On our Babies R Us shopping trip this past weekend we got Ella a new toy. She is becoming such a big girl that she always seems to want to be standing up. Jimmy really wants to get a walker but I'm just not ready for that. I've heard/read negative comments about them regarding safety, etc. and I'm just probably being an over-reacting new mommy. So, the compromise was instead of a bouncer, we get her this toy. She can push herself in a circle with her feet around the stand up toy. When Jimmy was putting it together when we got home she fell asleep. The next morning when she woke up, I took her out to see Grandma and her eyes caught a glimpse of the toy and then she was locked on! Her eyes got really wide and she couldn't wait to grab a hold of all the toys. Of course, she immediately tested out the ones that can bend and make it in her mouth. So far she is really liking it and it seems to be a toy that will grow with her as she discovers new toys on it and discovers new abilities that she has.

By the way, the hairbow in this picture was made by my friend Lisabeth and her daughter Lauryn. It is so cute on little Ella and I have already thought of outfits to go with it. I'm sure pictures will follow later!

Weekend Fun

Having Ella around has given me a new found appreciation for the weekend. Don't get me wrong, I always enjoyed a day off here and there but before her, I was mostly working on those days off. Now though, I steal every last second I can get with her. Needless to say, we make the most of our weekends and have a ball doing it.

Ella and her friend Carson. She had a fun time playing with his water table outside and watching him play with all of his big boy toys!

Mommy and Ella

Taking a snooze. Tired girl.

Gauge loves to give Ella kisses (when he can sneak one in).

Moqui does NOT like Gauge giving her kisses!

Daddy and Ella

We went shopping for a new toy for Ella at Babies R Us. Ella wanted out of the carseat while we shopped and then Jimmy put her back in. We were almost to the car so we placed her in the carseat for a short walk to the car without being buckled (under a very carefully watching eye as her dad promised me). She thought it was the coolest thing ever. The first picture is of her looking at these kids walking by. It seems like she is saying, "Hey, look what I get to do!"

She had a little bit too much fun breaking the rules! We better watch out.

She threw her pacifier in the car so she settled for her foot again. She loves throwing things now which is oh so fun for us!

Beautiful Eyes

Although Ella can't talk yet, she says so much with her beautiful blues. Even if she has a pacifier in or is playing with a toy that is covering part of her face, you always know how she feels or can just tell what she is thinking. Luckily, most of those emotions that she shares with us are happiness or laughter and even delight (as she often mixes in a squeal with her smiles). We are so lucky to have a healthy and happy baby. Seeing her joy makes us joyful in return and full of love for our little one. I can't imagine what life would be like or what life was like without those beautiful blues.

Special Grandma Days

Ella is one lucky little lady because she gets to see her Grandma every day. My mom comes over to Ella-sit Monday through Thursday and Jimmy's mom on Friday's. She gets to do really fun things with both Grandma's. On very special days, Ella gets to see her Great-Grandma too. She loves all of the attention and love she gets from her Grandma's. Here are some pictures that I get sent from my mom while I am at work. It is so fun getting to see her at lunch when I get the pictures!

Ella loves watching her dogs.

On a nature walk with Grandma.

Soaking up all of the love from Great-Grandma!

Mommy's Day Off

I took a day off recently since grandma had a meeting and couldn't babysit the angel. We had such a great day. It was so nice to have the day with Ella just to relax, do what we wanted to do and just be together. Here are some pictures of our day together.

Ella and I took Moqui for a walk. He loves to stop and "mark his territory" on every piece of grass or bush he can find. I think Ella was sick of waiting. Her arm in this picture looks like she is waving him on. I am sure if she could talk she would say, "Come on Moqui! Let's go!"

After our walk she was ready to cuddle. I was waiting for this moment all morning. I love rocking this little chick to sleep. It's the best!

After her nap she didn't have her pacifier so she made a modification for that!

We went to Kohl's to find a gift for a baby friend but of course found a cute 4th of July dress. We don't know what we are doing but we know she will look cute whatever we do!

Then we played in her room when we got back. Yes, her big girl crib is still not being used at night time. We only play in her big girl room still. I don't know when I will be ready to let her sleep in her own room. I love waking up and seeing her there in her bassinett next to us. Maybe that will be something I can work on this summer. I am sure she would sleep just fine in there. It's mom that needs the reassuring.

Ella is growing so fast. I just love and cherish every moment I get with her. Having this whole extra day to spend with her was pure bliss.

Ella's Easter

Ella's first easter was a wonderful day. We had a busy day ahead of us so we woke up early to discover what the Easter Bunny had left for her. She loved the toys, books and hair accessories he got for her. I think she thought the basket was more impressive though! It could have been empty and she would have been just as pleased.

After we enjoyed Easter breakfast that her daddy made, we went to church with Jimmy's family. It was a very nice service and Ella slept through most of it however she did wake up towards the end hungry for a bottle. Jimmy and I stepped outside to feed her because it was packed that morning!

After church we went to Grandpa Frank's house for dinner and then stopped by my parents house on the way home where we got to see some of Ella's cousins too! It was a wonderful day surrounded by the family that we are so blessed and thankful to have.

Happy Easter

The amazing, wonderful and talented Stephanie Smith came over today and spent her Saturday taking Ella's pictures. She did a wonderful job and Ella loves showing off her smile to her! Here are some of the pics that she took. Thanks Stephanie! You are AWESOME!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Love,

Ella

Lazy Bone

On the weekends during outside chores, Ella will sometimes go in the front or back carrier with either me or her daddy ("She has to pull her weight around here too!" her daddy says - ha ha ha). Last weekend, she worked so hard during chore time that she fell asleep on the job! She was talking and talking her dad's ear off in the garage and then we noticed it was quiet for a minute so we checked on her and she was sound asleep. Sleeping on the job already!