Six Months Old

Holy cow! Our baby is 6 months or a half a year or 26 weeks old! I can't believe it was six months ago that all the madness began. On one hand it seems so long ago, yet then it also seems like just yesterday!

Well I couldn't be more happy with Ella's progress. She has her 6 month well visit on Monday. I'm guessing she weighs 14 pounds or so. On Friday she will visit the GI specialist in Batavia. I am anticipating that he will discharge her from his care seeing that all of her liver function tests (as well as her other blood tests) have been coming back normal for at least a month now! Yeah for Ella!!!

Ella is making gains physically as well. She is able to sit up on her own (with someone behind to catch when she leans back) for a few minutes at a time especially when she watches Maggie play. Carol, her physical therapist, has also been having Ella practice kneeling against her leg and putting Ella up on her hands and knees with support. She looks like such a big girl!

Now that Ella is six months and just about sitting up on her own, we are starting to feeding her rice cereal. I intend to breastfeed as long as possible, but it will be fun to begin supplementing here and there with new foods for Ella to try. Besides, I know Todd will get a kick out of feeding her.

We are getting ready for a visit from Todd's family's friends, Craig and Fay, this weekend. They are visiting from Ontario. We are excited for them to meet and play with Ella for the first time!


In other news, my college friend, Michelle, and her husband, Matt, just had their first baby. Bidget Cannon was born on Friday, October 17th - the day before Michelle's birthday...what a great gift!!

Finally, I have written and am practicing the little 'speech' I have been asked to give at a Women and Children's Hospital Elm TWIG benefit dinner on Tuesday. So wish me luck!!

Twenty-Five Weeks Old

It's been 125 days since Ella has been born and she continues to amaze us everyday! We got home from California just about a week ago. Ella was a champ throughout the whole vacation - plane rides included!! She continues to receive ooh and ahhs everywhere we go - especially when she's riding shotgun in the MetroWrap.

Ella picked up a lot from the twins. She is rolling from belly to her back more and more on her own and is on the verge of rolling from her back to belly too! She is a fierce kicker as we can hear her banging her feet down on the mattress when she wakes up. With the leg kicking she is now noticing her feet. They haven't quite made their way into her mouth, but they are fun to play with. Carol, her physical therapist, is very impressed with her reaching skills and she even showed a transfer skill (passing a ring from her right hand to her left hand) today too. We are now working on sitting and reaching without the support of the Bumbo chair. One way we practice is by having her knock down Tupperware containers we stack in front of her. This makes her reach as well as strengthen her torso.

Physically Ella seems to be growing longer each day. She has grown out of her 0-3 months clothes as well as most of her 3 months outfits. So we are now in 3-6 months and some small 6 months clothing. Ella's hair is beginning to fill in a little more finally. However, my mom said I had very little hair until I was about year old (and then DJ cut off what little hair I had)!!

Just before we left CA Ella, Mom, and I drove down to Monterey (about an hour from DJ) to visit the Pratts. Chris and Todd were college roommates and in ROTC together. Todd was also Chris' bestman. Chris is still in the Army but going to school in Monterey. Although I didn't get a chance to see Chris, we had a great afternoon spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and three kiddos - Riley (5), Nathan (4), and Ronan (2). Jen took us to a wonderful restaurant named Hog's Breath in Carmel - boy was it yummy!!!

Now that we are home we are getting back into a routine which I'm hoping will transfer to Ella's naps and sleeping habits. All I will say is that somehow this girl is happy no matter if she gets tons of sleep or very little - thank goodness!!!

We made the most of our Columbus Day weekend. We started the weekend by visiting with my Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Jon (my dad's brother), and cousin, Matthew. They drove in from New Fairfield, CT with Arvee (their RV - that's my uncle for you!). We met up at the Anchor Bar Friday night where we polished off 100 wings and a large pizza. And then hung out again on Saturday for a picnic dinner. It was so great seeing and hanging out with all of them - especially since they were able to see Ella for the first time!!

On Sunday we took Ella on her first hike to the Eternal Flame. I felt as though I was pregnant again with Ella in the MobyWrap making sure I walked very carefully, using Todd's help to step up and down over rocks. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall weekend!!

Then on Monday, we packed a picnic lunch and drove to Letchworth State Park. We picnicked and then walked from the middle falls up to the upper falls back down to the middle falls and up to the Glen Iris Inn and back to the Middle Falls.

Now it's time to get back into the swing of things!! Keep checking back as it may take me a few days to post all of the pictures from CA. Speaking of photos - I'm trying out Snapfish (easier and cheaper to order from BUT you will have to sign in). To see the captions during the slideshow you may need to click on the speech bubble next to the word 'share' below the picture in slideshow mode. Enoy!

Ella Won!!!

