The Plohg Pack

Hannah's 2nd Birthday Party!

2010-10-08T16:03:00.001-04:00

Well, it was a great time... and Mommy tried to capture it; but realized after she got home that her camera was on the MANUAL setting. So all of the pictures are white-washed! Sad. Once uploaded on the computer, she tried to alter the exposure, but could only do so much. I think some came out pretty decent... looking more 'artsy' than had the camera been on Auto. Oh well, live and learn!

my buddy (future boyfriend?), River

Hannah, the birthday girl!

Fun at Northpark Mall

2010-10-08T15:22:00.000-04:00

Mommy took me to see the ducks and turtles at the mall... as long as there's water, I'm there! After about 20 minutes of standing in front of the fountain shouting "bath time! bath time!", I realized that Mommy was not going to whip out the bubbles, so I just stood and watched. And stood. And watched.

Daddy/Daughter Day

2010-10-08T15:09:00.006-04:00

This morning Daddy let Mommy rest, so he took me to school! (fortunately, it was MOMMY who packed my lunch) ;)

Who's your caddy?

2010-10-08T15:04:00.004-04:00

While waiting for mommy's car to be washed, we killed time inside. I was playing with the animal figurines and mom was making me try on hats. Clearly, by the look on my face, I'm a fan...

First day of school!

2010-10-08T14:44:00.006-04:00

Today I start Preston Hollow Presbyterian... it's just one day a week, but mom made a big 'to do' and wanted a whole photo session this morning. In the background is my new nap mat. Mom tried to explain to me what it was for - even putting it in the crib a few nights - but I think she has doubts about my follow-through.

p.s. That's my Zhu Zhu pet, who I stowed away in my backpack. :)

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single (wobbly) step...

2010-09-03T21:03:00.006-04:00

And I FINALLY took that step un-assisted on Tuesday, August 31, 2010! I had a Physical Therapy session on Tuesday and today... which no doubt helped me get mobile faster. I took a few steps on my own yesterday, but it was today when I REALLY took off. Now I can't stop!?! Mommy and Daddy act really excited, so I guess this is a pretty big accomplishment. :) Now hopefully I can start wearing my Lelli Kellys (that Mommy told me I couldn't wear until I am walking on my own) and keep up with my peers! Watch out world!

(please excuse the NON-child friendly wires draped all over the floor... fixing them is on Daddy's "honey do" list!)

Livin' it up at the lake!

2010-08-14T14:12:00.006-04:00

Mommy and some of her equally ambitious friends decided to take us kiddos to the lake for a few days. One of the girls has a family house at Possum Kingdom. The group was made up of 6 Mommys and 9 babies (ages 3 months to 3 years). Oddly enough, there was minimal scratching/pinching/biting between us and the toy sharing went a lot smoother than anticipated.
Of course I was not a fan of the environmnetal change at first, but eventually warmed up to it. Wearing a life jacket and getting into the lake was something I did NOT warm up to, however... Sorry Mommy. Maybe next time?

My first tricycle

2010-08-12T13:01:00.004-04:00

It'll be a year or so before I'm big enough to ride it, but it sure is fun to push around! And a GREAT toy to motivate me to stand... which I need to do a lot of to build my leg muscles (as well as confidence).

Scratching = TIME OUT

2010-08-12T12:43:00.003-04:00

For some reason, it's taking me awhile to "get that"... so Mommy and Da Da put me in my Bumbo facing the wall whenever I claw them. I don't do it to hurt... I just want a reaction. Mommy has tried to ignore it, but that's not the reaction I'm looking for. Fortunately, they signed up for the "Love & Logic" class at church (based on the book "Parenting with Love & Logic") and are determined to be a united front to whip me into shape! Until then, I will spend 1 minute increments in my T.O. spot. Argh.

I get my "ticklish-ness" from my Mama

2010-08-05T14:19:00.006-04:00

and Dada sure knows the right spots to squeeze to send me into a laughing fit! Good times.

Besos with dada

2010-08-05T14:13:00.003-04:00

This week mom & dad taught me the word "kiss" and how to give one... and they sure are milkin' it. If I had a nickel for every beso I dolled out on command, I'd be able to pay for my college education.

God Bless America

2010-07-09T14:55:00.004-04:00

I may not be old enough to wait up for the fireworks, but I can still partake in some of the celebrations! We were out at Grandma & Grandpa's... Vaquero always loves an excuse to throw a huge celebration. The evening was full of firsts: first faux tattoo, first snowcone and first pony ride! Mom also had a first: she practically devoured the whole dessert buffet.

