Our New Family blog

Now that our family is about to grow with the arrival of Hudson, we have decided to create a family blog. You will find our new blog at www.theskeltonfamily.blogspot.com . We can't wait to hear from each of you!

A Boston moment

We realize that it has been a while since we last posted. Things have been quite crazy around the Skelton home. Ella is now 15 months and full of personality. Chrissy is doing well with the pregnancy. We are beginning to anticipate the arrival of Hudson in the next 8-10 weeks.

On Tuesday of this week we had some friends over for dinner. One of Ella's close friends, Jax, arrived in a Red Socks hat. As you can see in these photos Ella loved his hat. She laughed and laughed as she walked around the room wearing the hat.

The feeding frenzy.....

One of Ella's favorite new things to do is feed herself. Chrissy and I have learned to let loose.... we realize that the learning curve is worth the mess. As you will see in the photos below, Ella is enjoying some of her favorite foods- yogurt, green beans and crackers.

A Squeaky Christmas

This year Christmas for Ella was very exciting.... not because of the presents......but because of her squeaky red shoes. Ella is walking everywhere. Each step she takes gives a little squeaky noise. As you will see in photos below, Ella is not only a walker but also a drama queen. She is beginning to perfect the art of drama. Chrissy and I can only laugh realizing that Ella gets a double portion of drama have us as parents. We are so proud of our little girl... she was the best gift we could have had during the holiday season.

Halloween 2007.... Our Little Duckling

Our Little Duck.

Halloween at the Skelton home consisted of attending Wednesday night church. Ella, was our little duckling, enjoyed crawling around the church as everyone watched. Chrissy and I felt like selfish parent's putting Ella in the warm fur covered body costume. Thank God that Ella did not break a sweat or we would have really felt bad.

Our Precious Duck.

Our happy duck.

Our Reaching Duck.

Our Crawling Duck.

Our Puzzled Duck.

A Little Brother on the Way......

Last week my family found out that I am going to have a little brother. Mommy and daddy were shocked.... and excited.

His name will be.....

Christopher Hudson Skelton

We will call him Hudson.

I can't wait for my little brother to arrive sometime around April 7th.

Watch for Hudson's Blog it will be coming soon...

Ella... Our New Urban Model

Last week Ella had her first photo shoot as an Urban Model. Abernathy Photographics is doing an Urban Model competition and asked if Ella could be one of their poster children. You can go to their blog to see other photos of Ella.

Blog: http://www.abernathyphotographics.typepad.com/

Website: http://www.abernathyphotographics.com/

For any of you who are looking for a child photographer..... we would HIGHLY recommend this one. She will be traveling to Atlanta with us in the near future, for those of you who live in Atlanta.

1st Birthday

Ella celebrated her first birthday on October 13th. Even with an ear infection, Ella had a wonderful time with her family and friends.

Ella was excited about her cupcake until....

.... it was all over her hands!

Her favorite birthday party item was the balloons.

Since Ella's birth, we have always enjoyed items for her that were little pink pigs. She loved her pink pig stuffed animal.

Ella loves dogs. Her aunt Alisha gave her the cutiest little puppy.

Presents and more presents...... Ella had fun opening all of her presents.

Ella and Lilley Kate were so excited to see each other.

Ella enjoyed seeing her new cousin Brayden.

Ella's friend, Lilley Kate, came dressed for the occasion.

Morning Fun

Ella enjoys her mornings.... wether playing in ribbon or........

......... eating her favorite breakfast food, oatmeal.

Fun Times with Jax

Ella has a best friend name Jax. Each week Ella gets to spend time with Jax. They enjoy playing together, especially riding in the red wagon.

More Rosemary Photos

Ella striking a pose in front of "Gigi's Kids" @ Rosemary.

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Ella enjoyed playing with the many treats at "The Sugar Shak" in Rosemary.

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Last Night at the Beach Family Photos.

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Ella trying out Mama Glo's sunglasses.

Life of Ella @ Rosemary Beach

In July we had two vacations scheduled that had to be cancelled due to daddy's job change. Finally, this week we were able to get away and have some fun at Rosemary Beach in Florida. The weather is so nice and cool. The beach is not crowded. Mommy and daddy said that

they would love to take their vacation at this time every year.

We hope that you enjoy our photos.

Our Family.

3 generations

Fun Times in the streets of Seaside.

