9 Months Old

Where has the time gone? Baby Ella is 9 months old and right on track according to Dr. Michel. She earned a perfect score on the development questionnaire and he said that "she'll be ready for W & M next year." Though I know he most likely was making a subtle jab at my alma mater (Go Hokies!), I let it go because if it was good enough for Mr. Jefferson, then it is good enough for me. (Notice the pi sign on her shirt.)

Ella by the numbers:
Weight: 20 lbs 4 oz
Length: 28.5 inches
Hair: very long

I now savor a day off. Painting little nails, blogging, kissing chubby cheeks, taking photos, catching up on TV...the possibilities are endless. While I love work, it has placed a damper on my computer activities. The saying, "It takes a village" is correct as we have had to rely on friends and family to watch the kids while I'm at the hospital. I think Julia views it as many fun play dates, especially after spending time with Neil, her new best friend. Usually she doesn't like me going to work, but today she asked if I could go to work and if Neil could watch them. After nonstop interaction, he has set a high bar for other sitters who walk through our door.
I have a non P.C. Julia story to share. We have a wonderful lady who comes to clean our house every couple of weeks. Her name is Tonia and she is Hispanic. The kids just love her and follow her around the house trying to "help" her. Once I found Julia squeezing Soft Scrub on the window sills and her play vanity. Of course it was all over the carpet and bedspread as well, but the room smelled lemon-fresh! After school yesterday we were on our regular route home. When passing Music Today, I stopped at the crosswalk for this couple. As they were walking in front of us Julia shouted, "Look mommy, it's Tonia!" It was so not Tonia. Even though no one could hear us, I wanted to crouch underneath the steering wheel.