The Brown's

Feb Happenings

2010-03-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Snow! And lots of it! (well at least for Georgia)

Ella hated walking or standing in the snow but she loved being pulled in her wagon thru the snow.

While playing the snow we ran into our neighbors, Luke & Joey. How much fun!

Daddy showing Ella how to play tennis.

Hollywood in her wagon, snacking on crackers & pointing up at the airplane. Sounds like the good life to me!
For Valentine's Day, GG gave Ella this precious UGA rocking chair and she loves it! She climbs up in it every morning saying "rock, rock, rock." Too cute!

Jan Happenings

2010-03-16T17:52:00.001-07:00

Ella once again running down the street, so happy to see daddy after work! Who wouldn't love this greeting!Daddy & Ella getting blown around.

Ella loving the snow, ha ha ha! But needing to capture the moment I watch her cry :-)

Bath time with Daddy is always super fun!

Ella loves running around on the tennis courts after all the tennis balls!

Christmas 2009

2010-03-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve at the Pannek's house....

Ella and all her cousins; Meredith, Becca, Jenna & Shannon.

The Brown Family; Tanner, Jill, Brad, Sarah, Nana, Papa & us.

Ella in her PJ's getting ready for Santa, while double fisting!

Santa Came!!!

After Ella saw her Nemo Ball Pit, Christmas morning came to a halt. She would not get out she loved it soo much!

The craziness of christmas!

Christmas dinner we head over to Grammy & Pop-pop's where everyone stuffs themself silly. Speaking of here's a silly trio!

Dec Happenings

2010-03-16T16:53:00.001-07:00

In Dec we took a trip up to Cleveland, GA to see Babyland General where the Cabbage Patch Kids are born. Of course growing up in the 80's I thought that this was the greatest place ever however Ella preferred running around outside. Go figure! :-)

Then Grandpa & Grandma Saluter came for a visit.

Here's Ella showing what a little climber she is by standing on the coffee table. Needless to say this makes Mommy very nervous!

My two favorite people running around outside!

Ella being silly in front of the tree.

And under the tree.

Running down the street to say Hi to daddy coming down the road. (who knew you wouldn't need a coat in Dec but you would need a snow suit in Feb?)

Ella's Visit with Santa

2010-01-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

Well I think I will let the photos speak for themselves.....

Yeah, maybe next year will be her year? ;-)

Nov 09 Photo Recap

2010-01-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

Nov 2009 Recap:
In the beginning of Nov, we went to Ashley's parents farm outside of Athens to cheer on the Dawgs. Ella had her first taste of "country living" when she rode on the gator & 4 wheeler. Whooo! Here's a picture of all us in front of the old cabin talking about our camp outs & the good ole WHS days.

Then we celebrate my last birthday in the 20's.

Thanksgiving morning Skip & I ran the Atlanta Half Marathon. (and better yet we survived!)

Then we drove up to Gainesville for Mrs. Brown's side of the family turkey feast. Here's a picture of whole Brown family.

Ella playing with her cousins Jenna & Meredith. And by playing I mean Ella taking all of Jenna's jewelry & running. ;-)

Then we drove over to Marietta for my family's Thanksgiving dinner at GG's. Here's a picture of Ella underneath GG's dining room table looking at all the kitty photos. (When I was younger I used to cut out pictures of kitties & tape them underneath my grandmother's dining room table - yes this is what you do when you are an only child - you make up fun games by yourself) Ella thought this was pretty neat and sat under there saying "hi kitty!"

Then keeping up with the Brown family holiday traditions we picked out our Christmas tree & went to see the Night of Lights. Ella loved sitting up front with Daddy & everytime she saw a Santa she would say "ho ho ho!"

Halloween Pics

2010-01-04T18:57:00.001-08:00

Ella the happy cow.

Ella & Mommy carving the pumpkin.

Ella @ the park getting the trick or treating down pat.

Playing in the back yard before the neighborhood party.

We're Ba-ack....Oct'09 Chicago

2010-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ok so we had disappeared for awhile, but we are back! Since we have so much to catch up on this might be a little piecey but hopefully everyone can follow along....So since our last post was from the beginning of Oct I guess that's where will begin. I like to think of this as starting a diet so you have to start somewhere, right? ;-) Mid-October, the fam went to Chicago to watch Skip run in the Chicago Marathon. We had a blast even though it was really cold. (yes it is a little ironic that I thought Chicago was cold when it is now 20 degrees in Atlanta!) We ran (no pun intended Skip) all around seeing Michigan Ave, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Grant Park, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, & the Children's Museum.

