Dear Ella . . .

We traveled back to Alabama for your first Thanksgiving this week and had so much fun seeing Grandmommy, Granddaddy, Aunt Anna, and Uncle Jonathan (Aunt Olivia had to work so we missed seeing her).

You ended up getting your first ear infection while we were there (brought on by the nasty cold you had all last week) so you were extra clingy to Mommy most of the time. We also discovered that, like your Mommy, you are allergic to penicillin. You broke out in a rash all over your tummy and legs. We won't do that again.

You are becoming more and more aware of your surroundings every day now. You're constantly looking around and reaching for things - you love Mommy's glasses and Daddy's hair. You are also talking all the time! I think we left for Alabama with a baby and came back with a chattering magpie! I just love hearing your little babbles! :)

Dear Ella . . .

Tooth number 3 has officially poked through! It's your top left tooth (between your front tooth and your incisor). I felt it for the first time last night (though I'm sure you've been feeling it quite a bit longer). 6 months, 9 days

Dear Ella . . .

We had a bit of an adventure this weekend. We got up early Thursday morning and drove to Grandmommy and Granddaddy's house in Alabama to visit and let Mommy go to her 10 year high school reunion. We had so much fun!!

You watched Mommy ride in the homecoming parade and went to the football game on Friday night. You looked so cute in your little Fayette Tiger outfit! On Saturday we went to Hanceville to visit Big Grandma and PopPop then that night Grandmommy, Grandaddy, and Aunt Anna got to babysit you and put you to bed while Mommy and Daddy went to the reunion dinner. They all love you so much!! I wish they could see you more often. Today (Sunday) we're on the road again heading back to Texas. The good news is that we'll be back in just a few weeks to celebrate your first Thanksgiving! I can't wait!!

Dear Ella . . .

Tooth number TWO has officially popped through! You now have two bottom teeth and they are so cute!! They are not out far enough to see with the camera yet but I'm sure we'll get a picture very soon. :)

Dear Ella . . .

You have your first tooth!! It officially sprouted overnight (I KNEW you were teething)! It's your bottom left central incisor, in case you were wondering.

How is it possible that you're big enough to have your first tooth?!? I know I say this all the time, but you are really growing up so fast!! My heart can hardly keep up with all of these changes and the surge of joy and love that comes with every new day.

I love you so much sweet baby bug!!
Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

We've had a busy few weeks around here! Two weeks ago you tried rice cereal for the first time. Daddy and I both got to feed you. You weren't sure about it at first but I think you liked it. You ended up wearing about half of it!

Your little tummy didn't like it too much though and you ended up spitting up all weekend. Daddy and I decided we would wait a week and try again.

Viral rash  :(

Unfortunately, you came down with a tummy bug and ran a fever for the first time at the end of last week - so we had to wait on trying cereal again. You even broke out in a fever rash. It just broke my heart. Your sweet little personality still shined through though. Look at this beautiful smile.

Sweet happy baby, even with a fever.

You felt better on Monday and by that night your rash was totally gone. We had some sweet snuggle time Monday night - I think your little body was tired from being sick. We rocked and talked and sang in our rocking chair most of the evening. You even found my face and lovingly patted me over and over. I think we both needed some good mommy-baby time.  What a sweet memory.  :)

This is Daddy's busy season.  He was gone last weekend to play with the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale (where we used to live).  This weekend he's in Abilene and next weekend in San Angelo (and the weekend after that we get to go home to Alabama to see Grandmommy and Granddaddy!).  We both miss him a lot - I'm so thankful that you have him for a daddy (and that I have him for a husband).

This morning it's just you, me, and the Gizzy-bear around here.  You woke up happy and talked to yourself and squawk for a little while until you decided you were hungry.  Then you nursed and we tried cereal again.  You are really getting the hang of eating from a spoon!  I'm so proud of you!

Dear Ella . . .

Twenty weeks old. At twenty weeks pregnant with you I felt like I had been pregnant forever. The thought of twenty more weeks before we could meet you was unfathomable and seemed like a lifetime away. But, the past twenty weeks since you were born have blazed by!

My life for the last year has been chomped up into 20 week segments. These last 20 have been by far the quickest and best!

I love you so much!
Mommy