Ella's First Owlween

Get it?  Owlween-- Halloween?  I make myself laugh… sometimes.

Halloween has never been my favorite holiday, but having Ella sure has put a little extra treat in my “trick or treat”.  This season is all about pumpkins, and apples and owls.  Oh my!

We started the holiday festivities with a trip to Tanaka Farms, a real pumpkin patch.  I absolutely <3’d Tanaka Farms!  There was pumpkin picking (from the vine), vegetable picking, a corn maze, a petting zoo, and hayrides.  Definitely our family’s go-to pumpkin patch.

Tanaka Farms

A couple weeks later we went to another pumpkin patch (I <3 me a pumpkin patch).  This time we went to the Irvine Park Railroad.  There were so many activities for the kids.  The pumpkins were beautiful and had some of the coolest stalks I have ever seen.  I know, random right?  But the stalks were like I have never seen on a pumpkin.  They were impressive.  [Sorry, I didn’t get a picture of these stalks I speak about.]

Irvine Railroad

After pumpkin carving, a few glasses of hot cider, and another week or so we were all ready to celebrate Ella’s first Owlween.  The night started at Pappy and Nenie’s house for Nenie’s annual “Dinner in a Pumpkin”.  Yum!  We even got to spend time with Batman and a Flower Fairy, also known as Cousin Jack and Cousin Lily.  We knocked on a couple doors, ate a few pieces of candy and headed home where we met Scary-Creepy Swamp Guy and Hummungasauras, also known as Cousin Damien and Cousin Eric.  Mamaw, Grand-Mommy, Pa, Auntie Cole and Uncle Joe came too.  Everyone wanted to see our little Hoot.  More trick-or-treating and piles of candy later, and Ella’s first Owlween was a success.  Best. Halloween.  Ever!

 

Happy Owlween
XoXo, The Cutest Owl

· · ·  PS, Shout Out to My Mom-- Mamaw Made Her Costume  · · ·

Thank you Mom for working so hard to make Ella’s costume such a hoot.  I <3 that she was the only owl like it.  Thanks for making it happen!

Such A Hoot

CHOC Walk 2012 and Ella's Check Up

On October 14, 2012 our little family walked our first ever CHOC Walk in the Park.  Seventeen loved ones of family and friends joined us in support of team Ella Kate Daily.  SEVENTEEN!  Both our walker and fundraising goals were met and we couldn’t have done it without those of you that walked and/or donated, a big huge “Thank You!”  We have such a great group of family and friends and we are so blessed to have you all in our lives.  Your support means more than we could ever tell you.

As a family, we couldn’t be prouder to participate.  As we walked through the park I couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed with emotion.  There we were, seventeen of us, with our little Ella.  That day we got to hold her, squeeze her, kiss her, take pictures, and create memories with her-- All while so many (too many) parents and other loved ones walked “in memory” or walked “in support” of their little ones that were unable to be there.  And to see the recovering children, so little yet so seasoned with strength and courage!  It was an experience that I will never forget-- Today her Daddy I will hold Ella a little tighter, give her an extra kiss, and create a memory with her because we know just how blessed we are to have that opportunity.

· · ·  Fast Forward a Few Weeks · Ella’s Check Up with CHOC  · · ·

A couple tests and two weeks after the walk we had a scheduled 6-month check up at CHOC.  Ryan and I went into the appointment feeling confident, we left frustrated.

All tests came back normal!  Great, right? Ella has shown no signs of CF.  Great again, right?  Well, except one, slow/decreased weight gain.  In about six to eight months time Ella has dropped from the 80^th percentile to the 35^th in her weight (weight to height ratio that is).  Because of this her doctors are concerned and have recommended that our visits be at three months AND they would like us to have all tests retaken (plus a few more) at one year of age.  That's in about two months.

Insert frustration.  Without getting into all the nitty-gritty of it, Ryan and I are not 100% convinced that this is the right thing for us to put Ella through again (at least not right now) and are giving this MUCH thought before committing to anything.  It's a big decision for our little family.

As always, we appreciate everyone’s love, kind words, support and prayers.  We will keep you posted.