Ella running down Michigan Ave all bundled up!

Ella & I with Daddy after the race. We are so proud of him!

The fam @ Wrigley Tower on the river.

You know you are in North Georgia when....

2009-10-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went up to the Brown's cabin, for a family fun weekend. We had a great time hanging out with everyone and I know Ella loved running all around! Since fall is in the air we tried to make the most out of our North GA weekend. We went to a pumpkin patch but it was closed (how you can be a pumpkin patch closed in October I am really not sure but whatever) so to make everyone feel festive we decided to go to the Suches Indian Fall Festival. We really did have a great time there but only at a true North GA festival will you find a real Turkey Shoot. There's nothing like listening to bluegrass, eating boiled peanuts and then hear boom. Sorry Tom Turkey your number was up! After several booms we decided to head back to watch to the GA game. Needless to say after saying goodbye to Tom & the Dawgs we all needed a drink & campfire. ;-)

Toccoa River, behind the Brown's house.

Ella listening to the bluegrass.

Ella playing around during half time.

Daddy & Ella with Nana & Papa.

Ella running around, enjoying the mountain air.

Ella and Mommy saying "cheese"

A day at the park...

2009-10-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Since we have been having such amazing weather, we made a trip to our local park. They have tons to do there with a lake, playground, trails and more! Here are some photos....Ella picking up leaves. This is definitely one of her favorite activities lately. She really loves the brown, crunchy, half-way decomposed leaves. Go figure?

Running around the playground. Holding on to her Hollywood sunglasses!

Weeee, going down the slide with Daddy.

September in a nutshell

2009-09-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

September in nutshell. [meaning I am so behind so here's more photos & less talking, enjoy! ;-)]

On Labor Day we went to the GA aquarium.....She loved it so much we ended up getting season passes.Daddy & Ella in the underwater tunnel. She was going crazy pointing in every direction saying ooooh!

Little person, Big tank.

Ella checking out the jellyfish. I think this photo is so cool since it shows her little profile perfectly!

You could watch these things for hours.

Ella saying "Goooo Dawgs!" Not perfectly, but you totally get the gist.

Destin 2009Do you think she likes ice cream? Here she comes for a big bite!

How much fun to see what a difference a year can make! Last year she was just 8 weeks old & was a little glow worm & now she is 14 months and walking all around. Well walking everywhere except the sand. Notice in the photos that she is either standing on a towel or being held. Needless to say of the hundreds of kids frolicking in the sand, Ella was the one child that would not leave the towel unless she was in someones arms or had her little Tevas on. But she did love the ocean and kept sticking her salty little fingers in her mouth.

Happy 30th Birthday, Daddy!!

2009-08-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 30th Birthday, Daddy! We hope you have a great day. We love you bunches!!!
Ella & Mommy

August Recap

2009-08-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

As usual another month is "flying" by! We seem to be always on the go, but we have had lots of fun times!

In the beginning of August, Ella took her first airplane ride to see Grandpa & Grandma Saluter in Baltimore. I didn't know how she would react but she did amazing. Considering this is the same child that we couldn't take in public for the first 6 months I think she has made huge strides. She watched Dora & Deigo on her new DVD player & munched on some goldfish and was happy as a clam! Grandpa playing with Ella.

Grandma holding Ella during the "Meet Ms. Ella party!"

Uncle Glen & Aunt Arlene making Ella giggle.

Ella hamming it up for some cake!

Here are some recent cute photos....

Ella loves bathtime and her 500 bath toys!

Ella in her bath robe running around her room before bed. Hmm doesn't look like that bedtime lavender bathwash worked, she still looks pretty wired to me.

Future Verizon Wireless customer, she loves her cell phones!

For Ella's first birthday we got her tickets to go see Dora Live at the Fox Theatre. I didn't know who was more excited, Mommy or Ella ;-) I really think Ella loved it because her eyes would not leave the stage and when Dora or Boots went off stage she waved bye bye to them. Plus it was fun to do something different and watch her reaction to all the new things.

It ended up that the Sat 11a show was quite popular since we saw Katelyn, Katie, Jeff, Erin & Wes. So much fun to run into friends!

Some more random August photos.

When she puts her sunglasses on we call her Hollywood!

Can we say Daddy's clone? Not only does she look just like Skip but she tips her sunnies down just like Daddy when he is mowing the yard. Too cute!

Hollywood getting ready to greet Daddy in the front yard. (Also notice the nice stream of drool, we can thank 2 teeth cutting through for that one;-)

Ella so excited & waving like a crazy person as soon as she sees Daddy's truck driving down the street.

