Ellie is 10 months old! I can't believe that in two short months she will be one year old. As you can see, she is still a happy little sweetie. Her sweet smile can melt your heart!

Physically she is changing all the time! She crawls quite proficiently now and also pulls to a standing position. She is also starting to cruise along furniture or toys that she hangs onto. She is very strong and is developing those walking muscles! Speaking of strong, this girl has quite a grip! Try to take anything from her hands and it's quite a struggle! She is wearing size 12 m or bigger in clothes. She doesn't have any teeth yet, but I am thinking they may start to pop through very soon. We are trying to get Ellie to be able to drink from a cup but at this point she still prefers Mommy as her beverage of choice - and cup of choice. Hopefully that will change soon!

What does Ellie like to play with? She still likes anything she can chew on but lately she is getting into some of the toys Asher enjoys - things that light up or make noise. She likes to stand at her Leap Frog table or at the little piano. She just started putting balls in the dragon toy that Asher used to play with...I'll have to get a photo on here. Ellie also enjoys swimming in the pool! She kicks her legs and smiles sweetly.

What does Ellie eat? She eats stage two foods - pretty much everything! She's had small bites of apple too and other things like that. I'll probably try her on the chunkier stage 3 foods soon.

Night time is difficult for Ellie. She needs Mommy to get to sleep and Mommy to get back to sleep if she wakes up. It's quite tiring on all of us and I hope to be able to break her of that soon. We've had to let her cry it out a few times and I think that will have to happen more often soon. I just bought her a Baby Tad of her own to help her sleep at night. That helped Asher when he was a baby and now Tad is his best friend. In fact, he has three of them...long story.

What does Ellie say? MaMa, Dada, Baba, and Puh-Puh. She also likes to sing! When we sing she sings along by saying "Aaaaah". It's very cute.

That's all I can think of right now...more later if I think of it!

Here's something! Ellie has had moments of standing on her own...she just had another one as I handed her a wagon wheel snack. She took it and stood alone and then reached toward me and took a step! She put her hand on my lap to steady herself, but it was almost like a first step!

Ellie 9 months and Today's Blessings

Ellie is nine months old...I haven't written about her yet so I'd better do it now!
The day she turned 9 months we went to Hershey Park with Jeremy's school kids who were singing there. She was a very good girl all day. The day before she turned 9 months she started crawling! I didn't get the first time on video but I got the second time. She's quickly made progress in the past 12 days since. He is always trying to stand up. She doesn't usually get it without help yet but she's building her strength. Tonight she crawled up into my lap and just cuddled her head against me for a minute. I took time to treasure it. Maybe she'll be my cuddler! I hope so!
She is still nursing a lot on demand, but she is also eating 2-3 meals a day of baby food. Ellie will eat pretty much anything in the stage two category of baby food. She had a biter biscuit yesterday and loved that.

