Ella's Six-Month Photo Shoot

Last month when Ella and I were visiting my parents back in Iowa, a good family friend graciously shared her talent - and amazing camera - with us one afternoon in an effort to capture Ella at six months. The photo shoot also coincided with her open-mouth smile (the result of a stuffy nose), yet, Deb was clearly able to get some great photos, and we really appreciate it!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin Got Married!

The big day finally came, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin got married this past weekend! We had so much fun with all of the family and friends that came to celebrate, and we're so excited to officially welcome Aunt Kristin to the family, we couldn't have asked for a better addition:) Other than 'chatting' throughout the ceremony, Ella did really well with all of the festivities. All three of us were pretty tired today, and enjoyed a nice family nap this afternoon. I also noticed today that Ella has another tooth coming in right next to the first one. They're both poking through, but I'm sure they'll really make their debut this week, and then maybe she'll finally open her mouth long enough to take a photo!

In her dress for the wedding.

Uncle Jeff with Ella on his wedding day!

Our little family.

Jeff, Kristin, and their wedding party.

Grandma V. and Ella.

Ella and her favorite cousins, Ava and Reid.

Reid squeezed into Ella's walker!

Crawling under her highchair.

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Reading with her feet. What a monkey.

The First Tooth!

It's official, Ella has her first tooth! There have been many times in the past few months that we were convinced she was teething. As many of you parents know, it's the perfect excuse for irritability, sleep struggles, drooling, chewing, etc. Therefore, we were pretty surprised to find the first tooth arrive without any 'symptoms' - what a champ! Grandma and Gramps C. came to visit for the weekend, and despite the lousy weather on Saturday and a missed air and water show, we had a great time. As you'll notice in the pictures below, Ella has a new, tight-lipped smile. She isn't ready to show off her new tooth yet!

What a pair. Go Hawks!

She'd rather eat the toys on the Jumperoo than jump in it.

Her new face as a result of the new tooth.

She may have swallowed a little bath water.

Brunch time!

Where do you think she gets that tight-lipped smile?

7 Months Old!

Ella turned seven months old on Wednesday, and we celebrated our four-year wedding anniversary on Thursday. How life has changed! We enjoyed a nice dinner out, and Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin babysat Ella. Our weekend was pretty quiet, spent running errands, taking walks, and generally just hanging out.

Checking out her reflection in the glass.

Meal time has turned messy...

Ella has a mustache!