There is nothing better than being in a kiddie pool with Mama Glo.

Ella loved the fun fountains at Rosemary Park.

Ella enjoyed our nightly bike rides..... the only part she did not enjoy was..... wearing the helmet.

One night we had dinner @ Seaside.... Ella didn't like daddy's cheese grits.....but she did like mommy's pecan crusted fish.

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Mama Glo bought Ella a floating swim suite......balancing Ella was a challenge.

Nothing is better than a thumb at the beach.

Ella enjoyed playing in the ocean with daddy.

Ella enjoying the beach with Mama Glo.

No Longer Stationary

Let the exercise begin....... Ella is finally crawling. After 11 1/2 months of anticipation, we are now experiencing the world of having a mobile child. For the past two months Ella has been standing and holding onto things for extended periods of time. We first thought that she might just skip the whole crawling deal. We were wrong..... she has decided to crawl after all.

Ella is now into everything. She seems to enjoy the various textures of floors. Chrissy and I sit amazed as Ella transitions from the hardwood floors to the carpet in our living room. Her crawl is a little bit of a one- legged crawl. It is so funny to see her little bottom shooting stright up in the air. At times we feel as if she is going to stand-up and walk. Needless to say we now have some new action in life to keep us busy.

Now our next steps:

1. transitioning off the bottle........this should be interesting considering it is her favorite time of day.

2. Planning her Big 1st Birthday which is only 18 days away.

Crawling is exhausting!

Uh Oh..... I think I am not suppose to be touching this.......

Ella's Crawling Photos:

"What in the World is Going on with Ella Grace?"

Well, here we are again back to the blogging. We appologize for the delay in posting the past 3 months photos. As stated in a earlier blog, we are now in Alabama. We finally moved into our new home, which we love. We are now expecting our 2nd child due April 7th. (For those of you who are wondering.... this was planned. Chrissy and I desired for Ella and her sibling to be close in age.) We should find out in 3 weeks what will be having.

Now about our little Ella........

Ella has changed alot in the past months. She has quite the personality. As you will see in the photos below she is our little drama queen. Chrissy and I laugh as we realize that Ella recieved a double portion of drama when she was born, knowing that both of us are quite dramatic. Ella's hair is growing and becoming thicker. I being the crazy one in the family, tried to cut Ella's hair. Needless to say.... Chrissy has requested that I never seek to become a barber. Below are some new photos with insight to "What in the World is going on with Ella Grace?"

Our Little Drama Queen....this is called "The Bear".

Ella is truly one of the happiest kids you will find.
(As you can see in the photo we are now able to put bows in her hair. Chrissy has been eagerly waiting to use hair bows.)

Chrissy and I take Ella on walks each night. She loves to be pushed in her red car and to drink out of her sippy cup.
(An interesting fact about Ella: She will only drink water..... she doesn't like juice.)

Ella now has 8 teeth. Brushing her teeth at night is an adventure.

This is Ella's favorite facial expression..... wrinkling her nose.

Ella loves books. Each night Chrissy and I have to read her "8 Little Monkeys" and "10 Little Ladybugs".

Chrissy states that Ella takes after her father when it comes to food choices. Her favorite food (just like her dad) is spaghetti.

Ella loves her new water table. As you should guess.... she is soaked by the end of playtime.

Life is exciting when you have little Ella.

Transitions of Life

Dear Friends-
We are realize it has been along time since we last posted pictures of our little Ella. For those of you who do not know, I accepted the position as Children's and Family Pastor at Metro Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Chrissy and I are so excited about this new opportunity. After months of prayer our prayers have been answered, Chrissy will be staying home with Ella full-time. We have sold our house in Atlanta and have purchased a home here in Alabama. We hope to post new photos of Ella soon.

New photos have been posted on one of my close college friend's blog. She is a children's photographer here in Birmingham. Her blog is http://www.abernathyphotographics.typepad.com/, look for the July 18th posting. You should check out these pictures of Ella. Chrissy and I are so proud of them. Watch for more pictures in the future. Ella is becoming one of my friend's spokepersons.

Please email us at dskelton@metrocog.org when you get a chance. We would love to hear from all of you.

We will be in touch soon!
Derrick (Chrissy and Ella Grace)

If you're happy and you know it......Give a Smile!

Can someone read me a book?

