Ella {41 Weeks}

It has been another fun week in Iowa, but our time is quickly coming to a close. It's amazing how quickly two weeks can go.  We have spent some wonderful quality time with grandmas and grandpas, and even great-grandma and great-grandpa. It has been nice to just sit and hang out, when our trips are usually rushed, lasting only a day.

Chatting with Grandpa Dave

Blowing bubbles on the patio with Grandma Diane

Playing with a cut up 2x4 "blocks"

Early in the week, we took a trip to Omaha to see some great friends. We spent the afternoon at the zoo and had dinner with some fun girlfriends.

At the zoo with the Navins

Sweating it out in the rainforest.

Ella of course wanted to be in the middle of the Navin clan. They are fun!

Watching the penguins play!

Trying to catch jellyfish!

Part of the reason Ella and I are in the midwest so long is so that I could attend a friend's bachelorette party in Nebraska. Because it was a six-hour drive from my parents' house, Ella stayed with Grandma & Grandpa for the night. It was the first night she had stayed away from Mike and me, but I think it was easier for her than for us! 

She had fun hangin with Grandma & Grandpa, but of course she did some damage!

I was definitely happy to see this smiling face again!

Now that Ella is nine months old, she has officially graduated to the next food stage, which includes more textures. Until now, she has had mainly smooth pureed foods. Now she is encouraged to have small chunks in her foods and to have small finger foods, like baby puffs and Cheerios. So far she hasn't really been too interested in the whole idea, but we'll keep trying!

Traveling has been a little rough on her sleep habits. She's napping well, but she's not sleeping well overnight. She's been waking up three or four times each night, which usually ends with 4am snuggles in the bed. I think she's ready to have her own bed back! [i know i'm definitely ready for her to have it back, if it means a full night's sleep!]

And here are a couple selfies for good measure. It's been so much fun hanging out with this little girl every day! 

  

We have been having a fantastic time in Iowa, and I'm sad to see it come to a close so soon. 

But we've definitely missed Mike, and we're excited to see him in just a few days!