Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for this holiday and what it means to me. This used to be my favorite holiday, but now that we do not spend Thanksgiving in NC, it is not quite the same. I guess that makes memories from the past even more special. I am glad that we were able to be with family this year even though it was in TN. We have had a great weekend with my mom and dad. Ellen has really enjoyed their company. She has had a great time playing and showing off for them. Our Thanksgiving meal consisted of turkey (baked a turkey breast-I am too intimidated by the real deal), mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, squash casserole, cranberry sauce and rolls. It was very tasty. We went to Opryland Hotel and walked through the gardens and saw the beautiful plants and flowers. The big Christmas tree was amazing. On Friday we did some shopping with mom while dad and Ellen played at home. The crowds weren't as bad as I thought they would be. It is a wonderful time of year. I have not been feeling so well, but this time with family is helping me get in the spirit of the season. Phillip has helped me too-a whole, whole lot!

Just a laid back weekend

Honey Nut Cheerios for the first time...a special treat.

I am picky about what she eats - and sugary cereal doesn't usually make the cut.

I can drink and hold my teddy bear

Little Indian's Pow Wow

Ellen had her Pow Wow at school today - would love to have been there. They have been making things all week to wear today (like a vest out of a paper bag and the headdress from the last post). Don't you wish they could tell you all about their day in detail? It's like she has all these little secrets we will never know. We did find out this week that she has a special "friend" at school that she hugs and kisses on. I am not too thrilled about this; I hear he is a ladies man. But it is good she has a buddy to play with.

Something new: We have been doing Ring Around the Rosie and Ellen has been saying "ashes". It is cute since a lot of the words she says start with "b" or have a more harsh sound. We are now trying to get her to say "Ashling". Wouldn't Aunt Andrea and Uncle Caleb love that! I know I can't wait.

Little Indian

Our little Indian did not want to cooperate for pictures, but I decided to post what we got even though they are a bit blurry (and not very good!).

Ellen had a very fussy day today according to her teachers and it definitely followed her home this evening.  She went to bed early and without any dinner - well, she had milk and yogurt.  She refused cheese and her veggies, which is not normal.  She has been congested with cold symptoms.  We are doing our best to keep it from getting worse.

She is the sweetest thing even when she doesn't feel well.

Crayons, Pajama Day, Bedtime and More

"Writing" on Uncle Caleb's birthday card...She is very focused. We bought her the shorter Crayola Twistables Saturday night. They are a little better for her at this stage than the regular sized ones in the pictures below.

Having a little cereal before going to school - it's Pajama Day! I only got to see a few of the other kids when I dropped her off, but they all looked so cute in their PJs.

Playing at the fridge.

One of her favorite things to do - which helps us out a lot as we try to make dinner.

Bedtime - Looking for Daddy who was on his way upstairs to give a good night hug and kiss.

FYI...He recently taught Ellen to jump up and down in her crib. Way to go Phillip - now you have to deal with the consequences!

Holding her little "friend". She likes to rub the tag. She sleeps with it every night and during naps at home too. She has another little friend she sleeps with at school. I like that she has a security item. I think it is sweet.

From the weekend...

Ellen is walking

Ellen took her first steps on her own.  We didn't catch the very first ones on video but this was just moments afterwards.  We were excited that she was standing on her own so we grabbed the camera to take pictures of her.  Then we tried to get her to take some steps.  She was hesitant but eventually she took a step.  It was a special moment but we didn't think she was going to actually walk!  She has been on the verge for a while now, but she was afraid to let go of one of our hands or whatever she was using as her prop...and if she did let go, she would immediately sit down and look up at us and smile.  We are proud of our little Ellen and as you will see, she is very proud of herself too.   (I couldn't get the red eye completely out of the above picture- a little weird with one eye half and half).