Dear Family and Friends,

Hello!! We have had a couple busy weeks this new year. Ella and I went on a road trip with Nana Dawn up to Virginia (visiting our friends Bob, Dana, and Tivan) and then headed up north to Jersey City to see Josh, Andrea, and Aylah. The time went by so quickly!! We had a great time though and it was fun to visit with everyone. Thanks guys for having us!! Dawn flew out of New York a week into our travels to head back to Michigan, and Ella and I took the road trip down the same day while stopping in Quantico to visit with our friends for another week or two. The drive from Virginia to my parents house was quite brutal. Let me just say that their will be no more road trips longer than 2 hours with just Mommy and Ella in the car. ;) Road trips will involve Daddy and lots of breaks to recover from any traumatic episodes to occur. I can't believe Jonah and I were able to conquer 17 hours (probably less) from Niceville to Muskegon with 2-3 potty stops. Which at the time wasn't really all that bad except for the poor guy that we lent a ride to that had to sleep off his hangover in the backseat of our truck. I'm just glad I was able to use my "I'm pregnant" card for that one. ;) At least he got dropped off in Indiana. That was fun though and for sure memorable.

Jonah and I had our 2 year anniversary this 10th of February. I got to talk to him on the phone for a good hour and later in the day was surprised with a beautiful bouquet of roses (pink purple color) and white lilies. Thank you so much Sweetheart!! I get to boast about being spoiled considering the circumstances. I guess I should also mention he bought me some new clothes too along with an upcoming hair appointment. ;) I'm just excited that this year we will be able to share together and celebrate being a couple while feeling like newlyweds all over again. I know that war is not good for families nor distance, BUT it makes you indescribably respect and love your partner and cherish every moment that you get to have with them. I LOVE YOU JONAH AND CAN'T WAIT TO BE HOME WITH YOU!!

Now, speaking of home, Ella and I will be flying out to California this upcoming week. We had a house offer and decided to take it seeing that another wouldn't be available until the 10th of March (the day I'm turning 26 ugh). ;) I told Jonah I would start lying about my age once 30 hits and sit on 29 for a while. AnYwAys... I am just super excited to get one step closer to being home with my family. I'm going to try and attempt to get some things out of storage for us, but I'm perfectly fine with sleeping on an air matrice for a couple weeks and using plastic forks and plates if need be. My mom will also be flying out around the same time to meet Ella and I to help with the move. Thanks Mom!! It will be a long flight entertaining our little one, but easier I'm sure than road tripping. ;)

Jonah is doing good; he has had a flu lately and not feeling so hot. We haven't been able to talk a whole lot recently, however, I did get an email from him the other day and excited to know that he's well. I don't know times or anything about his exact arrival, so pretty much just know that he will finally be home with his family in March!! :) I will make sure to have lots of photos asap for you all to enjoy. Please just continue to keep us in your prayers; let's just say it's not going to take 24 hours for Jonah to get home. Thank you again for all your love and support!!

Lots of Love,
E,J, and I

PS- Please check out the blog below containing new photos!! :)

Ella loves to use her Elmo toothbrush.

Mmmm! Bananas and Peanut Butter! (not to be confused with grandma "NaNa")

It was super windy this day!

Her Uncles from Nashville love this outfit on her.

Ready for "Night Night"!

Valentine cookies from NaNa! Mmmm! They lasted 2 days; Ella must have been hungry. ;)

Valentine's from Daddy and Mommy. We love our Baby Girl!!

I'm showing off my BEAUTIFUL bouquet from Jonah!! 2 years Sweetheart and still Newly Weds!! I LOVE YOU!!

Visiting Great Uncle Mike and Aunt Wanda.

Ella enjoyed going for a wagon ride.

Super Cute Ducky Towel from Uncle Josh, Aunt Andrea, and Aylah. This one is especially for them.

Jersey City visiting Cousin Aylah and family. The girls had a lot of fun interacting with each other.

Visiting her boyfriend Tivan up in Virginia. ;)

Washington DC Capitol Building (It was freezing!!)

Dana, NaNa Dawn, me, Tivan, and Ella in DC (Dana's husband Bob was taking the photo.)