Such a big girl

I've been a little spoiled (and I'm sure Ella has too) these past few days. Ella and I have really enjoyed each other's company and I ABSOLUTELY HAVE LOVED IT! We have developed our own little daily routine, know each other's language (in a sense), and have really felt that deep deep bond with her. I wish I could spend everyday, all day with her! It seems that everytime I have a break from work and get to spend some real time with her she grows up and changes so quickly. I love getting to see her learn new things and develope her personality. She loves her meal times and just recently has been able to hold her own bottle. Look at those adorable sleepy eyes. Her bottle will do it everytime! I love you so much Ella.

Happy Birthday Mommy

I took some time off work to enjoy the holidays and my birthday. I've been off for almost a week now and have loved every second with Ella and Nic. This morning Nic and Chris "went to the office" (really to get some things for me) and Ella and I loved playing and gettting ready together. They brought home Panera (yum) and a cake for lunch and we had a little birthday party with the four of us. Right after blowing out the candle, Ella grabbed the cake and had her hands in her mouth before Chris or I could stop her. We were really hoping to wait for any sweets until her first birthday, but I guess we should have known not to put her so close to the cake - she is just too curious. The flowers were next, but I pulled it out of her hand just before they went in her mouth. Later that evening, Ella and Nic went to Mimi and Papa's and Chris and I went to Boulevard Steakhouse for a lovey adult dinner. We enjoyed each other over a bottle of wine and some great food! To end the perfect day we picked up our beautiful kids took them home and snuggled with them in our bed. What a great day!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We had such a great day playing in the snow. Ella wasn't too sure of it, but Nic had a blast. I loved having an excuse to get outside and to take pictures of the kids, and putting on that big lepoard coat Ella has only put on a couple of times. She wasn't feeling good, but she was sure a trooper letting me take 100's of picture of her. I just can't get enough of that little cutie. She is so precious to us. Love you Elle.

They made it on the good list

We had such a wonderful first Christmas with Ella. We made it home right before the snow storm hit, making it a fourteen inch white Christmas for us. Nic and Chris had fun being boys on the six wheeler, while Ella and I stayed warm and cozy inside fixing potato soup and cookies for Santa. Since the storm hit so quickly plans were changed at the last minute and the church service was cancelled, letting us start our family Christmas a little early (Nic was excited). We had a great evening putting out food for the reindeer, setting up Santa's cookies and milk, and getting to spend some good quality family time with each other. We were woke up at 8AM Christmas morning by an excited four year old that couldn't believe Santa could make the exact same dinosaur he saw in the store just days before. Nic was VERY into Santa this year, which made it all the more fun for everyone. We opened presents, made sure Santa wasn't stuck in the chiminey (Nic's suggestions), and headed over to Mimi and Papa's in our P.J.'s for another family Christmas. We were spoiled by all the gifts and enjoyed the day playing with all our new toys. We were once again blessed this year with healthy kids, loving family, and a GREAT life.

Ella's First Christmas Celebration

Wednesday, December 23rd, we went to Nana and Papa's house in Garber for the begining of many Christmas's this year. Ella has a great time opening all her presents and got some of her favorites (or mine, I should say) for her first Christmas. Nana and Papa Jim got her first rocking horse that sings, neighs, gallops, and moves it's mouth while talking. My sister also made Ella her very first stool. It was super cute with "This little stool of mine, I use it all the time. To reach the things I couldn't and most the things I shouldn't" on it. Ella also got something super special to me which was my Happy Apple toy I had when I was her age- and she loves it as much as I did! Ella got WAY too many things this year, but everyone was so excited for her first Christmas.

Santa, Round Two

It bugged me so much that Ella didn't have her bow on in the last Santa picture that we just had to go take another one! I know, I know...

Ella's Best Friend

Ella sure does think a lot of her big brother Nic. Everytime he is around she can't stare hard enough at him and always has a smile on her face. As you can tell in the picture she thinks he's a pretty neat boy- and she's right. Nicolas has been the best big brother to her. He is super sweet and soft with her and loves having his little "Elle" (what he calls her).

Miss Piggy (the cutest of course)

Ella had the time of her life eating her carrots the other day. We tried green beans, peas, and her favorite so far carrots. She could not get enough. I was going to try to narrative the pictures above, but I think you probably get the picture...and she was serious about it too! After I got her wiped off (the carrots stained her skin a little) I barely got her to her crib before she passed out. I didn't have the heart to wake her up and change her. Her belly was full and she was exhausted. I love dinner time...one of my newest favorites!

Good Morning Sunshine...

Saturday morning Ella and I had a fun lazy PJ morning. I finally caught a picture of her sitting up and a bunch of her funny little faces. She was acting so silly, cracking Nic and I up, and I just didn't want it to end. Here is just a glimps of what I got to enjoy.