We had a wonderful Christmas! We headed up to KC to stay with Jason's sister Thursday night and then off early Friday morning to Omaha. It was really nice to break up the trip and spend a little time with the nephews. Friday we got up to Omaha finished up some shopping then took it easy that night. Ellie opened up a couple of gifts so she could get some more practice in for Christmas morning really I think it was Grandma that couldn't wait to give her some gifts. Saturday night was Christmas Eve at my Dad's side. Santa arrived and Ellie wanted no part of it. She cried so hard she even held her breath for a few seconds. Christmas morning we woke up and opened up tons of gifts. Ellie did so well opening up all her gifts. It didn't take her as long as anticipated but she's into sharing so every piece of paper ripped off she had to give to someone. Christmas afternoon we headed to my mom's side for lunch and more gifts. My sister flew in Christmas day so I only got to see her and her little guy for just a few hours. We exchanged gifts quick because we needed to get back for Christmas in Wichita. This December has been so busy that I really can't believe Christmas is over and we are about to start a new year. Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

My practice gift that I opened from Grandma.

Helping mommy put tags on the gifts

Not a fan of Uncle Gary, I mean Santa

Love my new Cabbage Patch

Crawling on cousin Alex's gift

Ellie with cousin Connor and Owen

First time with Santa

Every year Jason's work puts on a kids Christmas party. We've always heard about how many kids were there and how much fun it was. Many coworkers of his over the years have said to come even with out kids but how could we. The holiday's were hard enough let alone going to a kids party and seeing year after year what we were missing out on. Well this year we were finally able to go and take Ellie. I felt like it was Christmas for me this morning, I was so excited. We were so excited to go that we left a little early and we're the first to arrive and see Santa. Ellie got right up on Santa's lap. Her eyes got a little red like she wanted to cry but she looked right at him and took her toy. How fun it will be to have this part of our holiday tradition.

It's been a busy week. School is coming to an end getting ready for finals and graduation on December 8. I think I'm going to try and fit in boards before Christmas so I can sit back and enjoy the holiday's. I can't wait to put the books away and spend all my time with Miss Ellie........and Jason. It's been a long 3 years of studying and missing out on things.

We found out we are having another GIRL!! We thought for sure it was a boy so we were a little surprised but not dissapointed. It's so exciting that Ellie will have a little playmate and friend. I love that I have a sister and I think many would agree that there is no better friend than a sister.

We noticed on Wednesday that Ellie has a sharp little bitty white spot on her gums. A tooth...Finally! It explains why she's been a bit fussy the last couple weeks. She has started eating more table foods. We tried some pancakes and toast this week and she loved it. She's not a fan of whole peas, she gags a bit but gotta have her veggies. The hardest part about feeding her more things is she still has her cow's milk allergy so she can't have any casseroles with cheese, or cream soups. We've tried to re-introduce milk products to her but she immediately broke out and became congested. The Dr. said to just wait until she is one year old and try again.

Last night we took her to her first indoor soccer game. The Wings haven't had a team since 2001 and recently started back up here in Wichita. There were two little boys sitting behind us that kept her entertained. Ellie sat so good, never fussed and stayed awake until 11 o'clock last night. We all had a great time.

Today we are heading down to Jason's grandparents house for their Thanksgiving. I think there might be about 40-50 people all in their little farm house. You would think we were staying the night with all the stuff we had to pack for Ellie. Toys, food, big blanket for her to play on. I had to bring the bumbo so she had a place to sit and eat.

9 months

Today Ellie turned 9 months old. We had a busy day of pictures and her doctor's appointment. She weighed 18.2lbs (50%) and 28" long (75%). The day started out a little rough with her waking up 3 times last night and crying for several hours. She would only sleep for an hour or so then up crying again. I couldn't figure out if she had a tummy ache or if it was her teeth. She still hasn't broke her first tooth so I know that's coming soon. Well this morning answered my question. The poor girl was a bit constipated. Being up all night made for a cranky girl most of the day. I'm used to having a sweet little angel that rarely cries or gets upset. So far she has been in bed for an hour so fingers crossed tonight goes better than last night.

I also want to share some news. We are expecting #2 in April. I've been waiting to share this because I have a few friends that are still trying and didn't want to upset them. Although I know they are happy for us, I've been in there shoes and it still hurts. After 6 IVF/FET's this time came the all natural way. I was lucky to find out so early so I could get on Lovenox before miscarrying. So far everything is going well and we will find out on Wed what we are having.

Happy Halloween

Ellie's first Halloween is coming to an end. It started out on Saturday night carving pumpkins with Nana and Papa. She wasn't real sure what to think about the big pumpkins but soon realized she was a bit scared of them. We cut the lids off and let her play with those and it seemed to help a bit. Still she didn't want much to do with them but she sat long enough so I could get a couple pictures.

Today she wore a "My first Halloween" bib that grandma got her, to the babysitters. She hasn't been feeling well and she spit up most of her morning bottle all over her first Halloween outfit. She put on a second outfit and this afternoon the same thing, she spit up all over that one. By 3:30 when I picked her up she was in just a diaper. Luckily it was about 75 today so she was happy to go home with no clothes on. I got most of her trick or treating costume on before Jason got home but he helped with the main part of her lady bug. She looked so cute.

We only went to Nana and Papa's house and then headed home to hand out candy. We had plans to hit a couple houses but with her not feeling well I didn't want her out much.

Oh and one thing that she started over the weekend is motioning to come here. I'm guessing that she is trying to say hi or goodbye but has it backwards. Too cute

Sick baby

Poor Miss Ellie has got some yuck that has been going around the community. She started out a couple days ago with a low grade fever and this horrendous cough or should I say bark. She seems fine playing and smiling still but when she gets real active she gets short of breath and kinda wheezy. I took her into the doctor yesterday and he gave me some oral Albuterol to help with these episodes. She seems to be better today. I'm enjoying her taking extra long naps and sleeping thru the night. I hope the night routine stays the same I think both Jason and I could get used to that. Well sounds like she is up from her 3 hr morning nap so better run.

I know... I know it's been forever and I believe I said that on my last post 2 months ago. I have been just so busy with school and now Ellie is crawling and pulling up on everything which is needing a lot of my attention so we don't end up with too many bruises.

I look at her and can hardly believe she is 8 months old already. She is babbling all the time but no actual first word yet. Although Grandma and Grandpa thought she said da da but Jason won't believe it until she says it at him. She's getting faster at crawling but I think she would really like to just forget about that and go right to walking. She's getting brave pulling herself up on things and starting to let go. We've had a couple spills but nothing that a little smooch from mom wont fix.

We headed up to Omaha last weekend for my birthday and to watch some Husker football. To bad they lost but it was still fun hanging out with family. My sister was able to come in town with her little guy Alex. He is 2 months old and such a little cutie. My cousin brought her baby who is only 5 weeks older than Ellie. They played so well together, standing up and banging there hands on chairs to make noise. They were both up until midnight and with little to no napping that evening. Let's just say Ellie was a little cranky on the way home.

Ellie and 2nd cousin Madelyn

Ellie and Alex

Although I went to Aldi's today and bought 3 pumpkins for $2.49 each. This weekend I think we may take Ellie to a pumpkin patch to pick out her first pumpkin. There is a pumpkin patch not far from our house and I think I need some pics of her in a field of pumpkins.