8 1/2 Months

Well, Zella has been quite the world traveler lately. Hmm, perhaps calling her quite the Central-American traveler would be more accurate. We took Zella to Costa Rica last week, worried that she might not do well traveling at her age, but she was such a champ. The plane ride was fairly easy since she was able to get up after we took off (unlike the car, where she still doesn't understand why she needs to be strapped down the whole ride) and she was easy-going about the places we stayed as well. She had a little difficulty staying asleep the first few nights in a strange place, getting scared when she would wake up and crying out, but other than that she received an A for international travel. Below are some pictures from before the trip and then pictures of her on the trip.

Just playing around in my room with Daddy.

I'm not touching the stereo speaker, I promise!

Here, let me just see the camera for a second. I promise I won't break it.

Umm... perched on the edge of deep ravine? Is the really the safest place for an 8-month old child? Just asking...

Enjoying lunch in Costa Rica!

Can you see my cheeks glow when I put the flashlight in my mouth?

My daddies forgot my hat - and, thus, this dirty thing that is too big for my head. Thanks, Guys.

Shopping in Manuel Antonio. Everything is so colorful!

You're going to feed me what?

Hmm... yucca? Tastes like mashed potatoes to me.

Hanging with Aunt Erin on the cerro (big hill/small mountain).

Finally! Playing in the sand!

Woo-hoo!

Yes, Nana K, it's sand. Black sand. Not mud or muck... just sand. Well, that's what my daddies have promised me.

Getting dirty... and loving it.

What? Do I have some on my face?

Seriously, does life get any better than this?

Poppy holding me in my pretty Costa Rican dress (notice the matching binkie... or is it "binky?").

Aunt Erin was with us on the whole trip.

Well, I am exhausted! Too much sand, sun, & fun.

Almost 7 Months

Oh my gosh - please forgive the tardiness in posting new pictures.  And these are a even a little bit old now.  I'll try to post some new ones in the next couple of days.  As you can see, Zella has been enjoying the pool.  The pictures below are from her first dip in the cool waters (yes, even though it has almost literally been as hot as hell here in Austin, the pool was a little cool when we took her in the first time).  She loves the water, whether she is being held or is being pulled around in her little boat.  We've also been testing out the various restaurant high chairs when we go out to eat, now that she is doing better with sitting up on her own.  She is still a little small for them and slides around quite a bit, but she is always gung-ho about the attempts.

Yeah, check me out, people.  Awesome swimsuit furnished by Aunt Michelle.

This is going on the cover of the SI Swimsuit issue, right?

Just chillaxin' in the cool waters with Poppy.  By the way, where is my hat?

Now how do you steer this crazy vessel?  Oh, wait... I'll try using my mouth - that's pretty much my go-to strategy with everything these days.

Ok, ok... if you say so.  But I'm not convinced my hands are going to be any better at this...

Hey, Daddy... come on in the pool.  

Ahh... a little shade in my boat.

Out of that stinkin' car seat and sitting upright like a big girl.  Check me out!

Slide those fries my way, Chief.  Baby needs a little meat on these bones.

Aww, a family photo.  Did you say you want me to sit still?  Yeah, right.  Keep dreaming, Daddies.

My latest ride, courtesy of Nana D.  Colorful & functional!  How many cup holders does this thing have?

The best way to end a day - food coma!

5+ months

Here she is again - in all her glory!  Lots of new tricks now: spitting (my favorite... Not!), jumping, and laughing with the good 'ol baby belly giggle.  Nothing better.  She is just growing and growing.  She is almost sitting up on her own - she can hang now for about 30-40 seconds at a time before toppling over.  She is really close to crawling - starting to do this scooting thing until she figures out how to coordinate all of the various appendages involved.  Zella is definitely a little gymnast in the crib, tumbling all over during the night.  She definitely prefers to sleep on her side or her stomach, which gives us hope that her bald spot will grow back over fairly soon (now, if only my bald spot would grow back over).  Lots and lots of fun (with a few meltdowns thrown in daily just to keep it interesting.  Enjoy!

Ah... a moment of peace with Busy Bee.  

Can you back it up just an inch or so, Poppy.  Kind of in my space here.

On our evening walk.  Gotta keep a low profile because of all the paparazzi hiding in the bushes around our hood.

Check out my new ride!  Sweet, huh?  Courtesy of Nana K.

You here to check out my mad bouncing skills?

Jealous much?

Woo-hoo!

Bring it down...

Snuggling with Lucy.  She's a little crazy, but she's alright.  She's the only dog around here who doesn't run when I try to play with her.

My Sporty Spice look.

Hanging with Honey.

You talkin' to me?  Please... no autographs while I'm with my family.

This star was born, not made.

My new "trick" that my Daddy just "loves!"

I am very cute here - you just might want to turn away during the last 5-10 seconds if you have a weak stomach. Hey... I'm doing the best I can here.

Now THIS is living. My favorite playtime activity.

My first real belly laugh. Poppy's sinus troubles are pretty dang funny. Guess you had to be there.

Pills in a bottle?!? OMG - that is THE funniest things I have ever seen or heard!