Attack of the Terrible Tooth!

Stella cut her first tooth today. It is on the bottom in the middle and feels quite sharp. She was a monster the past few nights, but now that the first one is through, I feel like we can handle this teething business. Grandma Connie was the first to spot it. Hopefully I can get a nice little photo op for documentation.



The pincer grasp is in full effect, and the pumpkin has been munching away at her little puffs. I can't seem to keep enough of them on the tray for her, and Dasha is enjoying the castaways on the floor.

Chris and I are going shopping this weekend for a new convertible car seat. Stella is WAY too big and heavy for her little infant one, and looks a bit silly in it. Hopefully she is strong enough to hold herself comfortably in the big girl seat.



When laying in her crib, Stella now likes to flip over onto her tummy and stick her legs out of the slats. I should have taken a picture, but she was really stuck in there and it looked unpleasant. Her funny thigh-fat was pinched between the rungs. For a moment I thought I was going to have to grease her to get her unstuck.

I have been battling a cold all week, and so far Stella has been left unscathed. I have been doing my best to not kiss or cough on her. Perhaps she has a wickedly strong baby immunity? We shall see!

Stellarella and the Springtime

Stellarella loves her Daddy and is becoming more and more of a Daddy's girl. She flashes him grins whenever he comes into sight. She is also starting to show a bit of stranger-danger anxiety as well, but quickly warms up to people. She had a bit of a meltdown the other day when Aura got into the car with us... "You're not my daddy! Waaahh!"





I bought a bunch of clothes on ebay - she is wearing mostly 12-18 month stuff now. We had a ton of cute little outfits to show off.



Stella does a great job out and about lately. We had sushi with Aura, and have gone out with Grandpa Lundgren a bunch. She loves to people watch.



Amy from work gave us an activity table and Stella LOVES it. She eyes it whenever we are in the living room and is currently trying to pick the stickers of peas off of it. Speaking of picking... she is using a pincer grasp now. She still hasn't had much success getting finger foods to her mouth, but not for lack of trying.



Stell's hair is getting pretty long, but she is still sporting her mohawk. Soon enough, however, her hair should get long and heavy enough to weigh it down like a normal kid.



The Chunkamuffin finally rolled over! Daddy had her airing out (that means naked) and she flipped from back to tummy. He took a few snaps to document her dimply tushie.





I love this little pink fleece jacket that we got from Martha. I make her wear it every day and wish I had one to match. Wicked cute.

From Stella

E3EQ2 RFF DBG VD YBVG FC BGEWN FC G bbb cjgnbbbbbbw

Translated, it states, "I just ate prunes and peas for dinner. Today, I sat up and played, peed on the floor, and ate oatmeal for the first time."

The reason she chose to write in all caps is beyond me.

Stella Learns to Play

Stella is learning to independently play. She likes to sit and fiddle with her toys, which makes Dasha very jealous. For the last thirteen years, Dasha has carried her stuffed animals, her "babies", around the house. She is dying to snatch one of Stella's new toys up.

Also, Stella has been eating a lot of new foods. Despite her current hunger strike, which we assume will precede her first tooth, she has enjoyed almost all of the fruits and veggies allotted to her age group.

Easter Revisited

Here is the annual photo on the deck at the Stahlmann's pad.

Six Month Check-Up

Stella saw the doc today. She was 19 lbs 11oz and 27 3/4 in! That is 95%ile for weight and height, and 75th for head. Doc said that she is "as tall as they get". She got a few shots, wailed a bit, and started laughing once her mommy did the truffle shuffle for her. She is currently sleeping it off.



We got the go ahead to introduce little puffs, a sippie cup with water, and more food. Next time we go in for a doc visit she will be nine months old!



I am including some pics of Easter at Colleen and Jack's.





These pics are from our familial unit's trip to Cantigny so that Chris could climb on tanks with children. :)

Our Little Egg's Easter

The Cuddlebug had a great first Easter. We started the day in the usual fashion- with Easter egg sandwiches, but with a twist: this year we were at Jack and Colleen's new home! Jan Anderko joined us as well, and brought a cute little basket (complete with baby food) for Stella.




Stella's first Easter card came from the Burkes, and Grandma Louise gave her a fashion basket with a Cubs outfit, some cute tights, and a toy. Stella even got a bunny and a book from Colleen. We didn't make it to church this year, because I couldn't figure out how to get everyone ready, cook, and get to brunch on time. Hopefully next year.



After breakfast we headed out to Streamwood to play at the Stahlmann's and we stayed very late! Stella had trouble eating and napping for most of the day because of the excitement, and was very tired when she had to wake up at 5:30 on Monday! Luckily there are only 48 school days left until summer break. The past week was just a taste of all of the fun to come.

I Believe in Whirled Peas

We've got Spring Break Fever!
It has been so great to spend time with Stella. We haven't had a whole week together since winter break, and Stella is certainly a lot more entertaining now! We have had a fun filled time with family and friends!



Stella has now eaten the following foods: cereal, formula, pears, sweet potato, banana and peas! She had the peas tonight and wolfed them down. Fickle as a child, she then decided she hated them and spontaniously vomited. Well done baby Stella - just like the exorcist! Now we just need to work on the head-spinning. :)



Stella also went to Lake Opeka with Baby Jake and Kelly. The mommies had a great walk and the babies practiced their cooing. Today, the cheetoe had lunch at Jason's Deli (which is yummy and free- trade) with Grandpa Gary, and then we headed over to Grandma's so mommy could get a well-deserved mani/pedi.



Stella played with Grandma Lundgren a bunch. We went to the park with Kate and Aileen, Bobby and Cody, and went down the slide! Stella also went on the swings with Mommy. It was eighty degrees, and Stella wore her sun hat from Grandma Connie.