Shake Rattle and Roll

Ella Kathleen has learned how to both hold and shake a rattle, and Mommy and Daddy could not be more proud! You'll notice, though, that Ella is holding a different rattle in the second photo. This is because her hand-eye-rattle coordination has not developed well enough for her to not whack herself in the face with the rattle! The next thing Ella will learn how to do will be first aid... We decided that a stuffed rattle would be much more practical...and safe.

A Trip to the ZZZZZZ- I mean Zoo!

Ella has oficially slept through her first real outing with Mommy and Daddy!
We went to the Van Saun Zoo on Saturday, and saw all kinds of different animals- mostly Ella just saw the insides of her eyelids, but Jachee loved the spider monkeys and the Elk and Bison...








...And that's no bull!







Anyone who knows anything knows that where there are bald eagles, there is Grampa O'Melia. Ella Kathleen had her first of many visits with her Grampa while visiting the zoo (I'm not gonna lie, she slept through that, too!)

My Dog Lobo

After much sniffing and curiosity, we can honestly say that Lobo has become very comfortable with Ella Kathleen. Also notice that this nap came during activity time (or "Tummy Time"). One of the benefits of being a baby, apparently, is that it is completely acceptable to fall asleep in the middle of your exercise routine:)

Who's the Boss?

Clearly it is not Tony or Angela, but Ella Kathleen! As daddy was doing some good burpin', and mommy was cleaning up the living room, Ella actually began to point out all the spots mommy had missed! I think I actually heard her say that if I had time to lean I had time to clean! Geez!

Ella's Smile

Ella has been smiling more and more each day. She absolutely loves the changing table!

The other day, I heard Josh talking in Ella's room- he sounded a bit upset. I walked in and it turns out Ella had peed all over his shirt! (She loves to pee and spit up on daddy). When I went over to congratulate her on her aim, she began to smile like we've never seen before! Now, don't tell me she this was gas, she knew what she was doing, and she was proud of it!

A Visit With Grampa...

After a long hard Rugby match, Gavin and Ella decided to make the most of a beautiful day by going in the backyard and visiting with Grampa's eagle. Gavin celebrated the game, no it is NOT important who won, by drinking a Guinness and ringing Grampa's bell- Ella has yet to participate in this ritual- she's just too young...

Rub A Dub Dub

After a quick, and unforeseen visit to SoupyPoopywood, Ella was in desperate need of some time in the sink. As you can see, not her favorite, but she does well. She even enjoys singing a good tune while in the tub (as seen in the first photo:) She's a big Solid Gold Oldies fan, I believe that in this picture she was singing a little Aretha Franklin... She loves the Sock It To Me's!

Three Weeks Young...

Hey everyone! Sorry it has taken so long to update the blog, but I've been in Mommyland for the past two weeks. In case any of you are thinking of visiting this particular area of the world, you really must tour the "No Sleepville" area as well as "Soupy Poopywood". You should also try the Simi at Le Chateau Dr. Brown- Delicious!
Anyway, Ella's wonderful, and mommy and daddy are doing great:) Josh was made to be a daddy! He can bounce up and down and make a shushing sound better then anyone I know- Ladies, as you're looking for your future husbands, and thinking of having children, ask them to bounce up and down a couple of times. If it looks like they might soothe a baby, you've got a keeper!
I promise to post more often, and keep the photos coming, and thanks to my brother Daniel for the substitute blogging while we were in the hospital- much appreciated:)

The Wait Is Over...

ELLA HAS ARRIVED!

Mother, daughter, and father¹ are all fine and doing well, and according to an interview earlier today, are "hangin' out" at Pascack Valley Hospital.²

The little one came into the world on 7/9 at 7:10 p.m. and weighing in at 7 lbs, 10 oz..³

Courtesy of Kelly, Brendan, and Cousin Gavin,⁴ (and the magic of right-click, "Save File As"...) here's Ella's first family gathering:

Notes
1. Not, necessarily, in that order
2. "Medical Center" or whatever grandiose appelation they deem fit to apply
3. Oddly enough, Josh immediately suggested a run to 7-11... or WaWa, or wherever the hell Sons of Penn go.
4. Note Gavin's expression at being asked, for the first time ever, to share with his cousin:

1. Denial/Isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining (As in, "There's a nice yellow balloon in it for you...")
4. Depression
   
5. Acceptance

5 Pound Baby!

Well, much like Will and Grace and 7th Heaven, Ella Kathleen has had her final curtain call, on television, that is. She made her final television appearence on Friday, at which point I was told that she weighs 5 pounds, and I do not need to come back for any further "growth ultrasounds". This means that the next time we all see Ella, it will be the real deal! No autographs, please!

The photo on the top was done with a 3D ultrasound machine. While it's difficult to figure out what everything is, seeing it in person is amazing!

Josh and I began our birthing classes on Tuesday where we learned such terms as effacement and dilation. I have come to the conclusion that I will definately be packing a paper bag in our "hospital stay" bag for the sake of Jachee. I may even carry one on me for the remainder of the six weeks of class...

Katie Says...

Katie says to read this blog from the bottom up- it will make MUCH more sense that way! Keep in mind, that Katie is pregnant, and therefore, having all of her intelligence sucked from her brain. She is also new to blogging, and promises she'll get better:) Thank you,a nd have a nice day:)
ps- tilt your head to the right for pic's that were taken vertically- as you can see, that makes much more sense as well... Sorry folks!

Was it Katie (the dog, that is...)?????

Was it this thing????

As I see it, there are three potential culprits: Was it Jachee?

The Mystery of the Cake

Ella had her shower a few weeks ago, and it was a lot of fun! There were gifts, great food, and a wonderful cake. All was going well until the end of the day when we realized the cake was gone! Who could possibly have eaten an ENTIRE sheet cake?!?!?

She's a Bad Mamma Jamma

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! You are all set to start posting a chimp a day!