a girl after my own heart

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and can I just say that this picture makes me so happy? And for two reasons. Let me explain...


So the more obvious reason why I love this picture so much is because Ellie is so happy cuddled up with her Daddy...and a Dr. Pepper (my 2 favorite things)! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be married to Nick and to have such a sweet baby girl. Nick has been so amazing to me over the past years that I've known him. I can't believe it's been that long already! Then 9 and a half months ago, he gave me the greatest little girl ever. We are so incredibly blessed. I am blessed to have them both.

And here's the not-so-obvious reason why this picture makes me smile... First, you must know that my Dad is the person who got me hooked on Dr. Pepper. You will never see my Dad without a Dr. Pepper bottle in his hand. Sometimes I think I don't even like it as much as I think I do; it's more of an emotional attachment to my Dad. When I was little, I always asked Dad for a sip of his Dr. Pepper, and I felt so special when he would let me have one! I know it's strange, but it was one way that I was connected to my Dad. When I could have a sip of his soda, I felt like I was on top of the world! So to see my little girl, curled up with her Daddy and a Dr. Pepper, it reminds me of when I was little...with my Daddy and a Dr. Pepper. Granted, I was several years older when I was drinking Dr. Pepper with my Dad :)

I love you, Dad! (and your Dr. Pepper, too haha)
Love always and forever, Your Tigger

lots of things to update...make sure you read to the end

So I've slacked off a lot on the whole blogging thing. I just finished reading other friends' updates and posts, so I'm feeling a little guilty for not posting myself. Especially, since we just had Ellie's first Christmas, she's 9 months old already, and...drumroll....she's walking! Oh yeah, and she just got her 3rd tooth. So here's a little about what you've missed...

Christmas was really fun. Ellie actually had 2 first Christmases, since we celebrated with my mom and sisters the Sunday before, then went to Missouri to celebrate with Nick's family for Christmas. Ellie really just enjoyed making noises with the wrapping paper. She didn't care so much for what was inside, but next year, I know she'll get into it more! Now that she's home though, she's really enjoying all the fun things she got for Christmas. I think her favorite is the walker thing Nick's grandparents got her. It's helping her learn how to walk, and she is so proud of herself! I think she's caught on to the fact that I clap and cheer every time she takes a few steps. Now, she claps for herself after each step sometimes! It's so stinkin adorable.

Since I haven't uploaded any pictures from Christmas yet, I'll just include some from her recent play date with Asher. Actually, Asher's mom has so graciously babysat twice recently so I could go to my doctor's appointments without Ellie's helping hand :) Which reminds me, I haven't yet announced to the blogging world that...Ellie's going to be a big sister!! Coming July 3 (or before), we will be the proud parents of two babies! Yes, Ellie will still be a baby, basically. They'll be 15 months apart, and I'm so happy that they'll be so close in age! I know Ellie will be an amazing big sister. She already loves being around other babies and children, and she is super social! I know she'll be a good example for her little brother or sister.
As many of you know, we did not find out if Ellie was going to be a boy or girl, and I suspect we will wait again this time. Nick doesn't want to find out again (big surprise! it was his idea the first time), and honestly, I'm once again warming up to the idea of waiting until delivery time. Another surprise!

Well, it's now 9:05, which is officially past my bedtime. So until next time...which will probably be soon considering I get my piano from my Mom on Saturday, and I am BEYOND EXCITED about it!! Pretty much the best Christmas present ever!