ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 7: Grandma & Grandpa Joe Visit

We bought Ella a small "doctors cart" (has a bunch of play doctor equipment that she is too little to understand yet) at a yard sale nearby and gave it to her for her birthday. Once she discovered she could walk with the cart . . . she was off to the races in all directions. Luckily Grandma and Grandpa Joe were visiting and were able to enjoy the memories with us.

Presents with Grandma and Grandpa Joe

After she gave all of her new animals sufficient hugs she began to "try on" all of her clothes. She would wrap them around her neck and then look up at me and grin. We would then proclaim how pretty she was in her new clothes. :-)

Further video of little Ella off to the races (of course b/c this is a couple months behind she is walking MUCH faster now, but you get the idea).

Summit found good use of Ella's new found skill as well and opted for a ride or two. I can't believe how much of a little girl she is in the picture. As always, some quality time with Grandma at the piano.

While Grandma and Grandpa Joe were visitng we all took Ella to her very first AIR SHOW. I grew up going to air shows with my dad and David (the pilot) has always loved them, so we trucked on down to Winston-Salem foto see if Ella felt the same way.

Turns out she loves to watch airplanes too - along with snow cones . . . imagine that.

Jet engine school bus - a big hit with Daddy.

Worn out on the ride home.

We enjoyed a home made carrot cake for our celebration with Grandma and Grandpa Joe. Ella approved :-) ( I can't get the birthday song clip to upload -- check back I'll keep trying)

Would you like some cake? Ella is VERY into sharing food right now!

Summit enjoys eating the left over crumbs then having a nap on the high chair.

ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 6: rememberance

One year ago (actually one year and a couple months because I'm just catching up). I REMEMBER . . .

- going to the doctor for a stress test and hearing, "I think we're having a baby today" (1 month early)

- my feet were 4x their normal size = flipflops every day at work

- David having to drive an hour back home to get carseat, pack a hospital bag, camera, many other necessities that WERE NOT PREPARED

- going from no contractions and induction started at 3pm to tiny baby born at 1am

- nurses,"ok, stop pushing we have to get the doctor": me,"I'm sorry I can't help it" -- and Ella flies out on the table

- from 3 people in the room to 20 in like 2 minutes

- Ella just missing the skip the NICU cut by 4 oz

- the sweetest baby cry I've ever heard

- physically feeling part of my heart leave my chest and watching it land on this tiny wrinkled little body across the room

- Daddy's first words to me,"She likes her head rubbed just like her mommy."

- big blue eyes looking up at me for the first time

- Knowing my life is changed FOREVER!!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my sweet Dad! We couldn't ask for a better father, friend, or papa! Love you Daddy!!

ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 5: presents!!

These were taken after the cake. Wrapping was ripped. Ribbons were admired.

SUGAR was in the air!!

She loved her new red boots so much she INSISTED on wearing them as she opened everything else.

Hello to Grandma while trying on the new hat made by Aunt Karen.


Playing tag with Daddy - a FAVORITE game these days.

Pulling Summit's tail is more exciting than smiling for the camera.

CHEEEESE!




The Haul

Who can end without some . . . Sweet Baby Laughter

ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 4: the CAKE

ELLA + CAKE = LOVE

Eating . . . .

A little milk

And the cake is ALL GONE . . . . every last bite!

ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 3: the wildlife park

We gave Ella another of her birthday presents for on the way to the animal park. These two stuffed animals were from Great-Grandma McCluggage and as you can see Ella was attached immediately.


The Wildlife park in Wytheville was really fun here area some pictures of the animals roaming around the property, the bus ride and feeding a few of the animals from the bus, and the mechanical horse at the entrance. Ellas was having a ball.

This monkey was so funny - obviously used to catching his snacks from all the visitors.

Our guide passed around a small bit of buffalo hide as an example and Ella thought it was so soft and snuggly.

ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 2: morning gifts

Lots of gifts!

What a sweetie!

Fun with wrapping paper.

Playing with Nana's home made educational toys.

Birthday Bath after presents were opened.

ONE YEAR OLD -- episode 1: wake-up & breakfast

We woke up early on Ella's birthday to surprise her by singing Happy Birthday first thing. She was already awake and loves saying Hi when we come in the room in the morning. Then we all enjoyed home made Daddy pancakes.