I Love Suckers!

Tonight, Kermie and I took Ella to Mi Mexico for dinner. She didn't really eat much as far as beans and rice go, but she did love the sucker her daddy gave her on the way out the door. Yes, I know, we are setting wonderful habits! I caught a few cute pictures of her with her sucker on the way home. She was a sticky mess!

Cutting Teeth = Sleepless Nights

Well, Ella is still cutting more teeth. I am pretty sure she is working on three at the top right now! Therefore, the past three nights she has not slept well at all. The first two nights we were at mom's and I'm sure Nana can tell you all about Ella's crazy nights! Last night was our first night back home with Kermie and he can tell you about her night last night! I feel so sorry for her because she is so uncomfortable! I've got her on Tylenol and Motrin around the clock. Teeth, teeth please come fast!

On a more positive note, it was so funny watching Ella with her daddy last night! When he first got home she did not know what to think. She didn't smile, frown, cry or anything... just stared him down for a few minutes. Then she reached for him and the rest of the night she followed him around and showed off! It was hilarious!!

Happy 11 Month Birthday!

Ella turned 11 months old today! I just can't believe she is so big already! She will be turning one in 4 weeks :) I cannot wait for her party, but would love to push pause on her growing. She sure has changed a lot in eleven months.

Our Stay Away

Ella loves baby Emma. Jake loves baby Ella.

Signing hat... haha

Ella loves to play in the shower!

Signing shoe...

Pushing her toy.. She's so proud.

Ella likes her kitchen! I hope she can cook better than mommy!

Ella and Jake looking out the front door!

Ella and I have been staying with my mom and dad for the past several days while Kermie is away for the military. At first, I think she was a little confused, but she is getting the hang of it now! It is so much better having people around especially since school has started. I always get anxious at the start of a new school year and I think with Kermie being gone it was even worse! I'm glad my parents don't live far away and I can't wait for Kermie to get home!

So, while we've been away Ella has really learned lots of new things. This Saturday at Jackie's, she attempted steps and then again at my uncle's house she did it again! She has said shoe and signs it, she says cat, and is attempting to sign hat, but her hand only makes it to her cheek! She has also found new things that she likes doing at Nana and Grandpa Rob's house. I have posted some pictures of her during our stay on Frogtown Road.

Play Dates and Updates

Ella has been busy with play dates lately!

This past Tuesday we met Ava and Jackie at the mall to play while she, Nana, Bekah and I waited for my car to get worked on. I had never taken Ella to play at the mall, but will now make it a tradition because Ella had a blast. At first she was a little uneasy, but once she warmed up to it she was gone!

Mommy and Ella in the giant bottle-Ella did not want to get out of either side, but turn around and go back through!

Posing for a quick picture!

What a beauty!

Ella and Ava met friends and they both got squashed on the ground! The little girl hugged Ava and the little boy hugged Ella!

Another beauty!

Jackie, Ella and Ava look great... me on the other hand??

Tonight, a friend of mine from high school (Nicole) came over with her little girl Bailey. Ella and Bailey are only a few weeks apart in age so it was great watching them interact. They did really well together even though they both wanted to have the exact same toy at the same time! They were obsessed with the balls and Ella really liked Bailey's pony tails! I am excited to have many more play dates with Nicole and Bailey!

Ella is escaping!

I want that since you have it!

This one too!


Updates:
1. Kermie left today for his two week AT with the military! He upgraded our phone packages so that we can send pictures to each other! He's already sent a bunch :) haha
2. Ella is dropping her 11 o'clock bottle starting tomorrow. We will be down to three now.
3. Ella's top teeth are through the gum-YAY! I couldn't remember if I had said that already.
4. Mommy starts back to work/training on Monday!
5. Ella's birthday is only a little over a month away!

Ella Newborn Scrapbook Page

Many Thanks

I was reading up on one of my friend's blogs (Sarah) and was inspired to reflect on all the things I have been blessed with and am thankful for. No matter how big or small, these are all things I am extremely grateful for each day!

Top 10 Things I Am Thankful For

10. The Seasons: I love the change of seasons and am always ready for the next. I am thankful God placed me in this part of the country so that I could enjoy all four!

9. Sweet Tea: I have never been one to drink much other than water, but I recently got hooked on Sweet Tea. I am thankful God made the person who invented sweet tea because it is a wonderful treat!

8. Walks: This summer Ella and I have went on a lot of walks. Each time they get even better. We either meet someone new, find something we hadn't seen the time before, or just enjoy watching the things around us. She loves being outside just as much as I do and loves to stroll in her stroller!

7. My Job: I love, love, love teaching and the schedule that comes along with it! I am thankful God made it clear that was what He wanted me to do!

6. Kermie's Job and Happiness: Kermie is most definitely an entrepreneur and is extremely intelligent. He has always wanted to work for himself and to use his handyman skills. In February, he set out to do just that! We are thankful God has blessed his business! I love that he is happy and enjoys his work!

5. Animals: I love animals and especially our family pets ChaCha (my cat), Jake, and Roxanne (mom's dogs)! It is such a great feeling knowing they always love you and look forward to seeing you. I am glad Ella enjoys them as well.

4. Family/Childcare: I am so thankful for my family both immediate and extended! Ella has wonderful grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousin, etc! They all love her so much and she loves spending time with them! I always hear teachers at work stressed about childcare and I feel so blessed to have my family watching Ella while I am at work. There is nothing better than knowing your child is well taken care of and has fun in the process! Thanks you mom, Carla, and Nanny for watching Ella!

3. Ella Chase: I always knew I wanted to be a mommy and am so thankful I have been given the opportunity to fulfill that role! Ella is the most wonderful blessing Kermie and I have and we cherish every moment we have with her! The past 11 months have been the greatest!

2. Kermie: Kermie and I found each other at a very young age and I could not be more grateful for that. We have grown together and experienced so much. It's great knowing we have so many more years to learn and grow! If it weren't for him I would be completely unbalanced! I love him more and more each day!

1. Grace and Forgiveness: There is absolutely no greater blessing than knowing I am forgiven each day by the grace of God. While I do not deserve it, I am extremely thankful for it!