Life at the Beach: Part ONE

So, after a hectic week (and since Andrew no longer had a job), we decided to head down to sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for some fun in the sun. Andrew's parents live down there, so it was a free vacation-minus the gas! Here are a few pics from our first day at the beach. Yes, the water really was that beautiful...

Daddy's Girl

So, after a hectic week, our little family decided to just take some time and enjoy spending time together...no making decisions, just enjoying life. Here's a few pictures of Andrew and his sweetheart...

The Most Beautiful Story...

It's been a week full of emotions... a week full of unknowns. As a family, we have cried, laughed, broken down, and pulled each other up when the other was falling apart...but most importantly, we have found peace in the unknown.

In the middle of chaos, I heard the most beautiful story. It is so beautiful, I can barely write it without a tissue in hand. It goes something like this...

After the initial shock of being let go from his company wore off, Andrew actively started seeking a new job. We were shocked and blessed that he was able to get an interview on Thursday. When Andrew returned home on Thursday, he relayed to me the details of the interview. It was an hour and a half interview with your usual series of questions. Andrew showed off some work he has done in the past and finished by answering more questions. Here was the final question of the interview that I will relay in a script format:

Interviewer: "So, what brings you fulfillment?"

Andrew:  (Andrew pauses and thinks)..."Well do you mean professionally or personally?" with a smile.

Interviewer: Smiling back he says "Well...let's start with professionally."

Andrew: (blah, blah, blah...gives some answer that I don't recall)

Interviewer: "Ok. Well, it seemed like you were thinking something else when I first asked that question. So what really brings you fulfillment in life?"

Andrew: He pauses and smiles.. "My daughter."

Dear Ella,

I had our whole future planned out. Within a moment, that was completely turned upside down. I realized I don't have it all planned out...but, God does have it planned out! And His plan is so much greater than our own...and He has given us each other...he has fulfilled our ultimate desire...to have you!

Mommy

My two loves

These two people have my whole heart. I love them so much that I struggle to find words to describe how deeply I feel about them.

Andrew and I have been through so much in the 10 years we have been together. I have no idea what the future holds, but I know that this man will be in my life until death do us part. He is the most honest, hardworking, loving person ever...and seeing him with our daughter just makes my heart melt. 

Life is full of unknowns. But one thing is for sure...God has never forsaken us. He has had His hand in our lives from the very beginning and will until the end. Even though there are times that we cannot understand things that happen, we know we are never alone. We are so grateful that God has given us each other. When I am having a day like today, I look at this picture and it puts life into perspective. Isn't this what it really is all about anyway? 

Dear Ella, 

I am writing this to you today to remind myself that sometimes life doesn't work out as we planned. Today, your daddy lost his job. And although we are scared of the unknown, we are still so blessed. When I got the phone call, I was in a state of panic...but, then you crawled up to me and you were laughing and smiling...and suddenly I just knew that everything was going to be ok...because I have my family. I don't know what all the future holds, but I know it holds a lifetime of love. Thank you for reminding me about what is important today. I love you more and more everyday.

The start of a New Year

Although I hate New Years Eve parties, I do love waking up on January 1st to a new year. Something about January first makes you feel refreshed and motivated to "do better" at all those things that had been lagging in the year before. Of course, I started New Year's Day with a nice, healthy lunch of 2 Whoppers from Burger King...ok, so I'm not off to a good start in the healthy living department.

I don't usually have resolutions, but since having Ella, I've put a lot of things on hold...so it's time to stop using her as an excuse and start being better about some things. I am also finally going to lose those last 5 pounds!! Not because I think I look bad, just so I can start off the next pregnancy (wink, wink) at my original, pre-baby weight.

My other goal is to be a better housekeeper. Before Ella, I was always so Type A, obsessive compulsive about keeping my home clean. I just can't seem  to get my act together. And I could make time for it...I've just been lazy in the cleaning department. Who wants to clean when you can play peek-a-boo with Ella all day?

So besides becoming more like Martha Stewart and getting post baby abs like Jessica Alba, I'm content with just loving this place I'm in in life. Although Ella continues to throw us the typical challenges that all babies give their parents, I am loving this age! She is so funny and it's so interesting to watch her learn things. I feel like everyday I'm just trying to take in all this wonderfulness. I love that I am her "buddy" now and not just a person who feeds her. I love making her laugh...baby giggles are good for my heart! I can't wait to hear the echoing of many children laughing in this home...but, for now, I am totally in love with my sweet angel sent to us from God.

Dear Ella, How does a mother explain her love for her daughter? I can only tell you that my heart grows larger and larger everyday because you continue to fill it with so much joy. I am so proud to be your mommy. You have brought so much joy to your daddy and me that we weren't ever sure we'd have. You are so special that God made us wait longer to have you in our lives...He had to finish this perfect creation that He knew would give us all the desires of our hearts. We are so blessed!

Ella goes to see Santa...

Well, after three failed attempts, we finally made it to see Santa Claus. Each time before, the line was 3-4 hours long...needless to say, we couldn't wait that long with our crawling baby girl.
So, as our last feeble attempt, we went this morning on Christmas Eve. To our surprise, there was no line! ...AND our picture was free. Since that went so well, we then attempted an Italian lunch. Ella did great sitting in her high chair...although she was "over it" by the end of the lunch.
It's hard to believe tomorrow we will wake up and celebrate our first Christmas with our own child opening presents! It will definitely be the most memorable yet!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

Well, Ella, you got your Christmas wish! On December 13th, you awoke with two bottom teeth!

These would have made great Christmas cards, but we already made them!

Such a happy baby!

And so cute playing under Aunt Paula's tree!

That face just screams trouble-maker!!

What else will Santa bring Ella?...stay tuned!!