First Haircut = Success!

After much thought, barrettes, and itchy eyes, we decided it was time to take Elle to get her first haircut. As much as I didn't want to do it, I could no longer deal with her constantly pulling out her hair bows, and watch her rub her eyes. I found a children's "salon" in Wake Forest last week and so we paid them a visit this morning. As always Elle was perfect. She sat in a little truck seat and got to watch a movie about animals while they trimmed away. I only had to distract her a couple of times. I'm happy to say, she looks great and I didn't cry watching her little locks get shorten. One more first was experienced and once again I'm reminded my little girl is growing up!

Before

Sitting so nicely!

Almost done...

After

A Special Visit

Last Wednesday, Nona and Mike's grandma came down for a quick visit. Although it was very short, we had a great time checking up and Elle loved having the company! Nona is a great playmate and Elle always has fun exploring with her, which is so fun to watch! We had a wonderful time visiting with Mike's grandma, whom we haven't seen for a couple of years, and we were so glad she was finally able to meet our little girl! Thanks for coming down guys, it put a bright spot in our week!

Illinois Trip #2

Last week Elle and I went back up to Illinois to visit family, and throw a shower for my sister who will soon be getting married! Our trip started off with a surprise at the airport. Our flight was canceled! Although it was very disappointing that we lost a full day in Rockford, we all found it quite hilarious that no one bothered to check my flight before our trek to the airport. Needless to say, we checked the next day and I received a text message from the airline stating that all systems were go.

Elle was a gem on the flight up! She fell asleep within ten minutes of take-off and woke up with only twenty minutes left in our flight. Yeah for scheduling our travel during nap time!! After we arrived at my parent's house we began planning for the wedding shower that was going to be held the following day. I also finally got to see the beautiful wedding dress in person, and the crazy awesome decorations that will be at the reception. Elle also had a chance to play with everyone and stretch her legs after a long morning!

One of Elle's favorite Illinois activities is playing in the grass,
our grass here in North Carolina isn't really playful!

Playing in her tunnel...

Saturday, Elle and I hung out in the morning and then it was off to Kristin's shower. Elle stayed behind and played with grandpa, which I think was enjoyed by both! They stopped by the shower afterward and after visiting with everybody, Elle went outside with Kasey and Darrin to visit the rabbits. From what I heard she loved them, which is always exciting to hear so thanks guys!

Elle checking out the rabbits

Sunday we visited with some more family. Elle got to swim in a "big girl" pool with grandpa, and had a blast!

Enjoying the nice pool on a hot day!

Monday we headed down to Dwight to visit some great friends from college. It was pretty comical to get together since we now all have kids. I can definitely say having little ones brings a whole new dynamic to our visits! It was great seeing everyone, big and small! It was a reminder of what great friends God has blessed me with! Thanks for being so great guys!

Yes, they are all sitting right where we put them!
Impressed, aren't you?

Tuesday, two very tired girls flew back home and were greeted at the entrance by a wonderful man. Elle was VERY excited to see her daddy and I was equally excited to see him! What a great trip we had, we can't wait to go up in November and celebrate with Adam and Kristin!

Coming to a Close

With the summer winding down, I find myself taking the last couple of weeks to reflect on what a year it has been for our family. It’s hard to believe that this time last year; we were starting to become a little frantic around the house because, soon, another little person would be here. We started getting our “lasts” done like eating out as a family of two, catching a movie on a whim, driving to the beach for the day, taking a nap at our leisure, and on and on. Neither of us quite knew what God had in mind for the next year.

In so many ways, our lives’ have changed. Slowly our apprehensions and “what-ifs” have faded, and we are closing in on our first year of parenthood. It brings tears to my eyes as I am writing this, because I can’t figure out for the life of me what I did to deserve such an amazing little girl in my life. Every day I see her, my breathe is once again taken away. Don’t get me wrong, not every day in our home is heavenly, but it’s home, and my family, and I am so blessed!

Now that our summer is coming to a close, I will be returning to work, and shortly there after my little Elle will have her first on many birthdays to come. So I thought that I would write my favorites with Elle, as I have seen many of my friends do with their children. (Thanks for the great idea guys!)

~ I love that Elle is a snuggle bug! She could be playing by herself, and I could come scoop her up and she just falls right into me. She also will snuggle with her stuffed animals on the floor, which is so precious!

~I love how she is so curious! It’s funny to watch her as she gets older, because now she tries to be very secretive when she is exploring. She’s not always sure what our reaction is going to be!

~I love that she is a social butterfly! She loves to be around people and be the center of attention; she plays the “shy, quiet little girl” but so is not!

~I love that Elle shares everything; her toys, food, and so forth! I hope that continues as she gets older.

~I love Elle’s independence. She not afraid to push the limits. I know it sounds kind of weird that I don’t mind that she challenges me when I tell her “no”, it reminds me that she is an individual learning right and wrong for the first time and it’s my job to help her figure all that stuff out!

~I love that Elle pulls my full glass of water off the end table on a weekly basis and then looks at me with a “haven’t you figured out that you need to move that coaster yet” look.

~I love how Elle shoves books in my face every day because she loves to listen to me read.

~I love her beautiful blue eyes and brown hair!

~I love listening each morning to Elle talk to her teddy about all her big plans for the day before we get her up!

~I love how fearless she is, she isn’t afraid to try anything!

That is just the beginning of all that I love!

Elle,

Thank you for all you are! You truly do have your mommy and daddy wrapped around your little finger, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

We love you!