Fun in the sun

2009-08-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

Since Daddy has been really busy at work we planned to have a family fun day and I think from her smiles it was a huge success!

Fun in the Sun!

Close up of Ella's face as Daddy throws her high up in the air! She loves it, however mommy was cringing as I took the photos!

Wee!

Higher, Daddy!

Then we had some fun at home!

Daddy playing kissy monster with Ella.

How can you resist my cute little face!

Ella trying out her new power wheels and learning how to press the button to make it go zoom!

Birthday Girl Photos

2009-07-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl Photos!!! Since the website is being difficult today the photos will be out of order, but at least you can see our little birthday girl!!!

Here are the photos from Sunday when Ella had all her little friends over for cake!

Here are some photos from Thursday on her actual birthday....

Headed to the kitchen for my birthday cake!

Geez, would you bring me my cake already? (I guess the song is right, it's my party & I will cry if I want to!)

Pretty tasty cupcake!

Then on Saturday we had over the whole family to celebrate......

Ella greeting all the guests showing them how old she is. Plus how cute is the little confetti b-day skirt that Grammy made for her!!! (It even had her name in confetti in there!)

The house all festive for the big day!

Ella's ladybug cake. Not only was it precious but delicious too! The top layer was chocolate with fudge filling & the bottom layer was vanilla with a strawberry & cream filling. Thanks Grammy!

Ella's smash cake!

Ella not real sure what to do with her cake ;-)

Ready to get down and party with all her guests!

All of us filling up our plates with BBQ, Again thanks grammy & nana!

Mommy & Daddy with the birthday girl!

We made this picture board to document everyone that came to Ella's party to share in her special day! We will print all the pictures & put them in a book for her so she can see all the people that love her to pieces!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ella!!!

2009-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday Ella!
We can't believe that you are 1 today!! This has been the most amazing year and we thank God everyday for such a precious & healthy little munchkin!! Thank you for bringing so much excitement & love into our lives.
We love you always!
Mommy & Daddy

(I promise there will be a million photos to follow of the birthday girl!)

Photo Phrenzy

2009-07-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

If pictures are worth a thousand words, here's a few million! Ha ha ;-)

We had a KD kiddie fun night. Look at all the cuties born in 2008; Ella, Hannah, Caroline, & Blake. Also look at the cute matching outfits that Ella & Hannah are wearing. Erin's mom gave us those last year and finally they were able to make their debut!

What a difference a year makes!!!

Ella & Caroline playing while Blake, the ladies man hangs out. (Sorry Hannah you were left out of this one but I had to redeem Caroline & Ella since in most photo shoots with all the kids they are the ones crying ;-)

Ella climbing the stairs. (She can go up but hasn't figured out how to scoot down, right now she tries to come down just like big people which isn't working!)

Look I am almost to the top.

Our pensive little one. For those that see Ella regularly know that while Ella has her silly moments she usually gives people a very serious look. I am not sure what she's thinking about, maybe Dora's next adventure or Deigo's animal rescues, who knows? ;-)

Yeah Daddy about to take me into the pool!

Wee, Mommy higher!!!

Happy 4th of July Daddy & good job running the Peachtree.

Mommy loves to snuggle me even if she is sweaty & nasty. ;-)

Clap, Clap, Clap, Happy 4th of July!!

Aren't I cute? (Yeah this is the smile that she gives right before she bends down to put her hands in the kitty food. Flaked Tuna, delicious!)

Look in a couple of weeks I will be ONE!!!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Summer fun is truly here. We have continued the world wind of activity and Ella is still amazing us with her new tricks. At this rate I think we need to get her a Peachtree Road Race number!

May flew by & June is almost over so next month will be the big day that Ella turns one!!! How crazy! Here's what we have been up to:

-Mommy & Daddy celebrated their 2 year anniversary

-Mommy & Grammy went up to NY to see some of our old friends, The Brennan's (I met Allison in nursery school - which is so crazy to think that some of Ella's friends that she is meeting now will be here friends some 20+ years later!)

-Uncle Tanner & Aunt Jill got married @ beautiful Lake Toxaway

-Celebrated Father's Day at the Brown's

In between all these activities Ella has managed to learn some new tricks too!

-She is a walking machine & sometimes gets going to a little trot

-Climbs the stairs all by herself

-She said her first word, Da-da! (we've been hearing lots of works, but this was the first word she used in the correct context)

-She went in the pool for the first time (granted we dipped her toe in last year but I use the word "dip" pretty lightly)

-Loves to help daddy play the guitar & clap to "if your happy and you know it...."

