Happy Birthday my Sadie Clare!

The sweetest niece on the planet just turned ONE!! I can hardly believe she is already one. Sadie has such a special place in my heart. Her personality is so spunky and full of fun and wonder. She can always make me smile with her "ducky grin" and those sparkling blue eyes. I look forward to celebrating every birthday with her and watching her grow into a beautiful woman. I was thinking about the role I will play in her life the other day. I know we will share many memories and laughs together!! 

Let the games begin!

Luke started his first sport ever.....Soccer aka le football. Greg used to call them "lawn fairies" right up until Saturday! Luke will be on the team called "Avalanche". Sounds exciting eh?

This is a shot of Luke doing "sit ups" - we now know we need to teach him how to do them. He simply placed his hands on the ground and lifted his bottom up and down. It was HILARIOUS!

This is the Lukester with Coach Darin heading the ball without fear! His buddies Bennett and Ben look on waiting for their turn...

Drills and Exercises..... up .....and under.......

Coach Darin was the perfect balance of tough that is appropriate for a 3-4 year old team. He is really hands on and I can tell by his following that he is admired by many. 

Although this was only his first practice I can see that Beckham....I mean Luke....is really feeling good about his new "sport".  Every time there was a water break he would take a quick sip and RUN back onto the field. He did not want to miss a minute. He followed instructions incredibly. Greg and I are so proud of him. I will be sure to post more pics as the season continues =) 

And the stockings were hung.....

Luke's ornament = Ella's baby rattle

We really need new stockings. Luke felt bad because Ella did not have one yet. He hung this one for her. So generous that boy! 

Chatty Patty

To date Ella says the following words..... I only give her credit if she says them multiple times and in context. 

1. Mama - this was her first word...yes...even before DaDa
2. Dada
3. Bubba- her bear
4. Baby
5. Up- when I pick her up or after I say it
6. Book- sounds like ook sometimes...but always when holding a book or finding one randomly
7. bye bye - while waiving 
8. brother- sounds like broba - Luke loves to hear this one! 
9. Duck
10. Read
11. encyclopedia - so maybe not that one.

That is all I can give her credit for so far. She also can growl like a lion, sign "more" and "all done" consistently, nod yes or no when asked a question. I can already tell that Ella is more verbal than Luke was at age one. I guess girls generally talk faster than boys on average.  Most of the time I can tell she is trying to communicate verbally but does not have the words yet. When she does...look out! Since I use my blog as a journal to some degree...you can expect these fun facts from time to time. It is the only way I can keep track of the constant changes with these little guys! "bye bye"

Ella's Vintage First Birthday Party

We celebrated Ella's first birthday on her actual day of December 6th. It was a great time with mostly family. I could tell she felt very special. She got a ton of great presents that will hopefully last her until her next birthday! I was just thankful to be well enough to have the party. Thank God for a quick recovery and no more yucky virus! 

                                     Little vintage babies on the cupcakes look just like Ella

Ella...didn't know what to make of all the attention...so she clapped along 

The curtain was to block the view of the tree so she didn't have to share her special day with Christmas decor. 

Ella's first taste of "sweet"...it was a big hit!

Greg insisted that she wear the crown because she is his princess! 

I could tell that she felt "pretty"

Happy 1st Birthday my Dove!

Cousins enjoying the par-tay

The only 84 year old to get down with the kids...in more way than one.

Ethanpoo....aka Mr. Smileypants was loving all the toys and we were loving him.

Some of Ella's favorite snacks - well before she got a taste of cake!

Grandmommie in her element. It was good to have our Charlotte family all together here in Raleigh. I can't remember the last time we were all here together. 

Solo Tooth

We will miss you Ella's solo tooth! She is now the proud owner of two bottom teeth and one new top tooth is peaking out. My baby is growing up too fast!