Cute as Can Bee

Tonight was E's first time decked out in full costume. She loved it! She didn't complain about her hood once-truly amazing! These pictures don't even do the cuteness justice. She crawled around the house and strolled around the neighborhood in her bee get-up for quite awhile.

Checking out her loot.

Couldn't you just eat her up??

Scenes From a Party

We celebrated E's first birthday on Saturday with 30 friends and family members. We enjoyed lots of food and fun together! E had a blast, she loved every minute (except for cake time), and admired each and every gift we opened. It was precious! Here are a few glimpses into our day of fun.

Breakfast, the morning of the big event.

Party Hat practice.

Enjoying a juice box with Nonni and Pixie.

Birthday silliness with the girls.

Admiring her first baby bracelet with mama.

Cracking up with her goldfish and friends.

Birthday Bongos. A real hit!

She LOVED the balloons.

Yay for cake!

Cake

Much to Mama's surprise, E did not especially enjoy the whole cake experience. She normally loves sweets, but not this day. There were even a few tears involved. Oh well, maybe next year...

What's this?

Not too sure...

Mama trying her hardest to get E to like it...

All done.

Happy Birthday Baby!

To our dearest Ella Ruth,
It's so amazing to think that just one year ago you entered our lives. It feels as if we've known you forever. You have certainly changed our lives in countless ways. You have taught us what it truly means to love someone selflessly. You have taught us patience and kindness. You have brought us much joy and laughter, and occasionally even a few tears. We truly couldn't imagine life without you in it. We thank God for you daily. What a precious gift He has bestowed upon us. Happy First Birthday! We love you!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

364

364 days ago I was just 2 hours from meeting our precious gift...

3 Months/12 Months

Different Light

I couldn't get the flash working on J's camera today, but I kept snapping away despite that. I thought these photos were interesting. And E's cuteness still managed to shine through.

Pumpkin Patch

Today we took a family trip to our local pumpkin patch. I had high hopes of countless adorable photos with Ella and pumpkins. While some turned out okay, there were many that did not, primarily because she's such a squirmy worm right now. That and most of the time refuses to look at the camera...there's too much to look at everywhere else! Here's a little glimpse into our visit. Despite the lack of "perfect" photos we had a great time! Maybe next year we'll get those kodak moments...

Silliness

Sweet Girl

Happy Saturday!

Containment

We are finding it nearly impossible to keep our little explorer contained these days. Just recently she figured out how to squeeze between the railings. Let's hope we don't need to bring out the saw any time soon!

Fleeing the scene.

Broccoli!

I'll admit, I've been a real wimp about giving E table food. I've just been terrified that she might choke to death and I wouldn't be able to save her! Oh the fears of a new mama. Well I decided that since she's mastered crackers and cherrios (and she's almost 1) it was time to venture into more exotic foods. I'm here to tell you that she loves it all! Pears, peaches, plums, bananas, peas, spaghetti squash complete with meat sauce, and yes even broccoli!

A Birthday Party

E attended her very first little birthday party today, it was adorable! Her friend Lizzy is 2 weeks older and just turned one! They played in the baby pool, ate lots of goldfish, wore adorable party hats and helped Lizzy open her gifts. By the time the party was winding down all the babies were worn out!

E's pals- Alexander, Lizzy and Abby.

First time in a baby pool. She loved it!

Ready to party!

Ready for bed.

New Cup

E used her new sippy cup with straw yesterday for the first time. She insisted on holding it herself, as well as drinking every last drop. She really meant business with that thing!

Early Morning Sweetness

First thing in the morning is one of my favorite times of day with sweet Ella. She wakes up so fresh and happy. Ready to take on the day! Every morning when I come to get her she squeals with glee. It melts my heart. After her bottle it's on to breakfast. Here are a few shots from the other day. P.S. Isn't she looking SO old?!