Quick Visit from Uncle Yar

Some of you that know my family know that my brother and I call each other "Yar". This has been a name that we have used since we were really young. Well, I have taught Ellie that my brother is Uncle Yar. Jonathan has a fabulous job that sometimes warrants a visit through Knoxville, whether he is driving through or flying some big whig here. He was able to drive through Knoxville a few weeks ago and came by the house to have some dinner and see Ellie. She really likes Uncle Yar and wanted him to hold her the entire time he was here. I love that she is getting to know both sides of our family and really likes our siblings. Thanks for coming by, Uncle Yar!

11 Months Old!

Ellie turning 11 months old has really hit me hard - only one more month until she is not an infant anymore...and I have a party to plan! This past month has been filled with some highs and some lows, but Ellie has been a trooper. We've dealt with the first ear infection, the first allergic reaction to the antibiotic (amoxicillian - bubble gum medicine) with a full body rash and hives, lots of Benedryl, more medicine and she is just now feeling better. She's had to stay out of her Parents Day Out program for the last 2 weeks (NOT COOL) but she is clear to go now. We've had to adjust to Daddy going back to work and lots of "Mommy & Ellie" time. Some new things that have happened this month:

1. She got her 5th tooth on her lower teeth and she is about to cut one on her upper gum.

2. She is no longer in the baby tub - we have graduated to the big girl tub but are trying to keep her from standing so much!

3. Her hair is so much thicker! I love it.

4. She walks on her walker and crawls very fast, but isn't quite in to the walking world.

5. She still loves cats (all animals in general but definitely likes cats the best) - thank you Lord!

6. She is wearing some 12 month clothes but is in the transition phase from 9 month to 12 month.

7. Her last weight check as of last week was 20 lbs 12 oz so we are GOLDEN on turning her car seat around next month!

8. She is much more responsive to things we say and likes to play "copy cat" when we do little things (i.e. shake our heads no and she will do the same)

9. She has entered into the I want mommy and daddy with me all the time phase recently and cries for a while if we leave her with someone.

10. She does great going to the grocery store and sitting in the cart!

11. She is eating a few of the things we eat but still getting a balanced diet of her fruits, veggies and meat.

We can't believe how much time has passed since those insanely tired, frustrating first few weeks of being a parent. We are really looking forward to introducing Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and hope that she really enjoys all the festivities and family time she will get!

Ellie's 1st Halloween

Halloween took on a different meaning this year when I had a little girl to dress up and show off! By no means do I support ghosts and goblins, but I think it's a fun holiday for kids. They get to play dress-up and get free candy! This year, Jesse's parents hosted a Cragwall Halloween Party so they could see the kids dressed up and all of us could get together. We had a great dinner together and played a fun game with the kids. Ellie had a blast being around everyone, especially Parker, Taylor and the family dog, Jake. Grandmommy gave out lots of treats, including a new rubber ducky and a Halloween book for Ellie. Thanks, Grandmommy!

On the actual day of Halloween, we dressed up Ellie in her kitty costume again for all the trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood. She LOVED seeing all the kids at the door, so much that she reached for me each time she heard the doorbell. Everyone thought she was adorable in her outfit and all she could do was smile and grunt at all the kids. Jamie came over and donated her candy to all the kids that came out and we still ran out! I love the fact that we live in a neighborhood full of kids that participate in things like this - when you have a child of your own, it takes on a whole new meaning!