She devours cheerios...that is, half of them. The other half end up on the floor or on her seat.
Ellie enjoys hanging out with Grandma lately. She'll sometimes prefer her over Mommy! I think it's because Grandma makes faces at her, makes noises and plays with her that way. One thing Mom does is stick her tongue out and Ellie imitates it. Ellie has started to stick her tongue out when she sees Grandma! Ellie enjoys looking at faces. She likes when you shake your head in a “no” motion and say “AAAAHHH!” She'll imitate that and it's really cute to see. She also makes a funny sort of kissy-face by pursing her lips together and sticking them out. I'll have to try to get a photo of it. She'll also make a kissing or lip-smacking noise, especially when she's eating.
Ellie has started waking up a lot at night. I think we will have to have Daddy put her back to sleep and me not nurse her anymore. It's keeping up bad habits of not sleeping through the night.
Ellie continues to say “Ma-Ma” and “Da-Da” and I believe she knows who she's talking about. It's so sweet. She's becoming very curious now that she can crawl and wants to investigate every thing she comes across. She like to play with Asher's toys too so Asher is learning to play “together.” She still enjoys Baby Einstein shows with Asher and now she's starting to laugh at things like the puppets. It's so cute to see her sense of humor coming out. In church when we take her in for music she kicks her legs and jumps in my arms. I think she's getting into the Spirit! :)
Physically I see her changing – thinning out a little as she gets more active. Her cheeks don't seem as chubby lately. She is so pretty. I love the contrast when she wears pink – her bright blue eyes really stand out.
Little Ellie – you are over 9 months and will be one before I know it! I cannot wait to see who you become as you grow. I love you so much and desire your heart to turn to the Lord Jesus at an early age. We are so blessed to have you in our family, Sweet Princess Elisabeth Jane Groff.
Today we were blessed by God to be able to buy another double stroller. The one we had wasn't working out so well for Asher. We tried another one at the store and liked it. When I looked on Craig's List that night, there was one for sale at less than half the store's price. When we went to look at it today the sellers turned out to be a couple who is preparing for the Mission field. She said she received other emails about it but I guess hadn't heard from the people. We loved the stroller and bought it. It's such a blessing to have for the summer events. Asher fits in it much better and it's more convenient in so many ways. Yay! Now I pray that the Lord will send the right buyer for our sit and stand.
Asher was so cute today. I asked him who his best friend is, and he said Mommy! Aw! He also said it when I asked him again and then when I asked him a third time tonight he said, “Mommy Daddy.” Aw. Love it!
Asher had a GREAT day playing in the pool. We both sat outside and watched him and it felt like a wonderful, picturesque day. These are the days I live for. Jeremy will be starting grad classes soon and that will be hard. It would be so nice to have him home for summer fun.

Another thing is Asher peed on the potty today - twice, actually! He's getting better about it! I think it might be time to buy some pull-ups soon and do this regularly! I'm not pushing anything to hard yet, though. I'm pleased with how he's doing right now. I made him a potty chart and he enjoyed putting stickers on it today :) His first "chart"! I love it!

Here is my big boy - he learned to hang from the bar at the playground last weekend.

And here he is trying to hang "[up]side down" like the little girl he saw next to him. He thought that was hilarious!

Here's some more photos of Ellie - 8 months.

Ellie is 8 months old - 8 1/2 months, actually, at this point! I'm a little behind in getting her photos done. Ellie is eating solid foods like cereal with fruit, peas, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, banana pieces and avacado. She's learned pretty quickly to eat Cheerios and other puffs and can self feed. She LOVES to eat! She's still nursing a lot - I don't really count her feedings...probably 4-5 per day. She'll eat solids about 2 times a day - though I think I need to increase her solids a little bit.

Ellie is still a pretty good sleeper. Lately she's been needing "that last feeding" to settle her down for sleep. She's been rolling over onto her stomach and sometimes falls asleep like that. I always try to check on her and make sure she's not face-down, but her head is turned. Sometimes I roll her back over to her back to sleep...makes Mommy feel better. But I'm trying to let her figure out how to go to sleep on her own.

As far as movement, she is trying really hard to get around. She can scoot around on her belly and "go places" by spinning herself in a circle on her belly using her arms. She'll also roll to get where she wants, and has even been able to get herself from her belly to a sitting position on a few occasions. Occasionally she'll get her knees under her but she usually falls back to her belly quickly after that. Today I saw her pull herself up on her knees at the Leap Frog Table. She gets pretty frustrated if she's on her belly because she usually can't get up, or get where she wants to be fast enough.

If you sing to Ellie, she will try to imitate it in sing-songy baby talk. She says "Mah-Mah" when she's fussing for me, and "Dah-Dah" when she sees him and is happy. I try to get her to say "Mah-Mah" when she's happy too! Ellie loves her brother too, as long as he's not pushing her over. Asher tries to play with her but doesn't quite have it down yet. A couple times I've heard them giggling together in the back seat of the car. It's so sweet! And once they were sitting and playing with toys side by side, as nice as could be. I hope there's more of that in the future!

She's wearing clothing sizes 12-18 months - depending on the style. If it's a one-piece she definitely need the bigger size - she's so long! I'm excited now that it's spring - time to show off those chubby legs of hers!

