Ok, this is the 3rd post of the day.

But, wait.  Why did I start blogging so frequently?  To try to remember the milestones as they happen, right?  Cause I'm not doing a traditional baby book.  As much as I love blurting my thoughts about religion and reminiscing about a quieter moment, I do actually have to keep track of stuff.  So, here's the laundry list of growth.  In the past few days, Ella has:

• Started sitting straight as a tack all on her own for more than 10 minutes.  She can reach for toys at will and not topple over.  Unless, of course, the dog walks by and she needs to wrench her head around like an owl to see where she will go.  Then she tips.
• Pushed herself up on her hands and knees while pretending to enjoy tummy time.  That girl hates tummy time with a passion after about two point oh minutes.  She got her knees under her while at the cabin and was pretty tickled about that. 
• Scoots backwards while said knees are under her. 
• Continued her exploration of all things pureed.  We are into blended foods now. 
• Grabbed a can of Gerber Puffs off the shelf at the grocery store while I was perusing the formula cans.  So, I figured she knew what she wanted and bought them.  We tried one last night- no gagging or choking.  We tried five more tonight- most of them stuck to her sticky little palms but she managed to eat three.  Food works.
• Re-read that one above.  Formula.  Ella has self-weaned and I'm okay with that.  My goal was six months and we made it almost seven.  Pretty good for pumping for four of those.  She can rock an eight-ounce bottle in 10 minutes and is much happier than dealing with Mommy's slow method. 
• Slept 12.25 hours straight- no waking for extra food or ridiculously soggy diapers- the night after we got back from the rafting trip.  Who wants to go again?  Mommy likes sleepy babies.

Ok, there.  I got the necessary stuff taken care of.  Continue on down to the posts below to read some actual thoughts.