Dear Ella . . .

You have the best Daddy.  Did you know that?  You just light up every time you see him and I know he loves making you smile.  It makes my heart so happy to see you two together.  :)

I love you, little bug! 
Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

Well, baby girl, we survived our first week apart with Mommy back at work (and at a new school). Grandma and Bumpaw came over and watched you all week and had so much fun with you. It was definitely harder on me than it was on you I think. I cried almost everyday when I had to leave you - I don't like being away from my sweet baby. But, by God's grace we survived, made it to the weekend, and got some extra snuggle time together.

Today we start it all again, but you get to go to daycare for the first time! Don and Hilda Oldham (Oma and Papa to you) get to play with you this week. They are so excited! You will stay with them Mon through Wed and then Bumpaw and Grandma will come to our house to play with you on Thurs and Fri. This will probably be our schedule from here on out - though this week the times are a little different.  Starting next week, when school actually starts, we'll really be able to get on a good set schedule.

Here's to a great week for us both, sweetheart.  Don't forget that I love you so much!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

I love that no matter what mood you're in or how upset you are (which is rarely ever very upset - you're such a happy and content baby), as soon as you start nursing all is right in your little world. The sweetest little peaceful look just washes over your face. You know you're safe, being fed, and loved. There are no words to describe how much it fills my heart to be able to give you this! My cup runneth over.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

You're such a cute little love-bug! Everywhere we go people can't help but stop and tell be what a beautiful baby you are. More often than not, you'll give them a big toothless grin and totally win them over!

You had a couple more firsts this past weekend (it was a BIG weekend for you!). We took you to your first birthday party. We celebrated Piper Grace Baker's 3rd birthday at Ms. Emily's aunt's house in Dallas. You squawked and giggled at Keller and at Ilana (Ms. Emily's niece). We gave Piper a gift bag full of some of her favorite things - princess puzzles, coloring books, and crayons.

At the party you got to go swimming for the very first time! You weren't quite sure about it at first, but then we put you in Keller's fun little float and you were as happy as a clam! You kicked and smiled and relaxed. I think you loved it. Daddy and I decided we need to take you to our neighborhood pool a few times before they close for the summer.

Here you are in your cute little swimsuit (that's a 6-month size!).

Dear Ella . . .

You just rolled over!! You did it!! I knew it wouldn't be much longer and I've been so hoping you would do it before I go back to works full-time (I start on Monday! You were cutting it close, chica!)

So today, Saturday, August 11, 2011 at 2:35 pm you rolled from your tummy to your back on your right side! We were FaceTiming with Grandmommy and I had just sat you down in your tummy to show her how cute you are when you're turtling. I reached over to grab my phone do she could see and there you went! She just missed seeing it herself. You rolled right off your little mat onto the floor! I'm so proud of you, my little roly-poly baby bug!

Love, Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

I just love nursing you. You make the cutest little happy panting sounds right before you latch on. It's precious.

I love that I'm able to give you what you need. I love that you just snuggle right in and that you sometimes fall asleep because you're so comfy. I love how groggy you get when you finish eating and how sweet and snuggly you are when I put you on my shoulder to burp.

Nursing you is such a sweet and special time that's just between the two of us. I'm oh so thankful for these times. :)

I love you, my sweet baby!
Love always,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

Today you giggled! I mean a lengthy, full belly giggle! It's the most precious sound I've ever heard! I love you!