Lately

We have been doing all kinds of stuff lately and Ella has been experiencing a lot of firsts. She is already almost 7 months and we can't believe it. You can see in the pictures how much she has changed.

My cousin was in town with her baby Reese. Reese, Ella, and Ella's cousin Riley were all born within about a week of each other. As you can see Ella and Riley are getting used to each other and they like to grab and hit each other.

I turned around the other day and this is what I saw. She is such a funny little thing, and she stayed like this for awhile just chilling out.

Ella has started eating her meals in her high chair and she loves it. I always laugh because she looks so tiny in it. She is still loving her baby food and now she eats the little baby crackers too. Those took her a little bit to get used to(even though they basically dissolve in her mouth) because they are hard, but now she is figuring it out. I love to watch her pick them up with her tiny fingers.

Ella has finally figured out how to hold her own bottle too. It can't be too heavy and she can't be too tired, but other than that she does great with it. Thank you to Linzy for introducing me to the handles.

Ella is sitting up all by herself now too. We have really been trying to help her figure it out because she has to be able to do it for her pictures this weekend. She is so proud of herself everytime she does it.

I met up with my friend Marie who was in town from Iowa. We saw the elephant parade at Gateway. It was pretty short but I think Ella was entertained. She just dropped her bottle and stared at them. It was cool to see them just walking down the street.

This is Ella and me with Marie and Joshua.

The other night Ella was really tired during dinner. She had hardly napped during the day and she was ready to sleep. I have a video of it too and it is hysterical. Dustin and I could not stop laughing because this had never happened before. Here she is going, going...

...and gone.

Ella woke up from a nap upset and would not let me put her down. She is starting to get into a little bit of a clingy stage, but for now I don't mind at all.

We had this bin in our DI pile and Dustin put her in it for a minute and she loved it. She likes to hold on to the sides and attempt to pull herself up.

Our Cute Little Girl

These are just some recent photos of Ella for all to enjoy. :)

This is Ella trying to sit up with the help of Daddy's legs.

When she makes this face she looks so much like her Daddy.  She was really concentrating on trying to figure out her new toy.
This is Ella and me after we went to get the mail down the street.  She hates the sun in her eyes, so thanks to Grandma Diane for getting her these stylish shades. 
Ella absolutely loves her baths.  She splashes the whole time and drenches whoever is bathing her.  This just proves that this girl really never stops moving.  She sure keeps us busy.

McQuay Family Photos

A few weeks ago we attempted to take family photos with Dustin's family.  Unfortunately not too many of them turned out, but with 3 kids in the pictures that is to be expected.  Plus, a storm was on the way and we were in a rush to finish.  Dustin and I were able to get a couple good ones with Ella.  She wasn't really looking at the camera, but the two pictures I am putting on here are the best ones.  The best part was that the place we took the photos in Park City was beautiful.  Way to go Britt for coming up with it. 

Pose #1

This is the same picture, but in black and white.

Pose #2

The best group shot. 

 

Brittney's Birthday Party

For Brittney's (Dustin's sister) birthday this year we went up to Millcreek Canyon and roasted hot dogs and hung out.  There was a little stream right by our site that the kids and Darla (Rob & Jana's dog) had fun playing in.  This was Ella's first experience doing anything like this and she lasted a lot longer than I thought she would.  It probably helped being distracted by her cousins, grandparents, great grandma, and aunt and uncle.  Thanks to everyone for holding her so much!  

Ella with her Daddy

Ella with Brittney and Hannah (I swear she was happy like one second before I took this picture)
Dustin and me
Ella with Grandma and Grandpa
The birthday girl with her cake.

This picture is not great, but I just love James' face.  I think he was excited for cake.

Ella is 6 months

I can't believe that our little baby Ella is already 6 months old.  The time has gone so fast and it is weird to think of life before she was here.  Ella has changed our lives in so many ways and I love her more than anything.  It seems like everyday she is changing and learning something new.  She is such an alert little girl and she loves to talk, laugh, and watch her Baby Einstein movies.  Ella makes me laugh and melts my heart everyday.  She was such a miracle to us and I look forward to continue seeing her grow up. 

At her 6 month check-up she was:

16 lbs. 9 oz.  (63%)

26.5 in. (78%)

This is Ella at 6 days old heading home from the hospital.

This is Ella at 6 weeks old playing with Daddy.

And here she is at 6 months old laughing at her Baby Einstein movie.