ella "talking" to grandpa

ella must see us talking on the phone and thinks EVERYTHING is a phone now - even small remotes!

end of january?!?!?

On the last day of January I am sitting here trying to figure out how we got here! The time is passing by so quickly. In less then a month - Ella will turn ONE. Since the last time I posted, Ella has grown and changed so much. She is a true toddler now - walking all around the house confidently and consistently. She can walk slow, fast, stoop down and get back up, and turn! Ella is loving her new skill and is quite proud of herself! Some other skills of Ella's: she can point to her nose, teeth, eyes and ears when asked. She can also "moo" when you ask her what a cow says. She is pointing to all sorts of things when you ask her and really does recognize the people who love her! She loves looking at pictures and her true joy is looking at books. The only real time she sits still as a matter of fact, is if you are reading her a book (or 10). The picture above is my beautiful family at bedtime. When I look at this picture - it brings me such peace. Every night I try to rock Ella a little longer - kiss her harder and thank God for her in our life.

steps...

We finally got some steps caught on tape. We had to hide the camera in Ella's crib so she didn't see it - now whenever that camera is out - Ella wants it! Along with the remote, your phone, etc. And an old phone or remote DOES NOT fool Ella. She wants the one that YOU use! ha ha...

She has begun taking steps 3 and 4 steps...but recently is getting braver and taking more. Does this mean we have a toddler? Wow...

2010!

the corny smile!!!
taking steps...(with drumsticks)
the play kitchen....
Christmas Eve excitement...

There is so much to update since our last post. It has only been two weeks - yet so many things have happened! We celebrated our first Christmas with Ella Dorothy Persoleo. Every Christmas is changed forevermore...what joy that little girl brought!

She loved ripping the wrapping paper and held strong for four solid days of celebrating! Some of her favorite gifts are her big huge pink bunny pillow from Grandmommy and Grandpa, her play kitchen from Aunt Karen, big girl walker from Uncle Toby and lap top from Uncle JR and Aunt Shannon (Jackson too)...OH YEAH...and stacking cups from Aunt Melanie!

Ella has been home with us for 16 days...they have all been heaven sent! She has developed a new smile (it is so corny!), taken 9 steps on her own, made all new sounds when talking and doesn't even get furious when changing for bed anymore! :) Dave and I keep wondering what we are going to do when we go back to work....we will miss our time with her so much!

Here is to a new year with many new adventures and fun.

blizzard

It is snowing like crazy...hasn't stopped yet. Ella is totally mesmerized with the snow. This video is just a few short seconds of her clapping at the snow and talking to it. She would do it for hours if we let her - but her breath fogs up the windows and her little hands are FREEZING! what a fun day!

Faux Christmas!

Ella enjoyed her first FAUX Christmas with the Persoleo Family! Aunt Melanie and Uncle Mark hosted a great day with laughs, food, games and presents! Lots of family and good friends too.

Ella's attempts at walking with the walker!