Everyday Daily Meets A. Daily Kitchen

When two blogs become one…

Everyday Daily is everything Ella and all things domestic whereas A. Daily Kitchen, well, it was where I went to share my kitchen adventures.  Then, I was a newly married wife learning my way around the kitchen, and now, I’m a Mom learning to cook for my family (and still learning my way around the kitchen).

I still <3 being in the kitchen so this is my attempt to merge a little bit of the old with all of the new.  You’ll find that I have added an A. Daily Kitchen page to Everyday Daily.  Here you will find our new family favorites, including Ella's favorites.  Baby food recipes, YuM!

Over the next couple weeks you will see a few changes here at Everyday Daily-- New pages, some categorizing, and definitely more new and updated recipes.  I’m already drooling at just the thought of what’s to come.  So please keep checking in.

2012 CHOC Walk in the Park

Let me begin with saying, I do not normally solicit for sponsorships/donations or anything of that sort, however, I feel completely shameless about this one!  The CHOC organization is such an amazing group of people and our family could not be any more proud to support them.  Not to mention, it’s a place that holds a very near and dear place in our hearts.

CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland

October 14, 2012 · 7:00 AM

Please join our family and team “Ella Kate Daily” as we take a ‘walk in the park’ in support of the 2012 CHOC Walk.  All team registrations, sponsorships and donations go directly to the CHOC organization(s).

     · Become a Walker!  Lace up those tennis and register yourself under the “Team and Walker Registration” button.  There is a step-by-step process that will guide you through walker registration.

     ·  Sponsor a Walker!  If you're unable to join in the fun, support someone who is.  Find a walker you want to support, or pick one that hasn’t yet met their fundraising goal.  Help with whatever amount you can.

For more details and the official ‘How-To’ of it all, please visit the walk’s website:  www.CHOCwalk.org

Allow me to give you just a little insight to our own personal experience with CHOC-- As most of you know, Ella was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, which makes CHOC our go-to place.  We've experienced exactly what this organization has to offer.  Since the very first phone call the staff has been nothing but helpful and supportive. Everyone!  Everyone from parking attendants to the receptionist, and from the nurses to the doctors-- They have all been so caring, so kind and so unbelievably patient.  That being said, I cannot say enough positive things about the CHOC organization.  They're just a group of everyday people doing super hero jobs for families like ours.  And that is why this is a cause worth supporting!

To Join Team "Ella Kate Daily" Register at:  www.CHOCwalk.net/EllaKateDaily

My Life's Story...

Among the many things that I am learning as a Mother one is that time is a-movin’.  There are only so many hours, so many days and so little time.  No pause button.

It’s all too easy for time to slip away.  “Life” just has a way of taking over.  Making it all that much more important to stop and smell the flowers every once in a while.  So today, I will stop and smell the flowers-- Or sit on the couch with my feet propped up while Ella naps and blog. 

It has been seven (SEVEN!) weeks since my last post.  So here’s the latest and greatest with our little Miss Ella.

Crawling:  "Look Mom, I'm Mobile"

[Crawling]  She’s on the move!  And, she’s a girl on a mission.  The mission:  To get into all things Mommy calls “No”.  Mission accomplished!

Talking:  Ready to Chat-it-Up at the Ice Cream Social

[Talking]  Miss Social-Butterfly sure knows how to chat up a crowd, but even better, she knows how to make Mommy and Daddy melt.  Her first two words, “Mom-Mom” and “Da-Da”.  (“Mom-Mom” being first, of course).  Love!

Swimming:  This Girl was Born to Swim (and Wear a Sun Hat)

[Swiming]  Ella has been quite the little mermaid this summer.  She closed out the summer with three sessions of swim.  That’s six weeks, thirty classes and fifteen whole hours of splashing.  At seven months (then), she can swim from Mommy to instructor (about 5-7 feet) and hold on to the edge of the pool.   Along with everything else mentioned in [Insert Link:  Splish-Splash].

