BIG GIRL!

Ella is now SEVEN months old! I can't even believe it! She's is getting so big! She eats like her dad; I guess that's why she's growing so much:) So far she likes just about anything we give her (except peas!).

She started sitting up on her own at about 6 months and was crawling like a pro about 2 weeks after that. She's trying to pull herself up on EVERYTHING, especially in her crib. She's at such a fun stage (we haven't really hit a bad one yet!). Her little personality is starting to show. We get comments all the time about what a laid back and happy baby she seems to be. We'd have to agree;)

6 Months: Ella eating cereal for the first time... definitely a learning experience!

On to fruits and veggies

"Not so sure about this"...

Sitting up playing with her favorite toy (caterpillar again)
Standing up in her bed!

She still looks so little, though;)

4th of July

We weren't able to make too many plans this year for the fourth because Stephen had to work all day:( However, we all went to my mom & dad's for their neighborhood's firework show that evening. We assumed Ella might be a little hesitant about the loud noises, but she did great! She actually fell asleep in the middle of it all! I guess fireworks aren't that big of a deal to a six month old;)

We LOVE fish:)

We finally found a day in the week that Stephen & I were BOTH off AND didn't have any prior commitments! We decided to make the quick trip down to Chattanooga & visit the aquarium, stop in at one of our favorite coffee shop/cafes, and visit friends. It's very difficult to find activities that a six month old will enjoy, but Ella was fascinated by the fish...so cute!

Ella: fascinated by the penguins! (and eating her caterpillar)

Stingrays!

Tired after a fun day!

Mommy and Daddy Days

This is certainly a late post but just wanted to share a few pictures of the events surrounding my first official Mother's Day and Stephen's first Father's Day!

Gabriella giving me my card!

It was a little soggy...
For Father's Day, we went to the Chimney's to cook out and enjoy the mountains.
Ella's first time seeing the water!

Hope

So I've realized that the longer I wait to update, the more I have to post. The longer the update gets, the more I put it off....it's a cycle really. So here goes...

Lots of things going on around the Deel house. First of all, I have started a new job! As of May, I am working as the Nurse Practitioner at Hope Resource Center. It's really ironic how it all came about. When I first heard about the opportunity, I quickly dismissed it. I'm not sure if that was because it was a field I had never considered or if it was just an area of practice that was completely out of my comfort zone. Either way, as the days and weeks passed, I just couldn't seem to get Hope off my mind. Stephen and I started to devote more serious prayer to the possibility. The more we prayed the more I felt urged to at least look into the position.

The rest is pretty much history. I went through the application and interview process (which turned out to be quite lengthy!) and felt more peace with each step. I started getting excited about it weeks before I even got the offer! I am just thankful that God really worked on my heart and my stubborn mind and the job just fell into place.

I have been there now for about four weeks. I am only working two days a week which is SUCH a blessing. It is still so hard when those days roll around to leave Ella, but it's getting a little easier! Thankfully, I always know that she is being well cared for. Stephen's job flexibility allows him to stay with her most of the time. My parents and sister are graciously filling in the other days. It's been so fun to hear Stephen's reports of his days with her! He has so much fun and is such an amazing Daddy!

As for the job itself, I couldn't ask for a better work environment. I work with an amazing group of Godly people. How many people can say they start their work day in prayer with their co-workers? I am learning so much. It is certainly a difficult job at times. I face spiritual and emotional struggles daily, but God is just so good to give me the stregth I need and wisdom to do what I can. The biggest lesson so far has been in understanding what I CAN'T do. I may never see the fruits of my laobr, so to speak, but I hope that I am at least planting seeds!

On another note, Ella is doing wonderfully! I'm sure it gets old reading this...but she is just growing so fast. She had her five month birthday about a week ago! She is not anywhere close to crawling. In fact, she still HATES being on her tummy! She loves sitting up though. She, of course, has to be propped up somewhat, but she can hold herself up on her own for a few seconds anyway! hahaha

I guess thats all for now! (as if that isn't enough!)

Here are some recent pictures for your viewing pleasure:)

Loving summer and the pool!!!
This is the life:) A few pictures from a recent wedding we attended: