First Steps???

Well, I don't know if it counts as first steps, but she sure is close. She likes to stand up on her own and does it on cue. Boy, are we in trouble or what!!

Baby Signing Time

Our friend in the ward loaned us a DVD called "Baby Signing Time". It teaches simple sign language and is specially designed for babies 10-24 months. After just watching it 3 times, Ellie picked up on a new sign. The sign for baby. Makes sense seeing how that was her first real word too! What a smart cookie!

"Baby"

Ellie is a big jabber-box. But we decided that her official first word is "baby". As in: "I really want the camera so that I can see myself - the baby".

More Milk

We've been having fun teaching Ellie a few signs. So far she knows "milk" and "more". Actually, I think she thinks "more" means "food" but really, what's the difference! We've been doing the signs for months and she's never really responded until last week. All of a sudden, she asked for milk. So much fun to see her learning!!

Pics of Ellie

Ellie with her friend Calli














Ellie having fun in the pool















Spaghetti Dinner















Washing the spaghetti dinner out















Wearing Mom's super-big sunglasses















Discovering her own skin






















What a funny baby!

Gardner Family Reunion

We had a great family reunion down in Pine Valley. Food was great, Boccie Ball kept the boys busy (as did the fish-less reservoir) and all the girls got their hair french braided.

Happy Birthday!!!

Ellie celebrated her 1st birthday today! We can't believe it! Nana, Papa and Ginger came over to share the fun day with our family. To Brent and me, the best part of the day was when everyone first showed up. Ellie started screaming (in the good way) and was so excited to see Nana, Papa and Ginger. I think she is starting to realize who they are! After opening her gifts, we sang happy birthday and let her go after her cake. She put her hand in it and decided it was to messy and wanted nothing to do with. Which makes no sense because she has NO problem making a mess at her highchair! It was a very fun night with Mom sharing her memories of "this time one year ago".