Teething:  "Mom, I Think There's a Toofers"

[Teething]  We have a toofers (one that actually decided to break through this time).  It seems like Ella has been teething for m-o-n-t-h-s!  Stubborn little toofers kept working their way up, then going back down, working their way up, going back down-- Never cutting through.  Finally!  One cut through.  Yay Ella!  One step closer to steak dinners.

Growing:  Too Big, Too Fast

[Growing] Growing, growing, growing.  This weekend marked Ella’s 8-month Birthday.  Eight months!  Talk about time moving too fast (I know, I know-- My life story).  She’s getting so big that we even had to graduate her to a “big girl” car seat, talk about a hard day for me.  I may, or may not, have shed a tear… or two.

So there you have it, the fast-cap of our last seven weeks.  Too big, too fast.  Too fast!

Splish-Splash: Ella Goes to Swim

Today was Ella’s last day of swim classes.  She did it, she graduated!  For two weeks Ella and I have been going to parent-and-me swim classes at Aquatics at the Plunge. Highly recommend!

Ella has always been a fan of the water, but the last two weeks has made me think that she may be part mermaid.  This girl <3’s the water!  She didn’t throw a fit, shed a tear, or even show and ounce of fear.  Not at all.  All I got was smiles, giggles and splashes.  Oh, and lots of cute pictures.

 

    

She made friends [Such a social butterfly mermaid]

She blew bubbles [And maybe swallowed a few ounces of water in the process]

She ring bobbed [My little girl went all the way under and grabbed her ring-fishy]

She learned how to use her little kickers [Kick-Kick-Kick]

And, drum roll please….

She went off the diving board [YES!  YIKES!!]

Gasp!  She did it!

I know, I know.  Ah!  I gasped too.  But, she loved it!  She came to the surface with a big smile, and otherwise completely unfazed.  Told you, she may be part mermaid.

We both enjoyed ourselves so much that we have signed up for another session, only this time Daddy will be able to come too.  Yay!

Eat Your Heart Out

Ella has started food and she is <3-ing every bite.  She is such a little foodie.  Yup, she’s a Daily.

We started with cereal and moved right along to veggies-- First with carrots, then peas, squash, and now green beans (tomorrow we start sweet potato).  She's even eaten her way up to  apples for breakfast.  We’re quickly moving through all the “beginner” foods and Ella is devouring them all.  Devouring.  Peas are her current favorite.

PS:  How cute is her Owl highchair cover?  [Thanks Nenie]
   

Since we’re a family of foodies I thought it fitting to make her baby food (most of the time). This is the kind of stuff that gets me excited these days, homemade baby food.  I <3 being in the kitchen and there’s something about taking the time to "cook" for Ella.  And, it’s pretty simple:  Steam, puree, package.  Any Mommies have good “recipe” ideas?  Suggestions?  Please share.

Before we know it she’ll be ready for ice cream and all kinds of sweets (not yet, Pappy, not yet).  Pappy will just <3 that-- I've caught him trying to sneak her a lick or two of an ice cream cone.  Is homemade ice cream in my future?  Maybe...

Ella is Half a Year [6 Months]

Happy ½ Year Birthday Ella Kate!

This week Ella turned six months old.  SIX!  One whole half of a year! 

Where has the time gone?  Six months has come and gone so fast.  It is such a seemingly short period of time, but yet such a lifetime ago-- She is still so new to us, but I just don’t remember life before Ella.  She makes everyday better than yesterday.  I mean, wouldn’t this face make any day better?

I’ve said it a hundred times and I will say it over and over again:  My baby is getting too big, too fast.  It’s so hard to believe that she is already growing up, but she is.  Everyday brings new adventures and the more she grows the quicker those “too big, too fast” moments come.  One after another. 

She’s scooting [And rocking-- I think crawling is in our near future].

She’s grabbing [And putting just about everything in her mouth].

She’s talking [More and more everyday, quite the little personality].

She’s eating [Such a little foodie-- Cereal, Carrots, Peas, Squash… and more to come].

She’s growing up [Sigh.  Too fast].

Ella Gets Chatty

So, our family restaurant-going days are over for a little while.  We made it exactly 24 weeks!

