Holidays!

Well, after the ice storm Dave and I had some free time on our hands. Our power went out late Friday morning so with no electricity we got creative... it's amazing how much we depend on electricity. Well maybe we didn't really get creative but it did give me a chance to get a few pictures of Ella by the Christmas tree. I dressed her in one of her "Holiday" outfits before heading to the Bailey family Christmas. Here are a few pictures of her by the tree and checking out her gifts too! I think it should be fun on Christmas she's really into the wrapping paper!

Baking with Mommy!

I decided to do my annual Christmas baking on Wednesday. Dave had the day off so he was entertaining Ella for the majority of it, but she did have a chance to "help" me out in the kitchen. I think she has the "Go, Go Gadget" Arms, everything I put on the counter she was trying to grab and put in her mouth, yes that is flour on her face, I didn't get to her hand fast enough before she got into my cup of flour! She really seemed to enjoy the brown sugar bag too! Luckily Dave grabbed her off the counter before she got into too many things! It won't be long before she's actually helping me in the kitchen but for now she is just taking everything in!

New Food!

Ella is definitely in the middle of teething so I thought I would try the mesh "chew" bags. I started with a banana... she wasn't sure what to think. So this morning I tried a nice cold apple in the bag, she loved it. I think it was cool and soothing for her teeth that are taking forever to come in! I also broke down and gave her some wheels... it freaks me out because I'm afraid a large chunk will break off and choke her but she loves them! So I'm trying to relax and let her enjoy her new "food" items! I think I'm just an over protective first time mommy afraid to do anything too soon! Here are some pictures of Ella loving her new stuff!!!

What a Weekend!

Ella "talking" to the bear during pictures!

Matt, Beth, Brayden, Renee and us at the baptism.

Ready for a funfilled day of shopping!

Saturday morning after working an auction Ella and I headed to Ft. Wayne to brave the crowds with Megan and Karla... and also met up with Alisan, mom and Marsha! We had a lovely lunch at Olive Garden with all of the ladies then headed to Target, I have never seen so many people in Target, it was pure craziness! I've had the luxury of shopping during the day on weekdays for the past six months and I forgot what it was like on a Saturday... not to mention so close to Christmas. We had planned on going to the mall too but Ella and I didn't make it there because we had to go meet up with the Jarrett's for Family pictures. I wish I could say that they went well but, with a 5 month old and a 6 month old we struggled to get the perfect shot! After pictures we stayed with Dave's sister Renee for the night. Sunday morning we headed to church for Brayden's baptism with the family. So after an enjoyable lunch Ella and I headed back home to recollect and relax! It was a jam packed weekend... I think it wore Ella out because she slept through the night both Friday and Saturday night, now that's a trend I would like to start!

My Little Helper!

On Sunday night we went to my parents for an early birthday celebration. Ella helped me blow out my candles... well sort of! She also helped me unwrap my gifts. I think Christmas could be fun she loves the paper and the sound it makes and trying to grab it and crinkle it. This is a really special birthday... it's my first birthday as a mom! I just thought I would share a couple pictures from the night!

Christmas Sweaters!!!

Saturday night I attended an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" Party. It was a first for me! I don't actually own a Christmas sweater and I didn't feel like spending money so I raided Grandma's closet for a sweater... don't get me wrong, I think they look beautiful on her, it's just not my cup of tea! Plus I think every Christmas sweater made has shoulder pads, not a good look for me! So Megan and I headed to Rory and Alisan's for their first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Dave stayed home with Ella for the evening because he was still a bit under the weather. It was great to catch up and see everyone... plus it was just hilarious to see all sorts of crazy sweaters and accessories to match. I think all of the guys at the party had women's sweaters on. I'm looking forward to attending more parties like this in the future... I might actually invest in a sweater! So here are a few pictures from the night!

Six Months Old...

So I realize I'm a few days late but Ella is 6 months old. It's hard to believe, apparently time does fly when you're having fun! She is growing and changing like crazy. She's definitely showing her personality and getting into the "fun" stage! Monday I took her in for her six month appointment, she is 17 pounds 12 ounces (80th percentile) and was 27 1/2 inches long (90th percentile) so she is definitely a healthy little girl! Once again she had to get shots and didn't really enjoy those. She screamed for a good 10 minutes afterward. Like mom said I think she is going to hold grudges! (A true girl what can I say!) A big thank you to my mom for being there for moral support. Ella is now sitting completely on her own, of course I still lay pillows around just in case she decides to flop over! Occasionally she likes to leap forward and end up on her belly in order to grab her toys! She is also rolling but now that she sits up she would rather be in that position then laying on the floor! She jabbers and giggles like crazy. As far as sleeping through the night... I was spoiled at the beginning but no longer, she likes to get up at least once at night! Occasionally she'll sleep through the night but those nights are few and far between! We've been staying busy and looking forward to the holiday season. It's hard to believe that a month from now I will no longer be a stay at home mom... I will be going back to work just after the new year. (I do realize I was spoiled by staying home for 7 months and many moms are not that fortunate but I've really enjoyed it and would love to continue staying home) So for now I'm going to take advantage of my time at home with Ella and try not to think about it! That's the latest and greatest with us. I've attached a couple of pictures of Ella relaxing at home!