I am, therefore I push (anything)

2010-06-28T15:02:00.005-04:00

It may be a twist on Descartes' quote, but you get the idea. Thank the good Lord we have wood & marble floors, because I LOVE pushing things. The lack of wheels on some objects does not hinder me.

Yes, that is the bottom shelf of our dishwasher. When mom was finished emptying it - and not looking - I drug it out to test it's level of "pushability". Luckily, it has wheels so it made my job pretty effortless.

Peek-a-boo!

2010-06-25T13:24:00.004-04:00

So, "peek-a-boo" is one of my new favorite games. And words! As is "uh oh" (which I say a lot - between clumsy mommy dropping things and me chucking things from my highchair).

No curlers were harmed in the making of this 'do'

2010-06-25T13:17:00.004-04:00

Yup, these curls are au natural, ladies! Not sure where I got them, since mom was basically bald when she was my age and daddy had stick-straight hair. Mommy wanted to capture them in all their glory (first thing in the morning).

This is what a lot of squirming will get ya...

2010-06-25T13:04:00.004-04:00

...NAKED! Mom just couldn't fight me, so I took off before she could muster up more strength to get the clean diaper on. :)

As you can see, I'm not having near as much fun WITH the diaper on:

Case of the giggles

2010-06-24T10:44:00.002-04:00

Mom & I sure can have some fun laughfests. ;)

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-06-21T21:28:00.006-04:00

We all went over to my friend Judson's house and played outside while the grownups ate & drank. I may have been the only one not walking yet, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the fun! I even had my first tortilla chip and juice box (finally mastering the straw technique).

1st day of school!

2010-06-21T17:34:00.002-04:00

Mom's been all mopey this morning talking about me starting this school thing... (?) I guess I'll soon find out what Claire's Christian School is all about. During the summer, I'm going to be there on Wednesdays from 9-2:30ish. Not sure how I feel about being away from mommy that whole time, as I'm usually her sidekick during our everyday adventures. But it should be good for me --- and give mommy some much-needed alone time.
The school requires we wear sneakers, so mom got me some new Chuck Taylors... pretty smooth lookin', huh? I can scuff up those white toes REAL good when I'm crawling around the playground! Sweet...

Look Ma, no diaper!

2010-06-16T21:49:00.005-04:00

She should've known better than to put me down for a nap with no pj's on. As you can see from these pictures, I'm quite proud of myself for figuring out how to wrangle free of my Huggie. Just call me mini-Houdini.

CHEESE!!!

2010-06-16T21:45:00.002-04:00

Nawni & Poppi took this pic of me showing them my pearly whites... Daddy calls me "snaggle tooth". I wonder why?

If there's water, I'm there...

2010-06-16T21:37:00.004-04:00

After constantly playing with Hank's water bowl, mom FINALLY got me a kiddie pool! It's really fun... built-in sprinklers and whatnot. And most importantly, it has instructions printed on the side of it: "no diving" being one of them. Not kidding.

The next thing mom's gotta work on is putting me in a bathing suit...

Fun at Fireside Pies...

2010-06-16T21:28:00.003-04:00

It's "family dinner night" with mom & dad every Friday night. Although what it SHOULD be called is: "let's see how quickly mom can shovel her food down before I lose my patience and want out of my highchair" night. This evening, however, went very smoothly. I was in a mellow mood, sat next to Daddy and had my "Mimi" (paci) to help keep me calm. Mom actually got to eat her meal leisurely while Dad & I talked about politics and the like...

Fun in the Run

2010-05-15T11:19:00.002-04:00

So Daddy built Hank a dog run to keep him from destroying the rest of the yard with his OCD like running in circles. We recently landscaped and replaced all of the grass that his busy feet ruined... but he's not a fan of his run! We keep the door open and I like to crawl out there and play with the rocks. On the occasion (when mom's not looking) cutting my teeth on them...

play time with the Drake boys

2010-05-15T11:12:00.003-04:00

Jack and Scotty came over the other day with their parents... the older folk ate lunch together, while the boys played with my toys. It's a good thing I don't mind sharing (yet)! ;) Pretty exciting that they're moving down the block from us!

As you can see, Scotty LOVED the Princess Mobile

Big Girl Chair

2010-05-15T11:07:00.002-04:00

Grandma and Grandpa got me my very first big girl chair for my birthday! I like to climb up in it and watch my Yo Gabba Gabba (with my blankie, of course)...

Happy Easter!

