Throwback day!

Today's throwback might be my favorite one so far. This is because it captures so many elements of the collective history of our family all at once. So funny how taking pictures like this seem insignificant at the time but end up being something that totally illustrates something very memorable and so much a part of what has made All of Us Ellwoods exactly who we are!

It's been only four years since we started out in a one-bedroom humble and cozy little abode that was just D and me. Our new house is still cozy and humble but such a far cry from feeling like we are just about living on top of one another in our old two-bedroom apartment (pictured below). Oh the memories of feeling shoe-boxed in all the time and being woken up by car alarms and people yelling at the repo-tow truck as it dragged people's belongings out of the apartment complex week after week...

Unapologetic hugging

You know what I love most about Miss A these days? She's unabashedly demonstrative about her love for others. The people she knows well are truly showered with affection in such a way that they couldn't possibly doubt how much Miss A honestly loves them. Whether she's telling you that outright telling you those three lovely most important words in the world (I love you) or she's sneak attack hugging you, she absolutely loves with no shame and no apology...

Every last drop

Yes - I could have succeeded at discouraging Miss A from drinking down so much of her bath water.

But that would have meant me NOT succeeding at capturing such a great moment and getting such a hilarious picture of her.

Throwback day!

One of my favorite stages of Miss A's was when her "chubby-roly-poly" baby stage. I believe this was in her 8th month. So much chub to love!!

We should have named her Joy

D and I make it a habit to say prayers together daily and saying thanks for the blessing that is Miss A is always included - not just because it's something rote but because we really and truly are that thankful for her.

Two evenings ago, D had his usual Friday things going on so Miss A and I traveled southward to meet up with my parents for dinner. Miss A entertained all of us with her antics through the whole meal and it was noted that she is a very personable little lady. It always makes me happy when this kind of thing is noticed because D and I think this all of the time and I am aware of the fact that we can be biased because we are her parents so it's validating to hear that it is indeed true - she IS very personable!

I don't know how it is that Miss A came out like she did but she's got such a great and even disposition to her and then on top of that she's just so naturally joyful. Sometimes she does get fussy but that's usually only when there's a very good reason (when she's tired and/or hungry) and once we take care of things she's always quickly back to her old self.

Yesterday Miss A and I went out and about for a little bit and then we came back home and just relaxed. Miss A (literally) took it upon herself to literally kick back while eating her snack of "crunchies" (chips, to those not in the "know" and yes - she still does the thing where she gnashes her teeth together when she asks for them, "Crunchies? *gnashgnashgnash*"...)



I've quickly become one of those people who I always said I never understood - the type who, when they become parents, spend all of their time with their kids. What can I say? *shrug* It's hard not to want to hang out with a person all the time who is the personification of joy.