“Walking” around the Christmas tree…

Well Ellia is walking on her own now!!!! No assistance needed. It all started last Thursday (12/3/09). She just let go of the couch and off she went. Now she is walking everywhere. She is getting better every day. She falls down sometimes but stand right back up to start walking again. Life as we knew it is over! Christmas is going to be so much fun.
Our Thanksgiving went well however our hot water heater broke and so that was a challenge for a couple of days before it could get fixed. Also Mommy had her 10 year high school reunion! I really can’t believe it has been 10 years. It was like high school all over again but it was nice to see some of my friends that I haven’t seen in awhile. We got Ellia’s Christmas and 1st Birthday pictures taken as well so I have those to share with you. I am still without a camera and so there may not be as many posts until I get a new one or get mine fixed. Oh Santa!!!!!
Latest and greatest news, well besides the walking thing, Ellia loves to brush her teeth. We tried it the other day and she really enjoys it. She also does sign language. She does the sign for More, Please, Thank you and All Gone. They really work with the kids at daycare to improve. Now whenever she wants something she is always doing the sign for more and please. Too cute. Wish I had pictures to show you of that!!!! Sigh…
Well enjoy these pictures and we will keep you posted on what happens next!

Ellia’s Big Birthday Bash

Sorry it has taken me over a week to get an update posted about her birthday. There has been a lot going on recently and time has slipped away from me.
The party was a huge success. The weather was wonderful, the décor was spectacular (if I do say so myself :)), the guests were numerous (haha), the food was plentiful, and the birthday princess was decked out in pink! Ellia was a birthday princess if there ever was one. From her hair, to her dress, to her socks, and right down to her shoes, she was set to party it up all night long. And all night long she did! She was up until 11:30pm. There were a lot of babies that made it to the party and our neighbor Max and cousin Samantha brought their walkers along. When the party was finished and the tables moved out of the way, Ellia, Samantha, and Max played bumper cars. Poor Max was so worn out that he was falling asleep while his Daddy tried to feed him his night time sack. We had such a wonderful time that day. Very memorable. Thank you to all the friends and family who were apart of this special day and who helped in so many ways. Ellia was just taking it all in. She loved opening the gifts but was a little leery about smashing her cake. I think it was because everyone sang to her and then was staring at her.

Some updates too – We went to her first year appointment this past week and she is 20lbs 14oz and 29 inches long. She has two molars (in addition to her 5 bottom teeth) that have poked through and two that are almost there. She is working on walking more and more. We were at a wedding this past weekend and she was standing very well on her own. She also would bend over touch the ground and stand back up. She loves to point at things and ask “what’s that?” And when you ask her how big she is she holds up her pointer finger to show you she is 1!
I hope to have pictures to post after Thanksgiving, however my camera broke and I feel like someone cut off my right hand!!! Hope to be back in business soon. We are also getting Ellia’s one year pictures taken this weekend so hope to be able to post some of those too. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with all those you love!

Ellia Turns ONE!!!!!

Well my little princess has turned ONE! I cannot believe that a year has gone by already. Throughout the day I reminisced about last year and the events of that blessed day. I smiled at the thoughts I had and fears too. I looked through pictures of that day and thanked the Lord again for all he has provided our family. Kevin and I never knew a love like this. It is the most fulfilling and challenging experience. It makes me think more and appreciate all that our parents did for us. It makes me realize that my mom isn’t crazy for being worried all the time over her children’s’ safety and where abouts. It makes me feel humbled and joyful at the same time. It is the most precious gift…this love that knows no limits. It makes me connect more and share more… to laugh more and play more.. to slow down and soak in the moment.. to give more and expect less.. to sing more, cry more, and pray more too.. oh who would have thought that all of these things could be wrapped up in the birth of our little bundle of joy only a year ago.

In this short year she has tested us in so many ways. Her personality is worn right on her chubby checked face. We call her Miss Priss and for good reason. She is a strong willed child and sometimes my frustrations seeps up inside when her temper comes out. I think of the stories my mom told me about when I was little and would throw myself down on the floor in a rage. This sometimes helps me chuckle and easy my feelings, which I am sure will be something I will need to do quite often. She can be as sweet as pie too, giving hugs and kisses, dancing to music, talking her talk and walking her walk!
I see both Kevin and I in her more and more. Not just her looks but her actions and personality. Sleeping habits- dad.. haha Eating habits – both of us.. attention span – dad…girly side – well I hope that is me!
She just makes me smile all the time.. even when I think I am mad at her it usually ends with me laughing.. I will have to remember to read this when she is 16!

So Wednesday we went to day care and took in some cupcakes for all the little ones. Ellia wore her “Hurray I’m 1” shirt that Aunt Jen got her. I took a couple of pictures of the daycare group. The only boy in the class (Henry) is supposedly Ellia’s boyfriend. This is what the ladies tell me. Apparently they hold hands when they are in the high chairs, he follows her around when she “cruises” the furniture, and he helps put her pacifier back in her mouth. Whenever I come to pick her up he is all smiles and follows us around. Too cute!

In the picture is Lilly (little baby) Addison, Gracie, far back corner is Cadence then Henry and Ellia. They had their cupcakes at lunch and sang to Ellia.

That night we had our own celebration. Our neighbors, Lori, Vic, and baby Max came to visit too. This weekend (Saturday) is her princess party and I am sure we will have many pictures to post.


Thanks for letting me reminisce and to all those that follow this blog. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.