THE OFFICIAL RESULTS ARE IN!!! As confirmed at http://photogenicbaby.com/winners/buffalowinners.html ...

Infant Category Voters' Choice Overall Winner: ELLA RASSMAN

Buffalo's Most Photogenic Baby 2008 Voters' Choice: ELLA RASSMAN

That means Ella raised the MOST money in the infant category and out of all the participants - ages 0-5!!! According to Todd, there were 84 contestants and approximately $3,900 was raised...about $900 of it was raised by Ella's fans! That means Ella raised almost 25% of the total! That's crazy...you all are the BEST!!!!

In addition, she also was the Judges' Choice Winner for the Beautiful category!! This was determined by a panel of judges made up of local show business professionals.

Thank you once again for all of your support in raising money for Children's Hospital!! As we all know, Children's Hospital definitely deserves it!!!

Once again Ella would like to send a BIG thank you to...

Laura & Mark Chriswell
Great Aunt Margy & Great Uncle Tom Montante
Grandma & Grandpa Rassman
Poppy Radder
Great Nona Montante
Laura ZaepfelAmy & Chris Capalbo
YiaYia Montante & Papa John Roba
Heather "Mops" Cullen
Debbie & Ken Jones

Kathe & Michael Rickert
Aunt Susan & Uncle Chris Carpenter
Aunt Sally & Uncle Chip Moore
Emily & Larry Kordasiewicz
Gretchen & Chris Eckert

Laura & Kevin Galvin
Aunt Kim & Uncle Jeff Rassman
Aunt April Saks & Uncle Deej Radder
Darlene & Gene Leahy
Peggy & Dale Berghorn

Laura & Steven Tripi

And everyone who made a trip to the Galleria to donate

...for your VERY generous donations!!!

Twenty-Three Weeks Old

Hello from California!!! Ella, Yia Yia, and I arrived last Wednesday and have been hard at work ever since! Ella did great on the plane. In fact, it was me who suffered from nice sinus pressure. I had to take one for the team though because Ella was on Benedryl to dry up her congestion so her ears wouldn't be bothered; therefore, I could not take Sudafed as it would have contraindicated. No worries...I survived!! On the plane Ella made sure she looked at every single person who walked by. Needless to say, she was a hit!

Definitely enjoying our time with DJ, April, Zachary, and Maya! My mom and I have been pulling mid-morning duty - taking on all three kiddos - so DJ and April can catch a few extra winks! Fortunately, it tends to be nap time so we aren't left outnumbered for too long.

When we're not holding, feeding, or changing any one of the three babies we take turns washing dishes and bottles, folding laundry, finding something easy to eat (preferably with one hand), or cleaning up. Fortunately, Mom has taken on the roll of 'chief cook and bottle washer' (as she refers to herself) so we've gotten to eat some great homemade meals...after the kiddos have gone down for the night.

April and I have been trying to take a walk everyday to get us out of the house. We've been able to take all three of them on occasion - 2 in the BOB (a great double jogging stroller) and 1 in the Moby Wrap - or as many as are awake. We've also been trying expose 2 of us to the outside world - most of the times it's to run to the market.

On Monday we decided it was time for all of us to get out of the house...TOGETHER!! So after about an hour or so of preparing to leave, we headed down to the Santa Cruz coast and boardwalk...all 7 of us...in 2 cars!!! The kids did SO great that we even stayed out for dinner on the boardwalk as well. Way to go us! However, the car ride home was not as smooth. Zachary had fallen asleep in the stroller on the way back to the car. Unfortunately, he was not thrilled to be woken up and put in the car (who would?). Despite his crying, Ella fell asleep right next to him on the way home.

With us here DJ has been able to get work done - like get 2 wisdom teeth pulled (he's such a trooper), wire in a business phone line to the house, sign a lease for a clinic he's renting out once a week on Wednesdays, make phone calls, and begin to set up his website at http://www.destinradder.com/!

All in all, I love the fact that the kiddos are able to be around each other so much! I just wish it could be all the time and not just a couple times a year.

Five Months Old

So the time is here...we leave for California tomorrow!! This is going to have to be a short one since there is packing to be finished.

Our big 5 month old received a second round of three immunizations last Wednesday. We wanted to get her as protected as possible since we will be flying. Unfortunately, Ella woke up with a bit of a stuffy nose on Saturday. We've been having her sleep in her car seat and then bouncy seat to keep her head elevated. Todd also ended up sleeping with her on the couch Saturday and Sunday morning. Poor baby (or should I say poor babies)!! She hasn't gotten any worse and is sleeping a little more comfortably during the night (we have the humidifier going too). I'm just hoping that she will be alright on the plane tomorrow. The doctor suggested putting her on Benedryl for 24 hours before the flight (timing the last dose to be 30 minutes before take off) to help dry her up. I'm hoping that works because I know what it is like to have sinus pressure - ouch!!

