Happy 4th of July and Beyond!

One of my favorite holidays is Independence Day. Obviously, a holiday celebrated by grilling out and swimming is a-ok in my book. But, this was Ellie's first time with fireworks! So, I was REALLY looking forward to the Fourth this year. Unfortunately, she really didn't look to the sky with awe and amazement. She actually fell asleep on Neighbor Judy's shoulder!

But, this was a remarkable weekend, because we started putting a little cereal in Ellie's bottles. Yes, it's a SMALL milestone, but Ellie really took to it. Has it helped her NOT spit up all the time? Hmmm, not so much, but it HAS helped her increase her intake. She was at about 25 oz on a good day. But, now, we are at about 30 oz.

Artie takes Ellie to the GI for a weigh in every two weeks (stupid lack of weight gain). Since we've added cereal into her bottles, she gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks! Whooo hoooo!!!!

In July, we also took Ellie to the pediatrician. At the beginning of the month, she was at 26.6 inches long. Unfortunately, she has Artie's LONG torso and short legs. Poor kiddo! She was at the 59th percentile in weight at the beginning of the month and is now (July 26th) at the 75th percentile. Thanks, rice cereal!

Another visit we had in July was to the plastic surgeon. Unfortunately, we need to go in for another surgery on Ellie's hemangioma on 8/8/08. We're hoping that this surgery will be very successful. They will probably use a stronger laser to attack the hemangioma. Naturally, we are afraid that it will burn the skin, so please keep your fingers crossed. We'll keep you posted on it.

Sweet Home Chicago!

Don't you love it when things work out? My national conference for work was in Chicago during the last week in June. Soooo, that meant that Ellie was getting to meet the Chicago family for the first time. It also meant that Ellie was going to take her first trip on an airplane. Unfortunately, it meant that I was going to fly alone with Ellie. Hmmmm. When I booked my ticket, Delta didn't really give any instructions on how to fly with a 4 month old. If you know me, you know that I like to have everything all planned out and don't like it when I don't know what the master plan is for a situation. I think I obsessed about this 2 hour flight non-stop for MONTHS. Seriously, I had dreams where I left Ellie somewhere at the airport or plane and had to go to "Baby Lost and Found" (evidently lots of mothers also left their babies somewhere) to find Ellie. But, I couldn't recognize her! (Yes, I remember this episode of Friends that was based on roughly the same situation). In fact, the night before the flight, I was sick just thinking about flying with Ellie! The day of the flight (after tearfully saying goodbye to daddy), we checked in and had the most helpful folks at TSA get us through security (no, I'm not kidding). As I was checking in, the nicest passengers offered to help carry my diaper bag. . . fold down the stroller, etc. I had a very helpful gentleman seated next to me that enjoyed talking to Ellie. But, you will be very impressed to know that Ellie was an angel on the entire flight! So tears or screaming. She slept the entire flight!

Ellie LOVED getting to meet her Nana and Papa, aunts and uncles, and cousins! Mimi and Oppa were there to take care of Ellie while I was at my conference. Was Ellie spoiled by all the attention? Um, yeah!!! But, she had a great time. I felt bad for her when we got back, since she didn't have tons of people to watch her every move---ha ha ha!

The flight back home went just as great as the flight to Chicago! I sat next to a colleague of mine, so I was able to actually breathe and enjoy flying with Ellie. Thanks, Anna!!!!

When we got back home, Daddy missed Ellie MORE than words can say. While we were gone, Daddy cleaned house, did major yard work, cleaned the carpets, and did laundry. Hmmmm, maybe Ellie and I should go on MORE trips!