punkin carving with Daddy

Today Ella Grace and Brian spent some time together in the kitchen. I printed out some letters and taped them to the pumpkin, after that Brian carved them to spell out Ella's name. It turned out really cute. Ella Grace was intrigued for a few seconds and then that was the end of that!

A week of halloween

I have to admit, Ella Grace is the cutest little chicken I have ever seen. She got the opportunity to wear her first Halloween costume A LOT this past week.... we started out last weekend with her buddy Caroline. Caroline was as sweet as can be in a little strawberry outfit, but for some reason neither of the girls wanted to don their costumes that evening. When one would calm down she would look at the other and the floodgates would open up again, it was so funny! Finally we caved and gave them their paci's! thanks to Cass for the hilarious shots. The second opportunity was at the panthers game. Nana and Papa wanted to see her costume and we got to hang with our buddies the Schwartz's, thanks Trang for the shots. The third opportunity we got was during our music class on Monday, Ella Grace is posing with her buddy Lila. They both made it the whole class wearing their costumes. Finally Halloween is here!

Happy 1st Halloween Ella Grace

a girl's best friend.....legwarmers!

I just can't get enough of those chunky leg rolls, and these legwarmers accent them perfectly!

Swingin'

Ever since Ella Grace was a newborn, her favorite baby "gear" has been her swing. Last month we had to switch it to the more vertical position, so she could sit up and see around her. A couple of weeks ago she figured out how to reach up and touch the mobile and she realized there is a mirror on the bottom of the mobile. This is the only position and way she will swing these days (please notice she IS strapped in HA!)

Big Girl highchair

This weekend Ella Grace got a highchair! She loves it, she can barely see over the top of it, her favorite part is munching on the tray. Pretty soon she will be using those little fingers to pick up cheerios.

go Panthers!

a little bita this and that..

Ella Grace and I have had a busy week so far! On Monday we went to our music class and learned how to bang maraca's (or chew on them in Ella Grace's case). Tuesday we had a flu shot, Ella Grace did great and I even survived it on my own without Brian. On Wednesday and Thursday the sun was shining so we decided to head out to our neighborhood park with our friends Katie and Cohen for little people aerobics and story time. Ella Grace danced to the music during aerobics time , her favorite part were the multi-colored tassels she could whip around her, and watch the shadows on the ground.

Cruisin'

Last week we got home from a 5 day cruise to the Bahama's with Brian's side of the family. We had a blast. 17 family members gathered to celebrate Brian's Aunt Sue and Uncle Alex's 60th birthday. We left our house Wednesday evening hoping to make the full drive to Jacksonville, Fl and to stay at a hotel that evening, but Ella Grace had another idea....We ended up stopping about an hour outside of Jacksonville and crashing at a hotel. Our boat wasn't leaving until the following afternoon, so we were able to sleep in a little bit and take our time getting to the port. Our first stop on the cruise was Freeport, Bahamas. Ella Grace got to see the ocean and get in for the first time. What a beautiful spot to be introduced to the ocean. She loved being in the water and after she got out, she couldn't stop licking her little lips and fingers...mmmmmmm, SALT! Our next port of call was Nassau, Bahamas. We were lucky enough to get day passes to Atlantis! Ella Grace was such a trooper, she loved the water park. That child has no fear of water at all! All-in-all the trip was a success. Many hands make light work...Thank you to all our family members who helped us with Ella Grace!

Single parent weekend!

We did it! Ella Grace and I survived a 4 day weekend all by ourselves! Brian had a golf trip with some buddies at the beach. This weekend has given me a new-found respect for single parents. WOW, I'm exhausted and soooo happy Daddy is back! Friday evening we got together with some of the gals whose husband were on the golf trip too. Ella Grace got to hang with her bud Caroline again! Desperate times called for desperate measures....so us mommies could enjoy some wine and social time, we stuck in a Baby Einstein DVD. As you can see from the pic, it did the trick, they were in a trance! so cute!

6 month checkup

Today Ella Grace had her 6 month Dr. visit. She received her immunizations ~2 shots and 1 oral dose. She weighs 15.9 lbs which is the 30th percentile, and her height is 25 1/4 inches, which is in the 25th percentile. She is right on track! She was a champ. Daddy had to hold her because I can't stand to see her cry. After we got home she took a 3 hour nap, poor thing was worn out!

Jumpin Jellybean!!!

Punkin patch

While I was stuck at home after my visit from the flu fairy this weekend, Brian and Ella Grace got to visit the punkin patch. I was sad not to go, but so grateful to Courtney, who snapped some photo's for me. Brian said Ella Grace had a great time and especially liked her time with her BF ~Max. My favorite shot is of the 2 of them riding in the pumpkin wagon. They look like a little 'ole married couple.