8 Months

We have had a busy 2 weeks... hence the lack of posting. Due to my procrastination and my current exhaustion, I'm going to give a Cliff's Notes overview.

The night before we left for Chicago, Ellie woke up super congested and with a fever. Poor baby girl was sick the entire time we were there. She was a great sport and in super good spirits, but when it came time to sleep, she really struggled with her breathing. We spent the week elbow deep in Boogie Wipes (best product EVER) and even had to have a steam cleaning service come to clean an upholstered chair that Ellie puked on. Oh, the joys of motherhood!

The Clanceys were so gracious to let us crash at their place (literally). Since Ellie is obsessed with ALL big kids, Olivia was her BFF all week. Olivia was super sweet with Ellie too - sharing her toys, giving her kisses, and letting Ellie paw at her all week.

While I spent most of our time in Chicago nursing a sick Ellie, I was able to get a night out for Justin's surprise 35th birthday party. I wasn't confident that I'd be able to pull the shindig off, but it's safe to say Justin was floored. I invited 25 people, and 24 of our friends were able to make it with only ~2 week's notice. Such a testament to Justin and how much our friends adore him. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at The Bristol in Bucktown, and then had a nightcap at a nearby bar. The evening was a success, and the birthday boy loved reliving our pre-Ellie social lives;)

We had another wonderful Friendsgiving in ATX! Plus, Bama and Gampa joined in the fun this year. We hosted an open house during the afternoon, and the Hacks hosted us all for dinner. Meghan served the most amazing meal ever... and of course she practically whipped it all up with her eyes closed and hands tied behind her back.

Ellie is the most active baby I've ever met. She moves CONSTANTLY, even when she's sleeping. Her new thing is that she wants to walk with us holding her hands. I was already walking at this point, so clearly she's her mother's daughter. I'm trying to prolong the crawling stage - not ready for a walker! She is determined though... I bet Justin that she'll be walking (3 unsupported steps) by next week. Justin thinks otherwise. Stay tuned.

Olivia Clancy and Ellie reading together

Uncle Alex & Aunt Katie came to visit... Ellie was super sick that night as you can probably tell by her expression;(

All bundled up in Chi Town! Headed out to grab coffee and some fresh air...

Olivia loved playing in Ellie's carseat.

As we walked the old "hood," we passed by Justin's favorite dry cleaner, Mrs. Kim. She was on the phone and saw us walking down the street. She quickly hung up the phone and chased us down the street. She was so excited to see us and meet Ellie.

Sick but happy

First El ride

Auntie Erin came by for a visit. Ellie adores her;)

Wrigley!

Just after Daddy duty... I found Justin napping. Annoyed that he can literally fall asleep ANYWHERE.

Birthday Dinner

8 months today! You'll see she's an animal and won't sit still... here she was trying to pull off her sticker. 2 seconds prior she was trying to eat it.

Loves to stand

Silly face

Ellie loves her Bama, who sings to her all day;)

Not-so-happy Ellie on Thanksgiving. 

Can't get any sweeter.

Beautiful Thanksgiving dinner table...

The Ellie and Olivia show... Ellie was Olivia's shadow all week.

When Ellie's not walking around with our help, she's constantly doing this...

Ellie was quite the social butterfly on our flights. It's an awkward angle, but you'll see her make eye contact with a passenger, and then squawk and giggle.

I swore that I'd keep my daughter's private parts out of this blog, but this was just too cute to pass up. Sorry, Ellie. This is now her nightly bathtime ritual. Maniac.

Walker in training. She would do this all day if we didn't stop her.