Fun with Grandpa and Grandma...

Merry Christmas!!!!

We just finished our big meal and are enjoying some peace and quiet after Ella's 7-hour marathon of alertness. Boy, was she excited to wake up this morning... at 7 am, laughing and ready to start the day. Ella enjoyed her presents, but seemed to like the wrapping paper even more. She's just so excited that we have company and doesn't want to miss a minute of it.

Yesterday, we took a walk around the neighborhood and to the farmer's market. It was such a beautiful day! Now, it's raining and a bit gloomy... but we don't have anywhere to go.

For dinner, I made: beef roast, mushroom gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, cornbread and gorgonzola dressing, and rolls... my first Christmas meal! Once we wake up from our food coma, we will be having pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.

I hope that this finds everyone well and spending time with friends and family. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Much love,
Amber

Happy Holidays!

We're spending Christmas at home this year. Brady's parents fly in tomorrow afternoon. Let the festivities begin!

Fun with Photo Booth

Made in Iceland

A year ago, Brady and I were traveling in Iceland. It was our last hurrah before trying to have a baby. It was cold and dark and lovely... unlike anywhere I have ever been. The sun was only out for a few hours each day, so we spent a lot of time sleeping. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure that's where Ella came from. Our little Icelandic souvenir :-)

If you've never been there (and I don't know anyone else who has), I suggest going. It's a beautiful place and if you live on the East coast, it's just a short 5 hour jaunt across the pond. And, who knows what you'll bring back...

Finding humor in the mess

Yesterday was Brady's big office party. The whole building was shut down for business and families swarmed to the food and festivities. The party was a potluck, with each section assigned to bring different dishes. Somehow, we were in charge of meat... So, Monday night, I had the (dis)pleasure of making 10 pounds of chicken wings. And I can tell you, it takes A LOT of dead chickens to make 10 pounds of wings. Am I ever glad that I am still vegetarian... and if I wasn't, I'm sure I would have been after marinating and baking such an abundance of disembodied arms... I'm just glad I wasn't in charge of cooking the whole pig (yes folks, there was an entire pig at the feast).

I got Ella all dressed up in the cutest little dress (a hand-me-down from Lola and Live - THANKS!). She was doing well with all the people, despite being tired... Ella's quite the socialite, just like her dad. But she got hungry, so I stepped away from the action and fed her. After that, she was all smiles. But once I decided to go back in and mingle, Ella thought she would make a mess of her little frock... A BIG MESS. She just let 'er rip - worse than I have ever seen... and I have cleaned up my share of blowouts. Boy, does this girl have timing.

I took her back to Brady's cubical and started to change her. At first, I thought I had it under control. Then, Ella decided she had some more in there... once I got her diaper off. All I could do was laugh, and laugh some more. I just couldn't believe that this cute little creature could be so disgusting. She was quite pleased with herself, too. Luckily, I had an extra change of clothes. After a half a bag of wipes and a clean diaper, Ella was as good as new and ready to charm anyone in sight.

That's my girl. :-)

Amazing

Ella never ceases to amaze me. I could just watch her all day and be entertained. She "talks" all the time, though I'm not sure what she's saying. But she's certainly expressive - it's easy to tell what kind of mood she's in. Ella can now hold her pacifier and take it out of her mouth... but has a tough time getting it back in the right way. It doesn't seem to bother her much - she likes gnawing on her fist. Ella still wakes up every morning laughing, which reminds me how lucky I am to have her.

I put up some Christmas lights last week and Ella is fascinated with the red ones. And she still enjoys watching basketball with Brady. I just hope she likes playing it :-)

We'll be spending the holidays here. Brady's parents are flying in on the 23rd to help us celebrate Ella's first Christmas. I just bought tickets to come to Montana in January. Ella and I will be there from the 3rd through the 15th and Brady will be joining us on the 11th. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! It's definitely time for Ella to meet her relatives!

I hope this finds everyone well. Happy Monday! :-)

3 months old!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, Ella's officially 3 months old. We celebrated last night by going out to dinner with our friend Megan, who happened to be in town from Rhode Island. I hadn't seen her since February of last year, when we went to Italy together. We had some yummy Thai food... Ella only got milk :-( What a fun... and COLD night!

Oh, and today is Larissa's 27th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LARISSA!!!!!!!!!!

Our Little Bundle of Joy

I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post. We have been busy. I have taken on two freelance projects, along with a few from Free Range, so I have been working more than usual. Last Wednesday, we all went to the Georgetown vs. Oregon basketball game (we have season tickets). Ella loved it. She was so good! Then on Saturday afternoon, Brady and I played football (while Ella slept on the sidelines). It feels great to finally get some exercise in now and then! Later that night, we all dressed up for Carla's surprise birthday party. Lotsa fun! I think we'll be taking it easy this week...