Ellie enjoys watching TV - Baby Einstein, Sesame Street, and anything her brother is watching! We've recently begun to bring Ellie into church for the music. So far her response is a very wide-eyed look - just taking it all in. She has started to clap her hands (but not to the music or anything). She enjoys when I make her clap and say "Yay!" just like Asher did. I'm sure I did it more with Asher being that he was the only one at the time! She'll laugh when you say "Ah-Boo!" to her as well. I'm trying to play with her more...it's harder with two kids to split your time!

People often comment how sweet, smiley, and cute Ellie is. Of course, we think so too but we're biased! When she smiles people say she looks like Mommy. When she's serious she looks like Pop-Pop. She has the chubby Groff cheeks like Kearstin did as a baby - and recently she's made me think of Kaylee underneath the eyes too. Breaking it down, her eye color and expression come from Mommy, her chin is shaped like Daddy, and her ears are shaped like Mommy. I think he mouth looks like Mom-Mom's. And I think her nose is more like Daddy's than Mommy's. But, a lot of baby noses look alike and they definitely change over time. We'll have to wait and see! I guess she's just everyone!

Lets see...what else does Ellie enjoy? She loves to swing outside. She's even fallen asleep in there before. She still likes her exersaucer - as long as she's not in there too much. She recently figured out how to jump in the exersaucer and she loves that. She hasn't liked the johnny jumper though...maybe it doesn't feel secure enough for her. She was in the jumparoo at Aunt Anne's and liked that though.

Serious face

The Groffs in 2009

Well, we have a new computer - THANK-YOU, Lord! I prayed for a new computer and printer, and God saw fit to answer yes to both of those! Jeremy gave up getting a new suit from his mom for Christmas to use all our Christmas and birthday money towards a new computer! I am so happy. So I've decided to resume blogging to chronicle our lives and the growth of our children. With the new computer it should be much easier. I'll open with a recap of Ellie's first 4 months...

Ellie is born!

Ellie One month old:

2 months

3 months



4 months

Bright eyes and a dazzling smile...

Ellie playing...

Ellie was at the doctor today and she is off the charts in height and weight! She is a sweet little baby. She is really starting to smile and coo...she's making a lot of noises. Tonight a little girl from our small group even made her laugh!

Keep checking for more videos and photos of Ellie and Asher as they grow!

My wish list

Real Organized24" Chicago Bracketless Shelf Espresso x2 for bedroom - instead of bedside tables.

Organize It All Stainless Steel Wastecan x2 for under the shelves in the bedroom

Jaclyn Smith Today Jaclyn Smith Today Willow Comforter Set

Jaclyn Smith Today Willow 12in x 23in Decorative Pillow

Jaclyn Smith Today Willow 18in x 18in Decorative Pillow x2

Jaclyn Smith Today Willow Sheet Set

Real Organized48" Chicago Bracketless Shelf Espresso for above the computer

Amerock®1-1/8" Swirl'Z Satin Chrome Spiral Ball Knob and the pulls to go with it (I couldn't find it on the website)

A flat panel monitor

Christmas Greetings

I am resurrecting this blog to send our Christmas Greetings!

