Dear Ella . . .

I love you so much, sweet baby. Your open mouth kisses, your sweet baby smell, your squishy kissable cheeks, everything about you just makes me melt. You are the most precious gift, Ella baby. :)

My favorite thing right now is the way you "sing" to me when you're nursing. You live to use your singing voice and you sing long beautiful "ahhhh"s everywhere - especially when we're in the car or concentrating on something (Grandmommy says I did that as a baby, too, but I said "ehhhh"). When you're nursing though, you have a special "ahh" that you use. You unlatch, and look at me and sing like you're communicating a deep truth. The look in your eyes tells it all. I love our special mommy/daughter songs.

Dear Ella . . .

Happy 1st Independence Day!

We've been celebrating a little all week. Saturday night we got to watch our neighborhood fireworks show from Mommy and Daddy's bedroom window (you weren't feeling good, so we didn't want to get you out).

Last night you got to see your first orchestra concert and hear Daddy play! We were at the San Angelo Symphony 4th of July pops show outside on the banks of the Concho River. We got to play with Mommy's friend, Emily, and her girls Piper and Keller (their daddy was playing trumpet in the orchestra). The end of the concert was a big fireworks show. You liked the lights but not the loud noises. Some of the bangs scared you and I had to cover your ears (I bet next year you'll enjoy it a whole lot more!). You also got hungry (so did Keller) so Emily and I covered up and nursed you two girls there in the park by the light of the fireworks. I'll never forget it!

Today we're visiting Grandma and Bumpaw for the afternoon. Bumpaw is fixing a special 4th of July dinner and we will have ice cream and watermelon for desert (Well, the rest of us will. You, baby girl, will have milk!). Yummy!

My prayer for you this Independence Day is that you grow up to be proud of your country and our heritage here. Remember that she, like her people, is not perfect but is good at heart. Be a good steward of her people and resources, and live by the old Sumatanga saying, "Let no one say and say to your shame, 'This was a place of beauty 'til you came.'"

Dear Ella . . .

With Mrs. Jeanie after our first class

You had your very first Kindermusik class today with Mrs. Jeanie! We're officially taking classes on Saturdays this fall with one of Mommy's other KM friends, but it was very important that you have your first class with Mrs. Jeanie. She's the best (plus she's the reason Mommy taught KM classes before you were born!).  It just wouldn't do to have your first class with anyone else.

Here's to many many more days of making music together, baby girl. I love you!