Motor Legs!

Our little munchkin has very active legs; Ella loves to kick and dance in front of the mirror (when being held, obviously).

This week we put her energy to good use in her door jumper. I love this peanuts' smiles.

Babies Babies Everywhere

We are in one of those "everyone-I-know-is-pregnant phases" and I LOVE it! On March 10th of last year, we found out we were pregnant, and there is just something so magical about that moment. This last year has changed my life and heart in the most wonderful ways imaginable. Knowing just how awesome motherhood is - I simply can't contain my excitement anymore for my friends embarking on this new journey of love (and patience!)

What was the best advice/support you were given while pregnant with your first?

Here is my bundle of love form the Lord.

Picture taken February 20. She is wearing one of the dresses my mom made for me when I was a baby.

Mexican Baked Potato

I wasn't wild about my new recipe for March, but I thought I would share it with you anyways. For someone who NEVER makes baked potatoes, this Mexican Baked Potato recipe seemed strangely intriguing.

The recipe was really easy, minus the art of baking the potato. I've never been able to have a potato finish cooking when I time it to be done; next time I'll start 2 hours ahead...

The topping was wonderful and full of flavor. However, I do recommend adding sour cream to the finished product; which ultimately left me wanting a tried-and-true loaded baked potato. If you regularly have potatoes, this will be a nice change in your menu!

Beautiful Sound

Yesterday contained a grand total of 20 minutes of naps, and a silly fit of giggles. Not sure if she was just slap happy, but she would burst into laughter ever single time we (fake) laughed.

A Few of my Favorite Things - Restaurant

Josh and I don't get the chance to go out to eat that much anymore - it is just too crazy and frankly risky with a baby. I'm sure the longer I'm a mom, the better I'll get at taking her and being okay if she fusses a little, but my currently-inexperienced self can't ignore feeling the piercing daggers shooting at me from my fellow customers that ultimately means, I just don't enjoy myself out with Ella yet.

There is one exception to the rule, however.

Mad Mex! Not only do they have a wonderful Wing-a-rito (yes, you will feel silly ordering it), a burrito with wing sauce-covered chicken! (I recommend the Honey Chipotle BBQ sauce - and extra blue cheese dressing! :) But the atmosphere is PERFECT for a slightly unpredictable child, okay, any child. The music isn't blaring or anything, it is just loud enough with conversation that you can get away with a few cries here and there!

What is your favorite baby-proof restaurant?

A Few of my Favorite Things - Coffee

I love starting my day off with a fabulous cup of coffee!

Josh bought me a Keurig for Christmas, and I love it! I know people have opinions about the cost per cup, etc. but I really like being able to make a cup really quickly, I can have apple cider while Josh has coffee, or I can make a Latte or Mocha at home. 

My favorite Keurig is Cafe Escapes Chai Latte - what's yours?

Where do you buy your K cups? The cheapest I've found has been at Bed Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon. 

Sharing my Valentine

A girl normally wouldn't be okay with sharing her Valentine. That is supposed to be a one-to-one relationship - but this year, I was delighted to share! It warmed my heart when Josh gave Ella her very first Valentines gift, a precious pink bear. I love the thought that went into it, and I'm delighted she will grow up being loved by her daddy as he shapes her heart for marriage (I can't even think about that day yet!).

Josh took some photos of Ella and made this image my desktop at work on Valentines day, ahh, love!