My Baby is 6 Months Old

How did this happen? Six months already? Though the first few months seem to drag on with sleepless nights and late night feedings these past couple have flown by.
Our little Ellie Dawn is a delight. She is rolling over from her back to her front constantly and loves to stick her tongue out and smile. She loves Riley and really anyone that will hold her and give her attention. She is enjoying time in her walker and just the last couple days is starting to actually move in it. Some days I wonder if she will just go from sitting to walking because she hates being on her belly (making her arms weak)and her legs are really strong (from so much time in the walker). I guess only time will tell. She is quite the slobbery girl and almost always has a bib on these days. If she didn't have a bib her outfits would be drenched within the hour.
Over the Thanksgiving break we had the chance to go to Pittsburgh and get time with Griff's family. It was wonderful to be around family and see Riley and Ellie enjoy their grandparents, aunt, uncles, cousins, great-aunt, and great-grandma. We not only celebrated Thanksgiving with them but also Riley's birthday and Christmas (because we will be in Iowa this year). What a fun weekend!

Grandma Jones can always make Ellie smile.



Ellie getting quality time with her Uncle Andy.



Ellie enjoying time with Poppy Jones.

Lately

Riley and Daddy working on the pipes under the kitchen table. This has been a nightly event lately and one we are all enjoying.
Riley and Ellie enjoying some time together. She loves being in her walker and he loves talking with her and also "fixing" the walker whenever it needs it.

Riley didn't dress up for Halloween this year simply because I didn't think he would actually put on a costume and leave it on. But, he loved handing out the candy with Daddy. Maybe next year he will get into the whole idea of dressing up. Oh and if you are wondering Griff's hat is from Bolivia, a gift from his brother Andy. He says it is the warmest hat he owns and it was a cold night which required a warm, yet odd looking hat. :-)

Riley is quickly reaching the terrible twos and we are learning a lot about what it means to train a child and discipline. This has been the hardest part of parenthood and we aren't even to age two. I am learning a lot about God's discipline, love and grace by walking with Riley through this season of life. Though he is testing his limits he is a delight and full of laughter. He loves talking with Ellie and wants to hold her more and he tries to roll her over when she gets onto her belly and is crying.


Ellie's official 5 month picture. She is rolling over a lot from her back to her belly which is fun but challenging because she hates being on her belly and then starts crying. She still doesn't have any teeth but is drooling like crazy and often is sporting a bib to cut down on the excessive drool all over her outfits. But despite my bib efforts there are many days she goes through two or three outfits. She is a delightful baby, she is constantly smiling and making happy noises. So far she has liked everything we have fed her: carrots, peas, green beans, apple sauce, bananas, squash, and pears. Some of her nicknames include: Ells, Ell-Bell, Ellie-Bellie, and sweet pea. The only times she really cries is when you pull the bottle away too soon.