4-wheelin'

After swinging, we let Ella ride on the 4-wheeler (power wheel), that our neighbor, Kevin Andrews gave us now that his kids have outgrown it. BTW, he also gave us the swing set! I love my neighbors!! Anyway, Ella was having a great time until.....

It was time to go inside for dinner.

Her life is so hard.

Just a Swangin'

Everyday when we get home from work/daycare, we immediately drop everything and run outside to swing before it gets dark or dinner time, whichever comes first. Every time, we have to go inside she has a total melt down. It not only breaks your heart, but it makes you think twice about going out there in the first place. On the other hand, whenever you open a door to go outside, the wiggling and squeals that occur, make it all worth it.

I planted these iris' last July. This is the first time they have bloomed. It stays really wet here so I was really worried about them. I'm totally shocked at the aggressive blooming going on! I have iris' all over the front and they don't bloom like this. Right now, there are more about to bloom, than are already blooming. They make me really happy.

This is my attempt at an organic vegetable garden. I tried this last year too. I have less time this year then I did last year. It looks pretty pitiful. I left them inside too long. Partially, because I planted them too early and partially because I haven't had time to nurture them. Oh well, if it doesn't perk up in a week or two, I will then walk outside, put a seed in the ground, and walk away. Live or die. I don't have time for this.

Cheesecake Factory

Jason and I love the Cheesecake Factory, but we've never taken Ella Grace there, just out of sure terror that they wouldn't let us come back. Really, she's only ran us out of two or three restaurants in her short life, but now that she's eating table food, my anxiety is high again. What if there is nothing she can eat? What if she won't sit in the high chair? What if she breaks the dishes or knocks over our drinks? Whew! Really, I should be ashamed of myself. She was an angel! She may have only eaten carbs, but should I really be complaining? She did drop a small dish on the cement floor, but PTL it didn't break! She made friends with the table next to us. She's cutting her eyes at them while she's supposed to be posing for my picture! Poppy came and ate with us too! But, I only take pictures of well behaved little girls! I'm so proud of you sweetheart!

I wouldn't pop that balloon from the B'day party for all the tea in china!

Hangin' Out

Hey Daddy, come play with us!

This expression on my face is the result of a ball popping up and hitting me right between the eyes.

I'm not sure how good this video is going to be.

Come on, you can let go, TRUST ME - this is going to be fun!

Mom's Handiwork

My mom made this outfit, even the hair bows! I love it! I have to show it off! On a side note - I have been taking a sewing class for the last month. Wednesday is my last class at the Smocking Bird in Homewood. I'm so proud and excited to be sewing for Ella. It's sew much fun, lol! Just kidding. I hope to one day be as good as my mom. I will post some of my creations soon I hope!

Still Easter....

After a busy Easter morning....Ella relaxed and played with her birthday toys before we went to Tuscaloosa to see MeeMaw and Uncle Scott. I love the picture of her laying on Jason's back. Sometime I hate that I'm always the one taking the pictures. To be fair, Jason always does the videos, but we don't do as many of those. :(

More Easter Pics

My Mother did a beautiful job making Ella's Easter Dress. I just love it! Since we were having to use a remote to take the pictures that we are all in, we tied the balloons from the party onto the tripod. The wind was blowing and the balloons made it into some of the pictures. Ella loves it outside and I love the "little stinker" expression she has in the last picture.

Ella's 1st Easter

OH MY GOODNESS! HOW DID THAT GET IN HERE!! I know you can't read, but look, it has your name beautifully painted on the side!

There were a lot of firsts going on this weekend. This is a picture of us last Easter. Notice the slight difference. The Poor Puppy has been removed from all future family photos.

This is a picture of us two years ago. It's strangely similar, to this year.....hmmm.

Ella's 1st Birthday Party

This was the closest we could get to a family photo. There was a lot going on.

I'm soooo glad Leslie was there to tell me to strip Ella down to her diaper before the cake. I probably would have thought it would be too much trouble, but it helped me to relax and let her enjoy her cake. Also, if Leslie hadn't told me to put her hand in the cake, I wouldn't have thought to. Ella and I might have just stared at each other for the next hour. In the end she left the cake in pretty decent condition for the rest of us to enjoy. She's a pretty reserved baby.

This is one of the few smiles of the day. I think everything was a bit overwhelming. Thank you Stephanie for taking pictures for me. We will cherish them forever!
I think the kids had the most fun outside. It was a little cool for those of us not running around. Jason and Jessie, Ethan's dad, hid eggs for Ethan and Cooper and they had a great time hunting them! The girls enjoyed the swing! Presley, Leslie's little girl, had to leave before presents and my brother's kids were unable to be there because they were not feeling good. We missed you guys! Here is a picture of the little group. L to R: Ella, Emma, Cooper, Ethan

There were so many pictures of our day! I think we took nearly 700 - that day alone. Here are a few more:

Happy Birthday to Pop & Poppy (Jason's Dad and Grandad)! We were so glad that you joined us on your birthday, we certainly didn't forget about you! A big thanks to my mom, for helping me with the cake, Poppy, for cooking the burgers & dogs, Cici, for helping us with the yard and cleaning up afterwards. We appreciate you more than you could know!

The Cake gets its own post.

My Mother and I spent about 6 hours Friday creating the Baby Einstein Caterpillar for Ella's cake. I think it turned out adorable! My only regret was that the body segments weren't closer together. But hey, for my first cake, there is really nothing to complain about. It tasted delicious too! The second Caterpillar head was Ella's smash cake. Thank you Lord Jesus, for keeping the ants away since we we unable to refrigerate the cake....it was too big! It took every glass in the house to create the tent to cover it!

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Today is Ella's Birthday!! Yea!! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by! My little baby is growing up! I brought cookies today so that Ella's Class could celebrate her birthday with her! I even let her have the icing. She did great! She wasn't even ill when I picked her up, in fact, she was in a great mood! Soooo...We decided to go to Olive Garden and tempt fate with a sugar laden baby. She was an angel! Not a peep! She colored on her menu (1st time to color), and ate a TON! That little booger loves black olives! Who would have guessed? (Click on the pictures for a closer look)

It looks like her class had a great time too!

Is it wrong to say that your child sometimes resembles a Lhasa Apso?

Cutie! There's those EYES!

Daddy's Little Indian!

Peaches for me! Look Out!

Ella fed herself dinner tonight, with a spoon even. It may not look it, but she actually had fun. I know I had fun. You should see the video!

Growing Up

We have been following Ella around everywhere trying to get video of her walking. As soon as she takes a few steps, if you make any sudden movement like your interested, its over. If you get the video camera, its over. Well, you'll have to take my word for it. She is taking steps. We may never capture it, but it is happening. Also, this means there have been very few still pictures taken recently. These are really cute, but assure you I got her down from the back of her car immediately. I was saying "No Ella, No," as I was taking pictures. The last picture she looks so grown up.