Full disclosure, I felt like crying when I typed "11 months."

Tears of happiness obviously, but tears nonetheless. I wouldn't consider myself someone who cries easily, but the threshold for tears is definitely lower than it was pre-motherhood. I'm happy about that though. I'm happy to cry happy tears about Ella.

This month EllaJames traveled once again to Colorado, but this time she made sure to travel with her entire entourage of adoring fans...her parents and all four grandparents. Actually the first travel day, she was just with me and Nonna and Gaga. I was a little nervous about traveling without Dustin, but so grateful to have my parents with me. Ella was a pro as usual, watching people contently while she was strapped in the Baby Bjorn through security and sleeping in my arms during the entire flight. I sat by the window and propped Dad's jacket under my elbow and remember telling my Mom "I love her so much." There are a lot of unglamourous moments in the first year of motherhood, but then there are moments that totally eliminate your memory of the unglamorous ones because you feel so consumed with love. This was one of those.

Today I was putting her down for a nap and reading a verse from John on her bulletin board: "We love because He first loved us." It reminded me that even my capacity to love Ella is God's grace in my life. He gives me the ability to love her and the experience of loving her because He loves. He extends. He initiates. It makes my brain hurt and my heart swell.

As far as milestones, EJ is chatting, rejecting all attempts to be spoon-fed, cruising, cruising, cruising, and frankly pulling, touching, poking anything within her field of vision. She is one active little toot. She loves being outside, loves her Charlie-dog, and loves all weird-smelling green vegetables. And apparently loves Club crackers. I'm looking at you, Nonna.

EllaJames, we can't wait to celebrate your birthday next month! You simultaneously bring laughter and fun and responsibility into our lives in all the best ways! We love you!