Big Girl, Big Night, Big Week!

It's been a week of firsts for Miss Ella! After weeks of waiting, and breaking in her new skates, she finally got to hit the ice. It was such a nice afternoon having the entire rink to ourselves. Jason and I were able to share something we love with the person we love the most. She did really well. It was awesome to see her huge smile as she marched across the ice holding Jason's hands.

We spent about 25 minutes on the ice and she was so happy the entire time. She kept looking at her feet....determined how to make those skates work like Mommy and Daddy. I am sure we will have plenty of more fun days on the ice.

I got this skating thing Dad!

Our little Pnut moved up the ranks to big girl this week too. She spent her first night in her new bed last night. We got her a toddler bed to make the transition from her crib. I really wanted this to happen now before her sister/brother arrives, so she doesn't feel like her crib has been snatched from under her when the baby is home.

All smiles trying out her new bed!

It was a pretty good first night. She fell right asleep, with only a few little disturbances overnight (she fell off the bed!) She was one proud girl when she realized she didn't have to wait to be rescued from a crib and could walk in to wake up Daddy in the morning! Things could get interesting now :-)

Go Union!

Another hockey season is upon us. This is Ella's "3rd" season and last night was Union's home opener (Jason is the assistant coach). She has a brand new Union jersey and we painted U's on her cheeks to celebrate the night. I may be a little biased, but she was the cutest little cheerleader at the rink.

Pre-game....all smiles in Daddy's office.

 You may recall that I have written in the past about Ella's love-hate relationship with hockey games...more specifically the national anthem. She has a history of crying, freaking out actually as soon as the anthem starts. I went into Friday's game with a new attitude....renewed optimism that this season will be different. Ella is an independent toddler. She's walking and starting to talk. She is ready to take on the games!

Another hockey season, same result: TEARS!

HA HA HA...I may have over-estimated things a bit. The meltdown started with the introductions, reached a fever pitch by the national anthem, and by the time the first puck dropped, the U's on her cheeks were partly washed away by tears. The crying (freaking out) lasted pretty much the entire first period. We regrouped in the coach's office and I thought we could redeem ourselves for the second period.....NOPE! More tears, and complete misery ensued. We didn't even make it ten minutes into the second period when I raised the white flag. Less than halfway through game 1 and we were done!

There's another game tonight. Call me crazy, but we are going to try again. Since hockey games will likely be a part of Ella's life for a very long time, I have to TRY to at least get her to cope. Wish me luck!