Well there it is- the update is finally done. The pictures are arranged from the most recent to later dates. It was fun to see how much Ella has grown even in the last couple of months. I'll try to update sooner but no promises. It is not often I get a night to mess around on the computer- but it sure was fun! Now I'm pooped and an Oreo blizzard is calling my name followed by a shower. I'm pregnant do you really think I can leave that thing in the freezer til tomorrow. NO WAY!

Here's to growing bellies and babies!

Introducing Samuel Thomas James

Here's looking at you kid!

He is having a big yawn! Must be boring in there with nothing to look at and only being able to hear the madness around.

The Antics of the Last Two Weeks

Such a big girl!

Smart girl! Stick by mommy let daddy do the hard work!

Driving the "zamboni" with daddy. Look at their expressions. They could be twins!

A nakey hockey player! Equiped with the helmet and stick. She wants to play just like daddy.

More Recent Stuff

At the playground.

Tub paint fun!

A family picture the morning after our wedding.

It was March before she wanted to put on her Halloween costume. Then she refused to take it off.

Love to paint but only when daddy is at work. As you can tell it is far messier than he would be able to sanely handle.

Trying to make friends at the mall. That little boy was not into her which only fueled her to try harder.

At Sesame Street Live. She loved it! Look at the face, completely fixated.

In case you ever pull out your wallet in front of Ella, be warned she LOVES money. She is also a true cheese as this picture will display.

Begining of the Year

Playing in the PajamaGram box daddy sent to his two favorite Valentines.

Ella is wearing a lot of drool and my very old Punky Brewster slippers. They're about 5 sizes too big.

We love to bake. Well I bake and she likes to frost.

A true fasionista! Did I mention she loves to play dress up in my stuff.

The Christmas dress.

If I had to pick one picture to sum up Ella's personality this would be it.

Five Months is Long Enough

Since the last update a lot has been going on in our family. It's been five months since my last post. Here you go Tam!

The most exciting news is we are going to add one more! Yes, it is a boy! Much to Todd's excitement; I think Ella and I are all the estrogen he can handle. Samuel Thomas James is scheduled to arrive on July 31. Unless he plans to show up earlier, which would be ok too. Ella is very excited to be a big sister. I'm just not so sure she understands what that means. Early estimates are he will be a big baby, likely between 8 and 10 pounds. Todd and I are not sure how we produce such large children. I blame it on all the vaccinations he recieved in the military, he blames it on the paper boy.

Ella is growing like a weed. She is tall and lean. Much stronger than I think any almost 2 -year -old should be. She has begun to make simple sentences and has mastered commands. She can count to eight but forgets four and five. Hey, I know kindergartners who struggle to do that much. She knows her whole name, Ella Grace James, and will tell anyone who asks. She also loves to fill in the missing parts when you call her. Miss Ella has entered the "terrible two's" everyday there is a new antic. Thankfully her tantrums last about 30 seconds and then she moves on. Praise the Lord for a short attention span!!! Her favorite activities include running around the house naked, playing peoples, play kitchen or in the real kitchen, baby dolls, books, playing outside, sand table, and talking on the phone. Aunt Michelle gets called a lot.

Todd and I are happy to be married. Really nothing much has changed, except for my last name. It feels so good to finally match! I love to look at his hand and see his wedding ring. It gives me such a sense of pride in us. There have been many challenges but we have overcome them and become stronger together. I often look at this big, bad Marine and chuckle as he gives all the "buddies" kisses goodnight. Who would of ever guessed?!?!

So life is good. We are happy, healthy, and living each day to the fullest. Well enough with the essay lets get on to some pics. I'll post some old ones and a lot more recent. My child has clothes, I swear, she just often opts not to wear any!

Here's to the nudist in all of us. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Happy New Year and Updates

Happy 2008 from the James Family! We hope this year brings everyone health and happiness.

We have been busy since the holidays. A quick re-cap.

The house on 331 Austin was torn down! We are ready to build the "Barbie Dream House" Look for pictures of the destruction to be posted soon.

Santa or (hohoho as Ella thinks his name is) came to visit a very good girl and brought plenty of goodies! Pictures will go up this weekend- I promise Tami!

We have officially entered toddlerhood (God help us!) I have lots of stories to post but they will have to wait til my little buddy goes down for a nap.

The wedding countdown has begun. I feel like such a grown up! But still no dress!

Here's to a new year and new beginnings!