Christmas Fun

Christmas Eve Ella helped Mommy wrap some last minute gifts. She somehow got a bow stuck on her bottom-too cute and put a ribbon bow in her hair all by herself. At least she didn't shred stickers like Bella! (Liz's dog). :-)




















Ella enjoyed her 2nd Christmas. We're doing the Magi gift thing-3 gifts. She got her 1st peg puzzle, a Jack-in-the-box, and a Little Snoopy pull dog. She also got some play keys in her stocking, but we don't count that among the three. :-)
But her favorite thing was something Will had made her a few days before. He recently got a car seat for his truck and made Ella a house out of it. Nothing fancy-he just cut some windows and a door for her to crawl in, but she LOVES it!


















Went to see Mom and Ken at the lake later that day. Ella enjoyed showing off her Christmas dress.



















Tuesday we first went to visit Mema, Aunt Cherie and Candace. I was so excited about Ella's new PJs Aunt Cherie got her-the pants are made to be tight and b/c of that-they can fit her short legs. Yay!













In the evening, we went to visit my siblings and Dad at Marna's house; Ella loved spending time w/her cousins. She'd never met Tyler (Donna's oldest) and hadn't seen Meagan and Maggie (Donna's other 2 kids) since last October. They were all wonderful with her. I so wish we lived closer to them so she could get to know all her cousins better...maybe one day.


Yes, Justin (Marna's youngest boy who is only 27 months but so huge!) is picking his nose!

7 years and counting...

At 1:30pm 7 years ago, Will and I said, "We do." Yesterday we celebrated by taking Boosie to the zoo (her first time) and then going to Falls Park (1st time for all of us). Oh, it was beautiful! We decided we're definitely going back there in the spring and taking a picnic. The Reedy River was really flowing due to the rain from Friday. And it was 70 Saturday, so it was a great day to be outside. Ella loved seeing the monkeys at the zoo; she loves beating her chest and going "Eeee, Eeee."
I guess that's more like a gorilla, but we think it's hilarious. My favorite thing? Rocking in the swing by the river w/my favorite 2 people. Will and I kept saying how much we enjoyed that time together as a family and how we need to do relaxing things like that more often.
Today we said our vows to each other again and asked God for His grace and strength to love each other like we should. Ella was our witness this time. :-)

Merry Christmas!

Future Seamstress

I gave Ella the measuring tape to play with and she immediately draped it over herself like a pro. Then she took my old headband and pulled it down around her waist. Finally, she emptied out all her toys from the box and climbed inside. Funny girl.















This is what Ella does w/Daddy's tank tops. Notice how the onesie's a little big? And it's only a 12 month size. You can definitely see she has a cute little tummy though. And notice the hands behind her back again. :-)
















My big helper!

Beautiful Day for Playing in the Leaves!

I actually took these a week or so ago but have been so busy w/Christmas stuff (cards, presents, etc) that I'm just now posting them.
Ella loves playing in the leaves-picking them up, throwing them down, etc. Sometimes she even gets mad at them (see last pic).







Ella still has a cold; lots of suctioning going on. Oh, and we didn't make it to Chick-Fil-A but not b/c of the cold thing b/c she was doing better that morning. I was actually ready to go at a decent time but when I was getting in the car, I realized my window was down. That was strange, I didn't remember leaving it down. Well, when I started the car and tried to roll the window up, it wouldn't budge-just made a funny noise. I tried and tried again in vain. I couldn't drive there in the cold weather w/the window down w/Ella still getting over her cold. So, out came Ella, her diaper bag, and Mommy. No Chick-Fil-A breakfast or story time-I was mostly upset about the breakfast.

So...instead of going to get a chicken biscuit, when Will got home, we dropped my Jeep off for repairs, and left there $400+ poorer. They had to replace the window controller unit (which controls all 4 windows) and they went ahead and fixed the trunk hydraulic lift. Now when loading groceries, the trunk door doesn't keep falling down on your head!

Oh well-that's life. At least it finally got us to the mechanic to get that lift fixed!

Ring Around the Rosie

Ella went to her first storytime today at the Easley Library. I was determined we were going to do this even though it was @ 9:30 in the morning. We both enjoy sleeping in until 8:30. And to get a shower, dry my hair (that takes forever), nurse her, get dressed, and be ready to leave by 9:15-well, that would take a miracle. We actually didn't leave until 9:30, so we just caught the last 15 minutes of it, but oh, what fun! I actually thought, "I bet I'll be one of the only ones here." Boy, was I wrong. There are a lot of other crazy moms (about 10) who drag their kids to something so early in the morning. (For those of you reading this who think 9:30 is late in the day, and that if you wake up past 7am you've wasted half your day-this is how Will thinks-forgive me, but I am not a morning person.)

