Getting Mushy about Motherhood

I put Ellie down for the night, close her door and take a deep breath in. She exhausts me. I relish the moments of stillness and silence for about 30 minutes. Then, I begin to miss her. As Jared and I lay down in bed we talk about her. She truly amazes us. I think it is true when women say that having a baby and becoming a mother is one of the biggest accomplishments they have ever had. She will be the best thing I have ever done! I can cook a million meals, run races, travel and those things will still never be as great of an accomplishment as creating a beautiful baby. 

 I will put in the words of Sheri Dew, since she states things so well,

 "motherhood....is the highest, holiest service....assumed by mankind."

"Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly and definitely that. It is the essence of who we are as women. Motherhood defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits, talents and tendencies our Father gave us."

(No One Can Take Your Place, Sheri Dew)

Mumford and Sons put it pretty well too. 

A Glimpse of our Weekend

So prepare for a picture overload. I told you I would be posting more since I got a new camera. Here is a glimpse of out weekend. Ellie is such a great model, I can't help but take a million pictures of her adorable face.

I work just about every Saturday and Jared gets to spend the day with Ellie. I actually really enjoy getting away for the day, even though I'm going to work. Plus Jared gets to spend one on one time with Ellie. It works well for both of us. 

Ellie tried beef stew, chicken soup and baked zitti (pasta casserole) this week. She is such a GREAT eater!

Sundays are always hectic. We now have church at 1. Ellie gets in a nice nap in the morning and has plenty of energy to run around the church building for hours. I was in the chapel for maybe 15 minutes, enough time to take the sacrament and the rest of the meeting was spent walking up and down the hallways. Ellie likes socializing with all the other babies. I was called to primary a few weeks ago. I am now a teacher for the CTR 4/5 class. I am loving it! I truly believe Heavenly Father called me to this position to better prepare me to be able to teach my children the gospel. I love being able to learn the primary songs right along side the children, and the simplicity of the lessons. I am teaching the simple gospel truths that make the church so wonderful. 

Went to Ikea and braved the crowds on Monday (Presidents Day). Jared and I love Ikea, we never walk out of there empty handed. We bought a shelf for our bathroom and a tunnel for Ellie. Its still a little cold for the park, so we will bring the park to our living room. 

I'm am loving my new camera!

Ellie-10 Months

In two days Ellie will be 11 months old. I'll go ahead and say what every mom says, it's gone by SO fast. It's true. I sat around the dinner table with my parents and reminisced Ellie's birth story. After we ate dinner of course;) the thoughts and feelings are still fresh in my mind.

This last month Ellie decided to become a WALKER. That's right folks she is walking. Actually tonight she set a new record. It's amazing how all of a sudden she decides this will be the night I will walk across the room. She amazes me ever day. Jared and I can't get over how blessed we are. Ellie is such a joy, and a really good baby. Not to rub it in but my days are really pretty easy/ predictable. Ellie has always been self motivated and really entertains herself.

She is quite curious, getting into every little nook and cranny. Good thing we live in a small apartment with an under abundance of nooks. She likes to attempt to climb over things. This includes the laundry basket and the chair legs. There have been a few face plants but no permanent damage.

She has started teething again. Her top front teeth are making there way through. While we were in California she was a slobbery mess, with a runny nose and fever. I always feel bad, I think I know how she feels, my wisdom teeth are making their way in as well.

Jared and I are seriously obsessed with Ellie. Every bit of her. Her big beautiful brown eyes, long eyelashes, soft ears, her baby breath. We can't get enough of her.

Also in Ellie news, she gives kisses now. They are the best kisses and they usually come in sets of 3-5. She waves, and said "hi daddy" clear as day. She said it in front of my mom and I and hasn't said it since.

Thanks to my Aunt Cathy for the wonderful photos.

To Grandma's House We Go

I decided to take a trip home for 10 days and get out of the extreme cold we have been experiencing in Utah lately. I had a great visit at home in the nice warm weather. One of the main reasons I went out was to see my Grandma who was diagnosed with colon cancer a few months ago. Although she is doing a lot better, there were a few rough weeks where we were unsure if she would recover. I wanted to make sure I was able to see her while she was still feeling well and let her see Ellie too. Ellie after all is named after my grandma Eleanor.

While I was home the whole family went to lunch at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing, CA. This place is the BEST! We got sauteed crab, calamari, fish & chips, it was delicious. The sauteed crab was cooked in a white wine butter sauce with tomatoes, capers, onion and garlic. SOOOOO good. One things is for sure, my family knows how to eat. It was a beautiful day! We walked out to the beach, and Grammie even made her way out to the sand. It was so great to see her out and about.

Later that day, I couldn't pass up the great weather so my mom and I went for a hike at one of my favorite places Toro Park. I spent a lot of time here in high school and college running cross country, and it is always beautiful. There are huge sycamore trees and tons of Oak trees. It was a great hike, even with Ellie is the baby bjorn.

Pardon my mom's finger

I was able to go running with my old team mates who got me to run a 9 minute mile for 4 miles. I guess I just needed someone to push me. Its always great to see my old friends. We spent super bowl sunday hanging out at home, once again eating yummy food. My parent live across the street from a park, so we spent plenty of time there pushing Ellie in the baby swings.

Ellie with her Uncle Ross and Aunt Lynsie

watching cartoons with Grandpa

Spent a lot of time here, looking out at my parent's backyard. 

Ellie did really well on the flight out. We had a layover in Portland, and the flight into San Jose was gorgeous. We flew down the coast, past San Francisco and Half Moon Bay. The flight home on the other hand was dreadful. It must have been the time of day, or the fact that the flight was filled to capacity. Ellie cried pretty much the whole time, and it about brought me to tears as well.

I'm so happy to be home with Jared. I came home to a pristinely cleaned house, flowers, chocolates and a new warm blanket for out living room. He loves us :)