4-19

Today we spent the day at Rebekah's house and Ellie got to see her very first portion of American Idol! She was glued to the singers that she saw. I can only imagine what must have gone through her mind as she watched the television - a foreign land in her life! I decided it must be ok to show her that show... perhaps it will help inspire her to sing?

I believe Ellie is beginning the teething process, as she was a lot fussier than usual today, she has been drooling a whole lot, and her fist and thumb have been in her mouth all day long. She also has roused several times from her nap crying out...

I am so glad that I am able to be home and take care of her during this time. This past Monday confirmed that I can stay home with her for the rest of this school year and into the summer. Next year, I have been approved by my district to work part time - which means more time to be with Ellie, and more time to take care of our home and be a good wife to my wonderful husband :) What a great God we serve!

4-18

Today, Ellie played Little Red Riding Hood!

The weather is so beautiful! We took a fun stroller ride around the neighborhood and she got to show off her beautiful summer dress :)

I think she likes her daily photo shoots :)

Jeremiah fell asleep holding Ellie's hand during their usual before-bed-bonding time! If you notice, Ellie is wide awake :)

4-17

4-16

Today, Ellie and I visited my friend Grace's newborn, Katherine. I can't believe how much Ellie looks like a giant compared to Katherine - only 11 1/2 weeks older!

It's Springtime!!! Finally get to dress up Ellie in all of her pretty dresses!

Grace's mom, Nancy, was also over her home, and Ellie certainly loved her!

Her latest thing: Putting her hands and her clothes in her mouth - and drooling! :)

Getting ready for bed!

Ellie is starting to smile and babble more and more...

4-15 - 12 Weeks!

4-14

I got an early birthday present today (yes, I know my birthday is still about 8 weeks away) - I just couldn't wait any longer... Jeremiah got me a new camera - it's basically an upgraded version of the one that was stolen at Stanford. I tested it out tonight and all but the first shot here were taken from it.

Ellie has started "talking" a LOT! Today began the never ending babble stage! We think she's going to be quite a talker... just like her mommy!

4-13

4-12

Today we went to my school together. I hadn't seen the kids for 4 months! We first stopped by the choir room where most of my drama students from last semester were singing. Ellie was awake and alert during the entire class and seemed to enjoy the music. It was so great to see my students (I can't believe how much they have grown in just these few months!). We spent about 3 1/2 hours there in total, and together Ellie and I toured our new stage and gym facility with my principal. It is exciting to think about our future performances on that stage! I couldn't believe how well Ellie handled the whole visit - not a peep! - and she only napped for maybe 25 minutes of the whole visit!

Last night, I had to wake her up after 6 hours of sleep! After she nursed, she fell right back asleep again for several hours - guess our busy day tired her out!

4-10

4-9

We just got a mobile that fits the wide rails on Ellie's crib. When the lights are turned off, a light show plays out on the canopy - she seemed pretty entranced by it tonight - she stared at it for over 20 minutes!

4-8 - Ellie's First Easter

Yesterday, I brought Ellie to BabiesRUs to get some professional photos taken. Ellie slept through the entire session, so she looked like a sleeping fairy all dressed up in her Easter dress!It takes two weeks to receive the order, but the pictures taken of her were sent to an online album. I decided to include one here...

Ellie has developed a new habit of licking things! Above, she was enjoying the taste of her daddy's hand... :)

More and more, she's starting to reach out with her arms and kick out with her legs... crazy how fast time goes. She is also growing a lot. The pajamas that she wore last Monday did not fit her on Friday night!

Aunt Charlene's flight back to Colorado got delayed, so she got to spend some extra cuddle time with Ellie!

My mother bought a pink bathtub for Ellie to have at her home - we started letting the sling down so that Ellie could sit in the water... she seemed to really like it.