Stella's First Visit with Santa

On Saturday, we finally made it over to see Santa. Stella was a little nervous about the visit and looked pretty concerned when she first sat on his lap. 12/20/14

She didn't cry though and was able to tell Santa what is on her wishlist this year.

Although the visit didn't last long, Santa assured her that she was on the Nice List this year.

Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Most of Joe's family including Grandma, Uncle Jason, Uncle Jim, Aunt Trica and Aunt Jen came down to Tennessee to celebrate our family Christmas. 12/11 - 12/14/14 

Grandma enjoying time with her little Granddaughter at Dollywood. The rest of us went on some rollercoasters with little to no lines. It was a little chilly, but everyone had a great time!

During the three nights at the cabin we played games, relaxed in hot tub, cooked meals and had our annual dirty Santa gift exchange. 

Everyone enjoyed the hot tub, including Stella who loved to splash water around and attempt to grab the bubbles.

The staff at Dollywood starts decorating the park in July for everyone to enjoy the lights in December.

Merry Christmas 2014!

Surprise Birthday Party in Cleveland!

We've been pretty busy traveling the last couple of weeks. Grandma got a nice surprise 60th birthday party and a little extra time to spend with her Grandchildren. 12/6/14 - Cleveland, OH

This would be our first trip back to Cleveland in over 8 months with the last time being our baby shower. Stella got to meet and see a lot of new faces from friends to aunts, uncles and cousins, including meeting her cousin Nolan for the first time. 

Grandma enjoying her time with both of her Grandchildren, Nolan & Stella. This was the 1st time that three of them were together.

Happy 60th Birthday!

7 1/2 months in pictures

Stella is nearing the 8 month mark. She has been busy learning how to eat solid foods, perfecting her rollover, and developing her screeches and babbles.

Above, Stella had her first ride in a grocery store cart. She seemed to like it especially how convenient her spot was for grabbing things from the shelves. She's a big help at the store.

With the holidays approaching, Stella also got to help pick out the Christmas tree and decorate the house.

She's been outgrowing many of her outfits before she gets to wear them more than once.

She is just starting to move out of 3 month sized clothes and into 6 month.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

Stella started getting her first tooth (bottom right) early last week. The next day, her second one (bottom left) started to pop through too. 

We could finally start to see them a little better this week. They are just barely visible in the above picture. 

They are easier to see in this picture but the flash made Stella close her eyes. Looks like she got her two front teeth before Christmas!

Stella's first Thanksgiving

This week we celebrated Thanksgiving by cooking a big meal with plenty of leftovers.

Unfortunately, we didn't get any pics of the original meal on Wednesday. In a lot of ways it was just a typical day since dad had to work on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and Friday. We had our family meal on Wednesday after mom and dad got home from work and Stella got home from daycare. 

Stella is still just starting solid foods so no turkey for her this year. She did try some sweet potato casserole with a mixed reaction. On the first day she seemed to like it. However, when we went to a friends house on Thursday, she gagged and promptly spit-up all over the table! She did have fun after the meal playing with the other kids and their big box of toys.

Big day for Stella

On November 24th, Stella had her official 6 month checkup (even though she is just past 7 months now). 

She weighed in at 15lbs 9.8oz and is 26 1/2" tall. That puts her in the 25th percentile for weight and the 50th percentile for height. They also measured her head at 17 1/2" which puts her in the 75th percentile! We think her larger head is probably just an early sign of that big brain!

Another exciting first happened on November 24th - her first tooth popped through her gums. She was in quite a bit of pain in the morning before daycare and mom could see it right below the surface. Her teachers said that it finally came through during her first nap. As soon as it is more visible, we'll get some pictures.

Needless to say, her first tooth, doctor check and multiple shots really wore her out. She slept for 11 hours straight that night!

Growing fast!

Just over 7 months and our little buddy is now measuring around 25 1/4 inches tall. Hard to get an exact height because she was a little wiggle worm while taking pictures. 11/22/14

Stella's six month doctor visit is scheduled for this week, so we will update her height and weight. Since birth, she has grown over 4 inches in height and more than doubled her weight. She's growing fast! 

Stella now 7 months

Stella is now 7 months today, November 16th, 2014. Somebody got tired of her headband and tried to take it off while we were trying to take photos.

Hard to believe that 7 months have already gone by. She is curious about everything, likes to grab anything she can get her little hands on and is very vocal, making a variety different sounds and noises, including a lot of laughing and high pitch squeals.

She still does not like being on her stomach, but does prefer to be in her jumper, sitting around with toys at arms reach and of course being held.

Most of the time Stella is a happy little girl that likes to play and smile at familiar faces. Here are a few more 7 month pictures from today.

In her crib

At night Stella has been sleeping in her bassinet in between mom and dad. Last night, November 8th, she spent her first night in her crib.

She slept soundly with her sleep sheep (white noise machine) until around 2am. She woke up with a wet diaper and moved back into mom and dad's room. She probably would have slept the rest of the night in her room but it was nice to have her close.

Teething starts?

Stella had been drooling for a while but lately her drooling has gotten worse.

This week, her daycare teachers noticed her swollen gums and pointed out where a tooth might be getting close to poking through.

She seemed to really enjoy the frozen teething ring last night. It may take a while or it may happen tomorrow but, as of November 9th, we are now on the lookout for Stella's first tooth.

Happy 1st Halloween

Happy Halloween! Stella was Minnie Mouse for her 1st Halloween. Her daycare had a Halloween party and most most of the kids dressed up. Below: Hudson (Batman), Emersyn (Also Minnie Mouse) and Stella.

Some of the other kids costumes.

Below, our friends Steven (chef), Russell (Shrimp & grits), and Holly.

We got to take several pictures at the Halloween party of Mom & Dad with Minnie Mouse and all of Stella’s class in costume.

With all the trick or treating, costumes and activity, Stella was exhausted and fell asleep before the party was over.