A First Birthday & a Well-Check

Ella had a fabulous birthday.  We actually celebrated Wednesday evening (the 27th), instead of on the 26th, because that way my parents were able to come for the celebration and Nate was able to make his regular Tuesday night Elder's Quorum visits.  We had Indian food for dinner from our favorite Indian restaurant, called Punjab Palace.  Ella feasted on Palak Paneer.  That girl has great taste!  She was more interested in climbing on her presents than in actually opening them.

But once we did get them open, she was happy.

Savannah was pretty interested in helping Ella play with her new toys.

For dessert I made a coconut birthday cake, and Nate helped Ella with the duty of blowing out the candle.

Are you curious to see how much of a mess Ella made eating her piece of cake?

She is a ridiculously clean eater.  Not that I'm complaining, because I'm not!  She will just miss out on having that picture that every other kid seems to have of their faces covered in cake on their first birthday.

Yesterday I took her to see her pediatrician for her one year well-check.  As he was looking over her measurements he said, "Well, it looks like she's going to be tall like her mom!" Snort.  She measured in at 18 pounds 11 ounces and 28 inches long with a head circumference of 44.2 centimeters.  The pediatrician said those numbers put her solidly in the 25th percentile on all fronts.  Other than being a tiny little thing, she is totally healthy!  I'm sorry kid, you may be doomed to a life of being short like your mommy.

Happy First Birthday Ella-bug!

I've decided that it should be against the law to age.  It just isn't right that Ella should be turning ONE today.  I mean seriously, it seems like just yesterday that she was born and I held her in my arms for the first time.

I have made a conscious effort during the past year to enjoy the little moments, but even still, I would blink my eyes and she would change.  In the past month and a half she has cut 4 teeth and started walking.  STOP IT!!!

She loves to eat, so she fits well in our family.  If I'm holding her while I'm eating, her little hand will sneak in and grab bits of food out of my hand or off of my plate.

She loves to dig through the kitchen garbage when no one is looking, finding all sorts of "treasures."  She has a penchant for cuddling and soft things that I hope won't change in the near future.  If you throw a bunch of pillows on the ground, she'll go to the nearest one, lay on it, then crawl to the next one and lay on it, etc.  She adores the cats and does an amazing imitation of Neko's meow.  If you're not looking at them, you would be hard pressed to know which of them was meowing.

She is a bright spot in our family and in our lives.  Happy Birthday Ella, we love you!!