Finally -- A Getaway

Now that Ella's 16 months old we decided to get away for our sixth anniversary.

We dumped her off on Aunt Durene and Uncle Wayne and headed to Florida for a little R&R. (hope to post some pictures soon)

We had a wonderful time!!

Ella had a blast playing with her cousins and spending time with family. We missed her tremendously -- well me moreso than Daddy because I had never been away from her for more than a few hours. She didn't seem to notice we were gone. When we went to pick her up she looked at us and then looked away like we were complete strangers. That hurts.

Things are back to normal again -- way too soon. Matt's back on the road and I'm running around doing mundane Mommy/Housework stuff. And wouldn't you know it -- now that Daddy has his monstrosity of a huge television and a new entertainment center the Sears guy tells me we need a new washer. If only life could me more like vacation. Every day could be greeted with a forecast of sunshine and the promise of a mid-morning margarita.

Okay back to what this blog is really about -- Ella said strawberry this morning during breakfast. And when the furniture guys (big entertainment center) were done -- and I mean the last screw had just been drilled in place -- she yelled -- Bye Bye!! I think that's her way of saying, "Now get the frank out of my house!"

Ella's First Swim Lesson

Ella had her first swim lesson on Saturday morning at the YMCA. She's in a class of about ten kids aging from about nine months to two years. Since Daddy was a champion swimmer as a kid and Mommy also loves the water we figured she'd enjoy the classes. She does! While other kids were shivering or whining, Ella was taking it all in. We splashed, sang songs, glided on our tummyies from the side and bounced in a circle!

I think she's already one of Miss Kelly's favorite pupils. Or that could just be the proud Mama in me oozing out.
We had a blast! Five more weeks of fun, fun, fun!!

Mystery Fever and a Broken Toe

It's been an eventful and difficult 24 hours.

Late yesterday I noticed Ella seemed warm. After an uncomfortable (for both of us) poke in the fanny -- the thermometer revealed she had a fever of nearly 103.

I quickly squirted Tylenol down her and started phoning the doctor. Shortly thereafter Ella took a nap. The nurse advised I let her sleep, watch her, take her temp when she woke up and then call back. After her nap her fever had dropped to 99.4. We were headed for the doctor just to make Mommy feel better.

Of course once at the pediatrician's office Ella played happily and showed no sign of fever or lethargy at all. So we were given the catch-all diagnosis -- VIRUS. Which means they're not sure what's going on and they can't fix it. Time is the best remedy.

Once home she started acting clingy and irritable again. I gave her a warm bath, Motrin and we read some stories before bedtime. She was restless. I knew what was coming.

About 11 she woke up screaming and sweating and crying uncontrollably. I tried to calm her. I even called Daddy in Vegas (Bachelor party) to see if his voice would help. Not happening.

After about 40 minutes of meltdown I put her back in her crib. She was exhausted but fighting it. After about 10 minutes she finally nodded off. She then slept sound until Elmo woke her at 8 a.m. The say my name Elmo from Papa and Nana is programmable for a wake up call. "He says, Ella it's time to wake up!" She loves it -- I of course wanted to throw him out the window.

She has seemed quite fine so far today. She tried to help me hang a few pictures but in her effort she dropped a frame on mommy's big toe -- I'm fairly certain it's broken. No sense in going to the doctor -- they can't do anything for that either. The story of Mommy's life. It can't be fixed -- but it will get better with time.

Easter Weekend

It was a bitterly cold Easter weekend here in Georgia. But we still had loads of fun.

Saturday we got the weekend started with an Easter egg hunt at the Atlanta Athletic Club with Babci, Granddad and that whole gang. The petting zoo was a big hit for Ella. She loved the bunny and thought it was really cool to see a real life baa baa (sheep). She has a sheep book that makes that sound so that's what she thinks they're called.

She also squeeled with delight during a pony ride. Mommy had a hard time keeping up with the brisk walking pony handler but it was hysterical listening to Ella have such fun.

Fortunately, Aunt Steph suggested we bring a wagon for Ella and Emma because the event was held in a big field and little ones get tired -- and cold quickly. They had a big time "talking" while someone pulled them around.

The egg hunt itself was brutal. Rich kids start being rich kids from the beginning. There were ample cheaters and over-the-top competitors. We were more than happy with Ella's two eggs.

Coloring eggs for the first time

Afterwards we went to Babci and Granddad's for more egg hunting and a nice dinner.

Sunday morning Ella awoke to find the Easter Bunny had left her a cool car just like cousin Trey's! She wanted to ride right away but the church bells were ringing for 9 o-clock mass. Babci and Granddad met us for mass and then came back to our house for brunch.

Later that afternoon after Ella's nap we headed over to Grams's house for a late lunch (still full from breakfast) and more egg hunting. Uncle Richard's girlfriend, Nassim's brother, sister-in-law and nephew (10 month old Lyric) also joined us. The kids had a great time, despite the cold.

It was a beautiful weekend -- maybe not weather-wise -- but definitely by all other accounts.

"Chocolate" Covered Cherry to End My Day

After a long couple of days helping Grams get her house ready for Easter Sunday, Ella and I returned home exhausted and ready for bah-ems (bath-time).

I quickly ran the tub for her, threw her in, washed her off and let her play for an abbreviated amount of time.

As I reached for the drain to signal the end of bath-time, my hand ran across some disintegrating bar soap. Wait -- Ella doesn't use bar soap!!

The poopy-tub bandit had struck again.

P.S. Greta's Dad, e-mail me directly. For some reason I can't comment on Greta Grows.