My Baby is Growing Up

Ella had her first day of "Pre-3" Preschool last Friday. She walked right into the classroom without any trouble. I had to go over to her and ask her for a hug and a kiss before I left! She goes to a Lutheran church, located about 3 minutes from our house, every Friday morning from 9:00 until 11:00. That's where she is right now in fact! It's also the perfect time for Nate to take a nap, and for me to update my blog. (Or clean, or do laundry...)

Last Saturday, we celebrated Ella's 3rd birthday, even though she won't be 3 until the 22nd. I have a continuing education course all of this coming weekend, so we decided to celebrate a little early this year. Ella's cousins, aunts, uncles, Godparents, and both sets of grandparents were there. We were able to borrow a bouncy house from our childcare provider, Ms. Linda. I think it was a hit!

Ella seemed to thoroughly enjoy her "Dora" cake as well.

We had a nice visit with my parents, who like always, helped immensely, especially getting everything ready for the party. They met with the realtor again, and actually looked at a few houses, to get an idea of what is offered in certain areas. It was a little disappointing for them, but it is just the beginning. When they come in October for Nate's birthday party, they will check out some other areas, and hopefully it will be a bit more promising.

I attended my first "Ladies Night Out" with the Newcomers Group. We gathered at another member's home (which was gorgeous) and played poker! Nobody knew how to play, so it was quite comical trying to learn! I'm looking forward to attending more events, with and without kids!

Last night was Ella's first "Dance with Me" class. It's a six-week parent-participation class, introducing beginning dance concepts. Or, basically a bunch of 2 and 3 year olds running around in circles. It was cute to watch! I think Ella will want to take dance lessons when she's a little older. She likes to watch "So You Think You Can Dance" with me and twirl around to the music. She said the funniest thing the other day. I told her we were going to "Big Lots" to pick up a few things, and without missing a beat, she looked right at me and asked, "Well, why isn't there a Little Lots?" She's also been following me around, being my little shadow. I asked her why she was following me everywhere, and she informed me, "Because I like to. I'm your daughter." Well, she told me!

Nathan is pulling himself up on everything and has learned how to crawl up the stairs. And man, he's fast! Whenever I tell him, "No," he scrunches up his little nose and makes a little whiny noise. It's hilarious! I have to stop myself from laughing, or he'll never learn! He's been sleeping very well lately, mostly through the night. He just gets up a little too early for my liking...but it's better than having to get up 2 or 3 times a night, like in the past. I can't believe my baby boy will be turning one next month.

Thinking about how time flies, I wanted to post a little part of my on-line journal that I kept during my pregnancy with Ella. My friend April began posting some memories of her pregnancy with her son, who will also be one next month, so I thought I would do the same for Ella. I'll do the same for Nathan in a few weeks. This was written on Thursday, September 19th, 2006:

One week until my due date! I had my weekly appointment today, and unfortunately, no chance since last week. Still 1.5cm dilated and 90% effaced, although she said I might be a little more effaced since last week. We talked about induction, and she said we would induce on October 2nd, a Monday, if Ella decides to stay put. So, there really is an end in sight, and the would be in two weeks. I'm seriously considering starting my leave after this week because it's becoming very hard to work.