My Birthday

I turned 27 today. As on every other birthday, people kept asking me if I felt a year older. I suppose that is the default question to initiate conversation when someone has a birthday. (I'm going to try to think of a new default question...)


The truth is, I've always felt older than I am. This year, however, I feel MUCH older than I am. I've learned that children really do age a person.


Speaking of...Ella is growing like a weed. We went to the mall this evening (the only thing I asked to do on my birthday), and I carried her out to the car. I can't believe how big she's getting! She is quickly growing out of her 6-9 month clothing. We'll be moving into 12 month clothes very soon I believe.


She has taken well to staying at her Grammy's during the day. Probably better that we would like--she never wants to come home! We're glad that she has grandparents close by that are able to keep her as much as they do.

Some pictures...

Our butterfly bush. Thanks to Uncle David, I actually know the name of this!

The gladiolus that fell victim to the dog. I'll have to move these before next year I guess...

Said dog, eating his bone.
Britt and Ella at a wedding we went to a few weeks ago. So sweet...

A New Chapter

Yesterday was Ella's first official day at "Grammy Day Care". As some of you may know, I was offered a job as an instructional aide in Greenup. Even though it's nothing close to my job of choice, the pros outwighed the cons and I accepted!

One of the cons, of course, is leaving Elaa. I've really enjoyed staying home with her for the past nine and a half months. However, I know I was never meant to be a stay at home mom. Despite my hermit tendencies, I really prefer to be out of the house. So I took the leap!

Ella's newest achievements are standing by herself! She likes to play with her toys on the couch or ottoman, so she'll get a toy from the ground and put it on her "table" of choice. When she's really engrossed in playing, she just lets go and stands there. It is so strange to see her just...standing. She seems so little to be doing those things. I guess I still see her as an itty bitty five-pounder that we brought home with us.

These pictures are courtesy of Wendy, taken at Ellie's first birthday party. We had a ball! And so did Ella. She was hesitant about the pool at first, but once we got her in, she didn't want to get out!

Tooth update: 2 bottom, 4 top. Wow!