While I'm not sure if this is normal for other babies, Ellie spent the morning with 20 of her favorite college women! 

A student hosted "Mugs & Muffins" this morning where girls come and bring a mug (for hot drinks) and $1 (for muffins! We then enjoy great fellowship, testimonies, time of sharing and prayer, and of course great muffins!

Noah is out of town so I decided to take Ellie along. We weren't able to stay for the whole time, but she did awesome (considering it was her nap time!) The girls there commented on how it was "too early in the morning" to be up.... and Ellie is thinking, what? I've been up for hours, it's nap time!

Despite the fact that we've had more thunderstorms than snow, and had to do more raking than shoveling, it still is Ellie's first winter :) 

Time Flies.... Our baby is 9 months old! Hard to believe!

I haven't posted much lately, and while it isn't intentional, it might just be a result of the fact that I'm in hibernation.  Not exactly, but after my first semester of being both mom and Navs staff, I needed a break. The last two weeks at home have been incredible. Noah has been able to work "normal" hours and be home more in the evenings. He traveled last weekend for a conference, but Ellie and I have stayed put. It's been much needed and greatly appreciated. Ellie continues to love her sleep and her food. She plays in her johnny jump-up a lot! She can sit up very well, but often prefers to just lay down.  She's starting to make strange a bit, and preferring mom or dad over "strangers."  She LOVES Gerber Puffs and is proud of herself for getting them in her mouth. She's learning to smile for the camera and show off for grandma and grandpa on skype. 

Yesterday was my official "Hibernation Day" -- I didn't even leave the house! We even got snow, so it was perfect! Our life will pick up full speed very soon as Saturday our regional leader is coming to visit and Monday we have a meeting with student leaders. Classes start up on Tuesday, Noah is speaking at our first Nav Night is Thursday and our welcome-back social is Friday. :)  While I am excited, I don't know if I'm ready but is anyone every ready to come out of Hibernation? :) 

Oh, and Ellie FINALLY got to "play" in the snow. :)  
Happy 2012!

I haven't gotten a chance to update on Christmas yet... We celebrated just the three of us at home before Christmas then we spent time at both of our parents houses in Wisconsin! Highlights of the last month include seeing all of our siblings (even Brady in China via skype), time with Ellie's only cousin Claire, enjoying one more "Rogers Christmas" making a gingerbread house, doing Advent as a family each night, celebrating Ellie's 8 month birthday on Christmas day, time with the Buchmanns,  and as you can see... lots and lots of pictures (and presents too!)