A Thousand Words

You know the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? Well, perhaps you'll agree.

And if we haven't hooked you with this picture, then here's a little something more from our dear friend and photographer, Nikki. We are blown away at the love she put into these photos. Click here and enjoy. Hat tip to NicoleLee Photography. H, L & E

Pots and Pans

Here it is: a traditional pots and pans, banging with a spoon, in the middle of the kitchen floor. It’s not much, but then again, just two months ago Ella was still residing in China, and now here she is, livin’ large – holding court in the kitchen, hitting the Roller Derby, a regular at El Ponderosa, celebrating Record Store Day, making friends at Starbucks, swooning to Jeff Stewart, practicing with Old State Line, sound-checking with JT and The Clouds, doing the Art Museum, meeting Luther the dog, and holding Augsburg Lutheran Church in the palm of her tiny little hand. China, and life without Ella, seems like a life-time ago. L, H & E

Shutter Bug

This past week seemed to fly by. Ella went to work with me this week - twice. My employer has been most gracious about allowing flexibility for the transition. My office is decked out with a play yard/crib, bin full of toys and the umbrella stroller for Ella to accompany me on all the trips I make around the building. Eventually I will be going into work without her. But for now, it is pretty wonderful. We are grateful for the understanding and friendship at my work.

And just a few days ago, our dear friend the Nicole of NicoleLee Photography spent some time with Ella. The finished product is still 'being developed' so to speak. But, this should give you a little somethin'. More pictures to come. Enjoy your weekend!

Eighty Thousand Six Hundred Forty...

...minutes. Today marks our two month anniversary as a forever family. That is roughly 80,640 minutes. Some of those minutes have been exhausting and then some. All have been filled with love. H, L & E

Pretty In Pink

In an unprecedented move, I am posting more pictures in less than 12 hours. (Don't get used to this...) However, Auntie Feather promised two certain little girls, and their parents, that this would be blog-worthy.

Our sweet little friend Isabella wanted to host a coming home China Party for Ella. The requirements were: Mulan the movie, Chinese food and each of the children fashioning their outfits we brought back from our travels. The boys wore their "Di-Di" (brother) tees and I think the girls' outfits speak for themselves.

RJ trying out his chopstick skills...

Sir Isaac, taking it all in...



Ava, an uncooperative Ella and Isabella...







Enjoy your afternoon!H, L & E

Five Weeks and Six Days

Tomorrow marks six weeks we've been back in the states. This Sunday will be our two month (or eight week) anniversary as a threesome. Wow! Does our trip to China feel like a lifetime ago to you as well?? I still can't get over how surreal this feels. Still.

I've been editing the hundreds and hundreds of images we captured in our travels. I study Ella's face, the face from nearly eight weeks ago, and my heart nearly bursts at the progress she's made. In the next week or so, I'll share a few that we haven't posted yet.

Today Ella attended her first FCC playgroup. It felt great.


She got to hang with her friend Roz and Roz's mama...



...and steal her toys.

Have a great Thursday everyone. It is supposed to be fantastic weather here in our little Midwest corner of the world. H, L & E

Put me in Coach, I'm Ready to Play...*

She was properly (overly) bundled and she made it to Opening Day for our local minor league baseball team. I promised you a little video from that chilly spring day.

The first minute of this video shows our good friend, Jeff Stewart, performing at a pre-game party. What we weren't able to capture on film was Ella flirting with him. Ah yes...

Enjoy your week!



*Centerfield, John Fogerty

Happy Friday

Ella spent the beginning of the week taking it easy at home, a calm before the storm if you will, of yesterday and today/tonight. Each day brings new discoveries and proof that she's thriving and learning and adjusting. We are madly in love with her.

Yesterday, she was bundled in "China Layers" of clothing (no less than three layers, double socks, fur boots and her furry pink winter coat) for our own baseball team's Season Opener. It was anything but spring here in Ella-town. And as we understand it from friends and family, the girl made the news as the TV camera shot some of the pre-game festivities. Only Ella. She was a trooper but caved before the game kicked off at 5:30. Hey, we can't blame her. We were spent!

Tonight, L is playing with his band, opening for our good friends blowing in from Chicago for a CD release party at a local watering hole. Some of the band will be crashing at our house tonight after the gig. I have a pretty good suspicion that a certain little girl will wake up for their arrival. That's OK, too. We can all sleep in on Saturday morning!

We'll post some footage on her Season Opener adventure before the weekend is out. Until then, enjoy.

A Thousand Expressions

I've been busy with the camera and finally caught up a bit. Here you go!

Some Days...

...are just bigger than others, and Saturday was a whopper. After already enjoying Old State Line practice at our house, and a lovely visit from one of L's coworkers and his family, Ella headed out for the evening. First up was an early Easter feast at our friends, the Rockwoods, complete with children in from Chicago, a special Little Brother, and one of our favorite dogs, Luther. After that, Ella took in her first sporting event, The Glass City Rollers, Toledo's own roller derby team. Before you laugh, it was a sold-out event at over 1,000 strong! We think that this video sums it up quite nicely. Happy Easter.

Baby's First Easter

Happy Easter everyone! Ella, L & H