Stacey Sechrist, Aja, and Ella in the Greek Theatre.

Ella's quite the traveler as she explores the 3rd Century BC Greek Theatre in Taormina, Italy.

Thank goodness for this Indian Summer so I can still wear all my cute little dresses. (Thanks, Sharon!)

Is it cool if I take the car out tonight, Mommy?

I'm a little roly poly!

Her favorite toy conveniently located at the end of her arm:)

Darling in denim!

Well hellooooooooo!

I know this is a bit blurry, but it's just so cute!

I'm mad serious about toys!

Aja and her "cub" Ella after a bath.

The t-shirt says it all:)

She's ready for the stage with her jingly socks!

Never before has a comb over looked so good!

How cute is she?

Fast asleep with her Daddy.

Ella's practicing for that faraway, pensive, senior picture look. Jean Christopher, eat your heart out! (Only residents of Lenawee county will get that, sorry!)

Two months old yesterday! She's decided to warm up a little to Mr. Froggy, even though he's a little shorty.

"Watch out, Mom. This one has teeth!" Ouch! Ella's cousin, Cooper, proudly displaying his new chompers.

A Diaper Diva indeed!

"I don't know how I feel about this preppy look," says Ella. "Ralph just may not be my man."

I'm working on a belly just like Pooh's--how am I doing?

All this shopping makes little babies tired.

Ella and Nonni with the sea and grapes in the background at Gambino.

A wine tasting at the Gambino winery with the McKowns and the Coreys. Ella's on her dad's lap sucking on his finger, Nonni's taking the picture.

My little brother Austin and his new wife Stacey at their wedding on July 29, 2006.

For Chuck and Leah...enjoy!

A real smile, yeah!

Cutie pie!

Ella fast asleep with Nonni.

Ella and her mama with a sympathy pimple!

"I feel pretty, oh so pretty!"

Ella and her boxer training session with a one two punch!

Ella and her Nonni Linda after a bath.

Ella and her Nonni Linda after a bath.

My mommy thinks I'm smiling, but she doesn't know that I just passed a little gas. Shhh, don't tell her!

Meet my friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ladybug. They keep me company while I sit in my carseat.

Ella has decided that she will allow one photo, and one photo only, while she struggles with her case of baby acne. Pleases respect her wishes and privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.

Ella Louise on her 4 week birthday! It's amazing how time flies!

"I'm sorry, Mr. Froggy. I only date guys who are as tall as me."

Sorry, Cooper. We've been neglecting you. Here's a recent picture of Ella's cousin, Cooper, at 6 months.

Still sleeping, but only because I am working so hard to get bigger! I weigh 9 lbs 8 oz today!

We have a mover and a shaker on our hands!

This still continues to be what I do best!

Now, let me get this straight. This little piggy went to market, and this little piggy stayed home?

First stroller ride!

Bathtime makes me sleepy!

This little girl was once swaddled, but she had other plans!

Pretty in pink, but not amused!

You know that mountain we live on.....

...well, sometimes we forget that it's actually an active volcano! Over the past week it has been reminding us of its true title by making loud thunderous noises every time red hot lava spews out of it! Don't be alarmed thoughbecause our friend Mimmo says that this is just the typical summer tourist eruption. If you would like to check out info and live action of Mt. Etna, you can visit either of these sites:

http://www.vulcanoetna.com/en_etna_cam.php

http://www.vulcanoetna.com/gallery/v/eruzioni/speciale_eruzione_2006/

Also, just a reminder that if you would like to view more pics of the baby (of course we have to mention her in every post!), they are available in our Yahoo photo albums. Click on the Yahoo link on our site, then log in using "ajaphilip" as the user name and "oscarwilde" as the password. Ciao!

"I think I'm full," says Ella.