Ella's growing up!

Ella had her first night in a bed last night, well, still the cot, but with one side off, so technically just like a bed. There were lots of tears when we first left her (mind you, she was asleep in about ten minutes) and a few more about an hour later when we think she fell out of bed (we had a mattress on the floor), and a few more a couple of hours later, but that was all we heard all night. I think she was more upset at being tucked in than anything else.
Thought we would try the daytime sleep as well, with one side off. That was a disaster, no sooner had we left the room had she gotten up, opened the door and managed to crash through the new safety gate we had just installed. So it was back on with the side of the cot and she was asleep in no time. Something to do with not having had one since Friday I think.
Will wait and see how we go tonight.....

My first haircut

The other day I went to the hairdresser and asked her when Ella should have her first haircut. She replied right now and less than 30 seconds later had a pair of scissors in her hand, grabbed another client to catch the hair and had done the first snip. I think she must have know it wasn't a good idea to give me time to consider. Her hair is looking much tidier though now and I even put a clip in it sometimes. Rob's mum had kept some hair from his first haircut and on comparing the two, there wasn't much difference.

Weekend away

Rob and I recently had a weekend away for my 30th birthday. It was the first time we had left Ella for more than about 12 hours and we actually left her with Mum and Dad for over 2 days. Everyone survived though. We stayed at a really nice place called Scenic Rim Cottages which is out past Willowbank Raceway. The views from our cottage were beautiful and even had us considering buying a block of land out bush somewhere.

Bike seat

We recently bought Ella a bike seat - to go on the back of Rob's bike. She loves to go riding with Rob in the afternoon in the park as there are lots of great things to look at - dogs, ducks, horses, dogs, dogs (did I mentions dogs??). I have even ventured out on my bike a couple of times.

How not to get into a pram

Ella thought she was very clever for climbing into the pram, until it got a little bit difficult turning around. Yes, they are Rob's boxer shorts around her neck. Usually it's a pair of my togs...

Reading with daddy

Ella's car

Ella loves being dragged around on the floor really fast by Uncle Mark in her little car. She got very upset when one of the sides ripped though.

SILLY!!

These are typical photos at the moment. Very lucky if you can score one with a nice smile. Ella also loves to put things on her head.

Trying a lemon

We got some funny looks after giving Ella the lemon, but contrary to the funny faces she actually quite enjoyed it (and the fish and chips as well).

Updating blog

As has been commented on quite a few times recently, I haven't updated the blog for a long time. This afternoon I am going to try and update. Will depend on how long Ella stays asleep.....

Recent photos

Ella's first trip in a canoe with Dad and Glen Naylor.

Ella with her great-great uncle Elton at this 80th birthday party.

I knew Kia was good for something (a pillow)!

Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner was at my aunty and uncle's place - Paul and Marleen. Twas a good night.

Opening presents

We had an afternoon of opening presents with the Watkinson family. Ella got thoroughly spoilt.

Christmas Lunch

Christmas lunch was a little quieter, with the Parke family at home. Saba thought she was one of us - we had finished eating though.

Christmas Breakfast

Christmas breakfast was at the usual place - the Pengelly's. We added a new dimension this year - Secret Santa. I think it was enjoyed by all. The last photo is not of Mark praying, it is hime holding his hands to stop himself from eating!

Grandma and Granddad

Went down the coast with Mum, Dad and Ella just before Xmas as Rob was working the weekend.

Catching up with the Mackays

The Friday before Xmas we caught up with Dave, Amanda and Matilda. It was the first time the girls actually got to play together. They both enjoyed unwrapping their presents, but Matilda was a lot better at it than Ella. Ella received a great wooden puzzle and a book about catching her first fish!