One naked baby. One old bath towel. One shedding golden retriever. One music table playing 'Old MacDonald' on repeat. One cup of coffee that is now cold. Three pacifiers. One burp cloth covered in snot. In other words, the current state of our living room.

Happy 8 months to the naked baby that made this all possible!

Ella is cracking me up these days. Yesterday she laughed so hard in the mirror that she practically head-butted herself while she was trying to kiss her reflection. We have the video to prove it and to later submit with her college applications. I think I say this every month, but this month has been my favorite. Its such a hilarious and beautiful thing to watch her grow literally by the pound and by the funny new facial expression or noise. And frankly there is no shortage of either. Girlfriend basically skipped 6-9 month clothes. Also, my arm tingles at night after she's gone to bed. More evidence that she is most certainly getting enough to eat. She just introduced this funny little half-smile which seems to communicate that she's pleased. It's like now she has degress of emotions instead of just happy, mad, or sad. She's a complex little thing and I'm afraid she knows it.

Ella had so many 'firsts' this month. We took her to the neighborhood pool. We gave her ice cream. We took her to Colorado. On our flight home from Winter Park as EJ slept across my lap, I was thinking about how well the trip had gone and how adaptable she had been. Honestly I was surprised. All of my planning had gone into minimizing the disruption of her routine and maximizing her comfort. And perhaps some of that planning helped us, but mostly I think it was just Ella being Ella.

Unpredictably adaptable Ella.

Once again I tried to fit Ella into the little box of whatever I anticipated she would do and once again she proved that she is, in fact, not a robot. And that being a robot would be super boring because it is such a joy to be surprised by you, EJ. It is such a joy to watch you observe and learn and navigate the tiny little world that we manage for you. Even in your eighth month of life, I caught of glimpse of how you needed me a little less than you did in your seventh month. It's crazy and lovely and way too quick.

Yesterday you fell backward and bumped your head slightly as you fell. I saw the look of shock come over your face and I scooped you up as you started to cry. You weren't hurt at all, but the fall rattled you a little and you put your sweet head on my shoulder in a way that you never had before. You didn't just need me for comfort, you wanted me for it and that felt so good for my momma's heart. There are a few times in the story of Jesus it mentions his mother Mary storing things up in her heart and pondering them. I can really relate these days and I think that's why I like documenting things here. It's my way of storing up these little treasures that God has given me in you. Already too many to count.

Happy 8 months (and frankly a few extra days because timeliness with this is tough), Ella James! You are our beautiful, curious, opinionated, and adaptable treasure!