changes

I have the PERFECT job, but today I signed my letter of resignation. Of course I'm finishing out the school year, but my principal is trying to get everything situated for next year as soon as possible. I have really mixed feelings about this decision. I have gone back and forth about it for months because I absolutely love my job. I've written so many lists of pros and cons (that's what I do). I've talked to lots of friends and family and shed many tears while trying to figure out what will be best for me and my family. I know staying home will be best for Ella. I've always appreciated that my mom made the sacrifice to stay home with us and known that is what I want for my family. Although I know being at home will bring new challenges, I know there will be lots of benefits as well. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity, but I'm really sad to leave my perfect job.

stinker

Ella was a skunk on Halloween for a few reasons. First, because the idea was too cute to pass up (thanks Amber!) Second, because she is indeed a stinker. These last few days she has been nearly impossible. Ella is constantly throwing fits, screaming at me, and trying to hit. I seriously don't know what to do with her. Fortunately she still gives me hints of the sweetheart and adorable girl she can be.

gone again

Ella trying to get packed in Daddy's suitcase

Gustavo is gone again. This time he is deployed for 5 weeks. I realize 5 weeks isn't very long, but I also know that it will feel long and lonely at times throughout. He is in another country so we aren't sure how communication will work. I dropped him off at his base last night and he e-mailed me today saying that he will have regular access to a computer so we know we can e-mail regularly. He also believes he'll be able to call me from the base where he is working. He'll be working when he's on base though so we aren't sure how often he'll call or how long we'll be able to talk. He will be back just in time for Easter and my spring break so I'm just looking forward to April.

12 months

On Sunday I gave Ella her first pig tails! I love having a little girl to dress up.

Ella is finally getting interested in walking. She's been cruising along furniture for a few months, but hasn't wanted to walk with us or with the assistance of anything else. Within the last few days this has changed. She walks with her little walker and pushes baskets or anything else she can find to help her.

Ella loves to give kisses, especially to her dolls and teddy bears. She is very good at signing everything I've taught her so I really need to learn more signs so she can continue to expand her word bank. The only new sign since last month is water. She doesn't do it correctly, but it is adorable to watch. Every time we tell her to say "hi" she puts her hand up to her ear (like she is answering a cell phone). I'm pretty sure she thinks that is how to sign hi. Ella loves dogs and makes a noise for them- it doesn't sound anything like a bark, but we love it and it is consistent every time she hears or sees a dog.

Ella loves to play in her bedroom. She crawls all over playing with toys, reading books, cuddling with blankets, and wrestling with her teddy bears.

At Ella's one year check up we found out that she is:

Length: 30 inches-- above 75th percentile

Weight: 21 lbs 9 oz-- above 50th percentile

Head Circ: 47 cm-- above the 90th percentile

The doctor just laughed at what a drama queen Ella is. During the visit she was squirming so I put her down on the ground and she just crawled around and whined.

He watched her reactions throughout the visit and wished us

good luck!

Ella's First Birthday

For Ella's 1st birthday we had a little party

we kept things really simple... and pink

My mom and sisters always make decorative cakes for birthdays. I am not crafty or artistic so I've always dreaded this tradition, but wanted to continue it for my family. When we got Ella a xylophone for Christmas my sister Emily told me about this cake she made for Olivia. She sent me the pattern and I decided to give it a try. El came over and helped me out and I must admit, I'm proud of how it turned out. I guess I've proved that I really am a Kramer girl!

After watching a little movie we made of Ella's first year, everyone came in for cake and ice cream. Ella had her own cake, but just like we expected, she didn't do anything. She went for it a few times, but always moved her hand when it got close. She just licked icing off of our fingers and then took out the candle and dropped it on the floor.

After everyone else ate cake, we went into the living room for presents.

Ella's cousins helped her open all of them since she hasn't figured out how to unwrap yet.

We all love you little one!

guests: Abuela, Yolanda, Shevin, Gabe, Eleanor, Grandma & Grandpa Kramer, Cory & Emily's family, the Shakespears, and the Lennons.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Locks of Love

I've always wanted to donate my hair so I finally did it.

Super Bowl Party

Since Ella's grandad and grandma Liz weren't able to make it up for the birthday parties, they threw one themselves! On Super Bowl Sunday we went down to Nephi to watch the Saints beat the Colts and celebrate Gustavo, Gabe, Shevin, and Ella's birthdays.

Daddy helped Ella blow out her candle.

Both Ella and Gabe got great musical books which they love.