Happy Halloween!

Elise celebrated her first Halloween today. We started the festivities with carving the pumpkins we picked several weeks ago. Daddy carved the small pumpkin to look like Elise...complete with two lone bottom teeth. It was so cute and Elise approved!

After some crawling and play time with Garth, we changed into our lady bug costume. It was complete with wings and a hat with antennae. We planned to only go to several neighbors homes as it was a bit cold (48 degrees) and was time for Elise's bedtime. She had a blast particularly checking out some of the Halloween decorations that she had been admiring from the street. We are hoping that all the fresh air will make Elise sleep an hour long since we are changing the clocks back tonight. We're keeping our fingers crossed that she won't be expecting breakfast at 5:30am!

Loving Fall and Food

Elise is loving fall! We've been taking advantage of these warm, colorful afternoons by playing in the leaves and taking extra long walks. Of course the dogs are also benefiting from our strolls around the neighborhood. With Halloween being this weekend, the neighbors have their homes decorated with pumpkins and blowup decor-- which Elise rates by how enthusiastic she waves. Big inflatable pumpkins usually get a big wave while homes that only have cornstalk by their mailbox may only get a passing glance. Watch out Martha Stewart!

(below- first known picture of Elise's two teeth!!)

With all the crawling, Elise is burning extra calories and she's excited to try out new foods. Today for lunch she scarfed down a jar of mixed vegetable baby food, peaches, a handful of Cheerios, a few 'puffs', half a yogurt, part of a Panera bacon turkey bravo sandwich and one pickle. The pickle was quite the hit until she bit off several huge chunks and swallowed them whole. Mommy had to intervene and take the pickle... the fun was over (see below before/after pictures!). On a side note, we are down to two naps a day. We are quite the big girl now! Plus Elise's top two teeth are coming in. She has discovered that she can grind her teeth and drive us all crazy....

She's Crawling!

Saturday night, Elise started crawling! Watch out world because here she comes! Elise finally got sick and tired of having a stationary life and decided to do some about it-- she popped up on her knees and took a few wobbly movements forward. Today, she was back at it-- practicing and having fun with her new mobility. It's tiring and serious work! After several feet, she's ready for a little break. Elise has also figured out to go from crawling to sitting- which isn't yet always successful but it's a work in progress! This week Elise and I will have to go on an outlet plug shopping spree! We are so proud of her...it's exciting to see her growing and exploring her own world. Parenthood is so worth it!

Daddy's Dental Exam and Pumpkin Patch

If there was any doubt in the past, we know now that Elise will be a dentist! She's been giving us (and anyone else who will open up!) dental exams. Unfortunately she doesn't have a gentle touch yet nor does Elise know that if you stick your whole hand in at a time it can become a bit gaggy! We do have a few years to whip her into shape before she's needed at the office. By then, Elise should be walking ... or at least crawling. She doesn't have a problem getting up on her knees to dance and sway. Maybe she's just looking for some motivation to take off!



Sunday afternoon we went to Graham's farm to pick out our pumpkins. It was a cool and windy day but sunny. Perfect pumpkin picking weather! Elise opted for a small round pumpkin-- with a cute little 'butt' crack on the backside. She does have a sense of humor! We'll wait a while longer before carving them. Until then, our treasures are sitting on our front steps, anticipating trick-or-treaters.

Baptism and 9 Month Checkup

Elise was baptized this past Sunday, October 11th, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Medina. Riley Malone, my best friend's (Sarah Malone) daughter, was also baptized at the same service. The officiant from our wedding presided over Elise's baptism while the officiant from the Malone's wedding presided over their baptism. Both girls looked absolutely adorable in their little dresses. We were lucky to have most of our extended family present for the occasion. They came as far as Maryland and Hawaii! The service started at 11am- an unfortunate time for Elise since she refused to take a morning nap. By the time the service started, she was running on fumes and when it was time for the baptism, Elise was a bit crabby and fussy! Luckily Elise's godparents (Aunt Amy and Uncle Kevin) didn't mind a few tears!

After the service, the family went back to my parent's house for a luncheon. The guest of honor joined the group after a good nap where she got to enjoy everyone's company and some of her gifts. Uncle Kevin and Rachel bought Elise a replica of our family (plus the Pope... a long story) done as little wool eggs. So cute! The day was tiring but we were truly blessed to have been surrounded by all of those who are care so much for our little girl.

Yesterday, Elise had her 9 month checkup with the pediatrician. She was 16lb 9oz (20%), 26 1/4" in length (10%), and 17" head circumference (25%). Dr. Kennedy is very happy with her growth.... a typical growth pattern for a preemie. Elise is nice and healthy! She will return in about a month for her flu and H1N1 shots as the office doesn't yet have them in stock. We were given the green light to introduce table foods (but to limit sweets and dairy). It's funny that Elise puts absolutely everything in her mouth except the food we give her! We've got some more learning to do.

Lunging and Bababa-Bobby?

Elise is starting to put some components together that we've been learning in physical therapy. Today, she popped up (all on her own!) on her hands and knees, rocked forward and back and then made a lunge toward her little green fish toy. Elise landed fully on her chest but wasn't deterred because she had gotten what she wanted. She's making some connections on movement! We'll continue with weekly therapy until Elise is crawling and is able to pull up to standing all on her own. This will ensure a successful transition to walking.

We've also discovered our first consonant sound- the letter 'B'. On Saturday's car ride to Medina, Elise chattered away with 'Bababababa'-- sometimes throwing in the occasional 'Vavava'. Several times she ended with the word 'Bobby'. Of course daddy is wondering who the mystery man may be! Have no fear, we don't know of anyone by that name!