Finally an update!

So it's been over a month since I have done an update. Things have been crazy here! Elliana sure has been keeping us busy and on our toes.
It's hard to believe, but Ellie will be a year old in just 4 days. This year has flown by. It is so amazing to watch our little girl grow from a tiny baby into the wonderful, playful little girl she is now.
Ellie has been walking with help for a little while now. She has also been cruising around all of the furniture. Today she took her first step! She was at the Little Gym for her class, and she took a step toward her instructor (she is a teacher's pet and adores Miss Cassie). She did it again during class then again at home later. She is going to be running around before we know it!
Elliana is also talking like crazy. She always has something to say. If only we understood a fraction of it! She is starting to repeat things (today she said "help" when I asked her to help put away her highchair after lunch). I have a feeling soon we won't be able to shut her up! We all love hearing her talk.
Today we did Ellie's 1 year pictures. They turned out so amazing as usual. She had a small cake to smash and she loved it! She was hesitant at first, but once she got into it she realized how much fun it is.
Saturday is her birthday and of course the big lady bug party! Can't wait to share pictures from that great event!
I will leave you all with some pictures to catch everyone up from the last month or so!

Ellie's first parade - 4th of July. Despite the face, she actually loved it!
Grandpa Frank loves to push Ellie in her stroller.
Last bath in her baby tub.
First bath in the big girl tub! She loves having more room to splash and play!
New Family Pictures
Just a few of Ellie's 1 year pictures!
A few of her favorites - baby, Daisy, and Julius!
A few cake smashing shots!
We hope you have enjoyed our new pictures. Promise I will keep things more up to date!

4th of July Pictures

Today we took Elliana to have pictures done for 4th of July. She did wonderful again, which made it hard for mommy and grandma to pick which pictures to get. Of course, mommy spent way more than intended, but the pictures were all wonderful! Here are a few of the highlights!
Standing up like such a big girl!

Her eyes say it all...She loves to stick out that tongue.
Apparently flowers make her giggle (which is better than the feather boas and pearls which make her shake and cry!)
Love these with the background we made. She actually sat there waving the flag!
This one is for grandpa. She looks at the flag like she actually knows what it means. The look she has is gratitude for all those who protect that flag (thanks grandpa for your service).

Walking!!

Happy Father's Day and more...

Sunday was Pete's first Father's Day. We celebrated by having our families over to our house to grill out. Elliana enjoyed spending the day with her daddy and her grandpas. Apparently she thought grandpa was a jungle gym.
Here are a few other pics from Sunday.
Ellie with her daddy and grandpas (and Uncle/Father Tony).
Ellie with her daddy.
Ellie with mommy and daddy.
Elliana loves story time with mommy. Apparently today she couldn't figure out which book she wanted to read. So...she took them all off the bookshelf! Whew, what a mess!
Also today - Help Me Grow came out to re-evaluate Ellie's development. Soon after their last evaluation she started doing all of the things that had made her gross motor development behind (things like crawling and pulling up to stand). Good news - she is caught up and ahead! Her language skill are that of a 13 month old; gross motor and fine motor are that of a 10-12 month old; and social skills are that of a 12 month old. All the hard work is paying off! She is such an amazing little girl. Mommy is so proud of all that Ellie has accomplished!

Finally some updates!

Wow. It's been almost 2 weeks...sorry! Things have been crazy busy here.
Ellie is getting so big and doing so many new things. She crawls like a pro now. She can climb the entire flight of steps in under a minute now (she is training for the baby Olympics according to daddy). She is so curious about everything, so she is into everything! Here are a few pictures from the last 2 weeks to keep everyone in the loop!
Sometimes eating can be just exhausting.
Elliana is working on her diva pose.
Elliana turned 10 months old this week. As you can tell, getting her to hold still and hold her sign has become quite a task.
Eating can also be quite the messy experience. Ellie bopped - she should have weaved!
Air conditioning is so cool - literally! Elliana discovered that it is fun to climb on the vent when the air is on. Check out that hair!
Finally, can anyone find the baby?

Eating Pudding and Riding the Lion

Ellie apparently has mommy's sweet tooth for chocolate. Mommy was eating chocolate pudding, and Elliana was looking longingly at my little cup of pudding. She ended up with a few bites and loving it. She also ended up with chocolate face!
Ellie is also trying to walk. She has the Stride and Ride Lion now. She loves it! She stood up behind it and started taking some hesitant steps. With only 1 try, she has totally figured it out! The steps are still shaky, but she is getting much better and will be walking before we know it.

Tales from the Crib