Babies, Babies Everywhere

It seems like everyone I know right now is either pregnant or just had babies. There was a time when all we did was go to weddings, I think one year we had 7 in one year but now, the tables have turned and it is a lot less weddings and more babies! Just today, one of my best friends Amber had a little baby girl, Annie Mae Griffith! Mom and baby are doing great! I am so excited for Amber and Jon and so excited for them to have a little girl that will hopefully grow up and be best friends with Ella just like their Moms! I can't wait to meet this little one! Our other friends, Casey and Molly had a little boy 2 weeks ago, Joseph Case Neilson Jr. Mike, Ella and I went to visit them and bring them dinner on Monday night. Baby Joe was so sweet and tiny and slept through the entire visit. Ella became fast friends with their big Lab Monkee, I love that she doesn't have any fear around dogs. I forgot my camera but this is a picture of Molly and Joe from the hospital. We are already planning our first walking outing with them very soon and I hope Joe likes older women because he sure is a cutie pie!

Our other friends, Brooke and Michael are due next week, Lynn and Steve are due in October, Brooke and Ayden are due in December and Amy and Jason are due in February. Like I said, there must be something in the water (except that everyone lives across the country!). Can't wait for Ella to have lots of fun playmates!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles...

Here in the land of Ella, we are very busy and taking many different modes of transportation these days! First, we got a new car seat for Ella and she is finally facing forward and she loves it!! She hated her old car seat, I mean really hated it! She would scream and squirm every time we strapped her in (she really doesn't like to be confined in anything) but so far, she is loving this car seat and smiles and sings to us in the car!
She loves to stare out the window and see so much more than facing backyard.

And check out those long legs! They no longer hit the back of the seat and she can now stretch out! Speaking of long legs, we went to the doctor last week for her 1 year well visit and this girl is growing like a weed. She is currently just over 21 lbs and 30 3/4 in long!! She is about 53% in weight and 95% for height! Yup, our little girl has long legs and is very tall! The pediatrician said it's still too early to tell if she will stay tall but we are hoping so. She has had long legs ever since she was born and I am happy to say, she still has them!!

Making dinner can be a tricky time, Ella is all over the place these days so trying to cook and watch her can be challenging. The other night, I was cooking and Ella was having fun with me in the kitchen. She found the box of Kix (her favorite cereal!) and she started shaking the box and liked the sound and was laughing. Next thing I know, I hear a pop and the Kix burst open and all over the floor!! As you can tell, Dakota and Ella were in Kix heaven. I had to get a quick picture before I cleaned up the mess. I guess no more playing in the pantry while I am making dinner.

We also discovered a new fun place that we will returning to quickly, Discovery Place which is a children's museum in Charlotte. They recently redid it so there is a whole new area for toddlers and Ella had a ball climbing and exploring.

Checking out the fish exhibit, she loved all the colors and watching all the big kids!

Off we go again! Ella got a new toy, a push buggy. This was a belated birthday present and we had some gift cards that we used to get it. A bunch of her buddies already have one and she loves to ride in it so we got her of her own!

On a walk we go, Ella loves that she can check everyone out and see everything that is going on since she is so noisy!

Just chilling and relaxing in my new ride!

Finally, off on another mode of transportation. Ella got a bike seat from Aunt Kelly and Uncle Ben for Christmas but we didn't have a bike helmet until recently so we took it out this weekend for a spin. In her frog helmet getting ready to ride.

All strapped in!

Off we go! Wee!

I know, I know, the helmet is still a little big and needs to be adjusted but we did go for a ride around the neighborhood and Ella's favorite part was when we were going fast downhill. She wasn't sure what to do at first but she got the hang of it and just sat back and relaxed.

So, we have been on the go a bunch lately in all forms of transportation! Mike and I are looking forward to a grown-up night out tonight at the Jack Johnson concert, one of our favorite singers with our neighbors. Hopefully it won't rain since it's outdoors! Pictures to come soon.