-Plays peek-a-boo around corners

-Knows that if she shakes Sophie's (the kitty) toy that she can con her into coming closer.

-Her top front right tooth has broken through

-Celebrated with Daddy, his first Father's Day!

Here are some photos:

Robin, Me, Grammy, Dodson, Allison, & Andrew enjoying brunch in NYC

The Lovely new Brown couple, Tanner & Jill

Mommy & Daddy

Ella showing off her pearly whites

Helping Daddy play guitar

Conning Sophie into playing with her

Bath time is so fun!

Getting ready to jump in!

Weee! Daddy pulling me around the pool.

Aren't we cute!!! I love my Daddy so much!

Mother's Day, Dedication, Walking, Standing in the crib, where do I begin?

2009-05-14T17:12:00.001-07:00

Ok so I realize it has only been about 2 weeks since our last post but I feel like a million things have taken place. Not to mention I feel like Ella turned 9 months and poof she is turning into such a little girl!! So here's a run down of what's been happening....

May 2nd - Ella went to her first kiddie birthday party, for her boyfriend, Luke (oops sorry Daddy I meant "bodygaurd") We had lots of fun and in typical Mullvain fashion it was like a tornado of activity!

Ella & Avery (Luke's cousin) sitting together watching Luke open gifts. (side note: Avery & Ella were born on the same evening @ Northside Hospital & waved at each other through there little clear bassinets)

Birthday Boy lovin' some cake!

Then later that day my family came over to watch Ella's first Kentucky Derby and boy was I glad they were there! It ended up being a crazy night! Here's a how it went....we ran out of propane, then I cut my finger, I go to the hospital, realize I don't have my wallet, get stiches & pop-pop brings me my wallet, come home put Ella to bed, and finally at 9p sit down for this stupid dinner. (did I mention Daddy was out of town at a bachelor party, probably having a nice cold beer on the beach?) Yeah I was glad to hit the bed that night!

The next weekend went much better! Ella started taking 2 to 3 steps on her own in between mommy & daddy. I don't know who was more excited Ella or Mommy & Daddy? Obviously now that Ella is mobile this opens a whole new can of worms so we ran to Target & baby proofed the house! Sunday morning was perfect. We celebrated my first Mother's Day with Ella being dedicated at the church. She did great and we were so happy to have a ton of family there witness this special day!

Then we all went out for a Mother's Day feast! It was so nice to celebrate with all our Mother's!

This week Ella's self confidence has really grown because now she is taking lots of steps and truly "walks" from one object to another. Here's the latest video of her walking. (Ok I will go ahead and apologize for it being sideways but I have a mental block that you cannot "rotate a video" like you can rotate a photo, but hopefully you can all turn your heads & oh yeah and she walks better in just a diaper so please excuse her lack of pants ;-) )

Last night when I put her to bed she kept crying & I couldn't see her on the monitor, so I went up to check on her & there she was standing up in the crib hanging her arms over because she had dropped her burp cloth(which is like her little comfort blanket). So out came the bumper so she couldn't use it as a step. All we need to do is find Ella on the floor! Then tonight I put her to bed and I came down stairs & turned on the monitor only to see a huge eye looking at me. Yes she had stood up in the crib again & pulled down the video monitor. Oh I can see the To Do list growing as I type! Well looks like I know what we will be doing this weekend!

9 months photos

2009-04-27T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here are some of my favorites!!! You can probably tell that spring it definitely here & we are getting to wear all our fun dresses!!!

Hi Dad! Ella loves to wave and when she does it, she is so proud of herself!

Cheese!!! If you look real close you can see my 2 lower teeth!

Here I am smiling real big & walking around with Pop-pop.

Look at me in my lady bug outfit!

(Plus get a load of those legs!!! I just want to squeeze them!)

9 months!!

2009-04-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday Ella turned 9 months!!! It's crazy to think she has been in the "outside" world now longer than she was in my tummy!

On Friday we went to the Dr. for her 9 month well check. Everything looked good until Dr. Dewling looked in her right ear. Poor Ella had her first ear infection! And worse was that mommy did not know until we were there. I had been giving her Tylenol all week for her 2 top teeth that are now coming in and attributed her fussiness to teething, oops! So needless to say we were really glad that we had a Dr's appt so that we could get her feeling better!

Here are her 9 mnths stats: Height: 28 inches (50-75%) & Weight: 19.6 lbs (50-75%)

Easter 2009

2009-04-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful first Easter for Ella! The weather was beautiful, we had a great Easter morning service and then we had the whole family over for an egg-stravaganza!