The "teacher" was great w/the kids-it was just for toddlers 2 and under (they have other groups for the older kids.) She read a Christmas book, then we did some fun songs w/bells-Ella loved ringing hers-and finished w/"Ring around the Rosie."

Okay, let's park here for a minute. I've never liked this rhyme after I was told it was in reference to the bubonic plaque. I thought, "How awful to be singing a song about how millions of people died." However, after finding this website, and reading some others' opinions, I think I was fed a lie. In actuality, "Philip Hiscock, a folklorist at Memorial University in Newfoundland, argues that the rhyme likely originated as a way of skirting Protestant bans on dancing." Now, that I can agree w/any day. Everyone knows I like to shake a jig once in awhile. :-)
Another interesting thing. After everyone fell down, the teacher and all the other moms began singing this verse:

The cows are in the meadow
Eating buttercups
Thunder! Lightening!
We all get up

I was amused. I thought it was cute but had never heard of it. Appears it's another verse of the rosie rhyme-though some versions are different (just like there are variants of the original rhyme).

Okay, done chasing that rabbit-back to storytime. Ella didn't want to stand by herself-she wanted me to hold her almost the entire time. I think all those kids intimidated her. But I'm sure once we go a few times, she'll be more sociable.

I also picked up a few more books for her. (Our first time going to the library was a couple weeks ago and I picked up Bible Stories Volume 1.) Now I have Read-aloud Bible Stories Vol. 2 and 3 by Lindvall. Big illustrations and simple but accurate stories-however, the illustrations aren't that appealing to babies. But the best I could find. I also got some other books-The Big Red Barn and some books that had tapes or CDs w/them. Thought it'd be fun to let Ella hear some books in the car.
(I know Liz will appreciate that.)

Letisha, do you know of any other Bible books that are good for Ella's age? I know you frequent your library a lot and am sure you have some gems to share. :-)

They're having another storytime at Chick-Fil-A this Friday at 10am. My plan is to go early so we can enjoy breakfast together first. We'll see how that goes.

Ella's Height

Letisha asked me awhile back how tall Ella is.
I measured her today and she definitely has grown.
She's 29.75 inches. That's huge for her-a whole inch of growth in 2 months time. But she's still at the 9th percentile for a 17 month old. And still wearing 6-9 month pants. I think this is b/c her torso is long but her legs are quite short. Oh well. She's healthy and happy-that's all that matters.

Pics from Em and Jeff

Em and Jeff visited the Sat. after Thanksgiving and took some cute pics of Ella. So now you all can see the leg hug I referred to in an earlier post. And guess what? Ella loves to pull a certain book off the bookcase in our bedroom. The title? The Anne of Green Gables Storybook. :-) What can I say? It's in her blood, I guess. :-)

Smart Girl!

The other night, Will was playing w/Ella in the den. After awhile, he asked, "Where's Mama?" Ella walked straight back to our bedroom, entered, and saw that the bathroom door was shut and heard the shower going. She reported back to Daddy with the bath sign.
He was so impressed, he came right back there to tell me.
:-)

Christmas Questions

Okay, first Emmie sent this to me by email and I emailed her back saying I was pressed for time and might not get around to it. Then, I saw that I had been tagged on Liz's blog....and called "someone special", so I made time. :-)
(no offense, Emmie).

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Definitely hot chocolate-never been an eggnog fan-maybe I just never tasted any great eggnog? Who knows?

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
You have to wrap! That's half the fun, tearing open the paper. At least for me, it is. That's the thing that stinks about growing up-adults give each other things in bags now b/c it's easier (I'm guilty too!).

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White, inside and out. When we were little, we always had colored which I thought was great. Now that I'm so mature (feel free to laugh out loud here), I prefer the elegance of white.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but my Granny always had some artifical hanging at her house and it was fun to watch people steal kisses-maybe I should start this tradition.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
First week of December-just finished outside-still working on tree.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Ham-my mom gets the yummy spiral honey-baked kind.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
I remember running to my sister's bedroom on Christmas Eve and yelling, "I think I just heard reindeer on our roof!" I think I was 6 or 7.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Don't remember-maybe age 8, 9? Can't remember if anyone told me-perhaps one of my sister's let it slip or perhaps I just figured it out. Don't remember being traumatized.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, one gift each, but only b/c it's our anniversary.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
White lights, pink bows, gold balls, and ornaments from childhood (a few) and from our wedding gifts (a lot).

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Absolutely love it-though I hate having to get all bundled up to play in it-wish we got it more here.

12. Can you ice skate?
A little-been a couple times-probably could make it around (very, very slowly) w/out falling.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
As a child? My first Cabbage Patch doll or my Christmas bear-the latter is just a tiny bear w/a Santa hat-but for some reason I was elated to get him. Ella gets to play w/him but unfortunately my doll had to be thrown out after being completely ruined from storage in my mom's shed which didn't have the greatest roof. (I know, bad place to store valuable dolls.)

