Happy Halloween!

Ella was just trying out her costume for a while this morning. We'll be taking her around the building for a little trick-or-treating later this afternoon. More photos to come...

p.s. our internet has been out for the last three days, due to the construction (new apt. building) next door. it has been maddening!!!!!!!!!!

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

Cousin Phoenix is finally here! Gretchen gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Phoenix Gabriel, yesterday afternoon. We can't wait to meet him... hopefully this weekend! Congratulations! We are so very excited for you!!!!!!!!

Rare Sighting...

... of Ella AND her mama! Thanks, Ji Sun :-)

Dinner with Ella

Becoming more and more independent every day... :-)

Momentum

Still working like mad. Not much time to post updates. Blah, blah, blah. But here are a few for you...

1. Ella took a few steps today—several different times. She's scared of walking on her own but is seemingly capable. Let's give it a few days.

2. Ella really likes spinning around on her butt on the hard wood floor. It makes her giggle.

3. Rennell brought Ella home from the park today covered in dirt. It was so funny that I nearly cried. I took lots of photos (on flickr) and gave her quite the scrubbing.

4. Ella likes to have conversations with just about anyone who will give her attention. If you listen carefully, you'll catch a few words here and there. She asks lots of questions. We usually answer, "yes." I hope she doesn't hold us to it.

5. Brady is still away for work and we REALLY miss him.

6. Ji Sun has been staying with us for almost two weeks (which has been lovely). She's leaving on Friday and we're REALLY going to miss her.

7. Making a list is much easier than writing in paragraphs.

More Ella Than Ever Before!!!!

Fun with a pillow. Who knew?

Ella wearing nothing but a tie. Really.

Swinging at the park. Ella LOVED it!

Looking smart in her long-sleeved shirt/collar combo.

Contemplating the probability that REALLY LOUD planes overhead are coming right for her.

Curls

Skillz

Ella seems to be learning new things every day. Here's one of her new tricks—catching a ball! Yay! What a little jock :-) She's also learned to come down the stairs (at least a few steps) instead of just going up. She seems to be very close to walking, but is a bit intimidated by it. Ella took a step on a few separate occasions, but nothing substantial... at least she's grown a little more comfortable letting go and standing on her own. She seems so much more like a girl now and not a baby any more :-(