Morning Chat

Ella's such a happy baby in the morning and has really been chatting up a storm!

Updates

We have been staying busy, as usual.  Ella's started joining us at the big girl table in her high chair and she couldn't be more thrilled.  She enjoyed watching me color our eggs for Easter and I had to fill her in on the treats from the Easter Bunny. 

While Max was sick Gram and Pop came to help mommy.  Pop, Mommy and I went to the flower fields in Carlsbad.  They're so beautiful and we enjoyed the fun at the fields, we even went through a Sweet Pea maze (similar to a corn maze but with flowers).  Pop wondered if we'd ever find our way out.  Ella stayed with Gram and had some special cuddle time. 

Blackford's Maximillian

As some of you know, we had to say goodbye to a special member of our family last week.  His pedigree reads Blackford's Maximillian.  Although he definitely got into his share of trouble throughout the years (his mother's pedigree read 'Queen of Distruction') he was best at being a constant companion and known for his inexhaustible patience with us girls.  Mommy and daddy could have never imagined the joy and love Max would bring to their lives.  Max lived to be 12 years old, beating many odds for the Boxer breed.  We will always hold such wonderful memories and forever thank him for touching our lives so sweetly.

Playing with Sissy

Ella decided to grab her Bumbo chair and join the fun this afternoon. I grabbed my camera and got a couple pictures of her posed with some favorite friends. Mommy figured since she's always trying to follow my voice around the room she'd probably love to be right in the middle of things. She was right! As always, Max stayed close by to keep an eye on things (and to watch his back).

Just Us Girls

Us girls have been keeping to a tight schedule each week and they are flying by. I'm doing great in school and got a recognition of 'Student of the Week' last week. My teacher's very impressed with how well I'm doing in school! Ella's tons of fun and is completely in love with her big sis. The feeling's mutual. She follows my voice around the room and is always looking around to see where I am.

At Long Last...a new post

Let's recap the last month. Grandma and Grandpa came to visit and we had so much fun. We spent some time at the park, playing at the house and mining for gems. We didn't strike it rich but had a great time sifting through the rocks! Ella is growing by leaps and bounds. She's strong enough to sit upright for a few minutes if she's well supported...and if she's in the mood. We're excited to see what she has in store for us each day!

Look Who's Smiling

We are finding that Ella is definitely a morning person. After her first bottle of the day she's happy to kick her feet, wave her hands and flash this beautiful smile. Her smile makes us all smile and we're happy to finally have some photographic proof of this morning joy!

Baby Ella Comes Home

Ella and mommy came home on December 23, we were all happy they were home before Christmas! We're getting adjusted to a new schedule and used to a crying baby in the house. It's all a joy and I'm getting quick at putting my hands over my ears. Max loves the baby but, from what I'm told, he's much less interested in her than he ever was in me. The novelty is gone and he's getting much too old to care!

Ella's met even more of her family since she's been home. Aunt Laurye came for Christmas and Gram and Pop came for a visit in the new year. I'm always happy to introduce everyone to my baby, Baby Ella Princess, as I like to call her. We are so thrilled to have her in our forever family!

Welcome to the Family

While mommy and Ella were held up in a Boise, ID hotel for a couple weeks they had some special visitors. Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Scott, Aunt Andrea, Grace and Ian made trips to see the new member to the family. Everyone was happy to help out with bottle duty and give mommy a much needed rest.