Independence Day Race

This 4th of July was a really great day that started with a race. Anna ran a speedy 10K, Lauren ran her first 1/2 mile kid's Fun Run, and I ran my first official 5K since Ella's birth. We had a blast. Thanks to Randy for the stunning action shots, as well as this pre-race picture. :) I had so much fun!

The Wonderful Land of OZ

We have spent the past few days enjoying Kansas! We began last Thursday with Ella's first flight. It is amazing how much more you put in a checked bag when you have a 5 month old. Not to mention how much more "interesting" going through security is with "fluids" for Ella. But we made it.


Ella was amazing on the flight. She slept for about half of it and played for the other half. We are only hoping the flight back goes as well.


To say the least we have been busy. There was lots of family to see and events to attend. Mark and Judy actually met us in Kansas City to welcome little Ella and have some good BBQ. And not just any BBQ, but the best ever. (If you are ever in KC, you have to go to Oklahoma Joes).


Of course, Ella's first big adventure was to see the farm. But to see the farm, you have to have a proper hat. It took a few tries, but Ella finally picked out her favorite.


Once she had a hat, her cousin Cole did a great job giving her a tour and showing her the ropes.


After she knew the ropes, there was lots of family to see. First was Grandma Great and Grandma (Nana) & the cousins.


Then she went to Jason's class reunion, the Melvern Fair and parade, and the Lacey Family Reuion. She even found a few friends that were close to her own age.


She even made it to a few baseball games (For cousins Bayleigh & Cole). Of course she had primo seating, Grandpa (Papa) made sure of it.


So far everything has gone great! But man....it can wear a girl out...


Mom, didn't have it so easy....she of course was put to work.

Ella's new toy

Ella has found her thumb! She is the CUTEST little thumb sucker. When we swaddle her up for naps and night time, we leave her right arm out for her so she can suck away. I'm so happy for her! She loves it, it soothes her, and I'm thrilled. :)


Also, Amber and I took Charlie and Ella to their first swimming lesson. We had so much fun! We were going in with low expectations since the weather wasn't that warm, and it's an outdoor pool. But the babies loved it!! Carolyn was there with us and got some cute shots. We can't wait to go back for more fun this week!

Visit to Ferndale

We went up to Ferndale to visit Dad, Lisa, Evan, Courtney, and Sarah over Memorial day weekend. The drive takes about 5 hours typically and it took us about 8 hours on the way up. We took our time, knowing that Ella isn't a huge fan of her car seat for long stretches. We even stopped at the glamorous Tacoma Mall for an hour and a half and just strolled and ate at the food court.

It was wonderful to see family! Dad got to take TWO 45 minute naps with Ella during the day.

The happy grandparents.....

Lisa was happy to watch Ella for an hour while we went and took a look at their new property they will eventually build a house on. Unfortunately, Ella was not feeling too well and cried the whole time. I had eaten about 1/4 of a grapefruit the night before and every time I try to add citrus back to my diet it does NOT go well. Poor baby, and poor Lisa. Here Lisa is with Ella on her tummy for comfort, rubbing her back.

We were SO blessed to see our dear friends Lisa and JJ while we were up north. They are currently living in Vancouver BC, and it was a great joy to be with them for a few hours. We love the Kissingers!

Happy 5 month Birthday, Ella!

Today marks 5 months of life as a mother. Ella has changed SO MUCH so quickly. Today she was sitting up on her own for the first time, and a few days ago she started consistently rolling over from her back to her tummy, and from her tummy to her back. I'll leave her to play on her floor mat and come back a few minutes later to see she has traveled quite a bit! I'm both excited for her, and bummed....this means I need to pay more attention when I leave her to play on her own. I'm really trying to savor this time of her being so little. Someday I'm going to look back at this phase and just ache to be able to smooch her giant cheeks and rub her soft tummy and make her giggle when we play. I try to remind myself of that when I'm overtired and cranky and just want to get through it quickly. :)

Jason has taught Ella to open her mouth really widely as part of a game. It's pretty darling....and now when she finds something really fun she just opens her mouth up really widely.

Fat Rolls

I always did want a fat baby....a chubby little one, and that's just what we have. Look at those darling little thighs.... :) Really the picture doesn't do them justice. Those squishable cheeks on her darling little face. At Ella's 4 month doctor appointment we found out that she is 90th percentile for height and weight (nearly 25 inches, and 15 1/2 lbs). My arms are getting a workout during the day becuase she likes to do whatever I'm doing, likes to see what's going on in the world.

Mom had a wonderful little Mothers' Day lunch for the family, both to celebrate Mothers' Day, and to introduce Ella. I love the picture of the four generations of women. Very cool.

April 2010

Well, it seems I haven't had much time for blogging. So I at least want to get some pictures up here. We are doing well here in the Lacey household. Ella for sure has her ups and downs, but overall we have a very happy baby, and that makes for happy parents! Jason and I have felt a whole new level of partnership. I'm so thankful to be married to Jason - for certain my best gift this side of heaven.