9 things about Ella Claire at 9 months

1. I can say 3 words, "ma ma," "da da" and "bye bye."
2. I have 6 teeth now. (3 top and 3 bottom)
3. My favorite toys are cords, lamps, coasters and blinds. (Anything I'm not supposed to have.)
4. I'm a girly girl! I have an eye for jewelry. If someone has it on...I want it.
5. I'm really wanting to walk. If I can just figure this balance thing out.
6. I'm a Daddy's girl and he loves it!
7. I like table food, but my Daddy is so nervous about giving it to me. I'm a good eater, but my favorites are mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, bananas, peaches and crackers.
8. I usually sleep from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am.
9. I love to dance. Daddy turns on the music channel and I can bust a move.

My 1st Baby!

The sweet and most talented Brandie Mansfied tagged me! Brandie is a very talented artist and teacher. She is also wife to Mike and mom to Carter and Lauren. I just love her sweet family and am thankful she is my friend. :)

Me and My First Baby
Were you married at the time? Yes
What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? We were thrilled, but really nervous about losing another baby. We had prayed for Ella Claire and the Lord blessed us more than we ever imagined!
How old were you? 25
How did you find out you were pregnant? Multiple home pregnancy tests - Then, nurse Jennifer at Dr. McGowan's office (oh, I miss her!) She moved while I was pregnant with Ella Claire, but she will always be special to us.
Did you want to find out the gender? Yes, I couldn't wait. We found out in August of 2007. Bryan, Mom and Wes went with me. Then, we had a party to announce the big news to both families.
Due date: January 6, 2008
Did you deliver early or late? Early, December 23, 2007
Did you have morning sickness? Not too bad
What did you crave? everything, but the most unusual for me was sweets
Who irritated you the most? I don't really remember.
What was your first child’s gender? Girl
How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? Around 45 or so. (Who's counting?)
Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Yes, I had preeclampsia. I also had complications after childbirth. It was scary!
Where did you give birth? Middle Tennessee Medical Center
How many hours were you in labor? around 11 - My water broke at home around 10:45 pm on 12/22 and I had Ella Claire at 10:04 am on 12/23.
Who drove you to the hospital? Bryan......but the entourage followed. (Wes in her car and Mom and Dad in theirs.)
Who watched? Bryan, Mom and Wesley Caroline
Was it vaginal or c-section? vaginal
Medication? Yes!
How much did your child weigh? 7 lbs 3 oz
What did you name him/her? Eleanor Claire Matheny
How old is your first born today? 9 months

I am tagging Wesley, Lacey and Tara!!! Looking forward to reading yours!

The Smile Award

I am way behind.

My first award! :)

I was given this award by my sweet friends Brandie Mansfield (Dream Custom Artwork) and Tiffany Gannon. These ladies are two of the sweetest women around. Thanks for thinking of me. Check out both of their blogs in my favorites.

These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back to the award's creator 2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.
___________________________________

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
Must love one another
Must make mistakes
Must learn from others
Must be a positive contributor to blog world
Must love life
Must love kids
_____________________________________________

I nominate: Wesley Hillis, Hannah Gribble, Brandi Holden, Tanya Houston, Paige Entrekin and Marian Norris

Our visit with friends

Ella Claire and Leyton playing. She loved his finger fun table.

@ Mimi's Cafe

New friends :)

The girls and sweet Leyton

Leslie and Leyton
Aunt Weezer and Ella Claire
Ella Claire loved Leyton's toys.
Leyton and Ella Claire

She thought she was just as big as him. He's 15 months and such a sweet boy.

This toy was a hit. Thanks, Mr. Brian (Leyton's daddy is Brian, too.)

Girls, I hope we can do this again soon.

9 months

Ella Claire turned 9 months today! We had a busy afternoon with her check-up. Then, dinner in Murfreesboro with our friends Mindy and Leslie (and Leslie's little boy Leyton.) Then, Aunt Weezer (aka Lyndsey) met up with us and we went to Leslie's house for a little visit. I was really surprised at how well Leyton and Ella Claire played together. Ella Claire just followed him around like a little puppy....wanting whatever toy, cup, lid (lol) he had at the moment. Girls, I hope we can do this regularly. (I miss you girls!) We had fun tonight. I'll post pictures soon.

Ella Claire is a big (healthy) girl per Dr. Castleberry. We didn't have to have shots this time, but she did have to get her finger pricked. She was such a big girl and didn't cry at all. Her 9 month stats are:

Weight: 21 pounds and 4 ounces 90%
Length: 28 3/4 inches 90%
Head Circumference: 45 cm 75%

Happy 9 Months, My sweet angel. We love you to the moon and back.

A little clarification

Big news for us is probably little news to everyone else. LOL Just to set the record straight though, I AM NOT (I repeat.....AM NOT) pregnant. If that were the case....I'm afraid I would be a single mother because Bryan would die. We want more kids...just not yet. :) We're just excited about this little move in our lives. (hint hint)

Isn't she precious?

My little angel on Bree's birthday.

Teething troubles

Well, my little girl has been teething for about a month now. She's had all the symptoms, but her two new teeth finally made their appearance yesterday. The funny thing is.....she has one front tooth and a side tooth next to it. LOL They just broke through, but I'm sure this is going to make for some funny pictures. I'll try and post some when she's feeling a little better and I can get some good ones.

Happy Monday!

Big news for us!!

I'm so excited. We are about to experience another first for our little family. I don't want to jinx it, but stay tuned in the upcoming weeks. :)

Happy Birthday Bree Bree!

My Honorary Flower Girl

10-29-05

Look at her now!

My favorite girls

Breelyn,

I hope you know how much we love you. You have brought us nothing but pure joy the last three years. I am so glad Ella Claire has you. I hope you two always have each other and stay best buddies forever.

Love you...."to the moon and back,"

Uncle Bine, Baby E-ah and Sissy