11 months

Another new effect of Ellen's first steps--it is virtually impossible to get her to stay still for a photo! This is one baby on the move!!!

I think she's enjoying her newfound independence...

Since I'm posting this so far after the fact, it's a bit hard for me to remember exactly what new things she learned during this month (just go ahead and file this under the "bad mommy" file--which I'm sure will grow throughout the years :). I do know she still says lots of "dada" but no "mama." She's started saying "dog" and "duck," although they both sound very similar. And, we get LOTS of "dat" with a pointed finger. She has also started "answering" different objects (pair of socks, other toys, blocks, etc.) like the phone--which is also interesting since neither her dad nor I spend very much time on the phone! Lastly, she loves giving out hugs--mostly to inanimate objects, but her dad & I get a bunch, too. Guinness even gets one occasionally when she will stand for it!

first steps

While most of you parents out there know that the concept of your child's actual "first steps" is a bit of a misnomer. They start toddling around--a step here, a step there, occasionally a step or two before falling, etc. You get the idea. Then, one day, they really start to put those steps together and actually start "walking." For Ellen, she was toddling around for a few weeks. There were single steps, a couple of steps and many falls. But finally, on April 26th, she really started walking. It started with about 5 or 6 steps together and then she took off! While we didn't catch the "first" steps on camera, here are some of her early steps immortalized on "film."

I'll try to post some video later if I can get to download stuff off the video camera, but that's asking a bit much right now! One thing at a time...

take two...(or three, or twelve!)

Yes, I know. I've said it before. But this time, I promise (cross my heart :). I will update this blog with the last couple of months worth of posts! I know, I know. It's hard to believe me after my previous promises, but this time, I am truly committed and hopeful that life won't get in the way! In an attempt to appease you, here are some spring photos of Ellen. Hopefully the cuteness will make you forget my previous empty promises...

And this would be what Ellen looks like when she is done with me taking the photos and she would like to get to the camera instead:
So, enjoy my peace offering...and come back for more catch-up posts in the coming days...really!!!!!!