The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

FALL!

BJ disagrees with me on this one, but it has always been my favorite season! It is finally feeling like fall around here - the weather cooled down (if only the rain would get out!), I got my fall decorations up this weekend (despite everyone being sick - yes, BJ got what Elle had), and got the pumpkin spice candles out and burning! Love it!

Reasons why I love fall:

1) The weather is perfect - it is finally bearable to run outside, and we can actually take Elle and Baxter for walks without breaking a sweat!

2.) The colors outside are beautiful! Besides the changing leaves, it is amazing how the crisp air makes everything look more vivid.

3.) This means I have another excuse to buy hot chocolate, cider, and of course, lattes from Starbucks.

4.) Football season - not only is football my favorite sport, but it means getting to meet up with old friends for tailgates and get-togethers!

5.) Anticipating the upcoming holidays! Now that we have Elle, holidays are even more special and fun. I absolutely can't wait for her to experience her first Thanksgiving, and Christmas! (and Halloween, too!) :)

Elle says she is ready for fall!

She even got her corn teether out for the occasion!

Also, our favorite girl turned 8 months old today! Can't believe it! She is quite the character lately - she definitely keeps us entertained! She loves to talk and make noises. Right now, she goes around saying da-da-da all the time. The funniest thing is when she gets mad (e.g. putting her in her carseat, or when she doesn't get her way with your cellphone) she starts jabbering and every other "word" or so is DA-DA-DA, it sounds like she is letting BJ have it! Hilarious! We'll have to get that on video soon!

I tried to catch her on video saying da-da, but you know how that goes! As soon as you get the video camera out, they stop! I managed to catch a little... (please excuse her momma's annoying voice!)

As you can see, she is much more interested in looking at Baxter and the pillow than listening to us!

Elle's 7 month Photo Shoot

Kerri King has done it again! We went for our viewing today, and we are thrilled with these! Here is just a sampling. Enjoy!

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It was a Mommy and Elle Day...

but not in a good way, unfortunately! The poor baby has what seems to be the never-ending stomach virus.


BJ surprised me with a trip to New York City for my birthday last week (we had a blast - post to come when this all this craziness is over!). We left Wednesday morning and got back Sunday night. We had an awesome trip, but had a HUGE scare when I got the message from my mom that Elle had diarrhea and had vomited several times early Saturday morning. I know all children get sick - but Elle has never vomited. This pretty much sent me over the edge! BJ was on the phone with the doctor and I was on the phone with my mom, and we were all trying to communicate! Craziness. I felt so guilty that I was not home to be with my baby through all of this - worst feeling ever! I knew she was in good hands, though - so this helped us get through. My parents are apparently pros at this... they had it all under control and were already doing what the doctor was telling us to do! Thank you Nana and Papa for coming to the rescue!


We thought Elle was having a better day yesterday, but we were back to square one last night..... we had a very long night! Four changes of clothes later, we decided it was time to call the pediatrician again this morning. Dr. Myers wanted to take a look at her since she hadn't kept any formula down in almost 24 hours. The good news is that she thinks Elle is staying well hydrated and doing fine, considering the circumstances (no fever, no lethargy, etc.). We just have to keep her hydrated and wait this thing out. Apparently this stomach bug has been spreading like wildfire through Franklin. Dr. Myers said the vomiting should be over in a couple of days, but the diarrhea... well, it can last a couple of weeks. Not what I wanted to hear (especially when we are already dealing with a horrid diaper rash!)








On a happier note, since I took the day off to be with Elle, I ran to Costco to get a playmat that we had been looking at. We have hardwood floors, so she didn't have a comfortable and safe area to play in. This girl could sit and play for hours - just put her in a pile of toys, and she is good to go! The playmat was definitely a hit with Elle! She was fascinated by all of the bright colors. Hope this made her feel a little better!

Miss Observant on her new mat!

We expect Elle to crawl any day now! She just hasn't got the leg part down yet. She gets so frustrated with herself - it is actually a little sad to watch. She'll get it eventually!

I had to change her pajamas yet again after I took this picture tonight. We have had over 10 outfit changes today! This has to be a record-setter!