Baby Girl Gets Her Time

Looks like Ella is finally getting her time in pictures! And she loves every minute of it. She has been quite the fussy girl this weekend- we think teeth are on their way, hence sleeping in the high chair. Any quiet time is good time right now...

Latest and Greatest

It has been quite some time since my last entry, what can I say. Life is picking up the pace a bit! Wade is back to work full time and really enjoying his new job. My project, the one that seemed like would never end, is in full swing as well with completion after the 1st of the year. Yikes! Avery is really enjoying his "preschool" class and Ella is always hungry and walking more everyday. Here's a few recent pics of the kids being themselves (oh, so sweet).

A week in pictures

Last week was an exciting time in the Larson household so what better way to tell the story than with pictures! We had lots of family in town and lots of fun! In no certain order, here we go! Ella is learning to feed herself and won't let anyone help! Needless to say it's bathtime after every meal. Grandma Trish, Craig and Cameron stayed with us for a few days on their way to Dallas. The kids had a blast with them and hopefully vice versa. Everyone is raving over the dresses Trish made for Ella's birthday and Avery was dressed as the scarecrow from Batman for most of their stay! Thanks for everything!! Ella loves water out of a BIG glass! She drank the whole thing! Meet Maui, a small red eared slider (turtle) who is our latest family pet. Avery and Cameron just hanging out. How about that Dom Perignon Cameron? Ella loves to crawl around with her ba-ba. When she gets really sleepy she switches back and forth between her bottle and her paci... it's hilarious as well as frustrating at times. Ella's 1st cupcake- she didn't go after it like we expected! Grandma and Ella meet again! Grandpa and Ella- look, she's waving! Pretty girl doing a trial run for her birthday bash on Sunday. Ella with Avery's monk-monk. Just hanging out with my babies Ella discovering one of many masks Avery has collected over the years. It swallowed her and she loved it! My folks with their grandbabies... good times! Grandpa gives feeding time a shot and did really well actually! Need I say more... Mom and dad having a great night out at Pat Green on Friday night. Thanks for watching the kiddos mom and dad! Avery named this game "suitcase". Aunt Stephers dragging Avery around on a slippy mat is all it really is, but he LOVES it! Saying goodbye, until next time! Thanks so much for visiting!!

Birthday Girl

It's official... our baby girl turned 1 last week! We had a wonderful get together at our house with our family on Sunday afternoon. (Indoors of course thanks to the 100+ temps!) Ella was all smiles in her pretty dress, handmade for her by Grandma Trish. (Don't worry, the bib saved the dress!!) And a last minute shopping trip with Grandma S produced what I think are the cutest sandals that went so perfect with her dress. (Ah, yes and so it starts with the shoes...) Grandma and Grandpa Schmiedecke were with us, along with my sister Stephanie and her boyfriend Andy. GG and Grammie Larson also drove in from Austin to celebrate with us. Thank you everyone for making this day extra special for Ella and for all the cute outfits for princess! I was especially proud of big brother, who picked out a gift just for Ella on his own at Target. I think he has played with it more than her but it's so awesome to see him take such an interest in his little sister. Too Much Partying Makes a Girl Sleepy!

"The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change"

It feels like we blinked our eyes and summer vacation is over. And even more shocking... Ella is turning 1 next week! I think about how we recorded every minute of Avery's life and with Ella, I am scrambling to find enough photos of her to fill a baby book. I know I am not alone which makes consoles me and being the youngest of 2 kids, I know I hold no emotional scars (that I am aware of) from the shortage of undivided attention that the 1st born usually receives. It's just different with 2 but oh so sweet and I can't imagine life without our baby girl. We are thrilled to have lots of company this week as we get ready to celebrate Ella's birthday. Grandma Trish, Craig and Cameron are due in tonight from CO and will be staying with us though Tuesday morning. Then Grandma and Grandpa Schmiedecke make their way here on Thursday with Aunt Stephers and Andy arriving on Sunday! Since my blog is my virtual baby book, I should take this time to document their latest accomplishments. Ella has officially outgrown her infant carrier (ok, she did 3 months ago but we finally did something about it) so here is a pic of Avery in his new booster seat and Ella trying out her new digs. He had been waiting a LONG time for this day... Avery is in swim lessons for the 2nd summer in a row and doing really well. He can dive into the water with his hands over his head and swim the length of the pool with his face in the water. Heck, mom can't even do that?! He loves being a big brother and we find him in Ella's crib from time to time, just hanging out. He has also become very prolific with the computer thanks to Nickjr.com. He plays games with all his favorite characters and even knows how to close out of those annoying pop-ups. The only downside is we never get to use our laptop! Ella is dying to walk so we purchased a ride on/walker last week and it opened up a whole new world for her! She is all smiles now and so are mom and dad now that she isn't hanging onto our calves every minute... She loves music and points a lot. She claps when you say clap and waves when you say hi. And last but not least, we think her 1st word is momma...whether it is deliberate or not, I don't care, I'll take it!! Definitely ready for her 1st haircut!