9 Weeks Old

Ellen turned two months old on the 27th, but as of today has been in our lives for nine glorious weeks. She's still a very happy baby who sleeps well at night (thank God!). Ellen loves to smile and coo, and just recently, started initiating smiles and "conversations" with us. As you can see from the picture below, she's also continuing to add bulk to her chubby little tummy and thighs!

2 Months Old!

Ellen turned two months old on Dec. 27. Unfortunately, her two-month photos didn't go as smooth as last month since she was a little fussy ...

Attempt #1:

Attempt #57 (or a number close to it):

Ellen had her two-month well visit at the doctor on the 28th ... She's "perfectly healthy" and handled her three shots like a champ. (I think it was harder for mom & dad.)

Pre-shots (EVB was too sad for a picture post-shots):

EVB's official two-month stats:

• Weight: 10 lbs. 7 oz. (Grandma Lynn's guess of 10 lbs. 6 oz. was the closest)
• Height: 23.25 inches (However, their method for measuring isn't very precise ... I think she's closer to 22 inches)
• Head: 15.25 inches

Best of all, Ellen is a very happy two-month-old baby!

Yes, Ellen Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

Ellen's Christmas festivities started off with an impressive snowfall. Since our stroller didn't come equipped with snow chains, we broke out the Baby Bjorn and bear snowsuit so we could get some fresh air.

Ellen had lots of fun at her first Flynn Family Christmas Party on the 23rd ...

She got to see Santa, again, and posed for a picture with her cousins, Gavin and Sophia.
On Christmas Eve, EVB donned a fancy red dress for church, followed by dinner and presents at Omma & Boppa (Grandma Lynn & Grandpa Rollie)'s house.

Before heading over to Grandma Suzi and Grandpa Kent's house on Christmas Day, we spent a relaxing morning at home. It was so much fun to see what Santa brought Ellen! (She had no clue what was going on, but I'm sure we'll enjoy looking back on the numerous photos and videos of her first Christmas.)

Ellen was all tuckered out by the time we got home Christmas night, but she was kind enough to let us take one final picture of her with some of her loot from Santa. (This pales in comparison to the amount of gifts Ellen received from everyone else ... I have no idea where we're going to store everything, but we're very appreciative of everyone's generosity!)

All in all, EVB had a magical first Christmas!

8 Weeks Old

Ellen is eight weeks old and anxiously waiting for Santa to come down her chimney in just a few days!

7 Weeks Old

I can hardly believe that Ellen is seven weeks old ... My, how time flies. (And, I really can't believe I have to go back to work in just five weeks!) We're still enjoying every minute with Ellen; she gets sweeter and more entertaining every day!

Ellen having fun lounging on her Boppy pillow.

6 Weeks Old

EVB is six weeks old and getting chunkier by the day ...

and she's continuing to give us cute little smiles!

Breakfast with Santa

Ellen experienced her first visit to Owatonna for breakfast with Santa and to celebrate Aunt Meghan's birthday. It will be interesting to see if Ellen is this relaxed when it comes time to visit Santa next year ...

Ellen & Santa

The next day, Ellen modeled her own Santa hat ...

and her cute ski hat!

5 Weeks Old: Swings, Smiles & Shopping

At five weeks old, Ellen is busy enjoying her swing, smiling occasionally and Christmas shopping (we've been fixtures at the Mall of America this week).

Ellen's upper body is a bit disproportionate compared to her lower body ... As you can see from this picture, she's a little top-heavy!

Ellen is liking her swing these days and recently discovered the mobile. She loves watching it go round and round.

Our little lady has also started smiling. It's hard to capture baby smiles on camera, but this is one attempt.

... and another

Ellen ready to do some shopping on Grand Avenue with mom and Grandma Lynn.