Today is my Nana & Papa's Anna-Verse-Ah-Ree!

I am really happy that they married each other because if it weren't for their love, I wouldn't be here. And I really, really like being here. They've been sharing the same toothpaste for 33 years. And not to bring this back to me, but I am also officially 9 months old today. Yea, me!

Things I Help Mommy With...

I help Mommy load the dishwasher.

I help Mommy find higher places for books & magazines.

I help Mommy cook dinner!

(Hmmm... I wonder why she put me in my crate? Could it be because I like to spill Toby's water? Or is it because she doesn't like it when I rearrange the contents of the kitchen cabinets? Nah... I'm pretty organized, so it couldn't be that. I wonder if it has something to do with all those cookbooks I like to throw on the floor? Or because the oven is hot? Might be on account of that table that I broke. Ahh.. all in a days work!)

Remember... I AM FAST!

First Father's Day

As Daddy picked me up out of my crib on Sunday morning, I shouted, "Happy Father's Day!" which sounded more like, "Iddle diddle diddle, sphghthth!"

I bought Daddy a hat & a fishing license because he promised to take me fishin' at the lake. Just FYI, Daddy -- you probably shouldn't let me touch the bait because I'll probably try to eat it.

After my nap, we went out to the boat. I love being out on the water -- I am JUST like Daddy.

Take a guess at who I look like! Do you like our matching dimples?

We even have the same hands & feet.

"Is now a good time to talk about that pony?"

I love you, Daddy!

When Babies Attack!

Never underestimate this species of baby. While we may look friendly, we often attack without warning. Our ability to move quickly and climb aids us in our quest to dominate your lap.

What did I tell you? Never turn your back for a second.

Gotcha!

Freedom!

Dear Diary,

You should see me now! With one knee down & a heel to propel me forward, there is nothing outside my grasp. Crawling = freedom. The freedom to pull baskets of magazines off of coffee tables & baskets of files off of desk shelves. The freedom to find every cord attached to every lamp in the house. The freedom to pull myself up to standing wherever I choose.


Daddy is away in Floor-i-duh, but he comes home today. So, this morning Mommy & I read the newspaper all by ourselves. I especially enjoyed the classifieds -- they are a lil' bit slippery if you crawl on them.


Now that I have crawling crossed off my "to-do" list, I've been working on some other tricks. I will keep you in suspense and post about those later with pictures included, so STAY TUNED!


Here is the latest photo montage:

Hugs & Kisses,

Baby Ellie

Inspiration

Eight & a half months, 27 crackers, 96 Kix, & a visit from the Landis Family gave me

the Inspiration to...

Danger Baby: Episode 3

On today's episode of Danger Baby, you will learn the importance of never turning your back on someone small. I understand that you needed to chop the broccoli for dinner. And I understand that you had only turned your back to me for a few seconds.

But understand THIS...

I AM FAST!

I am... Danger Baby!

I think I'm gonna need a cape...

Diary of a Baby

Dear Diary,

Check me out! I am really growing! My hair is getting fuller, my legs are getting plumper, & my feet are getting big. I'm still not crawling and it's really beginning to disappoint me. Just when I think I'm going to go, my feet get caught. I really need to stop sitting criss-cross-applesauce.

Last Wednesday, Mommy & I flew to Pennsylvania again. Flying is so cool & the boarding pass is so fun to chew on. Mommy brought me some new books to look at on the plane, but I felt like being squirrely instead. I wanted to get down & play, but she kept making me sit there. So, I pulled her hair, stole her sunglasses, climbed her torso, & put my fingers in her diet coke. She didn't like that too much.

Uncle Joe graduated from high school this past weekend & they let me go to the ceremony! I loved the orchestra, but I jumped everytime the people clapped. The program was pretty good to chew on & Aunt JuJu let me drool on her calculator, too. I hope it still works. Mommy was so proud of her little brother and Nana took lots & lots of pictures. I will be sure to borrow some pictures of the evening from Nana's Facebook page soon!

I had a really fun time playing with my cousin Emily & today I feel cranky because I miss her. She & I played all kinds of games, like jump on the air mattress (FYI - she jumped, which made me bounce -- FUN!) & we read stories and shared cereal puffs. Emily is so funny -- one day, she dressed like Tinkerbell & did a little dance in her tap shoes. She is like Elmo & Zoey but BETTER!

We are back home today. We had lunch with Daddy & when we were done, he bought me a football jersey at the bookstore. It's never too early to be thinking about football season. I am learning this early.

I will close for now. I am off to find Toby to see if he wants a belly rub.

Hugs & Kisses!

Baby Ellie

Food, Glorious Food!

Whoa! Where did you come from? You snuck up on me!

Is it just me? Or am I always covered in food?

Who wants a sweet potato kiss?

I'm coming to get you! You better watch out!

Oh, and by the way... I love strange foods. You know, the kind of food that grown-ups give babies so that we make a nutty face and you can snap the moment with your camera?

Go ahead... give me a lemon! Yum!

A Pickle...

YUM!