one, two, THREE, FOUR

Miss Ella is growing and changing every week, and she hasn't stopped amazing us-- or getting cuter :). Since turning 4 months a little over a week ago, she's lifting her head up high when on her tummy, rocking when lying on her back, sitting in her Bumbo and jumper, popping her pacifier back in, and starting to giggle (though not on demand unfortunately). It's getting more fun as time goes on, which is good because I find myself sad she's getting big so fast. Where's my little newborn baby?


4 Month Stats
Weight: 14 lbs. 13 oz., ~60th percentile
Height: 24 1/2 in., ~50th percentile
Head Circumference: ~90th percentile
Likes: mornings, the taste of her hands, anything that can go in her mouth, her stuffed Goofy, pacifiers, rattles, music, her play gym, Jackson, the sound of her own voice (the louder the better), drooling
Dislikes: burping, tummy time (getting better now that she's getting stronger), getting into the carseat

2013 has started off busy with heading back to work, but I am so happy to be job-sharing. Working two days gives me a great balance, as I really enjoy the classroom and my colleagues but can't imagine full time away from Ella. It has me that much more appreciative of my days with her. Transitioning back and forth with my partner is going to take a lot of practice, but I know we'll get into the groove of things very soon. I'm so grateful to be working with such a wonderful teacher with whom I'm not only a good professional match, but friends, too. Chris has been working harder than ever, and he's excited to be attending Stanford's Emerging CFO Program for an upcoming week in February and then in May.

Some non-holiday pictures of the last few months:

Andy's First Birthday

Andy's Moves 

Ella Meets the Kachmariks!
We were so happy to have our good friends from Montana visit :)

Hangin' with Joi

Baby lounger or dog bed?
Pedro votes dog bed. Ella loved the snuggle.

Thanks for the cute hat Great Grandma Barbi! Go Uncle Tyler!
Livermore Wrestling Team's Cutest Mascot to Date

Lunch date with Grandma

This face says so much.
Like, "Wait, we're not hanging out all day tomorrow, Mom?"

Grandpa's Recovery Buddy
So glad he's doing better :)

Lounging with Dad and Jackson in my slippers.

Look what I can do with my neck!

Christmas 2012

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Ella, full of family and eating, of course! We kicked things off with celebrating Christmas with the Folse/Carpenter side of the family a week ahead, and then we celebrated with the Folse/Vadnais side a few days before. Chris's parents and Grandma Barbi flew in from San Diego to spend the holiday week with us. Chris's brother, Jeff, flew in from Washington D. C., and his girlfriend, Erin, drove up from her family Christmas in Santa Barbara. We were able to have my parents, Megan, and Tim join us for Christmas breakfast, which was really nice.

Ella got lots of snuggling and playing in with her Garber family while they were in town, which we have pictures of below. It was so much fun to have Grandma Barbi, Jeff, and Erin meet her! 

Having Ella be a part of our family traditions, old and new, was so special-- and so was celebrating Christmas in our home for the first time. Everything was just a little more magical and better than before. It was fun to give her presents (even though she had no idea) and open them for her. She's a lucky girl-- most importantly because of how much love she receives from her family. We can't wait for more Christmas celebrations to come. The fun has just begun! 

Celebrating Christmas with the Folse Family-- Ella in her holiday dress with Grandma and Grandpa.

Ella had a very special question to ask. They said yes :)

Ella's first trip to the Buena Vista, a holiday season tradition.  She's yet to try their famous Irish Coffee :)

Our Family of 4 on Christmas Eve

Lots of cooking!

Christmas Breakfast with Folses, McMani, and Garbers

Garber Christmas 2012

Skyping Uncle Rob, Aunt Lisa, and Cousin Nick in New York

Ella in "Tropical Paradise" - Thanks for the name, Jeff :)

Exhausted from her first Christmas

Catching Up: Newborn Photo Shoot with Stacy

Our friend Stacy did it again! She took beautiful pictures of our Ella at 5 1/2 weeks. She just put in on her blog, so we wanted to update ours as well. You may notice some of the shots from Ella's birth announcement. We absolutely love them!

http://stacygreenwood.com/blog/2013/01/meet-ella/

We're in the process of catching up with blogging, so stay tuned for some pictures of the last month or two. It's been a busy time, and, boy, is she growing :)