All I want for Christmas is My First Front Tooth

Adele marked her 5 month birthday with her first tooth. Her bottom gum has its first tooth. She had been drooling quite a bit and was a bit irritable for a few days. We now suspect a second tooth will be following shortly. She can sit for a few seconds and remains a true sweetheart. She sleeps well at night and can usually fall asleep anywhere (like at her sister's birthday party).

Other Cute Pics

Here's Ella hiding in her fort by the Christmas tree. She loves to hide and pretend that she's a pirate. She is really enjoying playing with her dog now. Here is Adele is sporting her winter hat. It's a hat Ella wore at 12 months. She also wears pajamas that Ella wore at a year. It's safe to say that Adele is going to be bigger than her big sister at this rate. We're eager to see how much she's grown when she has her check-up this week. She was 15lbs last time already. Solid foods are on the horizon!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ella

Ella turned three years old on the 12th. We celebrated with family and friends at The Funnery on Sunday. On Monday, Oma and Papa came for dinner and Auntie Dar and Uncle Bill came over for some cake. Ella had loads of fun. We can't believe she is three. She loves to dance, call her sister "my little one", colour, play hide-and-seek, be tickled, snuggle, chase Bronte, play tea time, and care for her dollies. This week, prior for leaving for school with Daddy, Ella asked Mommy to get dressed out of her jammies before picking her up from school as she didn't want me to "embarrass her" - for the record, I have NEVER gone anywhere outside of the house in my pajamas. I was in stitches laughing at her - the embarrassing mother role has begun already for me, obviously.

Early Christmas

We celebrated Christmas early this year with the extended family at Oma and Papa's house. It may have been the end of November, but we still had a festive good time.

That's How She Rolls

Adele rolled over from her back for the first time on Saturday. Naturally, we were out of the room. We returned to find her on her tummy. She's been on the move ever since. The act is highly impressive for a kid with torticollis. We have a feeling that she will be moving all over the house in no time. Speaking of rolling, Ella's tummy was rolling on Thursday. She puked and has been sick ever since with a fever. She's on antibiotics (AGAIN!) for a throat infection. I hate it when the girls are sick - it breaks my heart. Boo!

Pretty Poses

Too cute...I love my girls!

Ella is becoming quite the actress. All we ask is that she thanks us in her Oscar acceptance speech in the future. She dressed herself for the first time this week - right down to those tricky socks. She knows that she needs to be good for Santa. She told me that Captain Hook (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates) won't be getting any presents from Santa if he keeps stealing from Jake and his friends. She suggested that a timeout was needed.

Adele is Miss Happy-Go-Lucky. However, when she is mad, it's quite the sight. She prefers not to be rocked. Just put her down with her blankie and all is well. This is how she prefers to sleep. We need to make sure that she doesn't suffocate herself. She likes to sleep by herself and not in anyone's arms. She also loves to laugh and squeal with delight. Like her big sister, she may be a big talker as she jabbers all day long.

Here they Grow...

Adele is growing up so fast. She now puts toys in her mouth and is trying to roll over. She’s made it from her tummy to her back a few times and is now trying desperately to roll over from her back. She continues to sleep through the night (a true miracle – I guess all of those sleepless nights with Ella means that we get a break with this little one). She loves to eat and is smiley all day long. She falls asleep during the loudest times in our household. Ella loves being a big sister. However, she is quite the sassy little one at times. She refuses to use the potty most days. Gosh, we hope she changes her mind about it soon. She really isn’t shy anymore and has recently discovered her uncles (she was terrified of Andrew and Chris). She thinks they’re pretty fun and loves playing with them. She loved trick or treating this year and had to be coaxed to come home. It was nice that Oma and Papa came to spend Halloween with us again. Our two little strawberries were adorable. We are excited for Ella’s third birthday and for Adele’s first Christmas.

Music class (with Jennifer the teacher and friend Mack)

Snuggling Sisters

Smiley Face

Hugging her blankie for the first time

Happy Halloween!

Adele loves her fingers and her blankie!

Fall and Fun

What a good time our little family is having. We went to Brooks’ Farm today and Ella really enjoyed running around and looking at all of the animals. We picked up some pumpkins on the way home. Adele blissfully slept through it all. We finally got some great pictures of her smiling. She slept 9 hours straight last night. She normally does 6 in a row yet we were still surprised by the extra few hours. She is a dream. Ella is a sweetheart who loves to hold her baby sister. It is fun time for us.

A Taste of Fall

The girls went apple picking today with Oma and Mommy. Ella had a wonderful time and enjoyed eating the apples and apple cookies.

Meanwhile, back at the stroller, Adele enjoyed a nap:

Ella started school this week (part time) and had re-adjusted to the routine yet again. She talks NON-STOP. She remains a happy, sassy, funny, and smart girl. Ella also dotes on her sister and is quite helpful.

Adele continues to sleep well at night. She has some gassy episodes but since changing my diet, things have improved. She has torticollis (weakened neck muscle on one side) thanks to her rough delivery (forceps). Ella developed torticollis from her reflux. Adele has already started physio with the same therapist who helped Ella. We see another therapist on Monday with the hope of adjusting her nervous system to improve her gas (I have way too much milk that comes in way too fast). It's an alternative way of healing that apparently has awesome results. I have good faith in alternative methods as that is what healed Ella and her reflux - conventional methods failed us. In spite of the gas, Adele is a laid back baby who fusses only when she's uncomfortable. We adore her! She's been smiling for 3 weeks now and has started to laugh. It's hard to believe that she's 8 weeks old already!

Relatives!

We have a few more pictures with Adele and her loved ones. There's Auntie Lisa, cousin William, cousin Alex, and Great-Auntie Willie.

Adele Anne

Here are some more pictures of Adele Anne (Miss Addy Anne as we sometimes call her). She sleeps well at night and is quite content most of the time (unless hungry or overtired). She sometimes gets the pukeys but seems well nonetheless. Ella continues to be a very loving and helpful big sister. She continues to have her dark hair and it appears that she will have dark eyes too - it's quite the contrast from Ella's fair hair and blue eyes. They really do not look much alike yet!

Introducing Adele!

Adele arrived on July 14th at 1:23 a.m. She weighed 7 lb 15 oz and has lots of black, curly hair (!?!). The labour was fast and furious lasting about 4 hours. She is a beautiful baby who loves to eat and seems quite laid back. Ella is in love and is a wonderful big sister who proclaims her adoration for Adele daily. She is quite willing to help Mommy and Daddy and desperately wants to snuggle with her sister all of the time. Darren continues to be an amazing Daddy, now doing double duty with daughter number #2. I feel so lucky. I'm really achy thanks to that quick delivery but well nonetheless. Adele is beautiful and sweet and we consider ourselves truly blessed. We look forward to discovering more about our adorable girl. What a family we now have!!! Thanks for all of the visits and well wishes. A special thanks goes to Oma and Papa who cared for Ella during our hospital stay. Additionally, thanks to Oma who is helping me out while Darren is at work. We will let you know when we finally agree on a middle name for Adele.