Your First Surgery

 Mommy was more nervous than you were this morning as we walked into the pre-operation room at the hospital.  Thank goodness Daddy came too.  You have been pulling on your ears for as long as I remember, so today we were finally able to do something about it; Dr. Hirschi put tubes in your ears.  You looked so cute in your little hospital gown!

Daddy and I had to give you some medicine to get you ready and calm you down.  It definitely did what it was supposed to do, you were out of it.  I watched as the male nurse walked away with you in his arms, staring at him and slowly patting his nose.  I can only imagine what you would have been saying had you been able to talk.

It seemed like we had just sat down in the waiting room when they were calling us back to talk to the doctor.  Everything went well!  As soon as you woke up, they took me back to see you.  You weren't crying (thank goodness).  In fact, the nurse had to call your name to wake you up because you were just sleeping away.

So, Mommy can relax now.  The surgery's over and you have tubes in your ears.  Let's hope this leads to more sleep-filled nights!

One Month To Go!

 You are 11-months-old and so full of laughter and learning.  You've been practicing your walking all over the house and are getting pretty good!  I have a feeling you're going to take off on your own any day now.

You're ears have been bothering you a lot lately, but you're such a trooper and handle it as best you can.  You still dazzle us with your beautiful, toothy smile - you sure know how to win us over!

 Daddy was very happy that Mommy dressed you in your Irish outfit for these pictures.  We watched our first Notre Dame football game of the season this past weekend and we were all decked out for the occasion. 

You're Going to Be a Big Sister!

Eleanore Marie, today Mommy found out that she's got another beautiful baby growing inside of her.  That means you are going to be a big sister!  I know you're going to be a big helper for Mommy as we get ready for Messmer Baby 2.0 to arrive.  We've got lots of preparing to do!  It'll be a big change for you since you won't be the only baby in the house anymore, but I know you'll love your new sibling as soon as you lay eyes on him/her!

Bruthuh

You have been chattering so much for so long that your first word came and went before I even documented it!  Oh well, let's see...you can say Mama and Dada (although Dada often sounds a lot like Gaga), but Monday a very new sound came from your lips: Bruthuh!  Your little face is so adorable as you focus and attempt to make those sounds.  It's no mistake because you've been saying it over and over for the past few days.  That "th" sound is giving you trouble, but that's not stopping you.

Talking is one of your favorite activities these days.  Whether you're reading a book to yourself, playing with your toys, or trying to get Brother Rockne's attention, your voice is getting lots of practice.  It's always fun having conversations with you, although I do most of the listening.  I can't wait for the day when you can string a few words together - although I am definitely NOT wishing away this time that I have to simply sit and listen to you babble  :o)

The Best Sound In The World

We made a new discovery today, Ellie - you are ticklish!  If you can see past my big fingers getting in the way, you will see yourself squealing with glee as Daddy tickles your sides.  Our favorite part (aside from everything about this) is the way you bring your hand up to your mouth every time you laugh.  I would do this all day long if I could!

Up, Down, Touch the Ground...

You have gotten so good at getting yourself up and down!  Your Daddy introduced you to this game, and now it's one of your favorite games to play.  You're Grandma & Grandpa, Nonna & Ga love playing it with you on Skype.  Keep learning Ellie, we love watching you grow into an independent little lady!

T Minus Two Months

I can't believe you're only two months from being one-year-old!  I have loved these past ten months with you Ellie Belle.  Your smile brings sunshine to my days and your laughter fills my heart to the brim.  Your Daddy and I are so proud of the independent little girl you are becoming.

Stats for the month:

• Tooth Count - You've got eight teeth now, four on top and four on the bottom
• Movement - You're crawling all over the place, pulling yourself up and cruising around the furniture
• Favorite Destinations - our bathroom to turn the faucet on and off, and Rockne's water dish
• Food - Your current favorite treat is wheat bread (I feel like I'm feeding a bird)
• Talking - You can say Mama and Dada and Gaga and Baba, usually indiscriminately at this point.
• Listening - You know what "No" means, but don't usually listen (uh-oh), you also understand when Mama wants you to come get your bottle