First my parents joined us at church and Ella did great! I say this because there have been times that we have rounded the corner and the children's minister has been holding her in the lobby. ;-) But we have finally figured out that rather than feeding her before we go, we take a bottle with us and they feed her. This routine seems to make everyone's day a little brighter!

Then Skip's family & the rest of my family came over to celebrate. We had a huge lunch & ate to our hearts content and then we tried out our detective skills in the annual egg hunt. Yes we have been doing this every year since I was a child. At least this year we actually had a contestant under the of 25 searching for eggs. (thanks Ella)

Here's the photos.....
Look the Easter bunny came and Ella's diving into her basket! (Note the dress we are wearing, while it is adorable, the "true" Easter dress only made it through Church before it was spit up on. The saying "you can dress me up, but you can't take me out" is definitely true in our house!)

Here's Ella with her new golf clubs. Only appropriate since it was the final day of the Master's.

Hmm Ella doesn't know what to think of this bunny; it sings, lights up & the ears flap. After a song or two she tried to put it in her mouth, which in Ella language means "yeah I like this crazy bunny!"

Look Ella found an egg in the tree! (For those of you with good eyes might be alarmed & say "oh no her lips are blue!" Yes, they are blue however it is only due to her shoving a blue egg in her mouth. So for those of you that were wondering yes the dye does temporarily stain if the egg gets wet.)

The First Easter family shot....maybe one day we will all be looking at the camera ;-)

Some first Easter notes:

1 - Maybe you should have 2 Easter outfits

2 - Take pictures before the dyed eggs go in the mouth

3 - And at the end of it all, just laugh!

Oh the other thing I forgot to mention was that Ella got her 2 bottom teeth for Easter! They are not up completely but they have cut through and she is starting to get that silly little baby smile. It's very exciting to see her pearly whites coming in!

This is just a cute photo the day after Easter. Here's the mobility run down....She still loves to walk around while holding your hands. And we are wondering what she will do first, walk or crawl? She has taken a step or two on her own and she can do the worm (that's her version of crawling) but she hasn't completely figured either one out. She loves standing on her own and when she realizes what she is doing she smiles, squeals, then sits.

Past Month's Activities

2009-03-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

So lots has happened in the past month:
-Ella saw her first real snow
-Lots of fun playdates
-Skip & I took our first alone trip to Mexico
-I started a part time job
-Celebrated GG's (10th) , Grammy's (15th) & Auntie Mary's (16th) B-days
-Ella celebrated her first St. Patty's Day
-My Dad & Step-mom came to visit
-Tanner & Jill's First Wedding Shower

Ok so now that we are in 70 degree weather it seems like the snow was so long ago but here it was on March 1st....

Ella loved looking out the window, trying to figure out what was going on out there. (Well that or she wanted to be close to Sophie)

Sophie watching the snow (or planning her escape out of the crazy house)

Ella standing at her favorite toy, watching Dora. What can I say, she loves everything going at once. Sometimes I feel like I am becoming schizophrenic, since everything either flashes, dings, rings or sings. I am starting to hear them even when they are not playing! ;-)

Ella giving Sidney a "kiss." I use this term loosely since it's more like a soggy love bite. (Please excuse the piles of clothes in the back, Mommy & Daddy were trying to pack)

Ella steering Daddy around the house. After they are through Skip has to jump in the shower because his hair is full of Ella's happy drool!

Ella wanting to be a big girl wearing her sunglasses!

Daddy's lucky charm! No green beer this year!

Ella doing her almost crawl....she rocks back and forth and can somewhat scooch backwards but hasn't figured out how to go forward. Also notice the drool pool on the jacket. She is drooling like a champ and is still shoving everything in her mouth but no teeth yet.

Cheese!

All the girls in the Brown house!

Bubie, Grandpa, Mommy & Ella.

Valentine's Day & Family Festivities

2009-02-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

It was a year ago on Valentine's Day that we found out we were having a little girl! Needless to say she looks a little different from the ultrasound but we could tell even then that she was a cutie!

Then to celebrate Papa's birthday we had the whole gang over for a celebration lunch. We all borrowed Ella's bibs since we had ribs and licked our plates clean! Here's the Brown Family.

Ella walking around the backyard.

Ella getting a little taste of Papa's Birthday Cake icing, yumm!

Also I always hear, what color eyes does she have? Blue like Daddy or brown like Mommy and really they seem to change a little bit each day but here's what they look like now.Peek-a-Boo I see you!!!

