Sun Shiney Day

Just a fun picture of Ella I took the other day when the sun was shining but it wasn't 100 degrees!

Who am I?

I am eight months old today. I am learning to crawl on all fours but I've perfected what my mom calls the army crawl. I really like to play with my ball and duck. Bath time is one of my favorites. When Gran comes we like to scare each other. She tries to get me and I try to get away from her by hiding and squeeling. It really tickles and I laugh really hard when mom blows on my belly. I got my dad's technical abilities and I want to know how everything works. I like to inspect things. I'm also kind of shy when I don't know somebody and they talk to me. I hate when mom wipes my face and nose it's really annoying. I love to go to Bible class. Ms. Pat is a lot of fun. She plays games with us and sings songs. I'm also getting really big and can say mommy, daddy and all done in sign language. It's really fun to wave bye-bye to everyone I see. Oh did I tell you I have a kitty cat? She used to stay far away from me but now she lets me pet her. She's really soft. I really like to get into everything and make mom come and get me. My favorite place to hide is under the coffee table. I like to hear my own voice so I talk a lot. I am also very scheduled and it is nap time so I have to get off the computer now- mom said so.

YouTube Tuesday

This time it's actually on Tuesday!

Do you Twitter and what is it anyway?

So I signed up for Twitter a couple of months ago but didn't do anything with it because I didn't really know anyone on it. However, the other day I noticed that Rachel was on there so I decided to start playing with it.

Today I have posted a really good little video entitled "Twitter in plain English" which is the best explaination I can find for what Twitter is. Basically Twitter is a short blog or micro blog. It keeps your network updated more frequently than a blog. It's kind of like a daily running dialog. Anyway, watch the short clip and and then go sign up for Twitter, it really is fun!

YouTube Tuesday

...on Wednesday. Well, yesterday got away from me. It was quite a busy day. I wasn't home at all so today will have to do. So I have posted two, because I couldn't decide, the second I couldn't embed so I just have to post a link. The first one is a funny out-take from a news reporter and the second is Shaheen Jafargholi who is singing on Britian's got talent. He is really incredible! Enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVU4IkzMNIo

Where has time gone?

I know it has been forever since I posted! I have really been slacking on YouTube Tuesday. I did it to get in the habit of posting more often. Yeah, that didn't last long but don't worry, tune in next week for a great one! So Ella is into EVERTHING she is now 7 months and rolling, waving, kind of crawling (she still needs some practice) and getting heavier by the day. She still loves to eat! I say still because she has never had a problem with it! A couple of weeks ago she came down with a cold and double ear infection, luckily we got through that one! Watch out mom's ear infections are the PITS! Yesterday and the day before I thought I was going to be admitted to the State Hospital by the time we got her to bed. She was so clingy and fussy so I assumed the worst- ear infection. But to my pleasant surprise it was just her teeth. Yes, she is getting 2 more teeth, her top two. Today has been SOOOOO much better. She took a good nap this morning and is now laying down for a bit. She is sleeping really well at night and this whole week I haven't had to get up once. AHHH I didn't think I would EVER see those day's again!

Taylor and Audrey are coming this weekend to H town to finish packing up some things and to sell their cars before they are off to London. It really hasn't sunk in yet that they are moving oversees. Maybe it will when I have to call another country?! CRAZY! I think they'll love it and never come back! We shall see.

Be sure to stay tuned to this fabulous ramblings by Laura for the latest edition of YouTube Tuesday. Trust me- you don't want to miss it!!

Oops.. I missed You Tube Tuesday!

Oh well I'll just post today. I really can't believe it's already Wednesday again!!

So, this week we have a video that I think is pretty impressive. Some of you may have heard of them but if not you need to check them out. The group is called the Cactus Cuties. They are from Lubbock and are the cutest little girls ever. Here's a video of them singing the national anthem at a Tech ball game. Be sure to check out their website at http://thecactuscuties.com/.

