Friends

Last Monday, Ella's friend Haven came over for a play date. The girls had such a great time. Haven's mom, Christine and I used to work together at the Bond Clinic before Miss Haven came along. Now she stays home full-time with Haven :) Christine and I bonded over being pregnant/new moms at the same time. It was always nice to have someone to talk to about what I was going through.....especially with someone who was going through it all at the same time! The girls play very well together, and it gives Christine and I a chance to catch up on all our mommy talk :)

The girls running around the yard....I love this picture because they are both picking up the same foot.

Here comes Ella!

Here comes Haven!

Haven is really the sweetest little girl. Very loving and laid back. Just look at that sweet face!

They had a great time playing with the sidewalk chalk together.

And apparently Ella was tasting the chalk.....

While Haven tried out the lid!

We're outta here! You want to drive, Haven?

Hut, hut!

Kisses! Look at that pucker :)

Awwww.....

Hmmm...I wonder if this kitty food is any good.

I was a little nervous before this play date, simply because Ella is at the age where recently she has had some issues with sharing. I have noticed it on several occassions, and we have been trying our best to work with her, and more importantly, understand that this is a completely normal part of toddler development. The morning of our play date, I talked with Ella about sharing, and how we were going to have fun sharing with our friends. Now, I don't know if that's what did it or not, but she was such a good girl...and a good sharer of her toys.... and her and Haven had a great time together. I know that there will be times as we raise this little girl that her behavior won't be perfect. But the feeling it gives me as I watch her not only learn right from wrong, but CHOOSE right OVER wrong....makes it all worth it :)

Last weekend, my best friend from high school, Stacey, came over with her mom Nancy and her son, Drake! He is five months old and this was the first time I had met him. He is such a cutie.....and has the chubbiest legs and cheeks to kiss on! It's amazing how many stages of life Stacey and I have gone through together. Best friends through high school, then seperated when we left for college.....me going to Mizzou and her heading to SMSU (I just can't call it Missouri State, sorry :) I remember the phone calls announcing engagements, being in each other's weddings, and now babies. Even though we don't get to see one another as much as we would like, we are always able to pick up right where we left off. It was so good to see her, to watch her as a Mommy, and to get to kiss on her sweet son. Thanks for making the time to come see us, Stacey, Nancy and Drake! We love you :)

Stacey, Nancy and Drake, Ella and I. (I think Ella was eating a snack :)