I’m not sure if I should be more embarrassed about the fact that Ellery’s current favorite activity is going through the recycling, or the fact that I actually let her do it.
In my defense, I should mention that everything is washed and there aren’t any sharp objects, and, dude, it keeps her busy for, like, 20 MINUTES.
There are some days where I think that the one adult to three children ratio was not a very smart move.
It was nice while it lasted. We’ve had an extended honeymoon period with Ellery. For the most part, if you haven’t seen her for a while, you can just assume she’s contently working on her thesis in a corner or some equally tranquil activity. This is the polar opposite of Neko and Shep, who if you didn’t see them for five minutes, had managed to deconstruct the entire infrastructure of our house in that time.
Anyway, I’ve gotten quite comfortable with her relaxed state of being, and am begrudgingly admitting that I may have to actually put up a gate or two and make sure I close the door to the pantry. Sheesh.
My car was due for its 30,000 mile service, an appointment that lasts three hours…an insanely long time to wait in that little room, but not enough time for a loaner.
I made the appointment for 8am, which would get me back in time to pick Neko up at school. I had plans for all kinds of things to keep Shep occupied, but at the last minute Barb was able to take him. So with just my baby who’s perfectly content in a stroller, we walked about a mile to Panera, ate breakfast (soufflé for me, cheerios for Ellery), and then wandered over to Target. I was almost shocked when they called me in the middle of aisle 12 to tell me my car was ready.
I don’t think a 30,000 mile check-up has ever been so pleasant.
Over the last week she’s been taking tentative steps, but now it’s official. She’s crawling.
It’s been raining like crazy around here, which, of course, coincides with the time we’re surrounded by perfect fall leaves. Susie and I took advantage of the break in the weather to hustle the kids out for a long walk on campus and take some photos.
In between running noses and hacking coughs, we were able to snap a few shots.
I’ve come to the conclusion that living in our family might be a bit like being hounded by the paparazzi. You’re just sitting there trying to eat breakfast and then suddenly a big flash goes off. But, by god, if my kids want to know what they were doing on August 8, 2007, I can tell them.
Anyway, Ellery turned six months yesterday, so this morning she tried her first solid food. There wasn’t even a moment of hesitation or a puzzled look. We had buy-in from the very beginning. Excellent. Continue this trend, kid, and you’ll go far in this family.
I just couldn’t post just one picture. Just. Couldn’t. I apologize if your eyes hurt from all the cuteness.
Ellery has found her toes in the past few days, and next to the hem of her sundress, they are the best toy ever.
I think we’ve reached total butterball stage. I know the days of this are numbered, because she’s starting to move more and will soon thin down. So right now I’m trying to document all this incredibly cute chub.
