Ella turns one!

Okay, so it's been 7 months since I've updated Ella's blog! Wow- a lot has happened- she's been walking since 11 months, dancing since about 10 months, (with some new moves in the past few weeks), and turned one on October 3rd! Of course we had a party- those pictures will be sent to you within the next 48 hours- Elmo was the theme of her party on her actual birthday, then we had the 25+ person party on October 14th that included pumpkins, bobbing for apples, and lots of pink and orange! She has become quite an independent little thing- she wants to do everything by herself, but loves getting and giving kisses (when you say, "Can I have a kiss?" she puts her head down, so that you can kiss her on her head- precious!).

October was a big month- filled with turning one and lots of pumpkins! We went one weekend with Kate, and one weekend with Annaliese! How fun! Until next time. . .

6 Month Update!

I know, I know, it's been a long time since we've let you know everything that's going on with Miss Ella! She turned 6 months on Tuesday, weighing in at 16 lbs, 12 ounces, and 26 1/2 inches long! She grew 2 1/2 inches since her 4 month appointment! I'm having trouble keeping pants to fit, because she's getting so long- everything looks like capris all of a sudden! Ella is still a very happy baby, sleeping about 10-12 hours a night. Not a big nap fan still, but we are okay with that, because she's such a good night sleeper! We started rice cereal last week, and she did great- even happier when we started squash on Wednesday! So the path to solids has begun! She is so much fun- always smiling, always talking (last night we heard our first bit of "da, da, da, da, da"). She can roll front to back and back to front, so if you put her down on a blanket, she rolls and rolls and rolls! Not quite sitting up fully by herself, but trying really hard. Learning to hold toys and links very well, passing them from hand to hand, and shaking them with a flailing hand, up and down, trying to learn about motion! We can't wait for the Easter Bunny!

Ella has a cousin!

On Tuesday, February 13th, Kurt (Tad's brother) and Suzanne had Annaliese Marie! She is beautiful- dark hair and her mother's pretty olive skin! We are so excited to have another girl in the family- Ella started cooing and kicking her legs when we told her! Everyone is doing great and the new family went home today! We can't wait to see her again real soon!

Ella gets Baptized

On Saturday, January 27th, Ella Marie was baptized at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Wake Forest, NC. She was baptized with 7 other children, and not one child cried! Her godparents are Sara Kathryn and Chris . Ella wore a beautiful, long, white gown. She was such a sweetie through the whole service! Afterwards, a reception was held at our house with close family and friends.

Thanks to all who were there and for your love and support as Ella became a member of the church!