Dear Friends and Family,
We pray this letter finds you well and resting in our Savior as we celebrate His birth! We feel very blessed this year as we remember all we have been given by the Lord! We are so thankful for salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, our wonderful families, provisions of a good job, a home, food, and clothing, good health, and TWO WONDERFUL KIDS! Yes! Two kids! Last year right after Christmas we found out we were expecting another blessing from the Lord! On September 3, 2008, Elisabeth Jane Groff (Ellie) joined our family! Here is a little update on each of us…
Jeremy, besides being a wonderful husband and father, continues to work as a middle school music and choral teacher at Central Dauphin School District. When he’s not teaching he enjoys playing with Asher, holding Ellie, doing projects around the house, and helping Erin with housework. Yeah, Jeremy doesn’t have much free time! But at least he will get to sing at the Christmas Eve service this year. He hopes to be able to sing more at church someday, but right now life is too busy with two young children. He does take time to spend with the Lord reading the Bible, and he is just finishing up reading through the Bible cover to cover.
Erin is blessed to spend her days with Asher and Ellie. They keep her very busy and it’s a challenge to get anything else done! She has found more than ever that she needs to depend on the Lord for strength, widsom, patience, and self control in this challenging task of parenthood – BUT she wouldn’t trade her job for the world!
Asher is a BUSY BUSY BUSY 21 month old boy, and VERY fun. He is very verbal. It is amazing how quickly he is learning new words – every day he picks up a few more. He loves to sing and anything to do with music. He is especially enjoying Baby Einstein videos lately. He is also busy learning his letters, their sounds, counting, and his colors. We’re hoping he also learns to use the potty soon – but I think we’d better wait until he learns to sit and stand still! He is also learning to pray, and to obey. In his prayers at night, he reminds us to ask Jesus to help him obey by saying, “Ah-her, obey.” Asher just LOVES his baby sister and takes every opportunity to hug and kiss her, or touch her head, saying softly, “gentle, gentle.” He is the most precious boy, and we love him very much!
Ellie is a sweet 3 ½ month old baby with Mommy’s eyes and Daddy’s cheeks! She loves when you talk to her and smile – she will usually smile back. She is a very good baby – a good eater and a good sleeper. She enjoys watching bright colors and different patterns, and kicking her feet! Her mobile in her crib really catches her eye as well. As for her feelings for her brother, I figure she knows she pretty well has him wrapped around her finger. Did you see that picture of the two of them? Asher, the adoring big brother, and Ellie, secure in his love and her place in the family. Yes, she is precious and well loved by all!
Seeing Sight and Sound’s show “In the Beginning” has given Jeremy and I new things to think about during this Christmas season. It helped us to realize the relationship God and man had in the garden of Eden before Adam and Eve sinned. They actually walked and talked together as you and I might do as friends. Perfect love flowed between them as Creator and created-being. It is hard for us to understand this because even the most precious and loving relationship of parent to child is tainted by our sin natures; a child is prone to sin which naturally causes frustration on the part of the parent. But this relationship was pure and perfect because no sin had yet entered to destroy it. God loved his creation and friend, while Adam and Eve, the created, loved God simply because He created them, and He is worthy. His greatness was plain for them to see, and they worshipped him constantly in word and deed.
Then sin entered the picture. God had told them that if they did not obey His word, they would die. Adam and Eve were tempted and deceived by Satan, thinking there was something God had not told them. They failed to trust the word of their Creator. And that one act destroyed their perfect friendship. Though their bodies did not immediately die, they did experience the true meaning of death: separation from God. They had to leave the perfect garden, and their Lord, trusting only in God’s promise that a Son of Eve would one day make things right and restore the friendship they once had with God.
God did send that perfect Son, though it was not in Adam or Eve’s lifetime, nor the lifetime of their sons or grandsons. It was generations later, and he was born of a young virgin girl named Mary. This Son was placed in her miraculously by God, in fulfillment of his promise to restore the friendship between God and man. The angel said, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). And that is what he did. We celebrate His birth at Christmas, and yet he really was born to die. He died – taking the punishment for sin. He endured death: separation from His Father, and then conquered it by resurrecting to life, and returning to the Father in Heaven.
Sitting in that show, as I watched Adam and Eve being driven from the garden, they asked, “Lord, will we ever see you again?” At that moment I realized more than ever WHY Jesus needed to die. We needed him to restore the friendship. It is because I have admitted my sin to God and accepted Jesus’ death as punishment for my sin that I can have a friendship with God today. I am so glad for this as I daily realize my need for God more and more each day. We hope and pray that you also experience this restored friendship with God. If you are not God’s friend, you can be. The Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). It also says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). What better time than Christmas to be saved, or to remember to be thankful for our salvation and relationship with God.

With Love,

Jeremy, Erin, Asher, and Elisabeth Groff