Let me say:  Ella has always been such a well-behaved little restaurant goer.  We’ve never had a public outburst.  Not a single one.  She’s been really great.  And then there was Sunday night.

With such a great track record we decided to attempt a nice dinner at Park Ave.  This place is pretty fabulous-- A retro steak house channeling the 50’s and the Rat Pack.   The food is yum and the overall atmosphere is so amazing.  I mean they play Dean Martin, a lot.  Enough said.

Back to Ella.  So we attempt this nice dinner with Nenie and Uncle Garrett.  I may or may not have startled her in the car at some point and that may or may not have upset her.  Off to a great start, right?  She calms down just as we’re arriving.  Phew, so I think.  We’re there for about, um, two minutes when Ella decides to let out this scream-- A scream letting everyone know that she has arrived, she has found her voice and she’s not afraid to use it.  From there she decided to carry on a very loud and enthusiastic conversation with the restaurant.  Not screaming, not crying, just chatting.  Loudly and enthusiastically.

Now let me say this:  I do not like being those people at a restaurant.  I apologize to my fellow restaurant goers that were there Sunday evening.

So there we were, moving tables.  We found ourselves in the corner of a private room.  Sigh.  Not only were we able to let Ella finish her conversation, but we could devour our steaks like nobody was watching.  Because nobody was.

The lesson-- Mommy and Daddy’s steak dinners are now reserved for special date nights only.  But the real lesson is-- I need to be willing to leave Ella with someone other than Ryan.  It’s not for lack of volunteers, but I have been unwilling to let anyone babysit.  For (almost) six months I have been major Mamma-Bear.  I think it might be time for Mom and Dad to have a date night, just the two of us.  Maybe that’s what Ella was trying to tell of us at the restaurant?

My Hubby, Ella's Daddy

My Hubby.  My Best Friend.  ·  Ella’s Daddy.  Her Biggest Fan.

With Father’s Day recently passing I thought it appropriate time to do some bragging about my husband-- He's pretty awesome.  He’s everything that a Husband and a Father should be, and then some.  Yup, he’s a pretty special guy!

He’s the kind of Husband that I ‘m lucky to call my best friend, and the Daddy that any girl would want to call her own.  He’s all about his family, and we’re all about him. 

Together Ryan and I are finding out what it means to be parents, to have our own family, and I couldn’t have asked for a better Husband/Baby Daddy to share my life with-- To learn with, to create memories with, to grow old with.  To “everything” with, you feel in the __________.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he’s my best friend.  And there’s something pretty darn special about sharing your life with your best friend.

As for Ella and Daddy, well I’ll let the pictures do the talking… [A picture says a thousand words]

Happy Summer!

This week marks the start of Summer 2012, Ella's first Summer!  WooHoo.  Fun-in-the-sun time begins now.  Ready, set, bathing suit-pool time. [She's pretty cute in a bathing suit]

Ella's First Road Trip

1,096.9 Miles.  20 Hours, 5 Minutes Driving.  Five Days.  Ella’s First Road Trip.

Destination:  Chico, California.

Not only was this Ella’s first road trip, but it was also the first trip that we have taken with the whole herd of in-laws.  My in-laws are actually a group of some of my favorite people in the world.  We’re a tight knit group and traveling together was a complete success, in my book.

First stop, Harris Ranch in Coalinga, California.  Our overnight stay consisted of some pool time, an a-mazing dinner, and a de-licous breakfast (Oh my, the waffle with homemade whip cream and fresh strawberries.  Drool!)  The food was great, and the service was top notch.  A great start to our trip.

It was on the road again and off to Aunt Lori and Uncle Martin’s for a couple days, our final destination.  This was a special visit because wedding bells were ringing, cousin Ethan was getting married.  The wedding was at Centerville Estates.  Picture this:  A canyon backdrop, a running creek, a private beach, absolutely perfect weather, and a beautiful couple.  Yup, totally worth the trip!

Congratulations Ethan and Alie!  We are so happy for the both of you and wish you nothing but the best.  Thank you for letting our family share in your celebration.

