Ella the next morning.

Perfectly well rested and waiting for mommy.

Big girl bed!

For weeks.... no let me take that back... MONTHS we have been talking about breaking Ellas bed down into the toddler bed. We want to start urging Ella to be a little more self sufficent not just because she is getting to be a big girl but also because, she is a BIG GIRL! Ella is 30lbs now and we pick her up a lot. Everyone knows Bens back is still on the mend and mine at times feels like its on the way out. I have to remind myself that Ella is capable of climbing and descending the stairs on her own and give her the opportunity to use her body and give my body a break. But that is not always easy mentally. Ella is still my baby so when she had a meltdown over having a toddler bed I had a bit of meltdown too. Sure, I look happy in this picture but inside I was freaking out just as much as she was. I think I was smiling because I was stupified that she was reacting so strongly to having a different side rail on her bed. I had hoped that she would be excited over having a "new bed" but when I saw how scared she was I had doubts if we were ready for the progression.

Thank goodness for fathers though. Ben stepped in and told me to take a break. He sat with her for almost an hour talking about her big girl bed and how everyone would be so proud of her the next morning when they found out. Luckily she calmed down and gave into the fatigue from her fit and fell asleep. She hasn't made one fuss about her big girl bed since. In the morning when I woke up she was still laying in her bed quietly waiting for me to come and get her. I wonder when that will change?

Next step... potty training. UGH....... Lord help me.

Train of Lights.

Last Sunday we took a train ride on the Historic Niles Canyon Railway. Every Christmas they decorate their train inside and out, and take people for an hour and half train ride while they serve hot chocolate and played Christmas music. Even Mr and Mrs Claus made an apperance. Ella loved the trip. She is still talking about her train ride.

Santa Claus

Today was a special day. Ella met Santa for the first time and she did suprisingly well. Not one tear but rather all smiles and laughs. She even made sure to tell Santa that she wanted "candy" for Christmas, a wish which Santa promptly fulfilled by giveng her a yummy Candy Cane. It's amazing, each year, to consider how much she has changed, how big she has gotten. The differences, year to year, are incredible, and we constantly marvel at how much two people can love one littel girl... Happy Holidays to all our loved ones, may the coming year bring you great happiness.

Baxter

I guess this is a perk about having a small dog!

I don't always take Baxter on my long walks with me because he normally can't keep up due to his short legs. Today I took him because I have been on the mend from being sick so I thought he would have no problem keeping up. He was doing well for awhile but I think his paw starts to bother him the longer we walk and he was beginning to limp a little. This is from an old injury when he was a pup. So to give him a break I stuck him on top of the stroller and he really seemed to enjoy the view. I can't say the same for Ella. I think Bax might have been encroaching on her head room. It was cute regardless. Maybe I will get a double stroller sooner then I thought and let Bax ride with us from now on. ;-)

Sweet gestures.

Every once and a awhile Ben will do something nice for me like set out my coffee and cereal bowl in the morning or bring home flowers and I always appreciate it but yesterday it really surprised me. I have been feeling a little under the weather lately and this little gesture made my morning. What's even more impressive is that he thinks of this stuff at 6am! I have the sweetest husband in the world.