Treadmill

After years of procrastination, I finally purchased a treadmill. I used the treadmills at our first apartment and loved it; the workout was great and I even took up jogging. My biggest reservation (and the question I'm asked most often) is why a treadmill when we live in Hawaii and can walk year round?

I prefer to walk in the evenings when it is too dark and with the lack of streetlights it seems too unsafe to walk at a time when I have the most energy. I love the treadmill and will be building up my cardio by jogging again. I do hope to do a run sometime in the next year... if we are still in Hawaii, I'd like to do the Great Aloha Run - 8 miles. A small goal for some, but a huge milestone for me.

Ella gets so excited for me when I'm on it and shrieks with glee, "Mommy, you running!" I reply, "Mommy wants to be strong like Daddy." :)

Inauguration

Ella and I watched the Presidential Inauguration this morning when we woke up. I had it taped as it started sometime around 4:30am. We got caught up in it and I decided to spend the morning enjoying a cup of coffee and witnessing President Obama make history. Such a profound day, Ella watched with me and clapped along with excitement.
Here is a video before bed tonight... if Ella seems crazy - she is. I'm not sure where she got the idea but she's started goofing around and speaking baby garble. I am trying to nip it in the bud by asking her to "use her words" or telling her to go to her room until she can talk to me like a big girl. It's really starting to get on my nerves.

"...Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. ...
...For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace...."

Shopping

More pictures of Ella with some of her dress up. Sara gave her a shopping cart before they left and it has replaced everything else. Ella will load up the shopping cart with dress up items, purses, toy food, books and toys. When you ask her what she is doing she will reply: "I shopping, Mommy." She walks around the house in her princess dress up heals pushing the shopping cart all day. I'm having flashes of Ella at 16...18...20... :(

Ella Bella Cinderella

Playing with some of her dress up from Christmas and my Mom's wedding gloves...

It's Only Tuesday

It has been a rough week and it's only Tuesday. Sunday, after blissfully sleeping in, I spilled an entire cup of coffee on my laptop while listening to Ella tell me all about her morning with Daddy. In full panic mode I may have accidentally taught Ella her first swear word. I think we may be okay though as she only said it once and has never said it again... but it is only Tuesday.

I'm not sure how, but my laptop survived and after drying it out upside down and removing all the keys, it booted up and is unfazed. The keyboard, however, is shot and I'm now using an external keyboard with the laptop. It's been irritating but spending $12 on a keyboard is much better than $800 on a new laptop.

I spent most of the day yesterday screening in our back lanai. The amount of rain these past 2 months have resulted in an insane amount of mosquitoes - so much so that we are thinking they have mutated and are becoming immune to the repellent yard spray. Ella and I are covered in bites despite using OFF lotion and I couldn't take it anymore. I bought bulk screening and did the entire back lanai so that it is pleasant again to sit outside. It seems to be doing the trick so far but it is only Tuesday and the next wind storm may take it all down.

And finally, I took Sara and Wyatt to the airport today. I have known Sara for the past two years and as neighbors spent many a morning conversing over coffee. Ella can't pass a Starbucks without asking to go for coffee with Aunt Sara. They are all off to Mississippi and we will miss them terribly. I am heartbroken to see her go, she is a great friend and confidant. On a lighter note, my girlfriend, Katie called to say she will be coming back sometime next month which means Eric will be soon behind her, returning from Iraq after 16 months. Goodbye Sara, Hello Katie - such is military life...

Here are some pics of Ella painting in the back yard...

New Camera

The day after Christmas, in all it's sale and discount glory, I ordered the digital SLR camera I've been pining after - the Canon Rebel. It's been at least 5 years since I last used my manual camera so I'm reading up on it and may try to find a photography class to sharpen my skills. Here are some pics to try it out, I can't wait to see what I can do once I've actually had time to play around with it...

First Week

This first week of 2009 has flown by and I've neglected posting completely. Last Saturday, we went to Ko Olina Beach to meet Manny, Christina, her sister, Alex and of course Emmi. Even though it was overcast is was a nice way to spend the afternoon.This past Tuesday Ella had her follow-up ultrasound to check the development of her right kidney. (At 7 months Ella was diagnosed with a bladder reflux disease that had her on meds for a year to prevent infection. At 1 year 7 months, the reflux cured itself as it usually does in infants, but an ultrasound showed Ella's right kidney to be slightly swollen. The specialist wanted a follow-up ultrasound in a year to see how her kidneys were developing.)
Ella was so well-behaved and laid quietly for the ultrasound technician who said she'd never seen a toddler behave so calmly. Ella was content to watch the screen and said, "Mommy, I got jelly on my belly." (For those who've never had an ultrasound, they use a jelly to lube the wand that takes the ultrasound images). Though the tech isn't actually allowed to discuss what she sees and that anything abnormal would be followed-up by a call from the doctor, she did say that we probably won't hear anything. No news is good news so far and we are keeping our fingers crossed. While waiting for the tech to confirm she got the images she needed, Ella and I played around with the camera feature on my Blackberry...And finally, gymnastics started up again and Ella got to wear her new leotard from Grandma...

Happy New Year!

We wish everyone a very joyful and prosperous new year and are sending our love and wishes for a fabulous 2009.

2008 was another wonderful (though all too quick) year as we watched Ella grow into the independent little girl who keeps us on our toes. I have a feeling that 2009 will be the age of reason for her and we will shortly be hearing "but why, Mommy?" "But why, Daddy?"

We rang in the new year with Manny, Christina, Emmi and Christina's sister, Alex. Ella was a bundle of energy up until midnight while Ron (along with Emmi) passed out cold about half an hour before midnight. Being with friends was a great way to ring in the new year.

Christina & Manny,

Thank you for the festive evening the delicious tamales. We are so happy we were able to ring in the new year with you! Christina, as always the food was amazing and Manny, the drinks fabulous. We can't wait to get together again, maybe a BBQ soon.

Love,
Tracey, Ron & Ella

Rest

The only time Ella isn't tearing around the house at full speed....

Dear Grandma & Granddad,

Thank you for my cute Christmas pajamas. Can you believe I'm tall enough to wear them - 4T imagine that! And thank you for my Barbie "Guitar Hero" as I call it. Now I can rock out with Daddy. I can't wait to wear my new gymnastics leotards too.
I hope you had a good Christmas.

Love,
Ella

Mele Kalikimaka

We headed into Honolulu for the city of lights tour. The giant Santa and Mrs. Claus basking with their feet in the fountain were a big hit with Ella. We walked around the Iolani Palace and through city hall where they have a Christmas tree display.