XoXo, The Dailys- Ryan, Ashley and Ella

The next day we made a stop at the Honey Run Covered Bridge and dipped our feet in the creek below.  Ella loved the creek (almost as much as I was loving her creek outfit).  Her cuteness was on overload at the creek, and Daddy was totally loving it too.

The rest of the day was full of family, fun and tons of cousin love!  They're kind of best friends.

Too soon we were on the road again, after a 3:45 am wake-up call on Monday morning.  We booked it straight home (abiding by the speed limit and all other traffic laws, of course).  Ella was such a trooper-- She slept, she giggled, she slept, she chatted, she slept, and she slept.  During the straight 8-ish hour car ride home there was about zero fussiness.

An overall success!  Ready for the next one…

CF: Ella Takes a Break from CHOC

This update is LONG overdue, and I apologize for that.  Last month, (Did I mention that I totally dropped the ball and that I’m really sorry?) Ella had her last monthly check up at CHOC.  This is great news for our little family-- It means that Ella’s additional tests came back normal.  An answered prayer!  It also means that her CF team is feeling confident with a diagnosis of “Cystic Fibrosis Metabolic Syndrome.”  Their fancy way of saying, “Ella has CF mutations, but shows no signs of the disease itself and may never.” 

Our check-ups are now every six months.  Another answered prayer!  No tests and no visits for six months.  Thank you, God!

Thank you again for those that have continued to keep Ella and our family in your thoughts and prayers.  We are more grateful than we could ever tell you all.

Ella's Pretty Happy About it Too

*Follow From the Beginning:  Cystic Fibrosis & Our Little Ella

Baby Signing Time

“Baby, Baby, Baby Signing Time…”  I already have the tune stuck in my head.  And, I’m actually kind of excited about it.  Daddy, not so much.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with Baby Signing Time, it is a series of DVD’s designed to teach sign language to infants and toddlers.  It teaches baby basic words and gestures so that baby is able to communicate before they find their voice. 

Today was Ella’s first go around-- And, I think she’s a fan (I know Mommy is).  She watched the first fifteen minutes of Volume One with a HUGE smile on her face.  I can’t wait to see what she’ll sign first.  I will keep you all posted.

Thank you Daddy!  [XoXo, Ella Kate]

My First Mother's Day

My first official Mother’s Day and it was everything that I wanted-- A whole day with my family, the three of us.  We had no plans-- No agenda and nowhere to be.  Just the way I like it.  It was a day that we set aside for us to simply spend time together.  To be a family.  So, that’s just what we did.

As I settle into motherhood I’m discovering that life is truly all about the little things and my Mother’s Day was full of the “little things”:  A special pancake breakfast, a late morning snooze, an afternoon bubble bath, and hours of watching Ella be a little rollie-pollie.   Nothing too out of the ordinary.  And then it hitt me...

My everyday is “Mother’s Day”.  My days may not be filled with a pancake breakfast, or a late morning snooze, or even an afternoon bubble bath, BUT they are full of little things.  Everyday I get the little things.  Every morning I wake up to a happy and healthy baby.  We have our morning “chat” and play time, and share our day together.  Before we know it Daddy’s home and ready to play too.  The days are usually nothing too "exciting", but nonetheless it’s what it’s all about.  Besides, you'd be surprised as to what I find exciting these days.

I’m so blessed to have my little family-- To have a Husband that appreciates the “little things” just as much as I do, and to have a daughter as special as Ella.  Life. Is. Good.

Mamaw's Mad Hatter

Ever since I can remember my Mom has been crocheting blankets for every new baby in the family.  It’s been her own little tradition, a wonderful keepsake for us all.  It was extra special when it was my daughter’s turn to get one, her first granddaughter, her baby’s baby (I’m the youngest of three girls).  I think Mamaw’s hands started to madly crochet as soon as she got the phone call, “Isabella.”

It’s the blanket that lays centered in her nursery.  It’s the blanket she nestles into when napping.  It’s the blanket that covers her and Mommy during those late night feedings.  And it’s the blanket that Ella will snuggle up to as a reminder of just how much her Mamaw loves her.  It’s a pretty great blanket!

