Elle's First USC Game

It's finally football season! We've been waiting for this time of year for a while. Last year I was either way pregnant or recovering from having Elle during football season and only made it to one or two games. Elle has been stocking up on her USC gear even before she was born. Remember this? We were a little concerned about the weather since it was a 12:30pm game. Like the good Derm momma I am I always have a bottle of sunscreen in my diaper bag, purse, make-up bag, car, shoot where ever I can stash one. So, you would think I would also remember her hat. Nope. Luckily you can buy almost anything at the game. Elle is the proud owner of a new USC hat. In addition to forgetting her hat I also only showed up with one extra diaper! Mom of the year right here. Our friends saved the day by stopping by a lovely 99¢ store in South Central LA. Other than those little hiccups we had a great day.

 Waiting for Traveler

 Tuckered out

New hat and a personal sun shading from Uncle Dave

Montana!

We spend five incredible days in Montana a few weeks ago. The weather was perfect. We spend time on the lake, ate great food, white water rafted and much more. The one tough thing about the trip is that Elle did not sleep! It was like she was 4 weeks old again. She woke up every hour on the hour.  I guess she likes to sleep in her own bed.

 Before take off with Grandpa Joe and Papa J

 Elle's new Indian inspired tunic, picked out with the help of Aunty Heidi

 She fell asleep every time the boat started moving

 She loved her life jacket *sarcasm*

 She loved visiting "Yogi and Bambi" every night

  

Helicopter ride over Glacier National Park

 Elle was a little squirmy which made me a little nervous but did great.

 Of course she waited until the last 5 minutes of the hour flight to fall asleep

Flying home with Papa J

We can't wait to do it again next year!

Summer Weekend in Newport

We've spent a lot of time in Newport this summer. It is really nice to escape the inland heat once in a while. We spend time with Aunty Heidi as well as catching up with all of our friends.

 

Elle's serious face

 Sharing her bread

Shopping time with Aunty Heidi

New Tunic and Moccasins

 Brunch at the Cannery

 Playing with Pierce

We love summer and don't want it to end!

Water Baby

We finished up Elle's swim lessons 2 weeks ago. She was a little hesitant in the beginning but she really took to the water by the end of the 4 week session. Whether it's the bath or the pool she loves splashing around.

10 Months

I've learned a few things the past few months for these monthly photo shoots:
1. Make sure everything is set-up before getting Elle ready
2. Do not change Elle until right before pictures are taken. The iron-ons are not durable enough for a squirmy-wormy baby.
3. Limit actual picture taking to less than 2 minutes. Babies do not like to sit still once they learn how to crawl. Also, sitting them back in one spot after they've crawled away tends to make them very angry.

Progression of Elle during her 10 month picture session:

*the second picture is my favorite. I love that face of hers.

Splish Splash

Elle was taking a bath...

Family Photos

We took some family photos recently but of course Elle stole the show. She sure loves the camera.

 

  

Such a dainty lady

Elle ate purred baby for food for about a week. She really like food she can feed herself. On this particular night we gave Elle little raviolis. I think Elle wore as much food as she ate.

9 Months

Elle is crawling EVERYWHERE! She stands unassisted for a few seconds and her favorite activity is opening drawers and emptying them.

 Elle swimming

 Standing like a big girl (note the knocked down diaper genie in the background)

 Elle in her outfit from Grandpa Joe from Tailand