Ella's new favorite thing to do is reach in the trash can and see what she pulls out. I went to change clothes today and found Ella with a plastic bag in one hand and a mangled bun in the other. When I was going to grab for it she even took a bite of it. I know this is disgusting, but right now she doesn't know any better.

YUM!

The dogs were thrilled with this mess!

"Where did that come from?"

Head!!

Belly!

Ella is finally learning body parts even though she is very stubborn when the camera is on. She knows where her head is (if you listen closely you can hear her say it), and she knows where her belly is.

I just had to share these

The cutest kid I've ever seen!

First zoo visit of the season

Ella, Autumn, Terry, and I went to the zoo today. It was so beautiful out, and the girls had a good time. This wasn't Ella's first trip to the zoo. We took her a couple of times last summer. It was really neat to see the difference in Ella this year compared to last. This time at the zoo she was pointing, laughing, and even calling some of the animals "gogs." She thinks anything with four legs is a dog at this point. Ella enjoyed riding around in her stroller looking at all the animals. This was only the beginning of many trips to the zoo this year!

The girls and me in Amazonia

Baby Jaguar

Terry and Autumn watching the peacocks

Beautiful peacock

Mommy and baby

Little Climber

I was finally able to set up Ella's climber in the backyard this afternoon. She is a little unsure of it, but I think with a little time she'll be all over it. I have never seen a child that loves to be outside as much as Ella. I cringe at the sight of rain, because I know what my day is going to be like. Ella is CONSTANLY pointing out the doors and windows, because she wants to go out. Maybe someday I'll get some peace:)

Future swimsuit model:)

Ella's last day...

As a 14 month old!!

Ella is turning another month old tomorrow. Where is time going?! Ella is growing and learning new things everyday. There is nothing more exciting to me these days then seeing Ella learn something new. Ella can now say "head" and pat her head with both hands. She also knows where her lips are. She gets really excited when she sees a dog and starts screaming "dog." I think my love for dogs has definitely rubbed off on her. She also recognizes cats and says something that sounds like kitty cat.

Ella is SUCH a busy girl. I don't think she can sit still for longer than five seconds, unless she is sitting on the couch watching her show. She is very curious and gets into everything. She loves being outside. All you have to do is say the word outside, and she will whine until she is out running around.

The last 14 months with Ella have been so eventful. I consider myself so lucky to be able to spend everyday with her. I hope Adam knows how much I appreciate the fact he works so hard to enable me to spend all my time with Ella. I think it's probably one of the best gifts you can give someone.

This afternoon was so nice so I took Ella to walk downtown. Here are a couple of pictures of Ella on the walkway. Enjoy!

She's off!

Enjoying the viewElla saying "head" and touching her head.

Ella breaking it down!

Did you wear green today?

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

We've created a monster!

There she is! The little monster! :) Ella has been spending a lot of time outside and now she wants to be outside ALL THE TIME. I practically have to bring her in kicking and screaming. She loves the fresh air. I think I am in for it!

Ella and I went to visit Adam today at the "warehouse." Each time we go she has to go visit the horse and donkey. The donkey, cloudy, is the friendliest donkey I have ever come in contact with (now that I think about it it may be the only donkey I have ever come in contact with). She finds it very amusing, and the donkey seemed to love Ella too.

Pointing at the donkey

Wild child!

Going to the chapel....

My best bud Alison is getting married on April 17th, and today was her bridal shower. I am so excited for her since I know she has been waiting for this day for a long time. I am also lucky enough to be a part of the big day. I still think back to our first day of senior year. I was sitting in an art class full of freshmen, and I was relieved when I saw Alison walk through the door. We were the only two seniors in there. I think we did more talking than anything, but that is how our friendship began. I have ten years full of wonderful memories with her. It is really hard to find a friend you can count on, but I have always been able to count on Alison through the good and the bad. She is a true friend, and I know our friendship will last a lifetime. Can't wait for the big day!!

Nature walk

I took Ella to Wesselman's Park today for her first walk along a trail. She of course loved it and walked pretty much the entire way. She loved exploring and picking up things along the trail. She is definitely an outdoorsy girl!