2010-05-15T10:03:00.004-04:00

What a difference a year makes:

Easter 2009

Easter 2010

Spring has sprung at the Arboretum

2010-04-21T16:35:00.005-04:00

Mom & Grammy took me to the Arboretum so I could get my picture with the bunny. The long wait in line was definitely worth it... Mommy took me around the grounds and caught some sweet moments of me taking it all in.

Gracie's Birthday Party

2010-04-21T16:29:00.002-04:00

I may have been the youngest kiddo in attendance, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the cake and juice box (was not familiar with the latter contraption) with the big kids! Daddy wasn't able to be there, so some other nice Daddy made sure I didn't fall out of the chair while Mommy snapped some pics on her phone.

get your bounce on...

2010-04-20T15:57:00.004-04:00

Every week mom tries to take me to Baby Bounce at the library... it's a great place where other little people come together, sing songs, play instruments and can be as loud as we want! This particular day, my friends Millie & Caroline were there --- as was Aunt Sissy, who took all of the photos. Good times!

Play time!

2010-03-30T18:14:00.004-04:00

Every week mommy gets together with other mommies & their kiddos... I've made some great friends and all the playing wears us out!

Beep Beep!

2010-03-10T10:35:00.003-05:00

You're never too young for a Princess Cozy Coupe. :) Thank you Great-Grandmother & Dr. Bob for the fun car! I haven't quite figured out how to make it go a la Fred Flinstone... but Mommy enjoys pushing me around.

give me a bag, and I'll empty it!

2010-03-01T21:06:00.004-05:00

I've been slacking in my blog posts lately... I'm very busy gearing up for my 1st Birthday Party! Mom took some pictures of me emptying out her purse... you'd think I'm looking for something really important with the way I go at it. I found a toothbrush and decided to give it a try... hey, now that I have 4 teeth --- I need to learn how to clean them!

Snugglin' & spoonin' with Daddy

2010-01-30T12:56:00.004-05:00

in the mornings, I'm usually up & at'em ready to play! But this particular morn was a mellow one... I was content to just lay in bed with daddy and watch Mickey Mouse Playhouse and Handy Manny. It's a rarity when I'll just lay still & snuggle... so Daddy looooooved it.

the many faces of moi

2010-01-30T12:22:00.008-05:00

just some pics of me goofin' around with mommy!

Bye Bye Bumbo...

2010-01-30T11:42:00.007-05:00

...I've finally graduated to a big girl high chair! I'm much more excited than I look in these pics. :) Mommy was pretty adamant on getting me a Svan, which is a chair I can grow into throughout toddler-hood. Since these pics were taken, she got the much-needed cushion, so it's quite comfortable! I sit in it and watch her cook, clean the kitchen, etc. Hank hangs out close by, in the hopes I'll drop a Puff... it's only a matter of time before I realize he'll eat my veggies for me! (Shhhhhhh)

Monthly Growth Progress

2010-01-30T06:49:00.003-05:00

1 Month Old

2 Months Old

3 Months Old

4 Months Old

5 Months Old

6 Months Old

7 Months Old

8 Months Old

9 Months Old

10 Months Old

11 Months Old

You can lead a baby to water...

2010-01-17T19:45:00.002-05:00

...and turns out, you CAN make 'em drink! I recently discovered (during my favorite time of day - BATH TIME!) that water is drinkable! Who would've known? I haven't quite figured out how to master taking sips straight from the faucet, but in time... Mom is most anxious to get me on a sippy cup, but until I'm comfortable with that contraption, this'll do.

Christmas in Chicago!

2010-01-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

We stayed at Uncle Bob's and Auntie Peg's house... I finally got to meet my sweet cousins Amelia & Sophia!

Me & Grandma

(note National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on in the background)

Amelia & Sophia in their new Plasma Cars!

Amelia's explaining to me where all the presents went...

story time with daddy

It's probably premature to be trying to read a John Adams biography...

helping mom re-organize

2010-01-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

who needs toys when I have a house chalk-full of STUFF!? It seems like every time I turn around, there's something new to touch, put in my mouth, empty out, etc. Mom got a kick out me cleaning out the DVD storage boxes... :)

Cousin James

2010-01-03T08:34:00.000-05:00

One of our dozen family holiday gatherings was the King Christmas (Grammy's side of the fam). I always like it when we see those folks, because mom's cousin Courtney has a kiddo about my age. We have fun together... obviously. ;)

Aren't we a cute pair?

Everything's gotta pass the taste test...

On the move!

2010-01-02T21:52:00.001-05:00

...ever since I started to crawl (which was while mom and dad were in NYC, I might add), I've been very curious and exploratory! Really intrigued by that big tree, I decided to see what it was all about.
Conclusion: still no clue.

