OK, I know that many of you are silently (or audibly) cursing me for my lack of posting. It has been a BUSY couple of weeks, preparing for our Chicago trip and then skirting around the city with Ellie for 8 days.
There are honestly hundreds of pictures I could share, but I'll spare you with the Cliff's Notes version.
Ellie has changed SO much in the last 2 weeks - her transformation and development has really been incredible to watch:
- She now sleeps 12-13 hours a night. Thank heavens! It has done wonders for my daily demeanor. The fact that Justin and I can eat dinner together without having to "relay" eat with Ellie in hand is just wonderful.
- Ellie is a now an ambidextrious thumb sucker. She dabbles with both thumbs while the other hand MUST be touching her face or the back of her head. She also moans as sucks. This little self soothing quirk is oh so cute.
- She is obsessed with sitting up (with only a little help) or standing up. Being horizontal while awake is unacceptable. She has to make sure that she can see everything that goes on - doesn't want to miss a beat!
- Ellie is a slobbery mess these days. Constant drool and sucking on her hands makes me think she might get her first tooth early... we'll see.
- She's very close to laughing. We'll get a half laugh and lots of smiles. She really is a happy baby, which we are extremely grateful for.
We rented a condo in Chicago last week, and Ellie was a rockstar traveller. She did well on both flights, and really went with the flow the entire week. In order to see all of the friends and family we wanted to, we carted her around from ~9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. almost every day. She absolutely LOVED the sounds and action of the city. We were graced with beautiful weather the first couple of days and then, somehow, Austin weather followed us... what?! Record highs in the triple digits made it for a steamy trip.
I am officially back to work now, and it is very bittersweet. I have loved being with Ellie over the past 3 months, but I'm also ready to return to the working world. I'm incredibly lucky to have a job that I love and fortunate to have the flexibility I do.
While Justin and I are hard at work, Ellie gets to spend Monday-Thursday with our wonderful nanny, Laura. Laura recently moved here from LA and is amazing with Ellie. I know Ellie is in good hands, so it makes the return to work that much easier.
Disclaimer: In the interest of time, most of the pictures below are not in any particular order.
First Father's Day: breakfast tacos, a balmy hike, and a homemade dinner completed the day.
Our little thumb sucker.
One of my favorite pictures of Ellie. She doesn't always look this angelic;)
Tuckered out at the pool in Chicago
She didn't get to ride the El, but we thought she should at least get a pic as though she did.
Front stoop hanging at the condo we rented in Chicago. Being in Old Town, we were able to walk everywhere all week.
Justin & Olivia Clancey at a picnic in the park
The Lews with Ellie at the picnic
Erin & Ellie
Ellie loved sitting on the stoop and checking out all of the foot traffic.
Daddys and Daughters: Justin/Ellie with Eric/Olivia
Ellie and Jack Hale hanging. Well really it was Jack crawling around like a wild man and Ellie observing his skills. He's a mover and a shaker!
Thanks to Clay's rooftop pool, we were able to enjoy this beautiful view
Ellie turned 3 months in Chicago. Here's to a quarter year!
More thumb-sucking-hand-on-face action
Ellie was a rockstar on the plane. She LOVED the hustle and bustle of the airport.
Bama with her granddaughters - she was in heaven.
This lovely lady inspired our 8 day vacation. Our friends Jeremy and Lindsay got married, and we decided to make a vacation out of the trip. Congrats to the Shulls!
Mommy and Ellie relaxing at the picnic.
Ellie and Jack Hale sizing each other up at their first meeting
Jack and Olivia are buds, even though they try to clobber each other most of the time.
Grandpa and Ellie at the picnic. I think Ellie likes that Grandpa is so tall so that she can get the best view of whatever is going on.
Notice that our picnic in the park was heavily male dominated. Nothing like a bunch of fellas with babies;)
Ellie was impressed with Dede's silly faces
More rooftop pool action
Ellie's face says it all - she loves Jenny!
I was surprised and impressed with how comfortable Roz was with the little lady.
Hanging at the park with the Clanceys
Justin entertaining Olivia and Ellie
We had to make a stop at the old stomping grounds, Kincaide's (a Chicago KU bar)
Bama and Auntie Val doting on Ellie
Cousin Elizabeth was pretty obsessed with Ellie. She loved patting her on the head and helping to change her diaper. These two are going to be trouble in the years to come....
Ellie loved swinging on her tummy with Bama. Elizabeth insisted that she partake too. I think both grandparents got a workout...
Looks like a great trip! We had to always work really hard to get a good laugh and smile out of Ellen - a sophisticated sense of humor these girls have. I'm surprised Roz didn't try to nurse Ellie; seems he is an expert. :) I do love all the guys with their baby girls, though ...
Looks like a great trip! We had to always work really hard to get a good laugh and smile out of Ellen - a sophisticated sense of humor these girls have. I'm surprised Roz didn't try to nurse Ellie; seems he is an expert. :) I do love all the guys with their baby girls, though ...
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