Monitor Monster

Last night, Graham asked why I kept putting the monitor on the ground everyday. I told him that I was not the one doing it. Instead, the culprit was Ellison, who had been finding her way to the monitor (stationed on the ledge of her crib) and was then proceeding to pull it down. This morning, I decided to show Graham our little "monitor monster." This video was taped from our bedroom as we watched Ellie via video monitor. Enjoy.

Ellison loves Bella

Let's Play

When I was young ( I mean really young), I loved all things girly. I loved to play dress up, play with my dolls, teach make believe school, build barbie towns, play PTA, and boss around my younger sisters. Well some things never change, I still love all of those things. Of course, I do not play with my dolls anymore (by myself), but I certainly enjoy the opportunity to play with my friends' children. I can still enjoy a good game of make believe and I am sure my sisters consider me to still be bossy. My husband may also agree.

As Ellison has grown, I have spent many hours upset over the fact that she is growing so quickly. I did not want her to stop breastfeeding (she hasn't), move to her big girl bed (she has), start eating solids (seen the pea video?). It has been a difficult transition... not for her, but for me.

I am glad to say that I am coming to terms with it. I am not ready for her to be one. But I am ok with her turning 7 months in two weeks. She is so much fun right now. She loves to play with everything, laughs, smiles, and talks (like crazy). My angst has turned to excitement. I can not wait to play dress up with Ellison, find her in my shoe closet (I wish I had a closet for only shoes), and watch her imitate me (just as I imitated my mom with PTA). I know it will all happen to fast, but I think I am ok with it happening.

Prunes

Yummy, Prunes. Who wants to change the diaper? Any takers?

Elf Dance

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Wonderful Memory

Today, my precious daughter spent the day with my Mom and my cousin, Ghada. I am not sure what they were up to, but Ellison came home smelling of memories.

Has that ever happened to you? Growing up, I always loved the sweet smell of North Carolina. I always wanted to put the smell of sweet North Carolina air in a box to remember it.

Well, Ellison came home with a smell that reminded me of my Grandmother, Daisy Ackley. Grandma Daisy passed away in August, and the smell was just so wonderful! I wish I could box it.

Standing in the Crib

Blogger would not let me download this clip. However, I think it is entertaining. Enjoy...
Ellison in her crib

Drum Roll Please

Wow, this was a big weekend in Ellison's world. We started off the weekend with an exploration into the taste of peas. It did not go well. Ellison does not care for peas. To view the experience, click here.

After the peas, Ellison and I had a "girls only day" with Whitney Avishar, who was in town from Charlotte, NC. We had lunch on Park Avenue and then shopped (our favorite thing to do). Whitney is a really fun person to go boutique hopping with. She owns The Pink Hanger in Charlotte, and is in the know about all of the latest styles. My "mommy" style just does not cut it. After shopping with Whitney, I am even more certain that I need a total style makeover/overhaul. One more day of jeans and sweater set, I may lose my mind. (Graham is probably going to confiscate all credits card when I get home from classes tonight after reading this)

Sunday was the BIG, BIG day. During afternoon nap time, Ellison was having the most fun. So I decided to peer around the corner. What do I see, but Miss Ellison attempting to stand in her crib. Obviously, I pulled out the camera and called Graham. Sure enough only a minute later, Ellison was standing up. She saw her Dad, gave a huge smile, and then fell backwards. Luckily, she fell into a very soft mattress.

Needless to say, she has been pulling herself up ever since. (Video to Follow)

Per Ashley's Request

Yummy... Pear Puree

As we continue to explore new foods, Miss Ellie is trying harder and harder to feed herself. We are 2 weeks into solids and I have to wrestle to get the spoon back. Needless to say, she is a VERY strong child. She gets this "strong" gene from me... wink, wink.

This week's menu was Pear Puree.

