I went back to school this week for the first time post baby. (I did take an online class this winter, but I got to stay home and do it in my pj's so this is a little different.) I'm taking two night classes this semester. It feels weird being out in society... by myself... without a stroller. It's a little liberating, but I miss my baby! Even though I'm only gone a couple of hours, I find myself worrying and wondering what her and Brandon are doing. She is such a happy baby though, so I'm sure she is fine without me. AND it is nice to have a little break now and then. Only a few more classes to go! Wish me luck!

Social Networking Venn Diagram

Social Media
unlocking the awesome potential of behavioral disorders
This made me laugh because there is definitely some truth to it!
T-shirt can be purchased here.

Some videos

Here are some videos of Ella being cute and some of her recent accomplishments.

Ella has some pajamas with cat faces on the feet. I walked in to check on her the other morning and she was awake just staring at her feet so I got it on video.

Playing with her toys.

Rolling over.

She can sit up now, still a little wobbly though.

She's getting ready to crawl.

It won't be long till she's on the move. Go Ella Go!

Ella update

Our little Ella is now four months old. She had her check up today and here are her stats:
Weight - 16 lbs 11 oz
Length - 23.25 in

She loves to look at her reflection in the mirror, make weird noises (we call it singing), and tries to put everything in her mouth. She is still working on the hand-eye coordination though, so the object doesn't always get to her mouth as fast as she would like. She is starting to get more mobile, moving in circles when placed on her tummy, and rocking to the left and right when lying on her back. She has rolled over several times, but doesn't do it all the time. She is such a happy baby, always smiling and laughing. Her facial features are really starting to come out as she gets older. She is such a beautiful girl and she is growing so fast!
Happy four month birthday Ella!

The Reason for the Season

The Spirit of Christmas


Beautiful slideshow about Jesus Christ


The Nativity (set to "Breath of Heaven" (Mary's song))

Happy Birthday Brandon

Today is Brandon's birthday so I wanted to take a minute to publicly announce what a wonderful man he is. (And totally embarrass him. **WARNING: Major sappiness ahead.**) Brandon is the greatest husband, father and friend and I am so blessed to have him as my eternal companion. He always makes me laugh, he is so considerate of others, he always helps out, he has such a good heart and he does the dishes. He is such a great and caring father and Ella adores him.

Happy Birthday Brandon, I love you!!!!

Okay, moving on... Of course we celebrated! Here's what we did.

We had dinner at my mom's house on Sunday and cake at my Dad's.

We decorated my Dad's Christmas tree and had some family-filled good times.

Me, Riley & Ashley

James, Eva, Brandon & Ella

Riley and Laura

The fam

Yes I made the cake, and no it's not for an eight year old girl. He wanted strawberry cake and I guess I got a little crazy with the pink decorations. It was good though.

Today we went to Disneyland with Brandon's mom, Deborah, and his sister, Lindsay.

We had an awesome breakfast buffet and Ella got to meet Minnie Mouse.

Captain Hook hung out with us and tried to steal our jewelry... sneaky sneaky

It was Ella's first time at Disneyland and she had a blast. Well, she slept a lot and got a little fussy when we tried to take her on Pirates of the Caribbean, but the rest of the time, she was having fun.

It was a little chilly, but luckily there was no rain.

Grams bought Ella a hat and gloves. They were a little big, so it looked like she had lobster claws. So cute.

We were pretty tired at the end of the day, but we had so much fun. And as you can see, the birthday boy had a great time.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a lot of fun with family this Thanksgiving weekend. We celebrated Thanksgiving at the Stewart's house and had lots of delicious food. Brandon's cousin Owen and his wife Maki came over too with their darling son Zen.

Ella was excited to meet her second cousin. As you can see she really liked him.

(If you're wondering what happened to Ella's hair, Brandon was trying to hold the baby and eat mashed potatoes & gravy at the same time. Result = gravy head)

Grams and Auntie got to have some Ella time too.

Ella's onesie says "My Auntie Loves Me"

On Saturday evening we drove to Rancho Santa Fe for my cousin's wedding reception. The clouds got darker and darker as we drove and it was pouring by the time we got there.

It was a fun trip though, and a beautiful reception for a beautiful couple.

Ella also got some play time with her cousin Eva.

Cousin Love!

Eva wants to snuggle.

It was nice to have Brandon home for a couple extra days. Now the count down is on for Christmas!