Happy Halloween!

Remember... you can't spell Shalloween without Halloween! And in case you are wondering... that's a pumpkin hat on Ellie's head (courtesy of one of Nanny's knitting/quilting friends).

Ellie is doing wonderfully well. She's such a pleasant baby - I guess she gets that from EM. She's doing really well with her naps. The cereal is going down just fine, and she loves to grab your hand and help you get the spoon to her mouth. She's talking and laughing lots; in fact, there's been several nights when EM and I have been awakened by her chatter - it's nothing that she needs as far as we know, so we let her talk herself out and she goes back to sleep without incident. We think Ellie will roll over any day now; and, from time to time we try to get her to put more weight on her feet. That's it for a developmental update.

It's such a joy to have her in our lives! Love you baby girl!

-ED

Happy Shalloween!

The town of Lewisville doesn't advertise it well on their website, however, the signs posted at Shallowford Square - hence Shalloween - do a wonderful job of promoting their Halloween celebration slated for tomorrow, if our much needed rain comes to an end.

While Ellie will not be in attendance, she will be there in spirit. Nanny bought this costume for her when EM was still pregnant, so I have to give her props for nailing the size. As for the costume itself, I think it's supposed to be a dalmatian which ties in nicely with our love for dogs. On the other hand, if you look at her little friend, Clarissa the cow, I can't help but wonder if it doesn't make a better cow costume. By the way, the backside of the red ears are black.

In any event, I'm sure we'll celebrate Shalloween - in person - next year.


-ED

Still learning...

...for example, I wasn't aware that a baby isn't really considered to have a fever until it's above 100.4. With that information in place, I can still say that Ellie was running a fever over the weekend but it wasn't as bad as I thought. We had an upward trend, starting Thursday night, that peaked at 102 on Saturday night and we've been on the downward trend since. In any event, she's doing fine and I think that's all that needs to said about that.

On a more entertaining note, Ellie ate more cereal today. She's also grabbing at things more, including my hand that held the spoon that held her cereal. Pretty cool.

-ED

Two things...

1. Ellie's fever broke, briefly, yesterday and today; however, for the better part of the last 72 hours she has not been at her best. As per their instructions, we will be in touch with the doctor in the morning; and
2. Ellie tried rice cereal today - a first. She did alright with it, so we'll try again tomorrow.

-ED

Poor baby

Yesterday was Ellie's four month check up. She was also due for her second round of immunizations. Ellie is 25 inches long and 14 pounds, 15 ounces - this puts her at roughly the 75th percentile for both. During the examination, she babbled a few words of wisdom at Dr. Betsy and tried to eat the stethoscope. Ellie also did wonderfully well with her shots - she didn't notice the first two (EM did a good job of distracting her) and the third resulted in only minor, short-lived crying.

Ellie was a little fussy for the rest of the day, but it was really no big deal. Things changed around 12:30am. Our little princess, who does a great job of sleeping through the night, woke up very cranky and with a high fever. Those conditions, unfortunately, have persisted throughout most of the day. We've been in touch with the doctor, and we are monitoring her and comforting her the best we can. So we'll see how it goes. But, right now, all I can think to say is poor baby.

-ED

4M

We're baaack!

We spent five days (albeit two of those days were rather short) and four nights at BHI. Fun was had by all. Actually, it's more like rest and relaxation was had by all. There was a moment or two when Ellie wasn't at her best, but those moments were eclipsed by her overall good behavior. Thanks to nanny and grandpa for coming along and helping out.

The getaway included several firsts: it was our first family vacation with Ellie; our first trip to BHI; Ellie had her first boat ride (you have to take a ferry to get on the island); EM and I had our first "date" without our little one; and, Ellie went to the beach for the first time (she didn't like it when I dipped her toes in the ocean).

Anyhow, here are some pics:

Ellie's first view of the ocean

Ellie and grandpa check out the waves

Ellie napping on nanny

This did not go over well...

Our little beach bum

-ED

Her first trip

Soon we will be going to BHI for a wedding. Since the timing coincides with our wedding anniversary, we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it. Nanny and grandpa are coming to help watch the little one, so we are renting a house. We're excited about dipping Ellie's toes in the ocean!

-ED

One month ago...

Daddy daycare opened one month ago. It's been harder than I thought it would be but it is, without a doubt, an honor and a privilege to stay home and care for our baby girl.

-ED

All is fair

Dixie Classic Fair, that is. After a bit of a challenging day at daddy daycare we went to the fair with Nanny and Grandpa.

We (mostly me) ate lots of junk food, looked at lots of odd people and interesting things (this includes visiting with AK and giving her a birthday present), and went home without incident.

Actually, Ellie slept during much of it; but, she awoke just in time for a stroll through the midway where she was dazzled by the lights.

-ED