Happy Mother's Day!

I missed Mother's Day last year by a couple of weeks. Some may argue that even though Ella was still in my belly that I was still a mother. I would have to, in some aspects, disagree. Yes, I had been caring for this little life for 9 months! Yes, I was nourishing her and helping her grow. AND Yes, I loved that little face and those tiny toes even though I was unable to kiss them. I was a mother, BUT nothing could ever compare to loving Ella now, outside the womb. I thought I knew what love was during those 9 months I carried her, but I had NO IDEA! Loving Ella is a pretty amazing thing. One that is unexplainable. She is happy, incredibly smart, and funny! She is a part of me and part of Ernie. God is pretty amazing and wonderful because he gave us the responsibility to look after her, guide her in His ways, and stand by and look on with pride! We are proud parents of this wonderful little girl. I am privileged to be called her Mama! Happy Mother's day to every Mom who has smart, happy, wonderful little kiddos and who love them more and more each day!

Good bye 10 months... Hello 11 months!

As I sit at home today with a sick kiddo, getting things accomplished and done around the house, I just stopped and noticed the date. April 27th! Although this has no significant meaning to us, it does hold some small meaning. Our little lady has been with us for 11 months and has one more month until she is 1. Hard to believe where the time has gone. I know this will not be the last time I say that!

Our easy going lady is still not crawling and has no wanting to pull herself up to try walk. Although these are milestones we look forward to her accomplishing, she still amazes us daily with her ever growing knowledge of the things around her. Ella is really starting to understand things like "no" (even though she doesn't always obey it). She loves to give me things when I ask. She loves repeating things after we say them. The other day I said, "oh nuts!" and Ella repeated, in her baby language,what sounded like "oh nuts." Ernie and I both just laughed. She is starting to play with her toys and talk to them and laugh at them. The other day she was playing with her toys and kept repeating; "I, I, I, I, I". I think she was saying "hi".

I visited the doctor yesterday and we found out that she has her first ear infection. I am grateful we have gone this long without being sick. It is hard for a mama to see their little ones sick. I hate it. Ernie has been traveling this week so I have done it all on my own. We miss daddy and we look forward to having him home too! The doctor also said that Ella is cutting FOUR teeth on top! Poor baby! We look forward to those coming in soon! We haven't had a new tooth since the end of January and I am sure Ella looks forward to a little relief! (until she gets more)

We have had some play time outside lately too when the weather has been nice. Ella hates her feet touching the grass. See the picture below of how she sits in the grass! She'll have great abs if she continues doing this. While we were playing outside the other day too, Ella proceeded to pick up grass, look at it, and gag. The grass didn't even go in her mouth. I just laughed at her. She did the same thing on Easter with the colored grass in her Easter basket. What a strange child!


We love Ella so much and can't believe that in a few short weeks will be celebrating her first birthday! Happy 11 months Ella Jean! Enjoy some 10 month pictures!

He has Risen!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons. I find it even hard to sleep the night before because I am excited to celebrate. Here are the reasons why I am so excited:

1. Knowing that we don't have to die a sinners death because our Savior has done if for us. Pretty stinkin' amazing and wonderful!

2. Family





3. Easter baskets with fun goodies





4. Good food! These are Chocolate chick cupcakes that I made. Thanks Martha Stewart!




5. Getting all dressed up in our new Easter outfits



6. Fun cousin moments




Happy Easter from the Krauths

These are a few of my favorite things...

Long walks with Mommy:



Eating:




Sleeping on my tummy:


Getting stuck in small spaces:



My cousin Lia:


Swinging:


My dad:




Mylie:




Being 9 Months old is SO much fun!

Winter Break and more...

Ella will be nine months tomorrow and it is hard to believe where the time has gone. Ella is so full of life, laid back, and has her dads humor (she laughs at everything). It amazes me daily how much Ernie and I love this little girl. I can't believe we lived so long without her. She fills every part of our lives with joy, wonder, and continuous laughter. Here are some pictures of my time off with Ella. I had so much fun with Ella during my Winter Break and, as always, it goes WAY too fast. The most fun part was having play dates with Jansen boys and with cousin Lia. It is so fun to watch Ella interact with other kiddos. Very much looking forward to Florida in three/four weeks for Spring Break!