Happy Easter!

While it wasn't officially Ella's first Easter, it felt like it. Last year we brought Ella home from the hospital on Easter Sunday. My mom had cooked an Easter lunch for us when we got home, but I was quite dazed and overwhelmed with the present the Easter bunny had brought us, that it didn't really feel like Easter. Ella has really enjoyed playing with the goodies in her baskets and has had a great day. The week has been hectic, but it has been so good to see family. I believe my sister now has most things settled for the wedding, so I'm sure she feels much better. Ella really enjoyed being with my parents and Jill and Dolf (I must say that I am a little worried that she will bored with just me at home now that everyone has left!). She really is such a joy of a baby!!!

Ella's first "big girl" shoes

We took Ella to the store to get her fitted for a pair of shoes. We haven't really put shoes on her that much, mostly because I hate to wear them myself, so I have a hard time putting them on her. She has been "cruising" for several months now, and has recently started taking a couple of steps on her own, so we figured it was time. I must say, it hurt a little to pay more for a tiny pair of shoes that I hear won't last more than 3 months, than either Isaac or myself would pay for our own shoes. This is what being a parent is, I suppose :) Anyway, they took a picture of the experience (which I thought was so nice! Ella, however, doesn't seem impressed), so here it is!

Hot Rod Baby!

OK - I know that to those who are not from the south, this may seem a bit odd, but in my defense, we are at the end of a cul de sac. Ella absolutely loves her walker and loves to chase our dogs, Otis and Zoe, around the house in it. Since it was so beautiful outside, we decided to take her outside and let her have a go at it. I didn't think I was ever going to get her back in - she LOVED it! She was laughing hysterically with her arms in the air just wheeling around. I did learn, once again, how out of shape I now am and that next time, I will have to do a better job of keeping her in the circle as our street is at a slight incline and she (of course) enjoyed flying down the incline as opposed to climbing back up. Those nice new shoes that I mentioned earlier - well, they're not so nice anymore! Anyway, it was a great time and I wanted to share a picture of her having fun with it!

Where does the time go???

First let me say that I can't believe that I have done such a poor job of keeping the blog updated (sorry for that).

I also can't believe that our baby Ella will soon be 1 year old! It truly seems like just yesterday when we found out that we were pregnant. I have to say that this past year has really taught me what life and love is all about! She has kept us quite busy lately. She is into EVERYTHING!! She loves to crawl around and pull up on things. She seems to experience true joy as she crawls around laughing. I do think she will be walking soon, as she tries so hard cruising around furniture. We bought her first pair of real shoes over the weekend. It took her a few steps to adjust to them, but she seems to be doing well with them. She loves to touch them. We have finally finished Ella's playroom (except for a few things left to hang on the wall) and she loves it! I've attached a few pics below.

Ella helping Papa get her new space ready
Checking things out...
Master artist!!

The next couple of months will be busy ones for us, but in a very good way! My parents will come in for a visit and my sister and Dolf will arrive Saturday and then we have their wedding shower on Sunday. They will be staying for a week and I'm excited to get to spend some fun time with her (I can't wait to see her in her wedding dress for her fitting!). I'm sure they will not believe how much Ella has grown, physically and developmentally. It also will be nice having them here to celebrate Easter. Then in April, we will be celebrating Ella's 1st birthday; then in May Jill and Dolf will be getting married here in Charlotte!