Finally, Success!

It only took several weeks,

a gazillion and one shots. . .

we FINALLY have a picture of Dylan's first teeth!

NSB or bust!

After what seemed like the slowest start to the day ever, the Clarks finally made it to New Smyrna Beach on Saturday.  The plan seemed so simple. . . wake up, load up the car, and hit the road for the whopping 40 minute car ride. Thankfully, next weekend our trip will be easier... we left all of our stuff at the condo (except for dirty clothes). Phew!

The Stats: 6 months

Height: 27.5 inches ~ 75th percentile

Weight: 17 lbs, 12 oz ~ 50 th percentile

The Little Man is 6 months!

The verdict: Auburn hair, green eyes

1/2 Birthday Celebration

Happy Boy.

Sitting up.

With his favorite gal.

Originally, I thought Ellison was the easiest baby in the whole entire world.  Not really exaggerating either... although Aunt Ashley would comment, "being dramatic, Jenn."  After all, Ellison was and still is sweet, loving, never sick, and always happy to enjoy the company of others. 

BUT, I have changed my mind.  Dylan is the easiest baby in the whole entire world.  The child is always smiling, rarely cries, will go to anyone, and loves his sister even when she crushes him and takes his toys. Wait for it, now wait for it, this is the real kicker... he falls to sleep on his own.  All I have to do is lay him down in his crib... AMAZING!!!!  (And really the all important "falling to sleep on your own thing" is the only difference between Ellison and Dylan as babies)

Our little man, Dylan, is 6 months. . .

• Two bottom teeth have arrived
• Sitting up unassisted for several minutes
• Rolls all over the place
• Loves sweet potatoes, pears, apples, squash, prunes
• Super in love with his Big Sister. She can walk in front of him and pay no attention, and Dylan will laugh hysterically
• Falls asleep on his own
• Loves water - bath or pool
• Favorite Toy - Einstein bouncer
• Wears 9-12 months clothing and size 3 diaper

A visit from the Paci Fairy

It wasn't that long ago. . .



Well our little Paci Addict is a Big Girl now!  It was time for a visit from the Paci Fairy (excuse my attempt to be creative, it has been a long, long time).

The Letter arrived with a sprinkling of fairy dust.

Ellison decorated a box and collected all of her pacis.

So, you may wonder how the first night without pacis in the house went.  It took about 2 hours for Ellison to finally settle down and fall asleep, and that was only after I cuddled with her, stroked her hair, and sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on repeat for a long time.  Oh yes, and she kept making long lists of things needed to go to bed.  Here is an example. . .

"Mom, um, you forgot a few things.  My blanket, cup, (and then in a whisper) paci, (back to normal voice) new diaper, a doll."

Let's just say the items and order of the list would change, but one item was always on it and "whispered".  LOL.  I didn't fall for it.

Princesses and Pirates

A Very Happy Princess!

So very glad Pear decided to head to pastry school after Rollins!

Yes, Dylan was slightly smooshed.

Ellison taking Chloe to meet her friends.

Beautiful Cousin Alana.

Ellison glued in to Princess Julie.

Bennett wasn't so sure about his pirate look.

Don't be frightened, Sam is a sweet lion.

Nico and Ellison search for treasure.

It was a beautiful day at the park as we celebrated Ellison's third birthday.  She chose a pirate and princess theme (very fitting, right?).  We were joined by her bestest friends and our wonderful family.  Overall a fabulous way to celebrate!

THREE!!!



Ever year on May 6th, I celebrate the best little girl in the whole entire world. . .



Turning ONE!



Turning TWO!

Turning THREE!



What a year - a great one! I can't believe she is already three!  Here are a few things about Ellison:

• She loves, loves, loves her little brother, Dylan.  She welcomed him into her life with open arms and wakes up everything morning wanting to love on him.  (I realize this probably won't last forever)
• She has boyfriends... they constantly change.
• She role plays.  Yesterday, she was Grandpa and I was Ellison.  She told me I was not talking like a child.  I said, "how do children talk?"  Her response, "What's up... POOPYHEAD?" 
• Loves anything Princess (Ariel is her fave), Fancy Nancy, and Tinkerbelle (Vidia is her fave)
• Loves to bake with Mommy
• Her favorite foods are tacos, chicken, eggs, cheese, goldfish
• She can play with her dolls all day, every day. 
• Loves to read books at bedtime... her favorites are Fancy Nancy and Goldilocks
• Favorite colors: Pink and Fuschia
• Obsessed with Rainbows
• Like to look at dresses online.
• Has a very strong fashion sense
• Loves to color, draw, craft
• Loves to build with blocks

I would have to describe two year old Ellison as vibrant, loving, passionate, girly, fun, super smart, observant and creative child. She will break out in dance anytime, anyplace.  She has a specific outfit in mind every morning.  And she will tell you she loves you, morning, noon and night.

What a wonderful year! We love you, Ellison. You are my very, bestest girl EVER!