Watch this, mom

Yeah... I think I can take it.

I'm goin' in!

What the...?

Gingerbread girl

2010-01-02T21:32:00.000-05:00

Mom's posting these pictures POST-Christmas (sniffle), but she said they're too cute not to post. She was pretty busy with the holidays, so I'm apologizing for the delayed postings on her behalf.
You know it's a cold day in Dallas when you've gotta wear a hat!

No, it's not broken...

2009-12-29T13:19:00.004-05:00

...I just have a prehensile toe. Apparently - from the reactions of big people - it defies the laws of kinesiology. And it must be entertaining to watch, because people sure get a chuckle! My toe isn't that way all the time, just when I'm eating, playing and/or concentrating.

Dear Santa,

2009-12-18T10:39:00.004-05:00

I hope you don't take my meltdown personally... (even though it started as soon as I was sat in your lap and ended immediately after mommy picked me up). I assume next year I'll be a little more mellow with the whole thing. This is my first Christmas --- and I'm pretty new at just 9 months --- so I am extra-cautious with everything. At least the photographer emailed mommy telling her that I was her favorite "cry picture".

Better luck next time,

Ellory

More holiday fun

2009-12-13T10:22:00.004-05:00

Oh, so THIS is what I'm supposed to do with it...

2009-12-12T21:47:00.004-05:00

Mommy bought me some toys... you'd have thought they were baby dumbbells, but I discovered that I can make them squeak!?! And you'll notice from the clip below, I suuuuuuuuuure like squeaking.

"I'm beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

2009-12-11T11:42:00.001-05:00

'tis the season for mothers of babies to dress them up in silly holiday outfits. Mom was no exception as she was trying to get a Christmas card photo; but I kept getting distracted by the gifts, tree, ornaments, etc...
What did she expect? :)

I knew it... doesn't taste near as good as the candy cane.

The poinsettia cellophane made lots of noise... and noisy = FUN!

fun on the floor

2009-11-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

Mom was trying to get a good Puds pic for a Christmas present (that shall remain description-less), so she sat me on the floor and snapped away. Luckily, big brother Hank was close by and he ALWAYS elicits smiles from his little sis!
It was a tricky hair day (notice the flip)... :)

clearly the house hasn't yet been 'baby proofed' (hence the electrical cord on the ground behind me)

Holy "Rudy cheeks", Batman!

Mom decided to take the clothes off... not sure why...

Silly Spanky!

fun with Grammy & Gramps!

2009-11-23T16:37:00.001-05:00

I always love it when Mommy and I visit. Gramps hogs me whenever he's home, but Grammy doesn't mind... after he fed me a delicious dinner of pureed meats, they got to give me a bath!

It's a very dirty job... but Gramps is happy to do it!

Bath time! Apparently I didn't get enough food, b/c I'm going' at that rubber ducky...

(got modest for a split second)

not a fan of the overhead pouring, people!

Finally, they relinquished the cup! By the way, bath water? Doesn't taste as good as you'd think...

I try to help out by washing my gums... :)

play date

2009-11-16T21:45:00.001-05:00

my friend Caroline came over on Halloween... we had a great time.

Of course, it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye...

mom, please...

2009-11-16T21:30:00.002-05:00

she insists I have the cutest tiny hiney ever, and wanted all the world to see! I guess I'll be officially mortified when I'm in my teens... so we've got awhile to laugh about it.

warming up to the solids...

2009-11-16T21:23:00.002-05:00

...finally, my palate is ready to welcome something NON-formula! Mom bought some YoBaby yogurt and I sop it up like it's goin' out of style. My other favorites are pears, apples, prunes, squash, sweet potato, pumpkin, oatmeal/banana. Tonight I tried Lentil Brown Rice Dinner. It was chunkier than I'm used to and looked like something that should have been in my diaper, but it was surprisingly tasty!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

2009-11-03T10:18:00.004-05:00

We had a great adventure at the Arboretum... mom and dad showed me the pumpkins, water fountains... I just love the outdoors!

Presenting: Baby Blossom!

2009-11-03T10:09:00.006-05:00

Well, Mom thought it would be fun to dress me up as a flower... it was quite a cumbersome costume, but I guess you have to suffer for cuteness! We had a photoshoot at the Arboretum to capture the exploitation in all its glory.

Halloween costume preview:

2009-10-19T22:01:00.003-04:00

It's Baby Blossom! Yesterday we went to the Arboretum for a photoshoot with the babies in my play group. It was so much fun! Mama said I was the prettiest flower in the garden. :)

She'll post the professional pics when she gets them from the photographer. In the meantime, this headshot will just have to satisfy your craving for the cuteness!

