Beach Vacation

This past week, we were FINALLY able to go on a vacation! This was our first beach trip with Ella. We had so much fun! Ella LOVED playing in the sand, but wasn't a big fan of the Gulf water. It was a little cold for her. She had much more fun splashing in the kid pool at the hotel. We have like a million pictures from our trip, but here are just a few. Enjoy!

Mom's Night Out

On Friday, I went to a much needed Mom's Night Out at Firefly Grille. We had an AWESOME time! I have such a wonderful group of friends here!
Unfortunately, Ella wasn't feeling well that night, so Brad didn't have quite as much fun as I did. It turns out that he was getting sick too. So, now they both have really bad colds, and Ella has a horrible ear infection. I sure am glad that I had a chance to "reboot" before I had a sick baby and a sick husband to care for!

Ella's First Apple

Ella has been eating solid food for about a month now, and applesauce is one of her favorite things. I figured since she loves applesauce so much, that it might be fun for her to "gnaw on" an apple slice for a while. It was perfect timing too. I had her in the kitchen in her exersaucer while I was getting dinner started. The apple slice kept her occupied while I was able to get everything in the oven and clean the kitchen!! I'm thinking that this may be a daily thing now. The only problem was that when she dropped it she got very upset and screamed. She rarely does that, so I know that she must have really been enjoying her apple:)

Zoo Playdate

Today Ella and I met our weekly playgroup friends at the zoo. We already had our official playgroup yesterday, but we all decided that since the weather has been so nice, it would be fun to go to the zoo. Ella and I had so much fun! It's always so great to see all of our mommy and baby friends. We are so blessed to be a part of this amazing group!

More 6 Month Pictures :)

Ella's Tunnel

Brad and I are all about getting toys for Ella that can change into new toys as she grows. She has a tummy time mat that turns into a tunnel for crawlers. Ella isn't really crawling yet (she gets around very well by rolling), but we thought it might be fun for her to play in the tunnel. At first, she didn't really understand what she was supposed to do with it. So, I crawled into it to show her. (Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of that). Ella thought it was hilarious and she immediately wanted to try it for herself.

Another Day at the Zoo

Brad thought it would be a fun idea for us to go to the zoo on Saturday. We didn't realize that it was $5 admission day (it is normally $13 per person). Needless to say, the zoo was packed! It was nice to save a few bucks, but it was a little too crowded for us. It was also REALLY hot on Saturday. We kind of breezed by most of the animals this time. Ella and I are planning to go again with some friends on Wednesday. Hopefully, it will be a little cooler and less crowded.

Whitney News

We are absolutely THRILLED for Brad's sister (Jill) today! She was able to hold precious little Whitney for the first time! From what we hear, Whitney is doing well. She is battling a couple of infections, but is clearly a fighter. Please continue to pray for Whitney, Jill, and Ben.

Storytime

Today Ella and I went to the downtown Nashville library for the storytime puppet show. This was our second time to go, but last time we got there a little late and had to sit in the back. Today, I made sure that we got there early, and we were able to sit in the very front! I can't describe how adorable Ella was as she watched the puppets...she was mesmerized. She absolutely LOVED it!!!
I have to admit that it's actually quite impressive. It's kind of like a live children's TV show.
After storytime, Ella and I picked out several books for her. I'm thinking we may start going to the storytime once a week.

DADA!!

Well, it's official...Ella now says "DADA!" She has been saying it for a few days now, but she never actually said it to Brad. This morning when Brad came to tell Ella goodbye as he was leaving for work, she looked at him and said "DADA!" Needless to say, that made his day! Now, I am just waiting for her to say "MAMA."

Ella's First Barrette

Ella's hair has gotten a little out of control lately, so I decided to get some little barrettes for her. Plus, I really wanted to do something "girly" with her :)
Brad claims that he doesn't like barrettes in her hair, but I think that he secretly does. How could he not? Just look at her!

Thank You Brad/Daddy!

I just wanted to let everyone know that Brad designed the look of our blog to match Ella's nursery theme. Ella and I think he did a FANTASTIC job!!!

Q-T BOO-T

So I (daddy) was going to wake up Ellz last night so that Blair could feed her before we went to bed. When I went in her room I saw she was sleeping with her booty totally pointed up in the air. I had to quickly run and get the camera (and Blair) and we couldn't stop laughing about it...baby Ellz is just too funny :)

Ella and Penguin Eddie

Today was "New Toy Day" for Ella. Brad and I took Ella to Target and picked out several new 6months+ toys (with her help of course). One of the cutest toys that we got for her is the wobbly penguin, which Brad has named "Penguin Eddie." We just think Ella looks like a little doll sitting next to her penguin pal Penguin Eddie.

Cute 6 Month Pictures