A Night at the Days

Ella's "flower power" outfit

Amber checking Ella's vitals

The Girls

Six Weeks

Our family at Ella's sixth week.

Playtime with Mommy

We're seeing more and more of these joyful expressions. It's wonderful.

Four Generations

Grandma Schulz, Great Grandma Pauling, Ella, & Todd

The Schulz Families

the good onethe funny one

More from Christmas 2007

Ella is smiling often.

Kyler was the best babysitter Ella has ever known. We especially enjoyed when he would dispose of the dirty diapers in his dump truck. And it only cost us 14 cents (13 pennies more than he asked for), which we stole from Papa Mark's change dish.
Eric is a real marksman. He popped a rabbit at about 50 yards. I, however, am a pathetic shot. The only thing I shot was the 12-gauge shotgun. I fired about 6 times and came up empty. Unless you count the tree that I trimmed with my first shot. Or the fence I nailed with my fourth, fifth, and sixth shots.

It's always fun to be around Kyler and Kiana

We were so proud to introduce Ella to her great grandmothers ...


and to Eric & Sarah

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas

“Infinite and yet an infant.

Eternal and yet born of a woman.

Almighty, and yet nursing at a woman’s breast.

Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms.

Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son.”

--Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"That man should be made in God's image is a wonder,

but that God should be made in man's image is a greater wonder.

That the Ancient of Days would be born.

That He who thunders in the heavens should cry in the cradle?"

-Thomas Watson

"Man’s Maker was made man

that the Bread might be hungry,

the Fountain thirst,

the Light sleep,

the Way be tired from the journey;

that Strength might be made weak,

that Life might die.

--Augustine

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we have seen his glory,

glory as of the only Son from the Father,

full of grace and truth.”

(John 1:14)

Thanks to Justin from BTW.

The Good Old Days

Tonight I went to the I.S.U. men's basketball game with Brian, Ryan, and Ryan's family. It was just like the old days of Cyclone haberdashery. We even found our favorite usher (Mary) who would let us down to the front row for every game so that we could make absolute fools of ourselves, all in the name of Cyclone dominance. Although we are getting too old to perform extended tripods, I did enjoy doing our famous hysterical laugh at the opposing team's free-throw shooters and watching Brian give the floor sweepers a pep talk.

Could It Be?

The beginning of a sweet mullet for our little angel? You decide.

Best of 2007 - Funniest Quote

"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don't have maps and I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and Iraq and everywhere like such as and I believe that they should our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa and should help Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future for us."

Miss Teen South Carolina, in response to the following question,

"Recent polls show that 1/5 of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is?"

For those of you who are more visual, like such as, click play.


She later had this to say on the Today show,

"Personally, my friends and I, we know exactly where the United States is on a map. I don't know anyone else who doesn't. If the statistics are correct, I believe there should be more emphasis on geography in our education so people will learn how to read maps better."

Sitting Up

Melissa has been working with Ella on sitting up. She has a very strong neck. She should be walking next week.

The Bottle

We fed Ella with a bottle for the first time today. We weren't expecting much, but she drank almost 6 ounces!

Boppy Sleep

Little Ella loves to sleep in the boppy by her momma.

Snowball Fight

Josh & Todd vs. Piper, Driscoll, & Luther

Elfed

We got elfed.

Daddy Time

Roses at Christmastime

G & G Schulz

Grandma and Grandpa Schulz came to visit for the weekend. We enjoyed eating out, going to the mall, and catching the Cornerstone Christmas production. Ella especially liked it when Grandma cuddled her and Grandpa sang to her.

Little Ball

Thanks

Over the past three weeks, many of you have brought over cards, gifts, and most importantly, food. We are grateful for your help as we journey through the early days of our daughter's life. We have especially enjoyed the company and conversation of those who have stopped by. Thanks again.

Homemade Photo Session

We decided to do a photo shoot using a black sheet, a tripod, pink shirts, and a little creativity. Some of the photos turned out fine ...
Melissa wanted to get some photos of Ella in the nude ... but we had a little trouble trying to figure out how to position her. Of course, I was worried that she was going to pee any second.

It Happened Again

So I mentioned earlier this week that it only took 12 days for Ella to pee on me. Well, it happened again tonight (15 days). Melissa and I discussed my changing strategy to see if I could improve my form and reduce the chances of this happening again. We concluded that, regardless of what we do, there is about a two second moment when we leave ourselves vulnerable. Ella is really making me pay for those two seconds.