My recipe (for my dear friend, Irvin):

Ingredients:

1 Pear

2 Tablespoons of Brown Rice Cereal

1 Tablespoon of Breast Milk (if you do not have BM, then formula will work)

1. Peel, chop and steam pear.

2. Blend pear with remaining water.

3. Add in all other ingredients.

Turn the volume down

Ellison does a new screaming thing. The "thing" is that she screams all of the time. Well in this video, she literally screams so loud that my computer stops picking up the noise. I guess my laptop was tired of the screaming. I attempted several other videos, and it continued to stop picking up noise after a few screams. Too funny.

Alana turns 6!

While I coordinated weddings on Saturday, Ellison went with Grandma to her cousin, Alana Ackley's Birthday Party. Alana (the Birthday girl) with Ellison

Alana blowing out her candles!

Ellison attempting to drink (or eat) the cup. (Note to viewers: there was no alcohol at this birthday party. The cup was empty)

Aunt Ashley and Ellison

Aunt Kimberly with Rihana

Help me choose

Damon Tucci (http://www.damontucci.com/) took the most amazing pictures of Ellison in her panda costume and jogging suit. These photos were taken during a Couture Halloween Kids Event hosted by Damon Tucci to benefit New Hope for Kids.

I am in love with all of photos. I just can not choose a favorite to frame. Thanks, Damon!

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

Graham and I threw Ellison a Half-Birthday celebration as she officially turned 6 months. We celebrated with a cake. Suprisingly, Ellison was actually able to reach for the cake. Needless to say, we all had cake on us by end of the picture session. And no, Ellison did not eat any cake. We are waiting until her first Birthday for that.

Hmmm...

There is something wrong with this picture... Graham dressed Ellison on November 4th and we all headed to the polls as a family. Luckily I had a pink bib on her. When I got home, I realized what Graham had done (by mistake of course). Now, if you don't know why this is so wrong, don't ask. I am embarassed for you :)

As soon as I realized his error, I quickly changed her into an appropriate outfit. No, I am not going to dress her in a donkey onesie... she is a girl after all.

Hint: To those who do not know what is so wrong with the first picture... Nov. 4th was Election Day. Look up Donkeys and Elephants... you will find the answer.

6 Month Stats

Height: 27.75 Inches ~ 100th percentile
Weight: 17 lbs. 6 oz. ~ 80th percentile

Ellison will be 6 months on Thursday... the time flies. Right now, she is scooting, sitting upright without support, and has two bottom teeth. Also, this past weekend, she sat in a shopping cart and in a high chair!

It's Bath Time!

After Ellison's first food, she was taken straight to the bath. We have started to use her Bumbo chair in the bath because she is to big for her newborn tub; and although she can sit perfectly fine on her own, she likes to attempt to crawl in the tub. Not a good combination when you can not swim. She was really fascinated with her ducks and used them as a pacifier for most of the day. Super cute!

Yummy.. First Food

With only a few days until Ellie's 1/2 birthday... aka 6 months... it was time to start food. I chose today as the start day because Graham was home. So with Graham manning the video camera, Ellie tried her first food. I actually think Ellie enjoyed the brown rice cereal. If not the cereal, then she certainly enjoyed the spoon. She carried it into the bath with her. As you can tell from the pictures, it was a messy experience. Bath time followed...which was also pretty darn adorable (post to follow).

Happy Halloween

Ellison posing with Grandma after a night of trick-or-treating (more like, visiting two neighbors and Grandpa taking candy).

Mommy with her little Panda girl!

Daddy and Ellison after a game of tug-a-war with glasses.

Ellison sure does have a big Panda belly!

Last night, we went over to my parents house to take Ellison to visit with some of my favorite neighbors, the Browns and Kaisers. My dad accompanied us, and although Graham did not take any candy, my dad did (although he claims to be saving it for Ellison)! After our little trick-or-treating outing, Ellison helped Grandma and Grandpa answer the door and give out candy.

There was no candy for Ellison this year, but something tells me that we will not be able to stop this "spirited" one next year. Hmmmm... what will she be next Halloween?