January Snow

It's snowing! After Kaylee was already at school, the county decided to cut the day short so kids only had a half day (that they don't have to make up). It was already snowing by about 11:30 this morning (the bus dropped off around 12:20), so by the time Kaylee was home and everyone had eaten and gotten bundled up to go outside there was enough on the ground to play with a little. School has already been canceled for tomorrow, as well.

Jamie had work to do in Rome, GA, so he headed out around 11. At 12 he called to say that they'd called off the work for the day, but he was stuck in traffic (about 2/3 of the way to his destination). He ended up going to Rome to stay with his dad for the night(s??). Currently the plan is for him to do the work tomorrow and head home after, unless they call it off again for weather reasons. He considered packing an overnight bag just in case, but - Murphy's Law - didn't.

I don't think it's snowed (with any real accumulation) since before Andy was born, so this was both his and Ella's first snow! Andy had fun playing for a while, but didn't enjoy being so cold (even with lots of layers). Ella didn't really know what to think of it, but she was happy watching her siblings play; when she started getting antsy she was okay for a bit longer after a snack. I think we lasted about 45 minutes outside before we came in to warm up with some cocoa and let Ella nap.

Andy about Ella

I'm part of an online community that has surveys and/or questions for members. Today there was one asking about our children and the Thomas & Friends TV show/products. I answered a couple questions, then they wanted us to ask our child: "If your younger sister or brother starting playing with, watching, or wearing something Thomas, what would you think? What might you say to your brother or sister? How might you feel if you saw this?" I thought his answers were funny.  :)

Me: What if Ella was playing with Thomas toys?
Andy: I want Ella to stop playing with it.
Me: What would you say to Ella if she was playing with Thomas toys?
Andy: If Ella had two Thomases, the one what has 3 wheels and the one what has 2 wheels, I would say, "Ella, can I have the Thomas what have 3 wheels?" and she would give it to me.
Me: How would it make you feel if she was playing with Thomas toys?
Andy: It would make me feel mean because I didn't want Ella to do that.

Me: What if Ella was watching Thomas on TV?
Andy: Yes, I want Ella to watch Thomas on TV; make Ella do that! Really, make Ella do that, please, can you do that, please?
Me: What would you say to Ella if she was watching Thomas on TV?
Andy: Still watch it.
Me: How would it make you feel if she was watching Thomas on TV?
Andy: uhhh, good because I wanted Ella to watch Thomas.

Me: What if Ella was wearing Thomas clothes?
Andy: I want Ella to do that!
Me: What would you say to Ella if she wearing Thomas clothes?
Andy: Ella, I love your shirt!
Me: How would it make you feel if Ella was wearing Thomas clothes?
Andy: good, too, because I just want her to do that.

Ella - normal MRI & 1 year checkup

Ella finally had her MRI last Tuesday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Scottish Rite hospital under general anesthesia. All went very well and she was back to her happy self after some juice and food. On Thursday I got a call from the pediatrician's office that the results were normal - praise God she just has a big head. :)

Her 1 year well visit was today, and she is doing well! 30.25" and 24lb 5oz. She's crawling all over the place and happy all the time as long as she eats when she's hungry and sleeps when she needs. She still just has her 8 front teeth, but her doctor said it looks like molars are on the way.

Here's Ella in the midst of her smash cake at her party this past Saturday; hopefully more photos to come soon!