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.

Diamond Head Hike With Papa

We headed out to Diamond Head to hike the crater. This time Ella was not on my back so made it to the very top.

Ella's Scooter

It cleared up enough for Ella to try out her new scooter yesterday afternoon. She wouldn't leave it alone all morning but once we went outside and had the whole street to ourselves she was totally disinterested - go figure. We did manage to get a photo or two after much encouragement. Gotta love a toddler's ability to focus: "I love my scoo...oh look! a rock/stick/blade of grass..."

More Christmas Videos

Santa's Loot

Santa was much to good to Ella, along with her grandparents! The play kitchen from Santa, the scooter from Papa and the gymnastics outfit and princess guitar from Grandma and Granddad where quite the hit.