Dakota, the guard dog

Dakota wants to be around Ella all the time, we can't tell if its her protective nature or if she is working up a scheme! Whenever Ella is in her swing, Dakota is usually right by her side, even sometimes bumping into the swing or licking Ella's feet. Ella seems totally unfazed by the whole thing. We captured this video of the two of them yesterday. And by the way, this song you hear now plays in our dreams we hear it so much, can't they put some good music on these for the parents! Oh well, whatever keeps her happy.

Go Hokies!

Ella "chilling" in her swing. We thought her pose was so funny, we couldn't resist! Also, out to lunch with Katie and Erin at Cantina. She slept through almost the entire meal:)

The Hokies' number one fan pulled them through a close game on Saturday. She was very into the game and then held up the #1 sign for the big win!

She loves her bath time and makes funny faces in the tub, she would stay in there all day if she could. Cuddling with Dad and Dakota after her bath before bedtime. As you can tell, Dakota still isn't sure about Ella, just look at her expression.

Finally, couldn't resist some pictures in her new outfits. She is finally growing out of newborn stuff and able to fit into more of outfits. This onesie is from Aunt Kelly and the socks from the Fisher's. It's so much work being so stylish, it put her right to sleep.

1 Month Old

We went to the pediatrician today for Ella's 1 month visit and she is doing great. She gained over 2lbs. and now weighs 9lbs 4 oz and grew over 2 inches to 22 1/2 inches long. She is in the 53% for weight and a whopping 81% for height so we think she will become a supermodel with her long legs! The doctor was very happy with her growth and progression and we hope Ella continues to thrive. Ella's first month has been very fun filled and has gone by very fast! We hope you enjoy the recent pictures of our little one!

2 of Ella's favorite things are bath time and the Baby Bjorn.

Ella and Mommy on the back deck and then her Papa gave her a 1st pair of golf shoes! They are a little big:) He thinks she is destined to be an athlete and golfer.

More pictures with Mommy and staring at her John Lennon mobile from her crib.

Ella loves her tummy time and is doing great with trying to push up already and Dakota loves licking her feet while she is playing on the ground.

Ella at the beach

Ella took her first road trip over Labor Day weekend to Seabrook Island, SC. She did great on the car ride down there and "pretty good" on the car ride home. It was a gorgeous weekend and we all had a great time, especially Dakota! Ella even got to meet her Great Grammy for the first time and Great Grammy definitely has the touch with calming Ella. She got lots of attention from Papa, Dee Dee and Great Grammy and we got lots of help and extra hands to hold her. Ella can't wait for many more trips back to Seabrook!

A beautiful sunset over the ocean and rocking with her Papa on the back deck.

Posing with Papa and Dee Dee and her first time on the beach and she even had a new suit thanks to Dee Dee. What a bathing beauty!

Family photo with Dakota and getting her feet dipped in the Atlantic with Dee Dee.

In the sun shield with Great Grammy and Mommy and Ella. Her suit was so adorable:)

Lots of Visitors

Sorry for the delay in the update but Ella is a very lucky girl and has had lots of visitors lately. Many of our friends in Charlotte along with her Uncle Court and Grandma and Grandpa Hennessy came to visit her. We love showing her off to everyone and she has enjoyed meeting all of her new friends and relatives! Ella has also loved getting the many gifts and presents that have arrived for her. She is a very lucky girl to be loved by so many. She is still doing great and we couldn't be more in love with her. She is growing and changing everyday and we notice she is becoming more and more alert everyday. Now, if we could only get her to sleep more during the night...

Mike went back to work yesterday and it was great having him home for over 2 weeks. I know Ella and I and especially Dakota will miss having him around during the day. Below are more pictures of miss Ella, hope you enjoy.

So sweet when she is sleeping and she already loves polka dots!

Meeting Grandma for the first time and she is already a Daddy's girl.

Family photo before a doctor's appt and Grandpa must have the magic touch in putting her to sleep.

Smiling in her dreams.

She sleeps a lot so we have a lot of these pictures but she is so cute, we can't resist.

Her Uncle Court is telling her all about Vineyard Vines and how to be fratty!

She likes her baths a lot more now that she can lay in the tub and hanging out with Mommy!