9 Months Old!

"Sock Dog" has been hanging out on the top rail of Ella's crib since she was born, and after eyeing him for months, she finally figured out how to knock him down. She's so excited to play with him, she scampered over to him before I could even get her dressed after her bath. It's like being reunited with a long-lost friend!

Ella has discovered how to pull the toilet paper off the roll. Yay.

Strolling with Grandma C.

With Grandma C. at the park. Thanks for the Hawks outfit Aunt Jill!

Conquering the straw!

Checking out her favorite friend.

Helping with laundry folding. She likes to pull everything out that I've already folded.

Today Ella is nine months old, and is seeming older every day! Her fourth tooth is now coming in, this one on top, and she's starting to also pick up on the few signs that we've been teaching her. What a big girl! She even spent her first weekend away from mom and dad... This past weekend Jeritt and I traveled to Napa Valley, California, for some great wine, fantastic food, and tremendous weather. Ironically, it was just as warm if not warmer in Chicago while we were gone, but you can't beat those California views! It was my first time leaving Ella for more than a few hours, and despite my anxiety, she had a wonderful weekend with Grandma C. We were glad to be home last night - coming home to a baby sure makes the end of vacation much sweeter! And we really appreciate Grandma C. coming out to stay with Ella, as well as Aunt Erin, for keeping them both company.