These are a few of my favorite things!

Ella got very spoiled for her first birthday and is loving her new things so I had to show them off. Her adorable new clothes, she is definitely going to keep looking spiffy!

Ella's buddies must know that her Mommy loves all things personalized so I am loving her new backpack, towel and necklace!

And of course toys and books!

The fun water table which we have already used a bunch in this hot, humid weather!

Finally, more personalized things!! Her very own foot stool name puzzle and it looks perfect in her room! Thank you all for your generous gifts, Ella is so lucky to have such great friends and family.

Birthday Weekend

We had a fun, relaxing weekend! We have been super busy the past 3 weekends and it was so nice to have a quiet weekend at home with lots of family time. On Friday, her actual birthday, Ella and I spent the morning at the pool and then went to her favorite place for lunch, Chick-fila! Who doesn't love Chick-fila nuggets?? Always cautious in the beginning feeling things out!

She was fascinated by the sprinkler and was thinking about drinking it and then...

yup, she drank from the pool water!! Well, I guess anything goes on your birthday, right.

Ella likes to steal the toys from the other kids at the pool and yes we do have our own but of course, she stole a bucket from another little girl. So, today I went out and got a new bucket and shovel for the pool and our upcoming beach trip.

Having so much fun at the pool, what a fun way to start out the day!

In the evening, we went to the church up the street. They had a music camp for all the 3-5 year olds and so that night, they were having a picnic dinner and then the kids all sang. They were so cute!

And Ella loved playing with all the kids and "trying" to walk with friends!

Ella LOVES music so she loved watching them sing and would clap and dance along with them.

Who is a rock star? This girl! We got these glasses as party favors and Ella loves playing with them and actually kept them on for a little bit.

It was so hot again so we brought out one of her new birthday gifts, the water table and had lots of fun splashing around and cooling down.

Finally, back to walking, Ella has been standing up on her own (not pulling up on anything) a lot lately and once she learns she can take a step, she will be gone. But right now, she is still very cautious and hasn't gained that confidence yet but I know it won't be long!

Bye everyone! Hope you had a good weekend because we sure had fun!! More videos to come soon!

I can't believe it

I feel like I on repeat this week saying the same thing over and over, I can't believe Ella is already 1! Where did the year and time go? I know where they went, we have tons of pictures and memories to remind us but it just went so quickly. Those first few tough sleepless weeks I wasn't sure we would make it but we did and what an amazing year it has been. It seems just about everyone I know right now is pregnant or just had a baby and I keep telling them all the same thing, time really flies when you have a little one keeping you busy! I felt like my pregnancy lasted 2 years but once Ella arrived, we haven't looked back and are having so much fun! Hours after being born, so tiny and all swaddled up! To standing on her tippy toes giving her doggie a kiss! To pushing her Winnie the Pooh toy all around the house and up and down the street. She is standing along all the time now and it's only a matter of time before she takes off. She also loves to blow kisses to anyone and everyone! So determined to push get going and always has her constant companion by her side! Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl. Your dad and I love you so much very much and thank you for all the love and joy you have brought into our lives over the past year. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you and all the many memories to come!

One Amazing Year

I made a video showing Ella's first year of life that we played at her party. It really shows you how much she has grown this past year and what wonderful times we had. (I have to warn you, its about 14 minutes long). Hope you enjoy!

Ella's first year of life from Kristin Hennessy on Vimeo.

Ella's 1st birthday video

Ella's 1st Birthday Party from Kristin Hennessy on Vimeo.

Whale of a party

Guess who is turning 1? I know, I can't believe it either but our sweet little girl turns 1 this Friday but we had her big party on Saturday to celebrate! Of course a theme was picked, whales and we had fun planning the big day. It all started with a love of preppy vineyard vines clothes and something summery so whales it was!

"Ella" balloons greeted guests and thanks to Mike to making the outside of the house look good for the big day.

