A few recent pics of the little girl

At eight and a half months, Ella is treating us to new tricks all the time... She is still clapping like a champ - that's probably her favorite - that and the motorboat/raspberry noise that she makes with her mouth... She now likes to slap you five and not only give you kisses, but lick your face. It is surprisingly endearing. Her days are filled with "ba-ba-ba"s and "ma-ma-ma"s and, most recently, "da-da-da"s - none of these sounds have meaning yet, but they sure do have charm.
As you'll see in the video, she has been pulling herself up wherever she can and is becoming quite strong. We've realized lately that, in comparison to other babies, we've got a real wiggleworm on our hands. She is constantly straining and grunting and reaching for the dog, a stack of papers, a remote control or some other verboten item. She keeps us on our toes.
Her inflatable water toy should arrive in the mail on Friday and then we're off for a Hawaiian adventure, filled with lots of pool and beach time and snuggles with both east- and west-coast grandparents.
Much love to all!