Here are some more photos of Ella at bathtime, always a favorite!!

See mom still no teeth.

Splish Splash I love the water!!!

Goth Baby or Chocolate Syrup?

2009-02-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

You tell me....Goth Baby or Chocolate Syrup?

Ok actually it's neither but who knew prunes could make such funny photos...and yes for those of you thinking "that's what it looks like going in...think of it coming out!" You are right she had 2 explosive diapers following that fun feeding. And go figure, she loved prunes but I think the lesson is a little goes a long way!

Happy Birthday Papa!

2009-02-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Papa!!!

More Pics...

2009-02-13T09:51:00.001-08:00

Here are some more pictures....Ella meeting Auntie M's new little furry one, Merlin.

All bundled up for a cold day!

This is how the playdate started with Ella (6.5 mnths), Hannah (5 mnths), Caroline (3.5 mnths) & Blake (2 mnths)...

And this is how it ended...Needless to say Ella & Caroline were ready to go!

Oops this is what happens when you sneeze while eating carrots!

6 Month Check-Up

2009-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the Dr. for Ella's 6 month check-up and everything looked good! She is 17.3 lbs (75%) & 26" tall (50-75%). She was all smiles until the shots but really who likes shots anyways! ;-) Here are some recent pics.

"Wait Mommy here I come!" Ella loves standing & dancing around, but she still needs someone helping her keep her balance!

"Cheese or should I say Applesauce!" No surprise here, Ella loves to eat!!!

"Who needs re-runs of Seinfeld when you have my Daddy's show every night!" Daddy playing fun games with Ella.

We thought this photo was funny since it looks like she is holding the camera & taking a picture of herself. ;-)

"Look into my eyes and count to 10 then you shall be under my baby control!" Ella uses her big beautiful eyes to melt Mommy & Daddy's heart!

6 Months Old!!

2009-01-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

It is hard to fathom that Ella Grace entered this world just 6 months ago! I feel like that is such a short amount of time but yet we already have a lifetime of memories. Maybe now I understand why older people forget things. I think at this route I will be absent minded in a year! We always knew our lives had changed forever the day she was born, but I don’t think we completely understood how much joy & love this precious little bundle would bring. While it hasn’t been all smiles or clean diapers, I wouldn’t change this experience for the world! She has made our family complete.

I have started packing up her 3-6 month clothes and bringing in the 6-9 months. It is such a bittersweet time. You fold up each little outfit, each with it’s own memory and pack it away. While I want her to grow and hit those milestones, I also want her to stay just the way she is, small & cuddly. Needless to say, it is very fun to see her develop her little personality with her big smiles and rolling laughs. We are blown away at how much she has grown & how much she has learned in the past 6 months. (I know this is a saying that won’t go away since I still hear it when people talk about me.) So at 6 months this is where we are:
-She has really started to like all the solids. Right now she is on the yummy diet of sweet potatoes, carrots, applesauce, pears & cereal. (And for all those with potty humor, solids definitely make diaper changing interesting!)
-She is rather impatient if she sees a full bottle and it's not already in her mouth. ;-)
-She is “talking” a lot, telling us all about her day. While we say we have heard her say “Ella” I really think it might be wishful thinking!
-She squeals & does the running man in her exer-saucer when she sees a kitty.
-When she is on her tummy she can do push-up & pull her feet under just not at the same time.
-She can sit up on her own with the occasional slow fall and if she is holding something like a couch or the outside of the exer-saucer she can stand on her own.
-She is a great sleeper going from 830p-630a.
-Basically she is now a sponge taking everything in and if you look at her you can see her little wheels in her brain turning all the time. She loves to be held when you are working in kitchen so that she can see your every move or when you are driving and she is truly looking out the window to see what's out there. It's so funny to see her taking it all in.

Well I think that sums it all up. TGIF and happy 6-month birthday Ella!!

Almost 6 months old!

2009-01-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that this Friday Ella will be 6 months old! I don't know where half a year has gone but it feels like just yesterday that we brought her home! After all they always say time flies when your having fun!

Since it has been pretty chilly we have to bundle up to leave the house and Mommy puts these silly ears on me. Don't I make a cute bunny!

But mostly we have been hibernating at home playing lots of little games and spending lots of quality time with Daddy....
I love sitting with Dad and watching TV.

I guess I can't win....Mommy makes me wear bunny ears and Daddy makes me wear baseball hats.

Daddy loves to play "kissy monster" with me and I think it is sooo funny!

But other times I just like to spend some quiet time snuggling with Daddy.

