Ackley Family Christmas

Today, we made the trip to New Port Richey for the Ackley Family Christmas. It has been a tradition in our family to celebrate the Sunday before Christmas at my Uncle Said and Aunt Eva's home. I always look forward to it, and now I hope my daughter will look forward to it. Ellison had a blast with her cousins... Alana, Kyle and Riley. Hopefully, more Ackley babies will come over the next few years and Ellison will have more and more cousins to spend Christmas with each year.

It was our first Christmas celebration without my Grandma Daisy. She was greatly missed by everyone. I think we all agree that Grandma and Grandpa Ackley instilled in all of us the importance of our family. The Ackley group is a close knit clan, and it was so nice to have almost everyone there. We missed Aunt Diane (stuck in zero degree weather), Ryan, Shannon, Little Ryan (all in Australia), Ashley (strep throat) and Nasseem (in Utah). Happy Holidays!

Grandma was right... Again!

Well, my Mom always said, "Babies don't need a lot of toys, just give them some tupperware."

Mommy, look at me.

It's Monday

We had a great weekend! Saturday we headed to Ocala for Haley Munson's Baptism. Haley has become quite the chunky monkey... love it! Unfortunately, I failed to bring my camera. When we arrived back into town, Graham bought us a Christmas tree and we spent the evening decorating. On Sunday, Ellison attempted to stand on her own. This is what she does... stands up holding onto her playard, balances herself, and then takes one arm off the playard. After she has balanced with one arm, she contemplates removing the remaining arm. Sometimes she does, and then falls down. Other times, she decides against it. When decides against it, she will then try to walk while holding on to the crib. It is all pretty funny to watch. I can just see the wheels in her brain turning. Also, when she is standing in her crib, she has figured out that it is faster to get to other side by standing and then throwing herself backwards. She lands sitting, but on the other side of the crib. I think we have a gymnast. Videos are to follow... of course.

I have things to say

Last night was my final, final exam! Hooray! With regards to everything, I have the following to say:

1. You may think that after weeks of studying, stressing, and finally completing my first semester of law school, friends and family would say a huge congratulations. Wrong! The overwhelming response... "Great, now can you please post a new blog?" Well I am glad to hear that I have so many devoted followers. My blogging is not in vain.

2. As helicopters hover over my house this morning, I am very thankful for my lovely daughter. No, the helicopters are not coming for me. Unfortunately, a body of a little girl was found down the street from my house. Most probably it is the body of Caylee Anthony, who has been missing since the summer. I am SO THANKFUL that Ellison is a safe, happy and a very much loved little girl. I am also thankful that Ellison is sleeping in her crib... nothing like a nice nap to give Mommy some time to Blog!

3. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Graham, my Mom, and Kimberly for helping with Ellison so much during the past few weeks. It has been hard to leave her each and every day to go study. However, with all of your support and help, I have been able to leave knowing that she is being spoiled and loved. Thank you to everyone else who has also helped over the past few weeks!

A Christmas Card Preview

Coming soon to a mailbox near you . . . The Clark Family Christmas Card.

A quick break

With only one exam left, I thought it was time to come out of hiding aka Panera and post on what Ellie has been up to. Well, what has she not been up to? Just kidding, she is only 6 months. I know, I know, she is actually only a few days shy of being 7 months. But we are never to young to tell a little white lie about our age, are we?

Ellison is moving like crazy. She tries to pull up on anything and everything. If she is in her playard, then she is either standing or playing with the fish in her fish bowl. Unfortunately, her fish bowl had a casualty today, when Ali and Bella ate the crab. (Yes, this is a baby toy, the crab is stuffed and squeaks... or at least it did) Ellison is also still exploring her first foods. She loves pears, sweet potatoes and prunes. She does not care for peas (still) or butternut squash (I am now using the remaining puree for butternut squash soup). In a few days we will move onto yogurt. Wish us luck.