Our 1st Family Vacation

We just got back from our 1st family vacation to St. George Island, Fl. It was a blast! Although, I must say that we packed the kitchen sink. We borrowed an external baggage carrier b/c we couldn't fit everything in the car! We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies on their way to the beach. Grammy, Chris' mom, went with us and it was so nice to have a 3rd person to help watch Ella. Chris and I even got a date night and some alone time on the beach! Ella loved playing in the water and eating the sand. She definitely didn't mind getting dirty. She loved the seagulls too. We were thankful she was sooo good. She even took a couple naps on the beach in her little tent! She couldn't have been any better. 

Chris has always bragged about St. George (no other beach compares), so I finally got to see it. Boy, was I in for a treat! It is the best kept secret (I probably shouldn't be telling you about it;)  Absolutely beautiful! It has white sands, few people, a large national seashore, no hotels, and no commercialism. I can't wait to go back!!

She learned to play peekaboo in the mirrors

Sweet girl

Groovy chic!

Her first 2 teeth are here!

They are both very excited about the gold fish in our pond!
Having fun in the spring flowers!
Not so lady like when she eats
Her 1st easter...she got 6 easter baskets...a little much don't you think
5 generations! Ella is actually my great grandma's mothers namesake...we didn't know that until we already decided on her name...pretty cool!   
Ella with grandpa (my dad)
Ella and her uncles!

Priceless

You spend tons of money on toys and they love the FREE balloon!! 

Spring is here!!

I am so glad spring has sprung! I don't know about you, but this has felt like the longest winter ever. Miss Ella takes lots of naps (which I can't complain), so I haven't been my "busy body" self. We have been indoors a lot and that makes for long winter days. I know now that I am definitely a spring/summer person. My mood is effected by the weather and sunshine. We've been taking walks in the neighborhood and Ella has made friends with neighbor babies...she loves little kids and babies. It is so funny how she knows that they are like her...her legs and arms kick and she squeals=)  Ella had a doctor's appointment and she is 16 lbs. 8 oz. (75th percentile) and 26 3/4 in. (90th percentile)... nice and healthy!!  She continues to sleep 12 hours a night (7:30-7:30) and takes 2 naps a day. Continues to nurse. She eats a variety of fruits and veggies now. I bought some chicken and turkey baby food...it smells and looks like cat food...do people really give there babies that stuff? I couldn't bare it! Better go. Enjoy the great weather. 

I haven't posted in awhile because I've been on a little technology hiatus. I know technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but I feel that it makes life more complicated sometimes.  You begin to feel bound to your cell phone, computer, TV, and iphone...  you know what I mean? It feels freeing to not feel obligated to "be connected". Anyway, I hope that didn't come across harshly. That is just my little soap box for the month! 

 

Our lives have been good this month. We have had a good month of birthday celebrations and family time. We enjoyed our weekend of good weather. I can't wait for spring to get Ella out strolling and swinging at the park! 

I have had fun making Ella's clothes! It is dangerous having a girl! I could go crazy=)

Ella is sitting up by herself now!

Enjoying the neighborhood park. Ella didn't know what to think of the swings!  I think her stomach was in her throat the whole time=)

We started cereal last week and she isn't too thrilled about it. Can you tell by her face?!

The big 30!

I threw a surprise 30 b-day party for Chris this weekend at a cabin in Blue Ridge. Chris has never had a surprise party and I figured what better time than his 3oth! He thought the 2 of us were going to celebrate our first night away since Ella was born. He was in for a treat...the Hewatts, the Capes, and the Geairns were there to surprise him. We had a great time with some great friends! Although, it was a little stressful getting everyone up there in the winter storm (of all weekends)! We all got there and back safely... and have great memories to cherish...

30 candles...where's the fire extinguisher?

They lost in a game of pool...and had to put their butts in the snow for 30 seconds...men still act like boys..even when they are 30!

Photoshoot

I get a little carried away with the camera sometimes. I used to love taking pictures of nature and old buildings, but now I have a new subject... poor Ella! It's so funny too b/c when the camera comes out she gets serious! Normally, she is smiley baby.  Ella is doing great... 90 th percentile for her height and weight (15 lb. 8 oz. and 25 3/4 in. tall)... continues to sleep through the night (7 pm to 8 am)...how lucky am I! She is fascinated with Derby, our cat...can't take her eyes off him if he's in the room. She eats her feet and constantly kicks her feet (I am going to invent socks that stay on babies' feet b/c I have yet to find them). 

Our little puppy dog=)