MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! We stayed in Washington for my first Christmas. We went to the oldest built Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill for services last night on Christmas Eve. The church was nicely decorated, the right temperature and the choir sounded joyful. It was so nice in fact, that I decided to fall asleep immediately after arriving and waking up only shortly before the candlelit ceremony and communion. 

On Christmas morning I started my day with a nice bottle of milk followed by opening presents from Santa, my parents, my Grandparents, my Aunt and some friends of our family. It was a ton of fun! I got a lot of clothes for the upcoming spring and summer, some awesome learning toys and some books and bath toys. My favorite toys so far include the Baby Laptop by V-Tech that my Aunt Antasia gave me and my Rock 'N' Roll ball by V-Tech from my Grandma and Grandpa Talan. 

My parents, Lexie and I hung out most of the day spending time together playing with our new gadgets and toys and eating and drinking--being "Merry". After dinner, we took a quick drive to the White House to see the National Christmas Tree, all the State Trees, the Yule Tide Log and the National Menorrah. It was freezing out! But, my parents took care to bundle me up so that I was nice and toasty. Unfortunately, we didn't have any snow. Maybe next year...

Ella Meets Santa Claus

On the coldest day of the season (and of my life) so far, my parents dressed me up like an Eskimo in a faux suede and sherling fur bunting coat by Baby Gap. It was definitelly not the most comfortable coat and I felt completely restricted, especially since it's a size too big for me. But, it did keep me nice and toasty.

We were shopping in Georgetown when we stumbled upon the 1st Annual Merriment Winter Festival on Wisconsin Avenue. They were serving several types of hot cocoa and ice cream. We could hear several local choirs singing carols in concert.

We walked from the front to the back of the festival in 26 degree blustery windy weather. Thank Goodness it was only a block long. At the tail end of the block sat this ginormous and bubbly man dressed in a nice warm and padded red suit. I was introduced to him as Santa Claus. Daddy sat me upon his lap while Mommy, as well as five or six other stand-bys took my picture. Look how happy I am. Santa seemed happy too!

I am 6 Months Old

I am 6 months old today. That's half way to my first year birthday already! Wow! How time flies when you're growing and having fun! I am still 27 inches and I now weigh 17 pounds and 2 ounces. I can sit up without any support and I am beginning to scoot around now. I am even trying to squiggle out of my parents arms and onto the floor to play. I am learning to express myself better too. I am reaching for specific things (I especially like reaching for cell phones or the remote control). I also reach for my daddy when he comes home from work or my mommy when she gets home from her errands and the gym. I have been practicing using my vocal range. I grunt using my lower register and I squeal in high pitches. I hum in what I think could become my "regular voice".

My favorite toys are my cloth book, my rubber duckie, my Princess doll and my Pink Teething Ring by Loved Baby that our friend Carmen in L.A. sent me. 

My parents think that I'm left handed so far because that hand appears to be stronger and also seems to be my favorite hand to use when I grab things. Here are a few random shots of me during the first week of December after I turned 6 months old.