Belle of the balls

PARTY GIRL!







Ella Mesay has been the party girl of the weekend. Yesterday, she was the marquee guest at Juliet and Forrest's home for her very own baby shower. A true person of the people, Ella graced those at her baby shower with her presence, not like a typical standoffish baby. She was impressed with the Costco meatballs that were in attendance (pictured with me and Mary Jo, the meatballs should be the focus of you attention, however)and also took a shining to pound cake as the afternoon wore on.
We were very touched by the party, organized and hostess-ed by "Aunties" Michelle, Kat and Juliet. Held at Juliet's gorgeous home, Michelle and Kat put together a wonderful collection of friends and food (see meatballs above). These dear friends went all out, decorating with little pics of Ella stuck all over with her very own "logo," 2 dozen pink and white roses, celebratory balloons, confetti, sweet and silly shower games, and even chocolate bars announcing "Ella's Shower"! Oh, and some very lovely bottles of wine.

We were overwhelmed by the thoughtful gifts Ella received: several wonderful books ranging from the very sweet children’s classics to activity books (the girl loves a zipper). She especially loved a darling little silver purse (with rhinestones, please!). She also received some special Chinese treasures, a wonderful little Pooh themed rocker, two stylish outfits, bath and other toys, and the coup de grace, the piece de resistance, meat. She actually got a package of steak and three pounds of hamburger. Right on, meat!

She charmed her hosts and other guests and helped open most of her gifts. As she is most times, she was reserved to begin with but opened up beautifully. By the end of the afternoon, as she said goodbye to her subjects (er, guests), she gave out impromtu kisses and chirped "bye-bye!" Here she is pictured with the organizers of the fete, Aunties Michelle, Juliet and Kat.

Today we traveled to Minneapolis to an Ethiopian Christmas party (Orthodox Christmas is January 7). It was very nice to get together with families like ours. And, there were some even some families with Chinese kids in attendance. Combined with some neighbors, it was a great multicultural experience. Ella looked smashing in a hand-me-down from Juliet's daughter, Savannah. So few of us can wear acid apple green and hot pink!


The guests remarked on her cuteness, which was the way things should be. The hostess, Stacy (mom to Lucy Eskedar!) and her father made some great Ethiopian food, very tasty. Ella tucked right in. She was definitely in her element. Again the meat products ruled, but she did eat some of the lentil dish and the shiro (chickpea paste). I guess we’ll have to bust out the Ethio-cookbook and spice up some vegetables.

Ella has been doing well. Her sleeping continues to improve, but there is the occasional setback. She has awakened in a fantastic mood a couple of times; that is a refreshing change. This morning she was climbing all over us. We wanted to sleep more, but she was interested in finding the summit of her mother and father. All is well this Christmas day with our family, I hope it is with yours.