Otherwise, packing has been a two day ordeal. I hate packing. Luckily, DJ and April have just about anything I need should I forget it so that helps! But I think it's almost done which is good because I need to get myself into bed early tonight!

OK, back to packing. I intend on getting at least one blog out while we're travelling so check in! In the meantime, we are floored with the generous donations we have received!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Again, if you are interested in helping out, voting for Ella's two pictures will take place at the Walden Galleria Mall from 10am to 7pm NEXT Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th.

Thank you for all your help!!!

Twenty-One Weeks Old

I began writing this blog yesterday as Ella was 40 minutes into a cry-it-out session. This was the first time I had let it go beyond 10 minutes. But I decided to try it since she sometimes will fall asleep but wake up a few minutes into her sleep. We are trying to figure out if she is starting to make the connection between crying and then I get to snuggle with Mom/Dad again or not. I'm not sure if I am a true advocate of the cry-it- out (at least at this age), but I guess I wanted to try it at least once.

The book I am reading, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, says to not let her cry more than an hour during nap time. But knowing Ella, I have a feeling she will make it the full hour crying. Luckily, according to the book:

"...all evidence accumulated by a wide array of child health specialists concludes that "protest" crying at bedtime will not cause permanent emotional or psychological problems. In plain fact, the contrary is true.

...Please don't fear when your child cries in protest at night, because she is being allow to "practice" to fall asleep, that this crying will later cause emotional or psychological problems. By itself, it will not.

Let me be very clear about this. I am talking only about children over the age of four months and only during normal day and night sleep times. During these periods, emotional problems do not develop if parents ignore protest crying."

Fortunately, Ella is not a screamer-crier which made it a little easier to listen to. And so the hour did come and I went and changed Ella since she did not stop crying and she doesn't appear to be phased by the fact that she just cried for almost an hour.

So now the question is, do I try it again? The thing is, that for the most part, Ella is a good sleeper. It usually does not take us long to get her down. And when she does wake up, it usually only takes us less than 5 minutes for us to get her back to sleep. The most we've ever needed to do that is twice in one sleep period. However, is our soothing her not teaching her to sooth herself to sleep? Maybe I'll wait until she is 5 months old to try again.

Update: I did try it again today - not purposely - I had to make a phone call and she began crying. And after maybe 25 minutes Ella stopped crying. But now there is this overwhelming guilt I have heard about. I just want to go in and check but know that it is exactly what I shouldn't do. This is when a video monitor would be great! Oh no, 10 minutes have passed and now she's crying again. Now I feel that I am too far into another cry-it-out to go rush in. Oooo...the dilemma's of parenting...what to do, what to do, what to do?

So what did I do - I went in about 5 minutes later because it had been about 1 hour since I had put her down. Fortunately, Ella being such a good baby she really doesn't get crabby without her naps. But I know sleep is essential to brain and body development growth so that's why I am trying so hard to figure all this sleep stuff out.

Enough with the sleep stuff. Last week was a busy week medically-wise! We spent most of both Wednesday and Thursday at Women & Children's Hospital. Wednesday Ella had an appointment with the developmental pediatrician. Upon evaluation she is in the 97th percentile for cognitive growth and the 75th percentile for motor skills (mainly because she was laid up for 30 days in the NICU). Although she does not necessarily need PT (physical therapy - for the big muscles) and OT (occupational therapy - for the small muscles) anymore, I told the doctor I would like to continue for now at least.

After the appointment and after being fed, Ella and I visited with a few of her nurses (Sharon (left), Chris (right), and Peggy) and even saw one of her favorite doctors, Dr. Pop Pop, (aka Dr. Robinson) who just can't get enough of her!!!

Ella then fell asleep for a much needed nap. Therefore, with Ella snuggled in the MetroWrap, I took a walk down Elmwood stopping in a few shops and finally for a piece of pizza and a pop at Casa di Pizza. We then headed back to the hospital to have her monthly blood work done. And this time Ella did not cry at all as she had four vials of blood drawn. At first I was proud and then I got sad because it probably means she is actually getting used to being pricked!

After the blood draw we stopped by the midwifery office so that Martha, the midwife who delivered Ella could finally see her out of the hospital (left photo). Now, since Ella has made such a wonderful recovery it is not uncommon that people 'fuss' over Ella when they initially see her. But I don't think I have seen someone fuss over Ella as much as Martha did! I can't tell you how much we love the midwives!!! They have made us feel so special from the first visit we had with them back in January! More than once has Martha, Sarah (right photo), or Elaine taken the time to just sit and chat with us...for over an hour...at an appointment, in the hospital, and today! If you are looking for a yearly gynecologist, I couldn't recommend them enough (they don't only deliver babies)!!!

