Fun at MY GYM!

Ella loves yoga balls to roll on...

Ella in a tunnel...

Ella on the air plane swing...

Ella is about to climb through...

Tumbling, rolling, running, climbing, swinging and jumping are just a few things Ella enjoys doing at My Gym, a chain-gym designed for kids. Ella and Daddy take a class on Saturday mornings together along with other mommies and children. Yup, Daddy and the "mommies"--and Daddy loves every moment of it!

First snowfall of 2009

It started out OK...

First the mittens came flying off...
Then the arching of the back & lots of cries...

"But it's in your blood, you MUST love snow!" is what I kept saying to my crying, whining, could-not-get-into-the-house-soon-enough 14 month old who, obviously, hated the snow. It's a good thing that it only snows a few times a winter where we live!

Hats

Like mother, like daughter I guess is what we should write here. Ella loves to try on hats--her hats, daddy's hats, mommy's hats, all hats! When I was little I was the same way--I just about wore anything that fit on my head--like a knitted toilet paper cover! Ella knows good style--and I can't imagine where she learned that trait from...! Let's hope her 4th grade class picture isn't sporting a black hat with roses on the side!

The Newest Clique Member!

Emerson Lila weighing in at 8.5lbs and 21.5 inches long!

Me, Holly, Emerson & Mel (both Holly & I are 6+ months pregnant--and with boys!!)

The gorgeous new Mommy, Christina & her precious baby girl!

Christina and Jeff welcomed Emerson Lila into the world on Wednesday, January 7th in Frederick, MD! She is beautiful baby girl! Some of her Hood aunties were able to meet her on Friday night and spend some quality time "oohing" over her little features and movements! Congratulations to the happy Owens family!

Bitty Baby

Taking care of Bitty Baby

Putting Bitty Baby down for a nap!

Changing Bitty Baby's diaper!

Burping Bitty Baby after her bottle!

Bathing Bitty baby, head first of course!

Ella is a natural with her Bitty Baby! I captured these moments yesterday with Ella taking care of her baby. I am so lucky to be able to stay home with her and witness all these "little moments"--it makes you smile and cry at the same time. I could watch her play all day long--wait, I do!

My New Favorite "Towel"

Putting on the bib--and laughing as Mommy says "Oh Ella, really?"

A football pose!

Sporting the bib on her back--apparently it's the new look!

Much to my dismay, Ella has a new found item that she can't live out--a "terrible towel" bib! I guess I should come to terms with the fact that Ella is her Daddy's little girl and a Steeler's fan (at 13 months nonetheless...!).

Hugs

The Bonzella family came for lunch on Sunday to celebrate a post Christmas exchange with the kids. Ella was in awe over Madalyn and gave her one of the best koala hugs ever! The kids played with the train table, play kitchen and blocks. It was great to spend an afternoon together!