Deck before the madness and it was a warm afternoon but luckily not as hot as it has been.

Did you know that Mike's night job is carving watermelons? Haha but he did do a great job of carving our fruit watermelon into a perfect happy whale.

Check out the amazing tail! Everyone kept asking where we had it done, they couldn't believe Mike carved it himself.

Pink whale cake? check! A huge thank you to Jennifer for baking and carving this special cake for Ella. Court and Jennifer came up from Atlanta on Friday to help for the party and they were a lifesaver and as you can see, amazingly talented also. I think Vineyard Vines needs to feature this in the next catalog.

View from the living room to the kitchen, this picture was early on, before most of the food was set out.

Mike, myself, Jennifer and Court before the party. As you can tell, we didn't just carry out the theme with the food, we also dressed the part. You can also see all the cupcakes that Jennifer made and by the way, homemade frosting to die for. Jennifer goes all out! We also decorated the tops of the cupcakes with mini whales and Ella's monogram in blue and pink.

When it's hot out, you have to cool down with the water table. Ella splashing and practicing her newest trick, blowing kisses to her friends!

Of course, the birthday girl had to have a new outfit and something personalized. I love Etsy, they have the cutest things and as soon as I saw this outfit, I knew it would be perfect.

Ella and Hadley having a splashing contest to see who could get the most wet. I think it was a tie.

Everyone join in now, they were all a mess but having so much fun!

One of Ella's other new tricks is pulling up on something and then letting go and standing on her own like she is in this picture. She isn't making any steps but each time she lets go, she is standing on her own longer and longer.

And here comes the cake! I have to warn you, there are a lot of cake pictures to come because it was just too funny. You know she loves to eat but she took this to a whole new level. First she was checking it out...

She is cautious at first and just dips in her finger and while she is distracted, I quickly slip on her adorable birthday crown.

Oh wow, this is yum, I wonder how much I can get in my mouth at once?

Oh my gosh, this cake is all mine? Yay!

Stuff it in there, getting all dirty but this is just the beginning.

Ella is so good at sharing, she let all her friends come grab a bite also. No forks allowed, fingers only!

The birthday crown was slowing her down so she took it off. As you can tell by the grin, she loves cake and would have sat there all night eating every last bite.

Ok, one last bite. Oh wait, I missed my mouth and got some in my ear. Yes, she did manage to get cake in her ear.

The aftermath! Mainly Ella with a little bit of help from her buddies managed to destroy the sweet little whale. We had to take it away because she really would have eaten every last bite and I didn't want her getting sick.

Uh oh, she is mess and there aren't enough paper towels so it was time to take her up to the bath and hose her down.

All cleaned up and have a full tummy so time to calm down a little bit and get in some cuddle time with Papa who made the trip with DeeDee for the big day.

One more fun game before the party ends, water balloon toss or fight, depending on who you ask. Addie and Kayla showing us their favorite color balloons, pink of course.

Mr Mike showing them how to play the balloon toss game.

Ella's best bud Wesley didn't want to miss out on the balloon toss. Unfortunately, she got drenched from the water table so just the bloomers and shoes made it!

Ella got some amazing gifts and her friends were all so generous with her. The biggest gift came from Uncle Court and she couldn't wait to open it up.

What is it? A water table of her very own!! No more borrowing from the neighbors. Ella already loves it and has been playing with inside without water all day so we can't wait to move it outside.

The party was a huge success and was fun for all ages (the party didn't end until almost 1 am and luckily it wasn't because any of the kids were up that late). I think we tallied it up and there were 44 people at the party, 30 adults and 14 kiddies all under the age of 4 so it was one wild and fun party! The next day we recovered by a yummy breakfast at Zada Jane's and said goodbye to DeeDee and Papa.

We are truly thankful for everyone who came to help us celebrate the big day with our family. This year has been such an amazing year and we are so lucky to have such great support to help us everyday. We can't wait to see what the future holds and more fun times with our sweet little Ella James.