It's the Cute Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

2009-10-19T21:51:00.003-04:00

Grandma got me this cute pumpkin onesie... orange looks pretty good on me, if I do say so myself! As soon as my Baby Blossom costume gets delivered, I'll be ready for Halloween! Now if only I could trick or treat...

heart-shaped box

2009-10-14T16:36:00.003-04:00

Poppi gave it to me. It's kinda tricky to get open, but fun to figure out. It works those noggin' muscles!

Puddin' loves pears!

2009-09-29T08:57:00.001-04:00

After a couple weeks of avoiding solids... mom decided it was time to try again (sans rice cereal). I kept an open mind and as a result: my taste buds were awakened. I like pears! I even grabbed the little spoon and put it in my mouth myself! Anxious to see what other kinds of flavors are out there in the world...
mom said I'm just gonna LOVE pureed meats.

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

2009-09-25T12:04:00.003-04:00

...who's the cutest, sweetest, most specialist baby of them all???

where the wild things are

2009-09-25T11:52:00.004-04:00

Nawni and Poppi gave me some funny looking stuffed animals...
They certainly don't resemble my brown bear or pink pig, but they're just as fun to play with (i.e. eat).

Bath time is my fave

2009-09-23T11:36:00.005-04:00

I love taking baths! Mom says it's because I'm a Pisces...
either way, it's the time where I can eat my washcloth and play with the toys that squirt water. I could hang out in the blue bucket for hours, but mom says I'd get "pruny", whatever that means. Daddy likes "dry off duty", where he gives me a baby massage with some yummy smelling lotion, then wraps me up in my soft bunny towel!

won't let the cold get me down...

2009-09-22T13:35:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, I came down with my first cold. Boooooo! I have all this congestion & stuffiness and am coughing a lot. It's not fun... however, mom is keeping my nose as clear as she can (with the suction bulb that came straight from the devil himself). It'll take more than a measly virus to impinge upon my playtime!

we may be at a stalemate as far as foods are concerned...

2009-09-15T12:47:00.005-04:00

...but sitting up by myself is a milestone I reached happily!!! Thanks to mom & dad, who had persistance and propped me up even though I kept falling over. I now have new, wonderful vantage point. Lying down is SO August, 2009.

Nice try, mom...

2009-09-15T12:40:00.004-04:00

But you can't fool me! She tried giving me some nasty new food again... this time it was orange. Who in their right mind eats orange foods!?! I could sense the faint taste of some trusty breastmilk mixed in, but it wasn't enough to make me commit and swallow. Most of it ended up on me or the Bumbo. Surely mom will tire of cleaning up the messes that result in this new venture...

Solids = Change = NO

2009-09-10T20:10:00.003-04:00

Well, since she got the green light from my doctor (now that I'm officially 6 months old!), Mommy decided to feed me cereal tonight. Between the 82 vaccinations I got in my legs today, exhaustion, and the fact that the rice mush tasted like something I'd deposit in my diaper, I was NOT havin' it. Mom will just have to try again when I'm in a better mood! :)

Hallelujah!

2009-08-31T13:03:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I was baptised at Highland Park United Methodist Church. It was a great time... lots of friends & family were there to see the special event. I wore the gown that mommy wore when she was baptised... made by my great-great-grandmother! And Grammy got some water from the River of Jordan (the same river used to baptise Jesus!) during her Holy Land trip this year which was put in the water used to baptise me. Wow! Some bald guy in a robe held me and said a lot that I'll understand the meaning of when I'm older. One thing I did know was that there was a lot of love surrounding me... and mommy and daddy were beaming with joy. Uncle Bob took some video of the occasion... which is a little bit "Blair Ellory Project". :) But that's OK. At least we got some footage for memory's sake!

(having technical difficulties uploading the video... most likely user error)

Daddy's Executive Assistant

2009-08-31T11:33:00.002-04:00

It's fun watching Daddy work... although I can be a bit of a distraction. :)

Potential Overstimulation?

2009-08-25T11:54:00.004-04:00

My dear friend, Ryan Fogel, lent me her exersaucer! Isn't it cool? Now that I can sit up on my own (sorta), it's the perfect entertainer... with LOADS of stimulation. You can tell by my face that I'm not quite sure where to start...

Flower Girl

2009-08-25T11:51:00.002-04:00

daddy gave me a tour of the front yard... and then stuck a flower in my 'hair'.

Which one is a morning creature???