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
The magic of Christmas that allows for those warm, fuzzy feelings. You know, having everyone in the same room, even if it's completely chaotic and you can't understand what the person 2 ft. away from you is saying? That's deliciously special. Oh, and I also just love to look at Christmas lights and sing Christmas songs/carols.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Pecan Pie (the only time I get this delicious-make you gain 10 pounds-dessert).

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Don't know if this is considered a tradion but one of my favorite things as a child was opening my stocking. More than any gifts I loved going to the fireplace and getting mine down. I hope to soon get a fireplace and have that tradion w/ Ella. (I know-I can have stockings w/out a mantle but it's not the same.) Also, starting last year, we began reading the Christmas story w/Ella before opening any gifts.

17. Do you send Christmas cards?
We're most likely doing a family photo card this year.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Giving-I love shopping for gifts.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
I love "Sleigh Ride," especially the horse sounds,but currently "Frosty the Snowman" is in my head and I can't get it out. Help! :-)

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yuck,yuck, yuck! How did these things get so popular?I'm assuming b/c they're so cheap to buy in bulk and give out. If I'm going to get that sticky and messy eating something, it has to taste FABULOUS. Sorry, candy canes, you don't do it for me.

21. Do you go shopping the day after Christmas?
No, I'd be crazy too, besides I'm still w/family then.

22. Real trees or Artificial?
Has to be real-it adds to the magic of Christmas for me-love the smell.

23. Do you participate in a local Christmas program or just watch?
Watch

24. What is your favorite holiday movie?
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and It's A Wondeful Life (quite the combination, I know)

25. Are you doing anything special or different this year that you have never done before for the holidays?
Starting last year, we began staying at home Christmas morning, so we could have Christmas as a family before hitting the road.

26. Favorite adult holiday memory?
Guess that would be Christmas of '99.
Waking up on Christmas morning in a log cabin in the woods, seeing the snow outside, and then turning to my new husband and saying, "Merry Christmas, honey."

Now, it's my turn to tag. Erin. Sarah

Funny Stories

Last Sunday, Will took Ella out of Sunday School b/c she was "talking" too loudly. He then realized she needed changing and went to the men's room. While he was changing her, an older gentleman came in to use the urinal. When he started peeing Ella pointed to him and went "Pssss."
Will said he was so embarrassed! But we can't blame her; we've been doing that sound when we go, so she'll associate it w/the potty.

Another first, Ella finally outgrew her 9-12 months PJ's (the ones w/ "feet" attached). Last night, when Will was putting her in them, he called me in there and said, "I think she's about outgrown these. Look-she can't really stretch out her legs well." I said, "Yeah, you're right. But I think for tonight it will be fine."
Uh, no...
Just a few minutes later while he was brushing her teeth, he called out,
"Mommy, her toe just broke through!"
Okay, so she's trying to tell us something. Our little shorty has grown at least a 1/2 inch. :-)

Happy 17 months, Ella!

Ella is 17 months today! WOW!
Here are a variety of pics I've taken over the last month and haven't shared yet. We had a fashion show one night to let her model some summer clothes before I stored them. These outifts are actually hand-me-downs from my childhood (and thus my sisters' childhood as I inherited their clothes). Love the pose she has in the red dress.

















A couple w/her cute pink headband and a few doing her "Englishman" look as Dad Kannon calls it. For some unknown reason, she prefers at times to walk around w/her hands behind her back.
















One day while I was typing on the computer and Ella was playing in the office, I heard a grunt. I turned around to see Ella stuck in this box. I couldn't resist taking a pic before getting her out.














And the suprised look while reading the book? Well, the next to the last page of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" says "He built a small house, called a coccoon, around himself. He stayed inside for more than two weeks. Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and...(turn the page) he was a beautiful butterfly!" I always read that last page w/great wonder, so now when she turns to it, she opens her mouth wide!

















This is what Ella does almost every time we play w/her blocks. She puts one in her mouth and then offers me one to place in mine. We make quite the pair.

Quite a scare

We had a scary time on Tuesday. It was around 11am and I was making a dessert for a Ladies' Bible Study that evening and had just wiped Ella up w/a napkin. She wanted to play w/it, so I let her. She loves wiping things! After a few minutes, I thought, "She's being WAY too quiet" and went to check on her. She was sitting on the couch w/her finger up her nose and MOST of the napkin in her lap. "Oh no!" I rushed her to the changing table and looked up her nose-yep! I could see a white piece of napkin way up her right nostril. I tried unsuccessfully to remove it w/a bobby pin. Every time I thought I was making progress, she would sniff it back up. "No, baby! "Blow, don't sniff.!" Didn't work.

