We've been pretty busy lately. Seems like life is moving in overdrive. Ellen is growing up so much. She's even started using her last name (which is pretty amazing considering how long it is). She's also been walking around staking out her property. "That's Ellen's, not baby's." It's cute... but only to a point. I have to draw the line at "Ellen's home. Not Mommy Daddy's."

We have been getting ready for baby. We're trying everything we can to get Ellen excited and ready for "bubba's" arrival (that's her name for him). We've also been trying to enjoy our last few weeks with just Ellen- which she's happy with because she's been getting tons of attention that she LOVES. Hope things are going well for all of you.

Christmas time and a New Year!

It's the end of 2009. How do we pronounce 2010? Twenty-ten? Two thousand and ten? I guess I'll get the hang of it.

Ellen has had a big year in 2009. Looking back at te photos of her from December 2008 to now... it's shocking how much she's growing and how quickly. Erika and I have taken to holding her upside down to try to slow her growth... don't think it's working, but I'll keep trying.

Just like Ellen keeps trying to push her limits. She's really staking a claim on, well... everything. We've been doing punishments (usually standing in the corner), which work, but it's a whole lot easier when she is strapped in her booster seat to get her to stay in the corner.

But, most of the time, she's really sweet. She LOVES to read, so we have a bunch of pictures of her reading to her baby doll and to herself. I hope she stays with this habit. We think (especially Erika) that it's a good one to have.

She's also getting into EVERYTHING. Here she is striking a pose while trying to use the computer (which she knows she's not supposed to touch).

Christmas snuck up on us this year, but luckily we had time over Thanksgiving break to do the decorating. Ellen helped with the lights (after she played doctor with baby and checked her temperature of course).

And, we even got to go to Grandma and Grandpa's to make cookies and celebrate Grandpa's birthday. The sprinkles were Ellen's job, and when mommy wasn't looking, Ellen was pretty liberal with the topping.

Then we got to celebrate an early Christmas with the other side of the family. Here are the three cousings trying to get a shot or two from the "paparazzi" of photographers.

Then, on Christmas eve we went to Grandma and Grandpa's to celebrate an early Christmas. We had fun and went to church at the end of the day. The three of us had a quiet Christmas day, which was really needed.

Happy New Years everyone!

Is October really over?

Halloween came and went so I guess that means it is officially November. October was a good month, hopefully November can match it... don't think it will.

Our Halloween was fun. We carved the pumpkin in the morning, but we never actually carved a face in it. All we wanted were the seeds and to give Ellen a chance to help clean it out. All she wanted to do was shove the spoon in there to try to clean it out. There was no convincing her that using her hands would work better. Then, all of the local family met and we marched through Multnomah Village to go trick or treating. It was extremely busy. It reminded me of being in line at an Amuesment part for the big ride, only stopping every two feet to grab some candy along the way.

Erika came up with a great idea of making a Christmas tree costume for Ellen, so that's what she was this year. Complete with lights and everything.

Amelia was a cute pumpkin. And Izabella wore a Halloween themed outfit. It was a lot of fun, and I think the little ones enjoyed it too. Ellen was on a sugar high after the three pieces of candy she ate. We'll definitely have to limit her intake in the future.

When the trick or treating was done, we made our way to Jenny and Josh's place to watch the big football game. That was fun, and Ellen managed to find a fun activity that Emily and her could do together.

New Cousin!

We got to meet our new niece/cousin Izabella. She's adorable and Ellen loved that there's another cousin! Ellen is already able to pronounce her name (Izzie) which is good considering that she calls herself "Eye-Nah." Next summer the whole family will get together again and there will be a total of 6 grandkids running around. 4 girls, 1 boy and 1 to be determined.

Ellen's always had issues sleeping, but lately nap time has become an issue. Previously she would play and then go to her "bed" when she couldn't keep her head up. Now she's so resistant to napping that she falls asleep at any random spot.

We went to the pumpkin patch the other day. Ellen found the smallest and saddest looking pumpkin possible and she wouldn't leave without it. She's such a care taker.

Repepepepetition.

Ellen is really into repeating things lately. Most of the time it gets annoying, but occasionally it is really cute. And, the times that it's cute, it pays off. This is from a couple days ago. She just suddenly started singing it. I wonder when we'll get sick of this song. For now, it's the cutest thing ever.

It's that time of year again.

Back to work. The everyday routine kicking back into full gear. Top it off with Ellen posing with a stuffed duck and football season starting up. Fall is here and life is back to normal.

Ellen at 0.

Ellen at 1.

Ellen at 2.

Erika and I were joking while taking this picture that she's really going to hate having to pose with this duck when she's 20. But, darn it, tradition must be maintained...

No!