Here I am trying to get to my toys. While I haven't started crawling yet I really want to learn how to move! Who knows maybe I will walk before I crawl since I really prefer standing and dancing than being on my tummy!

I still love playing in the "pond" and sometimes I try running in my seat!

I am smiling so big because I love bath time, splashing around and eating the soaps suds.

Look don't I make a cute flower!

My parents are always trying silly things to make me laugh and for whatever reason I think it's really funny when Daddy talks in this weird voice. (my Mommy thinks Daddy sounds like a character in a horror movie but I think it's hysterical)

We hope everyone had a great weekend!

The Speedy Holidays & 2009

2009-01-07T02:28:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that another holiday season has flown by and we are now in 2009! 2008 was an amazing year with Ella and we are so excited to see her grow & experience many firsts in 2009.

Here's what she has been up to.....

Fun play date with the 2 princesses & the stud. (Hannah, Blake & Ella)

Ella showing how much she loves the holidays!

(or us holding a kitty in front of her)

Yes Ella loves all animals and trys to tell them how excited she is to see them by squealing in delight. Needless to say Sophie & Sid go running in terror. Oh little do they know what will happen when she can walk!

Christmas Eve at the Brown's, she thought the shiny red bag was pretty neat! Since she has started teething I really think she was eyeing the bag to shove in her mouth and maybe if the bag was lucky get doused in her drool.

Oh look a fun little toy for me to play with!

Oh wow, Santa came!!!

She has started to sit up on her own but she immediately trys to put her toes in her mouth, hence the photo in her little seat so we could catch her face up, but she is still trying to grab those little piggies!

Ok this photo was really for us. We only thought it was fair to make Ella our present, after all she is the gift that keeps on giving!

Visit with Santa, Cereal, Tagged & Laughing

2008-12-17T18:22:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season. Yesterday we went to see Santa & I am happy to report that Ella did great. Skip & I both held our breath when we first put her in Santa's lap and while we didn't see any smiles, we also didn't have any tears so I consider that a huge success!

Also this past weekend we tried cereal. I think the photo says it all. Most ended up outside of her mouth but not too bad for our first attempt.

Here are some more photos since our last post.

I just woke up & am so happy!

This is one of my first Christmas outfits.

Also I have been "tagged"....so here is my 4th photo in my 4th folder....This is Katie Gordon when she was in the hospital about to have little Blake Gordon!

We will do whatever it takes to make Ella smile or laugh so here she is giggling away.... I had taken a sip of coke when Skip said something really funny which made me inhale the soda causing me to choke. As I was coughing up my Coke filled lung, Ella started to laugh uncontrollably. I had to pull over (since I was driving) and Skip jumped in the back seat and caught this....

And the winner for worst blogger is....The Brown's :-)

2008-12-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

So yes I know it has been 2 months since our last post and needless to say lots has happened....

Ella had her first play date with Hannah Harrison. From the photo you can tell that Ella could eat Hannah however now the two are practically the same size. I think they are feeding Hannah miracle grow. ;-)

I started back at work.

Ella turned 3 months

Ella had her first Halloween, she was the ever so cute "love bug"

It started getting cold so we decided that Ella needed to wear a hat (or at least bunny ears)

Ella's friend Caroline Kane Sanders was born on 10/27/08 - that makes 3 of the 4 College friends that just had girls.....

We went to Skip's 10 yr high school reunion

Ella turned 4 months

We had a girls dinner at Taverna Plaka to celebrate mine & Jennifer Golden's B-day's, Thanks!

I had my last day at work (yes I decided that spending 2.5 hrs in the car each day was too much, so I will be at home through the holidays and then look for something closer to home after the new year)

Had a very thankful Thanksgiving

Ella loves playing in her exer-saucer (AKA "The Pond")

Had dinner at the Brown's for mine & Aunt Sarah's B-day's

Ella's new friend Blake Kel Gordon was born 12/3/08. Now all of Ella's friends have arrived healthy and ready to play! (Hannah, Caroline & Blake)

Whew, that was a lot! Hopefully everyone is caught up. Now that I am home enjoying Ella, we can give you more updates with fun photos.

Our Little Traveler

2008-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ella Grace the little traveler....

To celebrate Ella's 2 month birthday we went to Destin for a spontaneous family vacation before I head back to work. While Ella did not spend a lot of time down at the water, she enjoyed being at the beach & the ocean air. Plus, Grammy & Pop-pop came down which she loved since she was always being held & snuggled. She had many firsts - first laugh, first dip in a pool & ocean, first time out of state...It was so fun to see her reaction to all these new things!

