Month Five

Dear Ela,

Our big news as a family this month was our trip to Hawaii. When your Uncle Matt first proposed the trip (way back before you were born) I thought it was a little crazy. Could we really bring a 4-month-old baby all the way to Hawaii? But it turned out that all of my worries were unfounded. You were an absolutely joy to travel with. Before we left on the trip I decided that I was going to let you eat absolutely whenever and wherever you needed to -- and you did. We slept with you in our bed at the condo, and were even able to put you down for naps in that lovely big bed.

Ready, set, go!

And boy... how cool is your cousin TJ?!? She's exactly 3 months older than you, and she can already crawl and pull herself up on the furniture. You loved watching her do all of her "big girl" things, and I could tell that you decided that you'd like to be able to keep up with her. 

Look what we found!

I wore you everywhere we went in Lahaina -- pretty much all day, every day. Everyone on the streets loved to look at you and smile, because you were so adorable in your front-pack...this sweet little baby with blue eyes peering out and taking in the world! 

We noticed a big difference in your "tummy time" once we got home from Hawaii. Spending all that time with TJ inspired you, and you were even stronger and more active than before! You also started teething, and we got you a pretty little amber necklace. You still drool like crazy, but you're really not all that fussy. Once when you first started teething you were feeling pretty lousy, so I strapped you into the Moby and turned on Pandora to a kid's station (another thing we learned about in Hawaii), and danced with you until you were able to relax and go to sleep.

You and your dad have such a special relationship. He spends one-on-one time with you every single day, and you have lots of favorite things to do together. Whenever Daddy is taking care of you, you never want to sleep anywhere except in his arms.

At your first Super Bowl party -- with Nate and Brenna.

We're making lots of new friends in our mom & baby groups. There are some wonderful families in this neighborhood, and I hope that that babies you play with now will be your companions as you grow up. We go to the New Mom Support Group at the Giggling Green Bean, music class, get-togethers at all of our various coffee shops, wine tastings at Mondo Vino, and strolls through the neighborhood with our friends.

A rare occurrence -- asleep in the carseat.

You've recently started using your always-improving motor skills to pet (and grab) at Lucy, Clover, and Artie. I think that Clover is your favorite. He will lie next to you on your playrug, and allow you to grab at his fur and whiskers. Lucy tolerates you (sometimes) and Artie generally prefers to stay away.

Sometimes when we get you out of bed in the morning, your dad and I marvel at how much you've grown during the night. You're strong, alert, and engaged in the world around you. Most importantly to us, you're happy. You smile most of the day, and you have the most wonderful laugh I've ever heard.

Love,

Momma