Let them eat...Rice Cereal!

She was checking it out before the first bite

First Bite--a little apprehensive
"Hmmm...this isn't so bad!"
"I think I like it."
"Yep, I definitely like it."

Today was a big day in Ellis' life--her first taste of solid foods, rice cereal to be exact. We had thought about starting her on this earlier, at around 4 months, but our pediatrician wasn't fond of that idea and felt like it was a good idea to wait until between 5 and 6 months. So, today (a little past 5 months) was her first food experience. She took to it pretty well, though she was apprehensive at first. I'm posting a little video of her eating her first few bites. As you can see, a lot of the cereal ended up on her bib. Enjoy the pics and video (not sure what the background noise is).

Nashville...Not Iowa

Listening to her Pop play a song

She likes being up this high
"Hi Mommy, I'm getting spoiled."
Time with her aunt Ila and cousin Nicholas
Burping for Nonna
Just hanging out on Nonna's porch...don't worry

I didn't let her sit there unattended.

She sure did love being outside on the porch!
Conversations and musing with her Uncle Bro
"Hi Mommy, I'm definitely getting spoiled over here."
"Flying and traveling is exhausting!"

Last week, Ellis and I were supposed to go to Iowa. My mom was going to join us, and I was going to take a writing class at the University of Iowa's Writing Workshop while she watched Ellis. I had been looking forward to this for months, but as you might have heard, Iowa (particularly Cedar Rapids where the campus is located) was under water. I pouted a bit, then I realized that the people there have it much worse than me, so I rebounded quickly and changed my flight to Nashville instead. I had to fly alone with Ellis, which was hectic, but all in all she did great. And, of course, my entire family was thrilled to spend a week with her. So, here are the photos from that week.

A few extra shots...

That play gym doesn't stand a chance anymore

"What? You trying to keep me swaddled?"
Riding the subway to daddy's office for lunch
"I have a lot to say. It's not my fault you don't

understand what it is I'm saying."

Father's Day in Portland, Maine

Vimal, Ellis, and Portland Head Light

Mommy and Ellis in front of the lighthouse
Hanging out on the boat dock
First Swimsuit
Mildly indifferent about her first pool experience
Father's Day Onesie
"I think he liked my gift."

For Father's Day, Vimal and I decided to drive up to our favorite town on the eastern seaboard...Portland, Maine. Before Ellis, we went there a half dozen times every summer, so we decided to give it a whirl with her. She traveled great and seemed to love it as much as we do. We took a picnic out to the lighthouse, walked along the boat docks, and took Ellis to her first pool. All in all it was a wonderful weekend for all of us.

13 lbs, 3 ozs!!!

Getting ready to be weighed

She's the only girl I know who is this happy

right before getting on a scale

Smiling when the nurse announced that she weighs 13lbs, 3ozs

Give me food...Just look at this belly you guys!
With her pediatrician
Obviously our pediatrician is 7 months pregnant,
but just look at how long Ellis is...26 inches!

Even though she's almost 5 months old, today was the 4 month pediatric appointment. I hate these appointments now because each one means more shots. She had 7 vaccinations today (in 3 shots), but she seems to be fine now. Before the shots, she was showing off for the whole office. They all love her there because she smiles the whole time which I guess is rare for a pediatrician's office. Anyways, she's doubled her birth weight (she's still only in the 23rd percentile for weight) but, at 26 inches, she is in the 91st percentile for length. She's a healthy, strong, happy little girl, and we couldn't be prouder!

Weekend Pictures...

Drool!

Mommy and Ellis
Sleeping on her daddy
Trying to avoid the kisses

Not much to say about this past week. Ellis has started grabbing her toes, laughing more often, and drooling constantly, which I guess is a sign of teething. I can see a tooth trying to come through her bottom gums now, but as you might guess this is bothering her and making her a little grumpier than usual. Anyways, we go for her next round of vaccinations on Friday and I'm sure I'll be posting her new measurements after that. More soon...

Laughing!

Here's a video of Ellis laughing at Vimal's little game. Sorry about the birds and weedeater noises in the background but we were outside on a sunny Sunday and people were going about their chores in the neighborhood. The game doesn't get really funny for Ellis until the end. Hope you enjoy it...