Down Time

It’s been so crazy around here that we haven’t really had much down time. I will say, though, that when we do…it’s soooo good.

Here’s Ella playing on one of our 20+ drums in the house. Her daddy's teaching her well.

Carmella had her six-month doctor’s appointment yesterday and our doctor said that we can start giving her up to two ounces of water a day. This is Ella attempting to use the sippy cup.

At that appointment we got to see how she is doing growth wise. Well, it should be no shocker to you…but she is off the charts in length (over 95%). She weighs 17 pounds 2 ¾ ounces and is in the 75% range for weight. So a tall skinny girl…who would have thought?

It ended up being 83 degrees today so we took advantage of Arbor day and headed to the Morton Arboretum (free on Arbor day). The grounds are beautiful and the flowers scattered about add the perfect pop of color. I got a few shots of Ella playing in the rocks and flowers. She was more interested in a little twig than the pretty flowers in the first photo.

This was the very first day that Ella has ever worn shorts. Her little legs are so cute.

6 Months...Oh my!

Ella is 6 months old today! I thought I would post a few pictures of our little one for you to enjoy. I have too much going on this week to write about all that is happening. But many of you have been "pestering" me (lovingly asking) to get more photos up so here you are...hopefully this will calm down the masses until I have more time to give a proper update. Love you all.


[Carmella absolutely loves swinging.]


[Trying out her new playpen.]


[First taste of veggies. We started with sweet potatoes. She wasn't so sure at first, but one week later she seems to have the hang of it.]


[Mark and I got to escape for a night and go to a ball. We had a lovely time.]

Easter, Easter Almost Here!

We had the great privilege of having my mom come out to visit for a few days this week. Sadly, we had to say goodbye this morning. It was wonderful to have an extra pair of hands/arms to help around the house and give me a much needed break.

Grandma S. got plenty of Carmella holding, cuddling, hugging and rocking time. She also helped me get a little spring cleaning and yard work done. All things I really couldn’t have managed to do so quickly or even at all if she didn’t help. Also, Mark and I went to the Good Friday service at church sans infant--what a difference. So again, I say it loud—THANK YOU MOM! We miss you already.

Here are a few snapshots from the week…




Our last day with Grandma. Right after Grandma left, Ella got to meet the Easter Bunny. She came home and played with her new Easter bucket--minus the candy and small toys. You can see how she is sitting up on her own in one of these photos.