2009-08-20T11:15:00.004-04:00

I am, obviously... just like my Daddy! Big bro Hank looks like he could use some more Z's. Mommy prefers to sleep in and have a slow start to her mornings --- without too much human interaction before caffeine consumption.

bathing beauty

2009-08-13T17:30:00.002-04:00

I LOVE the water... what can I say? I'm a Pisces! The sunglasses, however, I could do without.

this is bigger than my bathtub...

2009-08-09T21:01:00.004-04:00

Mom & Dad took me to the country club today so I could have my first official swimming pool experience! This wasn't anything like the inflatable jobbies I've been in! I was skeptical at first... but I think I liked it.

Fun-bo in the Bumbo

2009-08-05T16:30:00.003-04:00

Mom just got me a Bumbo... my first big girl chair! My face in this picture doesn't accurately illustrate how much I really do enjoy it; but I DO!

My first vacay!

2009-08-05T16:12:00.006-04:00

The Mycoskie fam went to the lake house up at Lake Texoma in July. Mom kept me out of the sun and I didn't get one mosquito bite! I finally got to meet my Uncle Kevin & Uncle Craig and soon-to-be Aunt Amy. They were awesome!

The best part of the trip was getting to wear my new mermaid swimsuit. :)

What in the world are these?

2009-07-22T21:21:00.004-04:00

I don't know, but I like to play with them a lot! Pretty cool discovery... I wonder how long they've been down there? Huh. Mom got really excited when I grabbed them and rolled around... so I guess I'll continue until I figure out what purpose they serve.

4 month appointment

2009-07-22T21:13:00.004-04:00

Well, good news: I survived!!! Like the 2 month appointment, I got one oral vaccination and two shots. I screamed bloody murder for about 30 seconds (mom said it felt like 30 hours), and then I realized the pain was gone. After that, they slapped some pretty cool band-aids on the wound sites. :)

4 month stats:

weight: 12.8 lbs. (mom & dad think the scale was broken)
height: 24.5 inches (long & lean!)

The doc wrote "perfect" on the piece of paper she gave to my mom, but since my weight is only in the 30th percentile, we're gonna try to plump me up a bit. Cue formula supplementation... which is SO NOT BREASTMILK.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T11:54:00.002-04:00

My mommy looks for any excuse to shop for me... so when holidays come around, I must be adorned in the appropriate attire! Daddy pointed out that I have a whole closet full of clothes already, but Mommy had a great point that none are red, white and blue. So today I am showing my patriotic pride!
It was too hot for me to be outside and watch fireworks... so I wore them on my dress instead. :)

father-daughter movie time

2009-07-05T11:50:00.002-04:00

I actually think we were watching tennis when Mommy took these pictures. I really like that sport... and Mommy says that with my grip, I'll be a great player!

Naptime with my Pops

2009-06-25T18:44:00.002-04:00

Father-daughter time is the BEST.

4 Generational Pic

2009-06-25T17:54:00.002-04:00

Grandma and Honey came over the other day, so mom took a picture of the 4 generations. This was obviously taken before the heat reached 'surface of the sun' temps.

My first giggles!

2009-06-12T13:22:00.003-04:00

Daddy makes funny noises... and until now I would just look at him enigmatically. But apparently, when I giggle, it sends my parents over the moon! They keep acting weird, and I keep giggling... we think it's a pretty humorous cycle. :) Mom was able to catch my first giggles on camera.

Story time!

2009-06-11T19:51:00.005-04:00

Aunt Sissy bought me a really neat book... I'm not sure what it's about, but I know it has big, colorful pictures in it! Mommy took some pics of Aunt Sissy & Nawni reading to me today. As you can see, I was quite engrossed...

Fun with friends

2009-06-11T19:42:00.006-04:00

I got to meet one of my mommy's good friends, Fran, from high school... hopefully she and her husband will have a baby so I can have a playmate! Their spawn will no doubt be liberal, but mommy raises me not to be judgemental (besides, they'll see the light eventually).

1st Birthday Party

2009-06-06T18:35:00.000-04:00

My friend, McKenzie, turned one last week and her parents threw her a big birthday party! I'm looking forward to mine, even though it's 8 months away.

God bless Pacimals

2009-05-26T19:29:00.004-04:00

Mommy's friend gave me a 'Pacimal' - half pacifier half animal. It's sooooo much better than just your run of the mill binky. Don't ask why... just accept the fact that it's the only thing that soothes me when I'm cranky (which has been pretty frequently, these days...). This was the split second I was napping today. :)

Good morning and gesundheit!

2009-05-26T19:16:00.005-04:00

Mom had the camera on some weird setting that makes the video blurry... but we wanted to upload this anyway to support the theory that I can only sneeze in multiples. I get that funny quirk from daddy!

