2013 December 28 — Elizabeth Johnson Camozzi

6-month Ella Mae!

What a great two weeks! Ella Mae enjoyed her first Christmas, her second plane ride, and first time in Northern California! Other firsts: experiencing a pool, riding in a shopping cart and sitting in a highchair at a restaurant (chicken legs was still too tiny and slid out!)

Ella is now into what WE eat, which is making for interesting meal times!

She is also sitting up like a pro- reaching for and playing with toys during her playtime.

So nearly crawling!

Right before flying out to Northern California to see family, Ella Mae opened her first presents at home. As we were warned, we found that Ella was much more interested in the wrapping paper than the presents themselves. Though she did love her new baby doll and talked to it for a long while in squeals.

First Christmas!

yum yum

Nola was also interested in her new toys

baby doll!

Ella Mae took her second plane trip right before Christmas to see her grandma Jan, cousin Justin, great-grandmother Nanny and great aunt Sandy. She was quite a good flier, and received many compliments! On the way home, she proudly stood on mommy’s lap and delivered a joyful speech to the plane…the other travelers weren’t so sure about that one…

Before taking off, grabbing one quick cuddle

On the plane- already asleep!

We arrived to Sacramento and rented a car- before driving another hour or so, daddy and Ella had play time

Kisses!

..and her recent favorite- nose grabs! (ouch!)

At the hotel, Ella spent lots of time playing with cousin Justin and bouncing in the Johnny Jump-up that grandma gave to her.

Ella Mae and Justin

Rolling in bed

Johnny Jump Up!

Grandma Jan opening her grandmother’s brag book

All-around cuteness!

Ella also experienced a swimming pool for her first time. She wasn’t so sure, and clung to us tightly with big eyes. In her fear, she grew so quiet and attentive, no screams or tears. We swam every day and by the end she was able to splash and squeal. I think we’re ready for those swim lessons!

Pool time with daddy and grandma

The Camozzi family at the pool

Ella conked out halfway through a swim, so grandma Jan held her tight and sang to her

Ella also experienced sitting in a shopping cart for the first time. Verdict: not so sure…

We went to a Christmas Eve service and opened gifts in the hotel, followed by more swimming!

Christmas baby!

After Christmas, we headed to Roseville, CA to see great-grandma Nanny and great-aunt Sandy. Ella “Elephant” was charming to Nanny and they had many cute moments. Sandy stopped by and they also played and cuddled. We ended the night having dinner with Sandy and playing together a little more. It was great to have family time, and it completely exhausted little bits.

Great-grandmother Nanny, Ella Mae and Jeff

So sweet

Cuddles with great-aunt Sandy

Ella Mae playing with great-grandmother Nanny’s walker

Playing with great-aunt Sandy

Before we knew it, it was time to fly home. It was sad to leave the warm California sun, but we had more presents to open when we returned home! We have many thank-you’s to send to family and friends who made Ella Mae’s first Christmas so special! Merry Christmas all, and happy new year!