A Day in the Life of Kelly & Ella

I try to keep me and Ella pretty busy because I worry that she would be bored with too much time at home with just me and the dogs. Last week was a crazy one and all in one day we...

Met my coworkers from the pet clinic for breakfast. One of the girls has been living in Germany and she's in town for a few weeks.
Could Ella be any sweeter?

She wanted to show off her new walking skills.

Next we headed over to my friend Jen's house to see her son, Anthony. How cute is this kid? Ella sure thought so.

That evening we went to the St. Legers to visit little Avery. She is gorgeous and such a good baby.

The new family of four - er I mean five?

That's better...but doesn't Avery look like she's saying, "Praise the Lord!"

Father's Day

On Father's day, Ella presented her dad with some collar stays and a round of golf. That little one is so thoughtful! We dropped off the dogs at my parents house and met Buzz's family for lunch at Bahama Breeze.

Grandpa Dan is nothing but trouble. He liked to give Ella various contraband items like knives, booze and cigars! You can see it in his face.

Luckily his fiancee, Alice, is there to reign him in. Later that day we headed over to my parents' house for pizza. My dad is nutso over Ella and the other night while I was leaving her at their house for babysitting, she was choosing my dad over me! Seriously?

Her daddy always makes her laugh.

We stopped by Fountain Park since it's right by my parent's house. Ella hadn't been to the water portion yet. We hadn't planned on it so with no swimsuit, she totally looks like a little boy.

I love that Ella has no fear and dives right into new situations. I'm sure that will be changing soon but it's so nice while it lasts. She is so carefree.

Uncle Joe causing trouble.

Ella was just learning to walk and she had some good practice in the water.

We had fun except for this jerky little girl that came running over to throw a handful of sand at her brother and instead pummeled Ella's entire body with wet, smelly, itchy sand. I had a few words with the heathen.

The dogs and I like to relax on my parents' comfortable couches. These two aren't even allowed on our couches at home. No wonder Otis never wants to leave their house.

Otis ended the day with a stiff one and some light television.

Regarding Buzz: Ella when you are older, you will read this blog and I want you to know that you have the best Daddy in the world. He loves you so much and does so much with you. He gets you up in the morning and brings you to me. He gets home from work and grabs you right away. He feeds you dinner when he's home. He puts you to bed most nights and reads you at least one story each time. When me and you are out running the town and he hears the garage door go up, he rushes to come and get you out of your carseat. He is a nervous Nelly with you and is always worried that you will get hurt. He makes you laugh so much and you screech with delight when he comes home from work. On Saturdays when I work , he usually takes you to visit Grandma Jeanie because he knows how much she loves you. If you searched the world, you could not find a better Daddy for you!

Walk the Line

Stormy Weather

If you live around these parts, you know how bad the storms have been recently. I have not one, but two dogs that are scared of this. Here is the good dog, Greta. She finds a spot near me and hunkers down on the floor and doesn't move a muscle. She even closes her eyes. What a sweetie. And then there's this one, Odie Claus, or lurchy Lenny. He stalks me, pants, whines and tries to sit in my lap or on my chest for the duration of the storm. I have to say that it's much better than coming home to destroyed carpet and piss everywhere! I do feel really sorry for him and I got a prescription for doggy Prozac. I'm not sure if I'm going to fill it or not. It's a daily pill and quite pricey. On the other hand, just today I discovered that he's afraid of beach balls. Just one more thing to add to the lengthening list. At least he's handsome, right?

Swim Lessons

Last week, Ella & Adriana started swimming lessons at the park district. The class shouldn't really be called a lesson, more like a water experience. We sing some songs and move a bit and most of the time is free play in the water. However, it's a nice way to get to the pool and do a little activity a few times a week. The girls seem to like it. Teresa and I love the fact that our swim teacher is this cute, young, blonde girl. When did we get so old???

Kohl's Children's Museum

A couple weeks ago, Amy was off work so we took the kids to the Kohl's Children's Museum. Look how big the twins have gotten.

Is this my daughter or what? Drawn to the toilet seat.

Ella's Presents

Here is Ella enjoying some of her many birthday presents. My sister got her a water table and a sand table.

Otis loves the water table too.

The St. Legers bought her a doll and stroller. She loves to play with the stroller. She's had a couple of bad falls thanks to it though. She looks so proud when she pushes her doll, books, or plastic trees around.

Grandma Jeanie had a toy box built and hand-painted the birds on top. This thing is huge and beautiful. It's something Ella will have forever. Not only does it store toys, but we use it to block off the bottom of the stairs too.

Ella & Adriana

Ella and Adriana were born exactly one month apart. Ade's mom, Teresa, and I live close to each other and both stay home so these two see each other quite often.

For awhile it was hard to believe they were only a month apart because Ade does everything so early (crawling, walking, talking), not to mention she was born with a full head of hair! But recently Ella is catching up and I think these two are going to be trouble.

They even took a baby class together at the park district.

Just this week, they started swim lessons together. I hope that they grow up to be great friends.