(daddy calls me a 'garden gnome' when I wear my night cap... but I have to keep my melon warm when I sleep!)

Head lift... in action!

2009-05-21T17:57:00.005-04:00

Mommy will be able to tote me on her hip any day now!

Muscle-strengthening in action

2009-05-15T12:45:00.003-04:00

Mommy insists on daily tummy time. Some days I like it more than others. Today has been a "crabtastic" day, so I don't exactly looked pleased in these pics; but I'm sure I look cute, nonetheless.

Mom gets really excited when I lift my head up!

2 months old!

2009-05-11T19:20:00.005-04:00

Well, I was excited to go to the doctor this morning, until the very end, when the seemingly nice nurse came in with a couple of needles. What are those for, I wondered? Now that my legs are adorned in Snoopy bandaids, it is no longer in question. Mommy told me that the shots & their sore aftermath don't compare to what I'd be experiencing with the diseases DTap, Hib and IPV. I'll take her word for it.
At least I've gotten to eat some baby Tylenol... something other than breast milk for a change!

My 2 month stats:

10.6 lbs. (45th percentile)
22.75 inches long (65th percentile)
head circumfrence is only in the 55th percentile, but given my parents' craniums, I'm sure mine will steadily climb the charts... if not leap off of them.

On another exciting note: my mommy had her 1st Mothers Day yesterday! We got to spend a lot of time with the family... where everyone ooh'd & aah'd over me. Can one get spoiled with love? I'm such a lucky little lady!

me resting with Aunt Stephanie on Mother's Day eve. She's tired from working on her play! I'm tired from ingesting lots of milk.

Family photo

just 'cause

What are these???

2009-05-08T16:20:00.004-04:00

Our little Ellie Belle is in full on discovery mode --- the wheels are definitely turning now! She analyzes her hands and sucks on them (for comfort, I assume). She hasn't quite isolated the thumb, but I know it'll be any day now. It's makes the cutest slurpy noises!

Spring (more like Summer) has sprung!

2009-04-22T17:55:00.006-04:00

(FYI: Mom let me take over the blog, hence the first person usage)

Mom finally got her BOB jogging stroller, so I don't have to bum around in that rickety KeyFit frame. It's really smooth and has all sorts of cool features, like a sun roof! Mom doesn't open it, though, because she doesn't want any sun on me.

4 weeks old!!!

2009-04-07T12:37:00.004-04:00

My little munchkin has been in this world for 4 weeks --- and what a wonderful 4 weeks it has been! She continues to be a mellow, easygoing, type B baby (a trait she certainly didn't get from her mom or dad!) --- let's hope it's not a phase. Ellory has gained a couple pounds and she looks like a completely different baby than her birth photos. The cheeks are finally filling out like her mama's!

In just 4 short weeks, she has already been to her first birthday party (Great-Grandpa Bernie's) and first funeral (Candy's mom). Here is her first Easter. Hunting all those eggs really wore her out.

Newborn photo shoot

2009-04-03T19:56:00.004-04:00

Thanks to our wonderfully talented photog friend, Jenny, we were able to capture some precious moments of our Princess Buttercup! She fussed most of the time, then got her act together when the camera started clicking. Atta girl.

There's just something about naked babies that makes my heart smile.

Someone call MENSA. STAT

2009-03-26T16:01:00.010-04:00

Ellory continues to confirm what Jim & I have known all along: she is a one advanced little human! Or do all babies smile at 2 weeks of age? Nevermind, don't tell me.

1st Pediatrician Appointment

2009-03-18T18:16:00.000-04:00

We took Ellory to meet her new pediatrician when she was 4 days old... and to everyone's amazement, she weighed in at her birth weight! I like to attribute it to her superb latching skills in addition to my super-strength breast milk.

Ellory is HERE!

2009-03-17T21:12:00.036-04:00

One week ago today, Jim & I welcomed our little bundle of joy into the world. Ellory Faith Plohg was born Tuesday, March 10, at 1:03 p.m. weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 19 1/2 inches tall. What an amazing experience!!!