The Family

Ella dipping her toes in the Gulf.

Look I wear my sunglasses on top of my head just like Mommy & Daddy

Hmm I kinda of like the beach scene...

After the beach it was off to the mountains to see the leaves & take in some cooler air with the Brown Family. We went to Vogel State Park where the lake & trees were gorgeous. Since it was a little chilly we bundled her up & surprise she looked too cute! She loved walking around in the Baby Bjorn & having s'mores - ok not yet but you could tell she can't wait to eat one.

I love being so close to Daddy.

I'm all bundled up!

Ella is almost 2 months old!!

2008-09-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Who can believe it? She is growing up so fast!! At her Dr.'s appt she weighed 11 lbs 8 oz (75%) & was 22 3/4 in long (50-75%). She has started to give real smiles, rather than the "I'm just pooping smile." And when she shines one at you, it melts your heart & makes your whole day! The activity mat is her new fun hang out. When I put her on it, she turns into a little wiggle worm and oohs & aahs at all the hanging toys. She has started taking prevacid to help with her acid reflux & reduce the projectile spit ups, yeah! We are excited to say that we no longer play hot potato. (The game to see who's holding her when she decided to blow.) The kitties are starting to come around more but I still see Sophie & Sidney rolling their eyes when she starts to cry. I think they realize that she is here to stay. ;-) Otherwise things are great! Everyday is a surprise since you never know what new little trick she will learn!

Ella & Daddy for his birthday.

Ella laying on Daddy's chest after eating too much cookie cake, yum!

Sidney & Ella catching some rays on the bed.

Look at me, so happy on the activity mat!

Ella decked out in her Georgia dress & booties cheering on the Dawgs!!

Yeah! Hannah Harrison was born on 9/15. Ella is so excited to meet her new friend.

Ella is already 1 month!!

2008-08-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Wow it's hard to believe that Ella Grace is 1 month old! I don't know if it's the sleep deprevation or if someone is pressing fast forward but time is really flying by. We went to her 1 month appt and all looked good. She is now 9 lbs 4 oz and growing! Here are some fun photos showing what's happened in the past weeks.

Ella with her boyfriend, Luke Mullvain. Daddy likes to call him, "Ella's Bodyguard" rather than "boyfriend."

Ella with Mommy & Daddy

4 Generations: GG, Grammy, Mommy, & Ella

Ella's Uncle Tanner, graduated from Emory's P.A. school. Congrats Tanner!

Girls Dinner at my house to celebrate Erin's B-day!

1 out, 3 to come! Here's the most recent photo of all the college KD girls. Ella @ 2 1/2 weeks, Erin (Hannah coming mid Sept), Lisa (due late Oct), & Katie (due mid Dec). Ella will have so much fun with all her new friends!

Here we are at the Brown's celebrating Daddy's B-day! Ella wanted to make Daddy laugh for his birthday so she pooped, peed & spit up on Mommy all at the same time! Isn't she talented? Multi-tasking at such a young age. I consider this the night I was officially christianed into motherhood. ;-)

Bath Time! Since Ella is so advanced with her bodily functions we decided that it was time for a bath!

And finally the most recent photo's! These were taken today as Mommy pretends to be Anne Geddes.

Sorry that we have been behind in posting. Now that we have things somewhat in order with Ella, we will try to post more often.

Ella Grace is Here!!!

2008-07-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone - We are very pleased to announce that Ella Grace Brown is here! She was born on Wednesday 7/23/08 at 7:33 p.m. She weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and measured 20.5" long. We would like to thank our Family and Friends for their help before and after her arrival! Please check out the links below to view pictures of Ella Grace. As you can see, we are very proud parents. Enjoy!

Days 1-3

Days 3-7

Pre-Ella Photos

2008-07-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos for everyone to enjoy as we wait for Ella Grace. Everyday is a waiting game, but we will get to meet her soon! We can't wait!

Karley at about 34 Weeks!

All the Pregnant Girls!

Karley, Erin, Lisa, Katie

All the Gainesville Folks at the shower Mindy threw!

Paintings that Nana Brown made for Ella Grace!

More Paintings by Nana!

Ella's Nursery

The Changing Station

Sophie playing in Ella Grace's Chair!

Welcome to Our Blog

2008-07-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Blog! We are new to blogging, but we are going to give it a try. We have set up this page so others can follow the soon to be new addition to the Brown Family. Ella Grace Brown is due to be born on July 30th! This is our first child, and we could not be any more excited. Please check back to see our progress.

Thanks - Cleveland and Karley