Rockabye baby

For those of you with easy happy babies...you may not understand this milestone. Don't get me wrong Ella Claire is the happiest little girl in the world now, but all of this stems from the colic days. We did anything and everything to get her to sleep peacefully. So, we've rocked, bounced, patted and shushed for more hours than we could count.

Bryan and I are really torn about our little girls most recent milestone. Ella Claire has recently started putting herself to sleep at night. While I know this is much better for her, we (especially the man in our home) are just plain sad. We have talked with her ped since about 9 months about this. She suggested that we quit rocking her to sleep then, but we just couldn't do it. Ella Claire cried and cried. Sometimes even for an hour or so when we tried this. It was unbearable. She would jump up and down in the bed screaming, "Momma" or "Daddy." So, we kinda figured that she's only little once, right? We'll rock her probably until she's 10. LOL

WRONG...The last several weeks at bed time she has rocked for about a minute. Then, she's laid down in her bed and gone right to sleep on her own. She has always been a very light sleeper, but this all started because we got to the point where we couldn't even lay her down without waking her up. She was just ready to do this bedtime thing on her own. I can't count the number of times Bryan has gone in to check on her to find her fast asleep. He, then, comes to me with a big frown...each time saying, "she doesn't need me at bedtime anymore."

Oh, I dread the days to come when he comes to me with that look because she's outgrown us.

Sweet Dreams, My Little Angel

The girls hanging out at Gran and Bim's house during the tornado Friday.

Ella Claire enjoying daddy's wonderful birthday cake.  

Better Late Than Never

Ella Claire and I made Daddy a birthday sign. 

She had so much fun coloring for Daddy. :) 

Grandad celebrating 81 years

We have been on a whirlwind since last Thursday, which was Bryan's (29th) and my Grandad's (81st) birthday. We ate at Boskey's with Bryan's parents Thursday night and then came back to our house to meet my family for Grandad/Bryan's birthday get together. Bryan, I know I didn't get to make a post on Thursday, but I hope you liked the sign your girls made you. I hope you enjoy your golf lessons with the Pro, too. We love you more than you could possibly know. Sometimes I still can't believe your mine. Thank you for all that you do for us and for being the most amazing husband and father. You are such a blessing in everyone's life that you touch. 

Friday we spent some time in Gran and Bim's basement while the tornado and storms passed and had a fun day togther at home. 

Saturday we finally finished our taxes and we also had a planning meeting at Boskey's for my 10 year high school reunion. I can't believe I've been out of high school that long. It was so good to see my friends. I look forward to our monthly visits so much.

If you graduated from Warren County High School in 1999 please send your current mailing address to wchs99@hotmail.com. We need addresses as soon as possible. Our reunion is scheduled for August 29.

Sunday was packed full of Easter activities. We were glad to have Tyler and Jenna at church with us Sunday morning. We can't wait till Jenna is officially a Hillis. She's already a member of our family though. We had family in from Alabama also and Ella Claire felt she had to show out for Aunt Mel. 

And, tommorow is Wesley Caroline's 21st birthday. On one hand, it's hard for me to believe my baby sister is 21, but on the other hand she seems much older to me. Wes, I'm very proud of you. You are truly an amazing mother. I love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness. I'm so glad that you are my sister. 

PS -We had fun with you, Ryan and Bree last night at Boskey's. (I told Bryan on the way home I need a break from Boskey's. We've eaten there 3 times in week for different occasions. ) 

Hope everyone is having wonderful week. 

eating a flower :) 

playing outside....picking flowers 

playing baby at Gran's house

Ella Claire on Easter Sunday

Cullen Mania

Well, I've been sucked in.......by my husband of all people. Bryan's students begged to watch Twilight last week. He came home and asked me to watch it Friday night. I unwillingly amused him. From the beginning of all the hype I just thought, "that's not my thing." I have never been into fantasy/science fiction type stuff.

Now, I've watched the movie twice and am reading the first book. I'm planning to borrow the others from a friend and am anxious to find out what happens.

I've learned not to judge a book by it's cover (or genre).

Ella Claire's 1st egg hunt

Ella Claire loves real bunnies and baby chicks.

Thanks to Stacey for having her at the party and to Aunt Wes for the pictures.