January

The snow and cold we've had this January sure produced some beautiful ice. Icicles like these always remind me of A Christmas Story. Can they really be dangerous? They're hanging off the porch of the house we live in--not our porch because we live in the basement apartment, but I'm sure our neighbors don't mind that I snuck up to take some pictures. 

Below are some picture of Eleanor from January. We love when she turns on her side to sleep. The other two are from a random Sunday Afternoon when Ella was especially happy. 

I wouldn't want to eat it either...

Double Trouble

Remember these guys? Double Trouble came to town last weekend. Ella got to see her twin friends on Friday night for an hour or so. Oh, and they brought their parents--Amy and Ryan. Adam and Rachel have grown a ton since we last saw them and they're both delightful little babies. You can already tell they have unique personalities and preferences. 
Unlike last time they were together, Ella enjoyed sitting between them and touching them at the same time. I guess here she's trying to get Adam to look at her. Check out Rachel's cute curly hair! 
Ella's big thing lately is reaching out to touch. She doesn't usually grab something until she has tested it out by just touching. Are they destined to be friends?
Saturday Ella and I went to see the Fitz fam (plus friends) over lunch and we had a good time chatting and catching up. We sure wish we lived closer!

Too cute for just still pictures...

Six Months

Ella is six months old now. Time is flying and she is growing so fast! So, to mark the occasion I thought I'd plaster tons of pictures of her all over our blog. If you find that annoying, I guess this blog isn't for you. But before you leave, be sure to vote on the poll we posted about blog related pet peeves. Now, here's the scoop on Ella:

She still doesn't love tummy time but is very good at assuming the Superman flying position every time we put her on her tummy

Though still prone to falling over, she is sitting up on her own now and getting better at it every day

She has already discovered the phone

She likes to wear these cute booties and grab at the bears

She has two (sharp) bottom teeth and is still teething

She puts up with the cold, doesn't complain about her car seat, and is generally very patient and good natured

She still has beautiful, huge eyes that seem to be settling into a chocolate brown color. In the right light they can double as mirrors (okay, that's an exaggeration, but they are big and do reflect a lot)   

She is very social and likes to make faces and smile at people (provided she's not tired or hungry)

Ella is also learning to fall asleep without being held or rocked and she's still enjoying rice cereal. We'll start introducing some vegetables and fruits soon. She also likes watching mom in the kitchen and when dad is studying she likes to sit on his lap and reach for his books. We love her!

Holiday Highlights

Blair, Ella, and I went to Boise for the holidays. Here are a few highlights.

We had an unconventional Christmas Eve dinner with my whole family. Instead of the traditional turkey or ham with potatoes etc., we had food that represented the type of food eaten in Bethlehem when Christ was born; bread, cheese, crackers, nuts, dried fruit, hummus, and beans were included in the spread. Sure, Mary and Joseph probably didn't ever taste Wensleydale with cranberries, smoked gouda, or cheddar cheese, but we sure enjoyed it!

Jacob Phillip Redd's first Christmas. I witnessed his birth three weeks ago and really enjoyed holding him during this trip. There is nothing like a cuddly, sleepy, hungry newborn!

Ella's first taste of wrapping paper. 

Ella's first solid food! Santa brought her rice cereal...but he forgot the bib. So yes, Ella is wearing a dish towel. She figured out the spoon quickly and really enjoyed it! 

Ella's first tooth. If you look close you can see it in this next picture. Just ask me if I'm happy about this...

We spent New Year's Eve with my brother, Kimball and his wife, Christine. Christine made some delicious snacks and treats and we played some games and welcomed the new year in a relatively quiet way. We had fun and Ella slept right through it all. 

We wish you all a happy new year!