Ellie's Walking & Waving!

I forgot to tell you the big news... Ellie has been walking on her own for a few weeks now. She was taking a few steps here and there and hitting the dirt pretty hard but she has got the hang of it now and is "toddling" all over the house. She also is waving a pretty little pageant wave. Her nursery workers were poking fun at her Sunday when she was walking and waving like she was some kind of star posing for the paparazzi and feeling a bit bigger and better than the crawlers she towered over. It was quite funny - I just hope she doesn't adopt this attitude for long :)

Peek-A-Boo

Here is Ellie's favorite game - Peek-A-Boo. She is also a big fan of Hide and Seek where she hides her head but leaves the rest of her body showing. It's too cute!

The Difference a Year Makes

Here is Ellie with her Easter basket. How much she is changed in a year! Last year she couldnt hold her head up and last night she took sixteen steps! We had her one year check up this morning and as Dr Ellison has said before, she is still "growing like a champ." Below are her stats and percentages. When Dr. Ellison charted her Head Circumference, her referred to her as "off the charts," then I think he backed the percentage up to make me feel better!

Height: 31" (95%)
Weight: 24 lbs 4 oz (90%)
HC: 46 cm (97%)

Easter Pictures

Ellie was a little tired of the camera by the time we got around to Easter pictures...

Ellie's Butterfly Birthday Party

Ellie's 1st birthday was a blast. Thanks to all the friends and family who celebrated with us. We are proud of our little one year old. Mac (my oldest brother) made the sweetest video of pictures from Ellie's first year - you really need to see it! Thanks, Mac!

Ellie's 1st Bday Party

Pic 1: Clayton playing hard
Pic 2: Ellie takes a break from all the presents to hug Mama
Pic 3: I cannot wait until that icing hits my lips! Mmmm.

More Birthday Pics

Pic 1: Mama and Ellie
Pic 2: Ellie and Lolly
Pic 3: Ellie loves her swing! Thanks Uncle Brad and Aunt Kim

Birthday Play Group

Ellie had a few friends over for a play date on her birthday. It was really fun to watch the kids play and I think the Moms enjoyed the chaos (and the cupcakes), too!
Pic 1: Birthday girl enjoys a bottle
Pic 2: Strawberry cupcakes are the key to my heart
Pic 3: Ellie loves her Didi

More Birthday Play Group

Pic 1: Rebecca Jolly and Ellie
Pic 2: Ellie, Eliza Kate and Camp. Notice Ellie's face - Camp had just pushed her down - she didnt not like it. She bounced right back up and yelled in his face. MK and I are going to have our hands full!
Pic 3: Helen and Carter Stacy saying "Yea!" for Ellie's bday

The Birthday Day

Let me catch you up on the day. Ellie took four steps... in a row. Sometimes I amazed at the wonder God has placed right in my house. Watching her learn and grow reminds me of how God must watch and cheer me on as I take baby steps. I am have yet to see him scoop me up in his arms and scream Yaaaah! but I think one day I might do something that would warrant such affection :) It sounds silly, but really, can't you see this huge and perfect God cheering on his little Jennifer. "You can do it! I know you can. You've almost got it!"

I am thinking on this Good Friday what a truly Good Friday it was - the day set aside to remember the suffering and sin Jesus took on for us. Hard to grasp, huh? I admit I haven't spent enough time thinking about it.

Everett came home today and asked "Did you think about Jesus a lot today?" Hmm... the truth or the Sunday School answer? The truth came out: "Not enough" I replied, realizing his referral to the excruciating death he died for me and the praise I owe him. I did not think about Jesus enough today. His death, his pain, his obedience. But I did focus on the life he gave me - my salvation, my ability to face hard times because I know and feel his strength, and Ellie, the life he placed in mine and Everett's weak and unstable hands. How much we need you, Lord. As parents, as people.

A Savior died today (many years ago). A baby turned one today (just a few hours ago). What a day to celebrate your birthday - because who can really have life without Jesus, anyway?

Happy Birthday Ellie!

It's Ellie's 1st birthday. She must have known today was special because she woke up an hour early - ready to celebrate! We are so thankful for the time we have had with her so far. It has been a blessing and a challenge to grow alongside her this year. I am a bit sad today because I know so many firsts are behind us, but I know there is so much more ahead. I feel like I blinked and she is one and starting to walk. Enough of the sadness, today is for celebrating! Who can really be sad when there are presents to open and cake to eat :) Happy Birthday, Ellie bear!

This Time Last Year

This time last year, we had just gotten settled in our labor and delivery room at St. Dominics awaiting our bundle of joy. I remember the excitement, happiness and of course - the unpleasant contractions and pain of labor :) It was worth it!