We went to Baylor Medical Center on Monday evening at 7 p.m. to be induced. Jim & I ate our last meal as non-parentals at Vickery Park. Dr. Brothers suggested I eat heartily, because there would be no more food until after the baby was delivered! As soon as we got to the hospital, 2 very nice nurses set us up in a room. I changed into the oh-so-sexy hospital gown and then started to answer the endless questions about me, Jim, our health, etc.
At around 8 p.m. the resident doc came in to insert the cervidil --- which is supposed to soften/ripen the cervix. That was honestly the most uncomfortable part of the whole labor experience! Once that was finished and the IV was inserted, I could relax. Until the contractions started, a few hours later. Jim & I got maybe 3 hours of sleep that whole night, between contraction pains and nurses coming in every 10 minutes to check you and your baby's vitals. Fortunately, the cervidil worked and by 7 a.m. the next morning I had dialated to a 3/80% effaced! They then started the pitocin drip --- which made the contractions even more painful. I wanted to hold out as long as I could before getting the eipdural, but then realized I declined to enter the "who has the highest pain threshold" contest. So as soon as I saw that anesthesiologist, at about 8:30 a.m., I said NUMB ME! Jim watched the process (sitting down) and was fascinated by it. He spared me the details, by request. :) Post-epidural, things were smooth sailing. Although to monitor Ellory's heart rate (which kept dropping during the back-to-back contractions), they inserted a monitor which attached to her head. (!)

Mid-morning family had started to show up. I dozed in and out that morning, and when Dr. Brothers checked me at 12:30 p.m., she said, "she's ready!" I remember her flipping on the overhead lights and yelling, "I need a baby nurse!" while the nurses whisked the family out of the room. Jim grabbed the camcorder and asked if he could record it. Why not? Unfortunately, in the ecstatic frenzy, he forgot to push the 'record' button. Oh well. They told me how to push, when to push --- I felt confident and ready. In just 10 pushes (a little over 10 minutes), Ellory was born at 1:03 p.m. Seeing her for the 1st time was indescribable. Tears started flowing immediately at the sight of our perfect little daughter, who instead of yelling and screaming, gave out a little "eh" as she was placed on my chest. What a peaceful sound! She latched on immediately, and it was the most amazing feeling (mostly relief!).
Jim, Ellory & I bonded as a new family for about 2 hours (which seemed like 20 minutes) before being whisked away to the post-partum room. Family was waiting patiently, and it was so wonderful introducing them to the new miracle member!

2 more days!?!

2009-03-08T14:39:00.003-04:00

After discovering that I am still at a 1/60% at my 39 week checkup, we set the date to induce Monday, March 9! Jim & I check into the hospital tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. (after I eat a nice, hearty meal... my last one until post-partum. yikes), which is when they will insert the Cervidil. That next morning they will take it out and see how far I've progressed... which will determine whether or not I'll need Pitocin. HOPEFULLY Cervidil will do the job and cause me to go into labor, but I have no idea what to expect!?! I'm nervous, anxious, excited... cannot believe we are going to meet our little girl in a matter of hours. Tonight is our last evening at home as NON-parental units, so we are going to go out to eat and then see a moive.
I think everything is ready to go... if not, then hopefully my mom will take care of it when she moves in on Thursday. Ha!

My next post will either be pre-labor from the hospital (due to boredom), or post-partum to give you the details/pictures of our little princess!

38 WEEKS!!!

2009-02-25T16:55:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe I'm already in the home stretch. Emphasis on the word 'stretch'... because I feel like my belly has reached maximum capacity. Little Ellory weighs about 6 1/2 lbs and is approx. 20 inches long! She's quite an active little lady, too. Her arms are down low and I can feel her punch my bladder (about as comfortable as it sounds), and her feet are in one side of my rib cage at all times --- tickling away! Other than having a lot of pelvic pressure, I'm feeling great. The most surprising side effect I've been plagued with is leg cramps, which I don't notice until I lie down to go to sleep. Painful charlie horses that won't go away no matter how much I stretch/massage. It's so annoying! But I'm fortunate to not have had any heartburn, constipation, etc. I'm sleeping well --- most nights --- and able to bend down and pick things up, still put my shoes/socks on, go to the gym, etc. I actually shaved my legs the other day --- don't want to scare the hospital nurses! I never thought I'd still be doing these things 2 weeks from my due date. Lucky me!

My 36 week OB appointment revealed that she has dropped (i.e. "engaged") and is in position --- ready to go. Since then I have been dialated 1 cm and 50% effaced. I go back in 2 days to see if there has been any progression. Fingers crossed --- because I'd like her to debut earlier rather than later. Especially since Jim has to go to India on March 31.

I shall keep you posted!

Photo Shoot - 36 weeks

2009-02-11T21:42:00.010-05:00

My budding photographer of a friend, Jenny Fogel, was kind enough to use me as her 'muse' for a day to beef up her portfolio. And boy was I lucky, because she is quite a talent!!! I am so glad to be able to capture this amazing moment in life... where I'm growing one. :)