My first Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day was spent with my two favorite people at my favorite place. Ella, Jim and I spent the weekend at Clear Lake enjoying the warm weather, the lake, and each other. There's not much to say other than it was the perfect Mother's Day.

Hawaii

Our Hawaii trip was 2 amazing weeks of pure relaxation and fun. Traveling with Ella was so great - she was so easy going - from her first airplane ride to the changing scenery to swimming in the pool, ocean, and putting her toes in the sand, Ella had a great time.

Our first 5 nights were spent at the Westin Resort & Spa at Kaanapali, Maui Trying out the pool for the first time Toes in the sand

Waiting with Grandma Marilyn for the Feast at Lele Luau to begin

It was then off to Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay for another 5 nights

Enjoying the view from our roomPlaying in the sand with papa
Going for a dip in the ocean with mamaFollowed by a dip in the pool with papa
Ella n Budda at the Lodge at Koele

Our last 4 nights were spent at Four Seasons Resort Wailea, Maui

More pool time with papa

Our Hawaiian vacation was perfect family time. Ella got to spend time with Grandma Marilyn, Aunt Laura, Uncle Mike and Pede as well as lots of quality mama and papa time.

See our pics for *lots* more Hawaii photos :)

Easter

Flying kites is a part of our Easter. This year the conditions were just right and both Michael's flew them high! We got to see Jim's cousins and all the kids got to go easter egg (read:present) hunting. The Easter Bunny was very good to Ella and we had a wonderful day with our family.

Aloha!

Been a very busy few weeks and I ran out of time for updates. We are heading to Hawaii for a MUCH needed vacation tomorrow. I promise to have full updates dating back to the last post soon after we get back. Aloha for now!!

Updates coming

Sorry for the silence but updates coming soon...

6 months!

At 6 months, Ella is 23 3/4 inches (95% tile - going to play basketball if I have anything to say about it) and 16lbs 12oz (50% tile - tall and lean!). She is an active little girl and smiling like crazy. We have not started solid foods yet since we are heading on vacation and dealing with bottles is enough. Ella is now mostly on formula and transitioning to nursing only at night and in the morning. She is still loving her walking and in general is just a happy little one. Hard to believe my little baby is 6 months already!

Another lago trip

A beautiful spring weekend at Clear Lake. Ella enjoyed being at the lake again in the off season. She was snug as a bug and enjoyed getting to know the lake again.

We go walking

Ella's new trick :)

Ella loves her Bumbo in the garden

Yummy plant

A first

Every St. Patty's day there is a street party by Jim's office and is a fun way to spend the afternoon with a few friends and a few beers. As this is no place to bring a baby, we went back and forth as to whether Ella...and perhaps mama as well....was ready to be babysat. Ella has been pretty good with the bottle lately but mostly only from me so I wasn't sure I could leave her if she wouldn't take the bottle from my mom. After much back and forth, Jim and I decided last minute I could just fatten Ella up and make a run for the door and meet him for an hour or so in the city for a little St. Patty's fun. Babcia Beata and Ella were getting along just great so I fed her and made a run for it. And guess what? It went great! Babcia Beata took wonderful care of Ella, napping, playing, entertaining her. Ella even drank half a bottle right before we got home. Everyone was happy - Ella got to spend time with Babcia, Babcia got to spend time with Ella, and Jim and I got to spend a couple hours together seeing a few friends and having a few beers. Thank you Babcia!