You Tube Tuesday and RSV

So what does You Tube and RSV have in common? Well nothing except that it's Tuesday and Ella has RSV!

On Thursday Ella came down with a little cough. She always has a bit of a dry cough which is to be expected because winter time + West Texas= DRY but this cough was a little raspy. So we monitored her temp and went on about our day. Well, the cough got worse and worse along with the incredibly runny nose until Sunday night she didn't sleep at all and I mean AT ALL! So bright and early at 8:00 Monday morning we called Dr. Kristie and said HELP. She saw us promptly at 9:15. They do a nose swab on all children under the age of 1 to test for RSV and Flu because infants immune systems are not regulated yet. Therefore, a lot of illnesses in children under 1 all present themselves the same. Well the test came back postive for RSV. Yikes! Luckly it is a mild case and Ella is not at high risk for example premature and low birth weight, NOPE none of those! Did I mention that she has an ear infection also? Well, Dr. Kristie fixed us up. She prescribed breathing treatments of Albuterol for the RSV and an antibiotic for the ear infection. Ella slept much better last night, mommy did too, and we are hopefully on our road to recovery.

As for You Tube Tuesday I just love the cinematography in this video, it's really genius!! Hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

They grow up so fast!

Our little girl's not so little anymore. She will be six months old a week from today. I can't believe it! Time flies when you're having fun. She changes so much from day to day. She is rolling from one side of the room to the other. Every two minutes I have to go pick her up and move her back to where she started so she can start over. It's so cute when she laughs out loud. I'll have to post a video of that. She loves food! I like to say like her daddy but kind of like her mommy also! She loves peas, carrots, apples, bananas and pears. She is grabbing at everything and it all goes straight to the mouth. Lovely!! That's probably why she got her first cold this week. She hasn't slept very well the past two nights and of course they always get sick on the weekend so we have to wait until tomorrow to call Dr. Kristie. Little girls are the best and did I mention so much fun to dress and shop for. Here are some pictures of a fun day hanging out with mom.

Baby Haley

Just wanted to say congrats to George and Rachel on the birth of their daughter Haley Clarke Price. Love y'all and can't wait to see her precious face!!

You Tube Tuesday

So I decided to start posting a You Tube video every Tuesday. This is just something that I find fun. Join in on You Tube Tuesday and every week we'll post our favorites!!

Most of you have probably seen this but if not it is SOOOOO cute. This little boy is average size but has a kidney disease that makes his cheeks so chubby.

NO he's NOT single!

It was a beautiful evening on Saturday so I coaxed my georgeous husband into letting me take some pics of him. Just wanted to share my favorite!

All I Want for Christmas....

is my two bottom teeth!! Yes, Ella is teething. I never imagined she would start this early. My mother in law mentioned she thought Ella was about to start teething to my dad, the retired dentist/mr. know it all, and he said there was no way! Well, guess what 3 days later you could feel her little teeth. Although it's exciting it has really put a kink in things such as sleepless nights and some fussy days. Poor thing her teeth just hurt. She also got her 4 month vaccines last week and so she decided to wake up every hour at night for the past week. Needless to say, mommy was tired. So, what can a mom do? Thinking this would never end I went back to my Babywise book to refresh my memory and put Ella on a strict schedule. I also started her on rice cereal. Guess what? She slept almost all night last night. She woke up once at 5 and once at 7 in which I gave her her pacifier both times and she went right back to sleep. So momma's happy once again!!

Ella Bella and her tutu

So I got this tutu the other day and love it so I just had to post some pics!




