America's Next Top Model

We had Ella's pictures done on Thursday (3. 27). Britt's mom found a lady in Greenup that does pictures from her house, and after seeing her gallery online, I had to book her! Ella was a trooper (as always!) and charmed her way through the entire hour and fifteen minute photo session. We got some really cute shots--some classic and some quite trendy--it was so much fun! Click here to view the gallery on smugmug.com. You will see Ella's gallery at the top of the page.

And for those of you at Mamaw's this evening, Ella was asleep before we made it to the bypass, slept all the way home, and went straight from carseat to crib. What an angel...

And one more thing: to conclude the "Yellow C" debate (you know, the yellow C on UCLA's jerseys...), check out this article. Isn't it nice to find answers to all of our questions?? Ahhh, I can sleep now.

What a difference a year makes.

It seems unreal that a year ago at Easter, I was only beginning to get used to the fact that I was pregnant.

A year ago this past Wednesday (the 19th), I woke up for school, sick as a dog. I had spent the following Thursday and Friday substituting in a kindergarten class. I'll spare you all the details, but let's just say it was not the best experience I've ever had.

I had three days left with the kindergartners and had no idea how I would make it through. Besides being exhausted, I was so emotional and irritable. I decided it was the kindergartners and the substitute aide I was working with (it's always another's fault, right?). The icing on the cake, I thought, was that they had given some kind of bug.

As I ate my breakfast, it dawned on me that maybe....just maybe.

But it couldn't be...

Before I left for school that morning I talked myself into taking a test.

And sure enough...the rest is history.

The change that can happen to a person in one year is amazing. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. One year and three days ago I had no idea where I was headed. One year and two days ago, I found out. And I really like this trip.

Dear Feet

Dear Feet,

I think I love you. Where have you been all my life?

Love,
Ella

p.s. I love giving you kisses. It makes me laugh! xoxo

Just a note: I've been trying to get this video to load. When I do I'll put a note at the top of this page!!!







Tummy time antics! Ella loves to jabber when she's on her belly. In the last few weeks, she's been perfecting the roll from tummy to back. I still haven't caught the roll on video yet, but this comes close. This was taken Feb. 25, 2008.

Sunny Day

Yesterday we received a wonderful tease from Spring. We've only been able to take Ella outside a few times since she was born because of the cold weather. I had my eye on the forecast for a while looking for a good day to take the stroller out and get a little relief from this house! Thankfully, Britt was home for the day and we went out as a family.


We left Crane Creek just before noon and stopped in Ashland for lunch. After lunch, we headed over to the mall to shop and walk. The crowd was sparse except for the many moms and strollers, no doubt enjoying the good weather as much as we were. As usual, we spent more money on the baby than ourselves. We did find an Easter dress/formal pictures dress for Ella. She slept most of the time and didn't make a noise (unlike the last time I took her to the mall when she fussed if I slowed to a walk!).

We weren't quite ready to go home, so we headed on over the Ashland Central Park. Although I have passed by it a million times going to the doctor (it is right beside the hospital), I had never actually been. It must have been the sunshine, or the good moods of the other park-goers rubbing off on me, but for a few moments everything was just perfect in the world. I had my baby, my love, and sunshine. Who really needs anything else?



Ella must have felt something similar because she squealed with delight several times, something she's only started doing recently (and quite randomly). She squealed with purpose yesterday though.

Today the rain was back, but I'm still quite overcome with love and joy for my little family. Some things just can't be dampened.