The Davis Family Blog: October 2013

A year has come and gone and I can't help but get emotional. It amazes me how fast time really does go by. Many times this week, I have thought of what we were doing this time last year, where we were this time last year, and I can't help but think of how much things have changed in a year. For many years, it was just Hunter and myself. We didn't rush to start a family. We wanted to make sure the time was right. Many of you know the heartbreak we went through and I can't help but be thankful for God's timing. Now when I think back, I don't know how we ever lived without Ella Kate. She has been such a blessing to us from the moment we found out we were expecting. She truly is a ray of sunshine and happiness. I can never thank God enough for allowing Hunter and me to have this opportunity to be her parents. I have loved each and every day of being a Mommy. I have said it before and I will say it again...we have been so very blessed with this little girl.

Ella Kate officially turned one on Thursday, October 10, 2013. When she woke up, we let her open her presents from us. Then, her Daddy cooked her pancakes (with sprinkles of course)! She loved every bite. We played the rest of the morning and then let her nap. After her nap, we took her to Statesboro to run some last minute errands before her big party on Saturday. Hunter's family, including his "Pop" from Kentucky, met us at Mellow Mushroom to eat. We then had a little birthday dessert at La Berry.

Ella Kate's party was held on Saturday, October 12th at Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park at the newly built group shelter. It was the perfect place to celebrate her big day. We had lots of family and friends join us to celebrate EK turning one. I had lots of fun planning her special day, but WHEW, what a LOT of work! We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. We were surrounded by those who love us most and EK was so happy all day. She loved her cake and all of her gifts. We are so thankful for everyone coming to celebrate with us. She is one lucky little girl.

After the party, this Mommy & Daddy and little girl were very tired. We all took a good nap. Below I posted a funny photo of EK after her nap. She had the wildest hair from sleeping so good! When we woke up from napping, we took EK for a ride in her new wagon. She loved every minute of it. I should be in good shape with this thing around.

It has been exciting to watch Ella Kate learn, grow, and explore this past year. She is such a curious little girl and oh how I wish I knew what she was thinking sometimes. I remember thinking how I couldn't wait for her to learn to roll over, crawl, etc. and now I wish I could go back to the days when she would let me hold her all day! But, each new milestone is a new adventure and we are loving every minute of it. EK is taking a few steps here and there and stands by herself a lot. She is still sleeping through the night (she usually sleeps about 12 hours at night). She also takes around a 2-hour nap each day. She doesn't like milk at all, so we will have to see what her pediatrician recommends about that. She still loves bathtime, watching people, and watching cars. She loves to ride in the car and enjoys being outside. She tries to talk to any animal she sees and makes the funniest "hoot" noise at them like she's an owl.

Ella Kate's 1st Year:
Teeth: NONE!
Favorite Toy: Remote
Favorite Book: This Little Piggy
Favorite TV Show: Super Why
Favorite Song: "Pat-a-cake"
Favorite Game: "Peek-a-Boo"
Favorite Food: EVERYTHING! I don't think there is anything that EK won't eat. But her most favorite foods are mashed potatoes and pizza!
Favorite Words: "Ball", "Dada", "Mmmm", "Baaaaaa (like a sheep)"---she also likes to say "Ma-ma" when she is upset!
Loves to: Dance! Just start playing music and she will dance away!
People always love her: Dimples! She gets compliments on them everywhere we go.

We go for Ella Kate's one-year check-up on October 16th. I'll post an update soon!

Below are some pictures from her birthday and birthday party. I only posted a few because there were so many! Happy Birthday, Ella Kate...your Mommy & Daddy love you more than you'll ever know!

Birthday morning...opening gifts from Mommy & Daddy! We got her a big girl chair, lots of clothes, a pair of hot pink TOMS, pajamas, and a 1st Birthday outfit.