Then I called Amy, my Midwife who sees also sees Ella for well visits. She said she could see her @ 1pm or if she was napping then, to bring her in when she awoke. Well, I let Ella nap until 2pm, then Will came home for a quick visit to check it out. By this time, it was even harder to see (only possible w/a flashlight). So I got to Blessed Births around 2:45. Amy was quite busy but managed to fit us in. She got her back there as soon as she could (about 3:15). She could see it w/her special nose/light thing but it was WAY up there. Ella was having lots of runny discharge coming out, and we were afraid that if it didn't get out, she would get a bad infection.

Amy tried a hook scraper thing, bulb syringe, everything for about 15 min. Oh, and the whole time Ella is going nuts. As if she was possessed-seriously. Blowing bubbles out of her mouth, writhing, screaming, crying. I had to end up "sitting" on her (my legs up around her head pinning her arms down, her legs in my lap) to keep her from thrashing so much-of course that just made it worse-she HATES!!! being restrained. It was awful. I had to focus on not crying b/c to see her like that really hurt. I just kept saying "Shhh...it's okay honey." But of course it WASN'T okay. How could she understand we were trying to help her? I asked Amy what would happen if she couldn't get it out. Would we have to go to the hospital? "Probably, and they'll most likely put her to sleep to get it out." No! No! No! How could I bear that?

Finally, Amy and I were both praying out loud for God's help. Then Amy suggested we give Ella a break and try back when she had her next couple coming in. The husband could help us hold Ella better. Well, Ella was traumatized for awhile-kept crying even after she was "released." But after letting her look at all the babies' pictures on the wall (including her own), she was better. Then she nursed, and all was well again. I called Will to let him know what was going on. The next couple came in and Ella got a chance to get to know Ben (the husband) before it was time to go back and try again. Amy came to get her and Ella actually followed her back to the room. We were so glad she wasn't scared of her. However, as soon as Ella saw the dreaded table, she began to howl again. Thankfullly, this session took less than 5 minutes. I sat on her again while Ben held her head completely still so Amy could work. Using her light and a bobby pin contraption (Amy had opened up a bobby pin so it was really long and fashioned a hook on it), the napkin piece was retrieved. Thank you, Lord!

And Ella was immediately better-not only b/c it was over, but I think her nose felt so much better after being unclogged! Will arrived just after it was over and said he'd been praying all the way from his job (in Clemson). He was glad Ben was there to help-he didn't think he'd be able to stand listening to her cry like that. I didn't realize how much it had drained me until it was over. Ella and I were both tired. She went right to sleep when we got home (around 5:30) and we hated to wake her up later that night to change her into her PJs (she had a short-sleeved shirt on and we were afraid she'd get cold). She was changed, nursed, and went straight back to bed until 9am the next morning.

I did make it to Ladies' Bible Study but only b/c I had the dessert. But, it was a blessing-haven't had a girls' night in forever.

So, the moral is, no napkins until Ella is...at least 10 years old. :-)

Every Day Is Sweet

I haven't written yet about the sweetest thing Ella does. She started doing it a few weeks ago. While I'm busy cooking or cleaning in the kitchen, she'll walk up to me and and give my leg a little hug, sometimes resting her head on it. Can anything make you feel as good? I don't think so. At that moment, everything in the world seems okay.

Truly every day w/her is a blessing. She's learning something new all the time. She always eager to learn new signs. I think she knows 20 now. Today she watched me intently as I did fish lips for fish.

We had a wonderful weekend w/Will's parents. Ella's favorite thing was the stairs at Ma-Ma's. She went up and down, up and down. When Will told his mom, "I bet you're getting tired of helping her do this," she replied, "No, I could do this all day." :-)

On Sunday, we went to Abbie's surprise 30th b-day party-it was lots of fun. And Ella finally got to "play" w/Sam. He is a big boy (and quite handsome), but it wasn't as big of a difference in the two as I thought it'd be. Abbie looked radiant of course-she already has the pregnancy glow. And Liz did a super job w/the party-food and games were terrific.

Fun in the Country!

We went to Aiken for a brief but wonderful visit. Saw Gran Gran, Papa George, and Grandpa for lunch and then headed out to Mema's and Aunt Cherie's. Ella didn't nap the entire ride down (3 hours), and only had an hour nap during the day, so she was wiped out come bedtime. I think that's why she slept all the way through the night (she usually wakes up at least once during the night when she's away from home.) But she was up bright and early Sunday morning (6:30am!) and didn't stop until about 8pm that night. She was too excited about being w/her Mema and Aunt Cherie to sleep-who can blame her? Greatly enjoyed seeing everyone at church Sunday and that afternoon Ella had a ball in Aunt Cherie's garden and then later drawing pictures w/her in the sand. Roaming free in the country, that's the good life.