Bath Time = Laugh Time

Bath time has taken on a whole new meaning. I introduced a few toys to the bath last week and Mary Ellen's world has opened up. I guess she needed my help to figure out that bath time is fun! Hooray!

New Camera

If you're on Facebook, you've not doubt seen my posts about my new camera. For my birthday, I got a Nikon D3100 (a big thank you to Amy for doing the research for me). This camera rocks and it may be my new favorite possession.

Of course I had to do some test shots with Mary Ellen. Okay, this might sound bad, and I didn't think it was possible: I think the camera has made her even more photogenic.

My favorite photo of her yet.

All dolled up for story time at the library. Recognize the bow, Kelly?

There's just something about a good camera that brings out the little details, right? Just look at her little expression.

I wanted to get a DSLR now because I know that in no time, she'll be up and moving on her own and I needed a camera that would keep up with her. So far, so good.

A little snuggle time with Daddy.

Yummy!

I just had to let you all know that the feeding issue is no longer an issue. Mary Ellen officially likes food. She's warming up to all kinds of things like beans, squash, apples/pears, and is in love with banana and peas.

But most of all, she loves to crunch. You were right, Amy L! Yum, CARBS!

Check out this little muncher.

A New Place to Play

Mary Ellen and I shared our first Happy Hour together last week. We visited the Happy Hour at Amaya Papaya, a play lounge in Casselberry. It was awesome and because it was Happy Hour, it was half price.

For those of you who haven't heard of a play lounge before (and I hadn't before we discovered this place), it's a place where the kids can play with all sorts of toys while the parents sit back and watch and visit with friends. Amaya Papaya is adorable and the owner was super sweet. It's really clean, and best of all, it's full of toys that Mary Ellen hadn't seen before. Most of the activities are too old for her, but that just gives her a lot to grow into, I guess.

Mary Ellen stayed in the little infant section and pretty much hogged the baby pull-up bar the entire time. We'll be back soon, though, because there is so much more to explore.

Happy St. Pats!

May the luck of the Irish be with you today!

Mary Ellen is 8 Months Old!

Oh, big girl. You are such a joy!!

Things are really happening fast at this point. Mary Ellen has grown so much in the past month. She on the verge of crawling and has successfully scooted her way to a wanted object at least twice. She's into the eating thing (finally) and is hard to stop at dinner time. And she talks and talks and talks. What are we in for once she figures out how to put those sounds together?

Her interests include:

• checking out things with her brand new top tooth (new as of this past Friday)
• sweet potatoes, peas, egg yolk, and the best thing in the world: Cheerios!
• standing up, with help, of course
  
• hollering
• being outside on the back porch

Her dislikes:

• being in the car when it is dark (not fun for any of us)
  
• peaches, rice cereal, and oatmeal
• naps (again, no fun for anyone)
• when Mom walks away

She's starting to look just a little like her Ma, no?

Look out world, I'm on the move!

She didn't want to stay still for her monkey pictures this month. Gone are the days when she'll stay where we put her. We'll miss them...

Spring Photo Shoot

You know me and photo shoots, right? Well, now that spring is in full force here in the sunshine state, it's impossible to see all of the beautiful flowers without plunking our little Mary Ellen down in front of them. We stopped at the park the other day and took full advantage of the blooms (and the swings). She sure is getting the hang of smiling for the camera, huh?

First Trip to Disney

When Mom and Dad were here last week, we took Mary Ellen for her first trip to Disney (big thanks to Wendy!!). The weather was just perfect and we made it a marathon day, touring both Animal Kingdom and Epcot. I'm glad that we got to share this big milestone with Grandma and Grandpa, and I think they had a good time, too.

Brian's really getting the hang of the 3-person self-portrait. Here's our little family on our first zoo train ride. The St. Louis Zoo train will be her next one, we promise!!


Mary Ellen probably would have liked the safari at Animal Kingdom, but sleep was needed, and where better than on a jeep ride through the wilds of Africa?


Ah, the donkeys. Not quite as good as the cow in Mary
Ellen's opinion, but still nice. She got a kick out of the petting zoo animals, but Brian was ready to get out of there since animal encounters tend to turn out badly for him. This visit ended without incident, thankfully.

We decided to brave the character Meet and Greet to see how she would deal with the giant costumes. So far, so good. Jiminy Cricket was a huge hit!


Mom and I have taken to posing Mary Ellen whenever we get the chance. The World Showcase at Epcot was filled with great photo spots. Here's a shot from Japan.

Little Fan

Mary Ellen was treated to her very first baseball game last Friday. We went to Kissimmee to see the Cardinals take on the Astros. It was the most beautiful day, and she was a great little fan. Her favorite part was definitely the 7th-inning stretch since we sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at home all the time. She perked up a little when she heard the music start!

My favorite part was when she got her first foul ball. Thank you, kind Astros fan!!

She took a little time to eavesdrop on the masterminds at work. We love you, Jose!!

We had a little rain in the 8th inning. She was more than done by then, so we packed it in a little early. Luckily, the Cardinals had the game sewed up already. And besides, it's only spring training, right?

Just a Swingin'

Mary Ellen and I ventured out to a neighborhood park last week. It was late afternoon and a daycare had invaded the playground equipment, but apparently that was a good thing for Mary Ellen. She LOVED watching the big kids run and scream and play. Kids would run by and she'd flap her arms and carry on right along with them. Such fun!

And she LOVED the swing. We can't wait to head back!