Ella: 5 months old

Time flies! Ella has started with solid foods... we have her trying cereal first and soon she will move to veggies and then fruits.

Ella is really enjoying the pool this summer and looking forward to celebrating her first 4th of July. She seems to be OK with watching fireworks... so far!

We expect that Ella will be sitting up on her own by the end of her 5th month. She's almost there and can balance against things with Mom's help. Dad and Mom are also helping Ella get used to bearig weight on her legs so she'll be ready when it's time to learn how to walk (oh no!).

We're really looking forward to a visit with the entire Ruzicka clan at the beginning of July and then a visit to Aunt Patti & Uncle Chopper's house in Scottsdale at the end of July.

Ella: 4 months old

Happy 4 month birthday to Ella!!! Time flies! We've hit so many milestones recently. Ella is grasping for objects, laughing, moving more than ever and she's recently taken a big interest in the dogs. One of Ella's favorite activities is going to the pool...

Today we made a trip to the doctor for her 4 month check-up and a few shots (eww). Ella is 15lbs 13oz (90%) and 25.25in (85%). Everything is looking great and we should be starting solid foods in 2 months (or sooner)! Wow! Ella is still a great sleeper (thank goodness!) and sleeps from about 11p-7a.

We are starting to try and teach baby signing. Ella probably won't be able to sign for a few months, but we are trying to sign simple words like "eat" and "more" so she will eventually be able to imitate us.

Ella has recently learned how to hold the bottle (although she doesn't totally have it down yet) and we are also starting to let her have a sippy cup... she'd rather chew on it than drink the milk, but its a start!

Ayesha comes for a visit

Time flies!! I went back to work for just 4 weeks before I decided that I couldn't stay away from Ella. Now I'm officially a stay at home Mom. You would think that would make things a little less chaotic, but no- we are still as busy as ever.




Ella had a visit from both her GG (Becky's Mom) and her Nanny (Mark's Mom) while I was finishing up my last few weeks of work. It was such a hugh help and so much fun to have both of them here.

Auntie Ayesha also came in town to meet Ella for the first time and take he our for her 1st cinco de mayo margaraita! Starting her early!

Patti's Bridal Shower in KC

Ella and I headed to KC (yes, another trip!) for Aunt Patti's bridal shower. We enjoyed our trip and Mom got to experience flying with Ella without Dad's help (not bad!).



It was fun to get to spend more time with Grandpa and Uncle Tom...






Ella and Evie got to hang out again... look how they are almost holding hands!! So cute!





Finally- Ella, Mark & I had a wonderful 1st mothers day. Ella was VERY gererous and got Mom a garnet necklace (Ella's birthstone). Our 4 month doctors appt is coming up in a couple weeks so we will have Ella's new measurements soon! We know she's growing because she is already running out of clothes! Ha!

Visit to Albuquerque

Mark had to go to Albuquerque for work, so Ella and I decided to join him. We had a nice visit with Dan & Peggy Montoya.

Ella: 10 weeks old & 2 month doctors appt

I started back at work today. It's hard being without Ella... but hopefully I will be on a part time schedule soon so it won't seem as bad. Dad had baby duty for my 1st day back and had the whole day to himself with Ella. Our babysitter will start tomorrow.

I was able to leave work a little early on my first day back because Ella had her 2 month old doctors appt! She weighs 13lbs, 3oz (95%) and is 23.5in long (90%). Her head circumfrence- because I know you were wondering- is 16.25 (90%). We have a big baby on our hands!!!

Lauren Miller gets married

Mark and I traveled with Ella to Columbia, MO where I was a bridesmaid in Lauren Miller's wedding. What a blast! It was so fun to be back in the town I went to college in (Go Mizzou!) and for such a great reason... the marriage of Lauren and Zach! (Thanks to GG for staying with us in Colubia on Saturday night and watching Ella!!)

Visting with Friends and Family in KC

Grandpa was so excited to show Ella off at his office. He wheeled her around, introducing her to anyone that would pay attention. I have to say... I NEVER thought I'd see MY DAD pushing a stroller. It was quite a site!



We were super excited to meet Evelyn Kate Cowie (born 3/10/08) while in Kansas City. I can't wait for the 2 girls to get older so they can play together. I know they will be the best of friends.






I had to share this picture of the Dad's in their matching vests!



And Ella was able to meet Jenna and Rett Oesch while at the Cowie's house.

Ella's Baptism

Ella was baptised at Church of the Nativity on March 30th. It was extra special to have Nanny & Poppa Herb and (surprise!) Great Uncles Ron & Mike, the Blues Brothers, in attendence.








Ella was lucky to have her friends Evie Cowie (born March 2008) and Natalie Robb (born August 2007) there to play with!

Patti & Chopper's Engagement Shower

Ella took her 1st trip to KC to attend Patti & Chopper's engagement party!



This was also the first time Ella and Uncle Tom were able to meet.