On Thursday we headed back to Children's for a hematology/oncology appointment with Dr. Ambrusko. Fortunately, all of Ella's blood labs look good for this month - yea!! He just loves Ella and she smiles and smiles at him! Mom and I then went to Cafe Trattoria on Bryant for a very yummy lunch out on the patio!

Other than that Ella is busy growing up. She weighed 12 pounds 6 ounces last Wednesday and was measured at 2 feet tall!!! She is talking more and more which includes letting out some good screams too now! With her growing bigger we decided to set up the high chair so she can sit like a 'big girl' at the dinner table with us. Previously we would just prop her car seat up on a chair. The highchair kinda dwarfs her, but Ella is strong enough to sit in it with it slightly reclined.

Although we have not started feeding her (our pediatrician said we can wait until 6 months) we are letting her suck on 'pure' food (nothing salted or seasoned). Dr. Ambrusko even stated that she doesn't only need to start with fruits and veggies. So we have even let her suck on a piece of chicken (sorry Aunt Alysia). She seems to enjoy the new tastes as she doesn't spit the items out.

Okay, I could probably keep writing, but if I am going to post this by my Tuesday deadline I better stop now. I hope to get another blog out next week. But if I do not it is because I am too busy packing and preparing for our two weeks in California!!!! Watch out Maya, Zachary, DJ, and April...here we come!!!!

Keep the donations coming!!!!!

Twenty Weeks Old

So the biggest news this week is that we entered Ella in the Buffalo's Most Photogenic Baby contest. She has one picture entered in the Beautiful Infant category and another picture entered in the Precious Infant category. And the way she 'wins' is by collecting the most votes through donations. Since we already paid a registration fee, 100% of the donations we collect will go directly towards Women & Children's Hospital. Therefore, for each 50 cents in donations, Ella will receive 1 vote. For example, if someone donated $5.00, Ella would receive 10 votes.

If you are interested in 'voting' for Ella, there are a few ways you can donate. The formal voting where you can view all the participants' pictures takes place at the Walden Galleria (outside Steve & Barry's) from 10am to 7pm on Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th.

If you are unable to make it to the mall, you may make a donation (checks made out to Women & Children's Hospital) and hand it to any of our immediate family members (Todd, Me, Mom, John, Dad, Heather, Mom Rassman, Dad Rassman, Jeff, or Kim) by Thursday, October 2nd. We will then make sure it gets to the mall and Ella gets the votes.

Alternatively, you can also make a donation through PayPal (it accepts credit cards and is ultra secure) if you would like. To donate through PayPal, go to https://www.paypal.com/ and click on Send Money. Monies can be sent to me using the e-mail address: nicole_radder at yahoo.com. It's actually VERY easy to do!!! Then we will write a check from the money we collect online and bring it to the mall so Ella can receive more 'votes'.

And...if Ella raises $100 in donations, we will receive the CD with all of the photos that were taken of her so we can print them off for whomever would like!!!!! We then find out at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, October 5th if Ella's pictures collected the most votes/donations.

Unfortunately, I do not have the actual pictures to show you that will be displayed on Oct. 3 & 4th. You'll have to go to the Galleria on one of those days to see them. But, we will receive 8x10's of Ella's two 'poses.' I will be sure to display them online after October 5th!! Thanks for your help in raising moola for Children's!!!

Furthermore, Ella and I have been asked to say a few words about our experience in the NICU at an upcoming Women & Children's Hospital Foundation benefit hosted by Elm TWIG (Together With Individual Goals) - a women's auxiliary group - at Fox Valley Country Club on October 28th. Apparently, the event sells out so let me know if you'd like more info about attending with Mom and me!

In other news, we are full of appointments this week. PT today, a developmental check up at Children's tomorrow, hematology check up on Thursday, and OT (occupational therapy) on Friday. Luckily, Ella receives both PT and OT here in the house!!

In the meantime, Ella is such a big girl now that she can sit up in her bathtub without the sling! Todd loves giving her baths, Ella loves playing with Daddy during this time, and Mom loves that she doesn't have to do it!


Ella enjoys spending time in her ExerSaucer too! Her favorite toys have become that rolly thing in the front right part of the above picture, any burp cloth (just like Maya & Zachary), and froggy and ducky that sit with her in the car seat. She can often be found hugging ducky and putting froggy's legs in her mouth. We practice rolling over - front to back and back to front, tummy time, sitting up in the Bumbo and reaching for toys, along with a little infant massage each day. When we're not playing you can find Ella attached to Momma in the Moby Wrap aka Metro Wrap facing outward so Ella can take in the surroundings and Mom can get some work done.

That's it for now. Until next week...