Rolly-Polly

Big news this week: Ila rolled over from her belly to her back for the first time! She hates tummy-time that much. We caught her third roll on film so you can share in the action. Please disregard our baby talk voices.



After her stunt work, Ila went on to host a sofa party with her friends Mr. Snowman & Stuffy the dog. She wore a pretty pink dress and was a perfect hostess. That Mr. Snowman sure knows how to make her smile!



Later that day, Mary's two friends Joanna & Alyssa came by for a visit. Ila enjoyed their discussion on feeding infants. Equal access to breast milk is currently her favorite topic. Ila keeps hearing about Alyssa's 11 month old daughter, Samira, and can't wait to meet her!



As you can see in this picture, Ila loves to hold her head up high. We continue to be impressed with her strong head control. Despite this, a man at church last week asked us "Is something wrong with your baby? She has a wobbly head." Oh well. At least he didn't offer us advice on how to fix it.

Ila continues to delight in her mobiles. She loves to watch and coo at them then reach for the toys attached. This activity is sure to put a smile on her face. Well, usually. She also spends a great deal of time and effort putting her fist into her mouth.



Over the weekend Ila visited two music shops with us. Chris has decided that he "needs" a new classical guitar and not just any old thing will do. He needs one shaped for him by William Del Pilar, Jr. - a well known luthier who just happens to live & work in our neighborhood. In preparation for our appointment with Mr. Del Pilar, we checked out a rare and vintage instrument shop which is also down the street. With a beer distributor, burrito shop, fromagerie and 2 world renowned guitar shops all within a 5 minute walk of our front door, you can see why Chris never wants to leave.



He got to play some incredible instruments while Ila slept in the Bjorn the whole time. She did wake while we sat on a park bench and ate bagels (another one of Chris' favorite things to do).



The following day we met with Mr. Del Pilar and heard all about his instruments. He seemed to enjoy the baby and played many songs to Ila, including "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". We all agreed they sounded pretty spectacular on his classical guitar. Now that she's heard those simple songs sound that good Chris just has to have one at home so he can meet her expectations, right? He wins. The guitar upgrade fund is now officially open.

Daddy's Girl, the Party Girl

Ila attended her first house party over the weekend. Watch out world, we might have a wild one on our hands! She couldn't take her eyes off Aimee's artwork and seemed to really enjoy the music. Here she is with Aimee (the first car on our meal train, the one we said we'd post a picture of at a later date. Well, here is the picture.)



Ila finally fits into the shirt she and Mary have been hiding from Chris since Ila was just an image on an ultrasound. Chris was delighted with the surprise.



During the day Ila continues to be strolled around Brooklyn. She now enjoys her bouncing seat and on some lucky days she has a photo shoot with Mary. This one didn't go so well but check out that cute cupcake hat made by Jenafer Dunn. There is a matching scarf and mittens but needless to say, Ila was in no sort of mood! We'll try again another time.

The Little Turkey

Ila celebrated her fist Thanksgiving at home in Brooklyn wearing a sweet velour suit from Mary's friend, Kristen Hurst. Grandma & Grandpa Dye and Grandma Vivie & Grandpa Doug all came up from Virginia to spend the weekend with her. She dined on breast milk for the holiday but encouraged mommy to eat lots of collard greens and pumpkin pie. The turkey was twice as big as Ila. She fit perfectly on the platter!



The next few days were spent in the city. We visited Bryant Park and stopped by the holiday windows. Ila's favorites so far are at Bergdorf Goodman. She dreams of one day wearing the Marchesa gown and Christian Louboutin heels featured in the window. So does her mommy.



Ila also spent time with Lily and caught up on her reading over the weekend. Currently her favorite is "Fish & Canoe" from Aunt Ally. She especially loves the page of shiny jacks!





After all that reading Ila was ready for some exercise. She played Annie Oakley on Grandpa Dye's knee and enjoyed it greatly! She also learned the tune of Boomer Sooner. If only grandpa Dye could accept that she is destined to be a Carolina Tarheel!