Also, Melissa tagged me to do this so here it is:

8 things I did today: (well we'll do yesterday since its 7:15 in the morning and I haven't done 8 things today)

1. went to church
2. fed Ella
3. changed diapers
4. got Ella dressed for church
5. Ate some wonderful Thai food for Mr. Calebs birthday
6.took a 2 1/2 hour nap while grandma JUJU kept Ella (man, I haven't done that in MONTHS!!)
7. watched the Cowboys play
8. Went to bed at 9:30


8 of my favorite restaurants:

1. On the Border
2. Chicken Express
3. Cilantros
4. Taco Villa
5. The King and I
6. Rosas
7. Chic-fil-A

8 shows I watch:
(I don't have 8 shows so I'll just post the ones I do watch)

1. The Hills (I'm obsessed and can't wait for The City!)
2. The first 48
3. The Biggest Loser (Season Finale tomorrow night!)

8 things I wish for:

1. for Ella to sleep all night
2. to go see Taylor and Audrey in London next summer
3. our economy to get better
4. to be my pre-pregnancy size again
5. a swimming pool in my back yard
6. a self-cleaning house
7. Christmas to be here already
8. a new kitchen

8 things I look forward to:

1. Going to see Taylor and Audrey in London
2. Ella sleeping all night
3. seeing family at Christmas
4. Christmas in general
5. Meeting miss Hailey Price
6. Snow
7. Watching Ella grow up
8. Taylor and Audrey having kids so Ella can have cousins on my side (hint, hint!)

So now I'm supposed to tag 8 people but I don't know 8 people with blogs (We're a little behind the times here in DC) so I'll just tag Rachel, Kami and Julie

A wonderful husband and a three month old Santa baby

Have I ever mentioned how great my husband is? Well yesterday Jim was running late from work and when I finally called him about 5:30 he said he had gotten hung up and was on his way home but, very unusually he wouldn't tell me the story and instead he said I'll tell you when I get home. So, when he got home my wonderful husband had stopped to get me a surprise. Can anyone guess what it was?..............



Yep, beautiful roses. It really made my day!! What's kind of funny is that the last time he brought me roses he was late from work and I called him then too. So, he says that he can't ever surprise me because I catch him. But I really was surprised.

Another great thing that happened yesterday besides it being Ella's 3 month birthday is that she rolled over for the first time. Of course Jim and I were in the kitchen so we missed it. Ella makes loud grunting noises when she plays on her stomach and we heard her doing it so Jim went to check on her and there she was. But, she's already done it three times today so I got to see her. It's really amazing how quickly they learn things and as soon as you think they haven't done anything different in a while they do something like roll over. It's so much fun!

At Thanksgiving Gran (my mom) gave Ella this really cute Christmas outfit so I just had to share a few pics! Oh yeah, she really likes to chew on her hands too.

What makes you smile?

So I saw this commercial the other day and loved it. It just made me smile! However I have NO interest in going to McDonalds and getting a McRib. Anything that is made of "restructured" meat really grosses me out! But this commercial just made me want to dance. I love the man dancing around with his sandwich. It really made my day so I wanted to share.

It made me think what really makes me smile?

Here's my top five:

5. Warm summer nights
4. Christmas morning
3. Good music
2. Hanging out with family and friends
1 Of course: Jim and Ella


How could that not make you want to SMILE!

Prayers for little Ella

So when Ella was born the pediatrician heard a heart murmur. She said that it was no big deal that when babies are in the womb they have a valve in their heart that bypasses the lungs because they don't use their lungs inutero and when they are born the valve closes off to push the blood to the lungs, pretty incredible! Anyway, she said that it should clear up in a few days. Well, by the time we left the hospital Dr. Camp couldn't hear it anymore. So, today we went in for our 2 week checkup and besides her weighing 11 lbs and 12 oz and being 23 inches long, yes that means she grew 3 inches in 3 weeks, she's trying to catch her daddy, Dr. Camp also heard the murmur. She said that she didn't think it was anything to worry about and that it should close on its own but that we should probably check with the pediatric cardiologist to make sure there wasn't a problem that needed fixing. I am very optimistic as Dr. Camp said that she thought it was a murmur that is very common in newborns and clears up well. Our appointment with the cardiologist is October 16 so please just pray that our little ones heart is OK. That's a road I don't even want to think about going down!!

