and people all day!

Also while in Chicago, we were able to meet up with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Luke Johnson!  We had a blast together: Luke is a baby magnet as you can see, and Kelly was loving and curious about little one’s muscles.  Aunt Kelly knows a lot about movement, it was cute to watch!  (I promise to find pictures of Kelly with Ella Mae as well!)

First meeting uncle Luke

First meeting uncle Luke

They quickly bonded

They quickly bonded

She loved his chin!

She loved his chin!

Ella Mae continues to  entertain us with her many expressions!

The face she makes as she buzzes her lips

The face she makes as she buzzes her lips

Curious

Curious

Happy girl

Happy girl

Thoughtful about her words

Thoughtful about her words

Heart-melting joy

Heart-melting joy

Teething continues- we cannot wait for a tooth to break the skin to give her some relief!

Chewing constantly

Chewing constantly

Chewing anything for relief

Chewing anything for relief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ella Mae: Week 18

Ella Mae 18 sitting

 

Continuing to inch up the 11 pound scale (11 pounds, 9 ounces!), Ella Mae is growing right in front of our eyes!  Her expressions captivate us, and we celebrate the tiny things, like giggles and wide-eyed discoveries!

Chatty

Chatty

Observant

Observant

Content

Content

Loud!

Loud!

Asleep

Asleep

 

Cautious

Cautious

Ella Mae is also beginning teething- shown by constantly chewing on things, bright red cheeks, tugging ears, and of course, sleepless nights.  She finds comfort in our rubbing her gums and giving her chilly things to chew. No signs of a tooth yet, though!

Red cheeked teether

Red cheeked teether

Chewing on her fist while Maddie swings her

Chewing on her fist while Maddie swings her

Ella Mae also is loving that cute baby in the mirror!  We find her stopping during tummy-time to admire her reflection.  She’ll stop dead in a passionate fit to coo at her reflection.  What a silly girl!

Who is that in the mirror??

Who is that in the mirror??

Autumn continues in chilly Saint Paul.  Our daily walks are full of color and falling leaves.  Many thanks to creative friends like Erin who knit her warm (and cute!) hats!

Cuddled warmly in her carseat bunting

Cuddled warmly in her car seat bunting

Fall walk!

Fall walk!