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When I was eight months pregnant I ordered this darling hat from Etsy-- It was an owl crocheted hat.  The hat was seriously darling!  So adorable that I justified paying a silly amount for it.  Did I mention that it was freaking cute?  And owl?  With tassels?  Oh, and it was pink too.

Well, fast-forward to Ella being about eight weeks old.  Pregnancy brain has worn off a little:  If my mom can crochet this pretty amazing blanket, why can’t she crochet this pretty amazing hat?  “She’s pretty talented with that hook of hers, it can’t be that hard.”  I bought the pattern online and that’s how she became Ella’s personal mad-hatter.  This girl has hats for just about every outfit in her closet, and that’s A LOT.

She started with perfecting the owl hat, priorities first people.  Then quickly began perfecting all other types of hats and accessory frills.  She is just mad-hatten away, making cuteness after cuteness.

So, I had a serious talk with Ella and we decided that we can’t hoard Mamaw’s talent.  We talked to Mamaw about making and selling some of her pieces, she was so excited and loved the idea.  [Drum-Roll, Please]  We are happy to announce that Mamaw’s Mad Hatter is open for business and now taking custom orders. 

Please contact Mamaw for more details:

Email:  theresa.hitt@yahoo.com · Mamaw's Mad Hatter

The Gift of God's Grace

On the beautiful Sunday morning of April 29, 2012 our family baptised baby Isabella Kate into the family of Christ.  It was a simple, yet powerful ceremony at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Ryan and myself, along with her godparents, stood at the church alter and promised to raise her in the faith-- With help from the Lord we will guide her in His ways and show her a Godly life.  We will share with her the love of Christ.  We will pray for her and teach her to pray.  These are promises I intend to keep.

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Godparents  The choice was easy!  Our family has been so blessed with such an amazing group of family and friends, and Ella’s godparents are no exception.  We are so pleased that Garrett (Uncle) and Jayne (Long-Time Friend Auntie) have agreed to be Ella’s godparents.

Uncle Garrett, Ryan’s younger brother, absolutely adores Ella.  The smile that she puts on his face is reassurance that he will protect her and guide her.  I know that he will love her and care for her.  He will be a shoulder for her to lean on, and a friend to call on.  This I am confident of.

Auntie Jayne, a very dear friend, is a one-of-a-kind person.  Emphasis on the kind-- She is so thoughtful, so caring, and so supportive.  She is so much more than a friend to our family and she loves our little girl so much.  I know that she will show Ella His way.  She will lead by example and be a mentor of God’s will.  This I am confident of.

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Immediately following church service we celebrated the gift of God’s grace.   A small and intimate group of our family joined us at our house where we rejoiced and ate.  And ate.  And ate. 

I’ve been planning this menu since before Ella was born we even had a date set.  We have already been so blessed, and God has already answered so many prayers for our family that I just wanted to celebrate and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

And, with this being the first time I was hosting a celebration for Ella, I may have gone a little crazy.  But, I wanted to make it extra special.  Extra special, just like Ella. 

The Menu:  Breakfast-Brunch

            Muffins

Lemon with Raspberry Topping  ·  Orange with Blackberry Topping

Blueberry  ·  Blueberry with Streusel Topping  ·  Banana  ·  Chocolate-Banana

Pear “Pudding” Cake · Strawberry Jello Mold

            Oatmeal and Yogurt Parfait Bar

Chilled Oatmeal  ·  Greek Yogurt

Granola  ·  Strawberries  ·  Blueberries  ·  Raspberries

Blackberries  ·  Grapes  ·  Watermelon  ·  Kiwi

            Just Yummy

Baked French Toast Casserole  ·  [Cheesy-Bacon] Breakfast Sandwich Casserole

Cheesy Baked Hash Browns  ·  Ham

                 

            Beverages

Strawberry Orange Juice  ·  Peach Lemonade

It was truly a day of celebration.  Thank you to everyone that came to service and shared in the celebration.  As I said before, we are so blessed to have such a supporting group of family and friends like you all.  We appreciate everyone that came to encourage Ella as she officially entered into the family of Christ.