Our new bundle

So Miss Ella is HERE!! On Sunday morning around 8:00am I went into labor. However, being the stubborn one that I am I decided that I wanted to go to church. So, as Jim and I sat through Bible class I realize that my contractions were getting stronger and closer together. Which, we also had to drive 90 miles to the hospital. So, after talking with Jim's aunt I decided that we should probably go. We got to the hospital about 1 pm and I was only dilated to a 1 so they made me walk around for about an hour and a half. After that the Dr. came in and said I was a two and that they would admit me to the hospital. Anyway, I won't bore you with the entire labor details however, I had decided to do this birth naturally with no pain killers and I did! 30 hours with no pain killers! Then after 2 hours of pushing the Dr. says "she's not coming out this way, we need to do a c-section." Although I was thoroughly bummed that I had to have a c-section, if I had one more contraction I was seriously going to hurt someone. So very quickly and efficiently they wheeled me into the OR and only when she came out did we realize why she wasn't coming out. She weighed 10 lbs. 11.5 oz. and was 20 inches long- big baby! But she got here safely and healthy and that is all that we care about. I got released from the hospital on Thursday and we are settling into home life quite nicely. Here are some pics of our new bundle!!

I'll tyr to explain a little about each one- they're kind of out of order:

1. Here is Ella as they weighed her- Dad got a good shot of the scale, I think he was a little in shock also.

2. This is the most recent picture- one I took today

3. Here is Ella with her great-grandparents, Jim's dad's parents, Ella is named after this man's mother.

4. This is a lovely picture of me and Ella right after she was delivered

5. Ella and her proud dad!

Still no Ella

So I just got back from the Dr. and I am still only dilated to a 2. No more progress. She said that at this point she didn't want to induce because it would only increase my chances of a c-section. So, I get to go back to Lubbock tomorrow for some Fetal Monitoring. What fun! She did say however, that if I get to be two weeks outside of my due date they will go ahead and induce because that increases my risk of a c-section anyway because of the babies size. But there is still hope, I am only two days out of my due date. Keep praying that she'll be here soon. Mama's ready!!

A Fun Day with the Tbo family

So most of you know that I was adopted. Well, when you're adopted you don't know anyone that looks like you unless of course you know some people in your family, I don't. So, when I married Jim first of all I thought it was so cool that Jim actually knows and is friends with his dad's cousins kids. He grew up with them going to Camp Blue Haven. But not only does he know them, they all look alike, especially the Turnbough boys. This is so intriguing to me, as funny as it sounds. So, since I love event planning and Jim's family is a very good family-family then I have been planning their family reunion for the past two years. Jim's great-grandmother Ella "Granny" Turnbough, yes who we are also naming our child after, passed away about 10 years ago and at that time she said that they better not stop doing the family reunion. Well, of course they did because no one would take it on and everyone got scattered as kids got older and married with their own kids. So this year we had about 40 people come from all over to Lubbock for a day of fun at Buffalo Springs Lake. It's a great place to get together and the kids can swim which is a huge blessing because it keeps them occupied. Needless to say, I was especially exhausted by the end of the day and was having contractions so I thought Ella might decide to make her appearance but no, they were just "you've been on your feet too long" contractions so when I finally ate and sat down they stopped. Here are a few pics from our fun day with the Tbo family.

The life of a pregnant lady

So when you're this pregnant you get to go see the Dr. once a week. It may not seem like that big of a deal but I have to drive 90 miles to Lubbock to do this and at this point pretty much every week is the same. You're blood pressure is good, is the baby moving?, let's hear the heart beat... Same ol same ol. So what was different today? NOTHING. I was totally expecting to be at least a little more dilated but NO, Miss Ella seems to like it a little to much in there. There are days that I think she won't ever come out. Who knows, but for today I was truly bummed when she broke the news. Oh well we always have next week!