Mommy and Daddy read me books. I love turning the pages and looking at the pictures.

I Love My Bed!!!

Fun at the Pool

I had my first day the pool. The pool was like a giant bath tub. I kicked in the water for over 1 1/2 hours. I slept for 2 hours after my swim.

Fun Times with Friends

My friends Lilley Kate and Carter came to visit me during mommy's birthday. We had so much fun together. After an afternoon of playing, mommy put on my pj's and I was headed to bed!

Spring Photos

My First Day with the Sippy Cup

I am now 6 1/2 months old. Mommy and Daddy have started giving me a sippy cup. I like the cold ice water on my tounge. I enjoy chewing on the soft mouth piece of my cup.

Tennis....

My life at the tennis court has started. My family loves to play tennis. Looks like I will be in tennis lessons as soon as I can walk!

Happy Times in the Stroller

Riding in the stroller is one of my favorite activities.

Fun in the Park

On Friday daddy took me to see Mama Glo play tennis at a park in Atlanta. We had so much fun on the playground during the match. I swang in the big kid swing... it was so much fun!

Happy Easter!

Our Happy Little Ella.

Almost sitting up at six months.

I love my mommy.

I love my mommy. She teaches me new things. I love to make a new high pitch giggle noise when I am happy. Daddy said that I am just like my mommy.

My Family Vacation in Dallas, Texas

My First Airplane Ride.

My family went on vacation to Dallas, Texas during mommy's spring break from school. This was my first airplane ride. Mommy and Daddy tried to schedule the flights during my bed times. I had fun playing with daddy on the plane.

My awesome Uncle Grant.

I had so much fun visiting my uncle Grant! He loves me so much.

Running At White Rock Lake, Dallas Texas

While visiting uncle Grant in Texas, mommy and daddy took me on many runs. I love to ride in the stroller!

I love Spring!

March 17th......My First Two Teeth!

On March 17th, I got my first two teeth!

Arrival of Spring

Family Times

Sophisticated Ella

Times with Mommy

Fun in the Daffodils

Daddy's Little Ella Belle

Almost 5 months

Mommy and Daddy's Little Cupcake.

My Favorite Place to Ride

I love to ride in the stroller! Mommy and Daddy love to take me on afternoon walks.

Happy Times with Daddy

4 Months Old

Sitting up.... with a little needed help.

My Bumbo....

I am getting accustomed to my new Bumbo seat. It is a little weird sitting up on my own. Mommy tells me I look like a big girl.

My new jumperoo

I am enjoying my new jumperoo!

My favorite thing is to watch the lights and moving animals.

A Visit From Nana and Papa

My nana and papa came from South Carolina to visit me this weekend. They could not believe how much I have grown!

Night Time

After a day of separation, night time is my family's special time.

My Favorite Place to Play

Who needs a playground when you have a Rainforest Playmat! I love laying on my tummy time mat. I am beginning to kick my feet high enough to reach all of the animals. My favorite thing on the mat is the monkey hanging from the trees. Mommy and daddy can't believe how I lay and stare at the monkey.

I am growing......

In theses picture you will see my new pajamas that mommy and daddy had to buy me. I am growing so much in length that they had to buy me 9 month pajamas so that my toes would have some needed room. (Also please notice my wonderful piggy blanket.... she goes with me everywhere!)

My wonderful sitter Ms. Dona

After months of prayer and searching mommy and daddy found me the perfect sitter..... Ms. Dona. I love going to her house each Wednesday and Thursday. Ms. Dona reads me books, takes me on walks and shows me so much love.

Melting Hearts One By One

Our Love Bug

I Have Found My Thumb!

Pacifier..... what is that? I have a new way of soothing myself.... my thumb! This morning daddy found me sleeping in bed.... doing just like my mommy did as a kid.... sucking my thumb.

Question of the Day

Question: How can a frown turn happy so quickly?

Answer: It has to be the many funny voices of mommy and daddy.

Just like Tinkerbell

Just like Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, daddy loves to lift me up the in air to make me fly. I can't stop smiling as he floats me around the room.

My Blue Eyes

There is one thing for sure, mommy and daddy love my blue eyes.

My Little Friend Ariah

Jeremi and Amy are mommy and daddy's friends from college. They live in Orlando where Ariah's daddy works for Disney. Jeremi and Amy visited us and brought my wonderful friend Ariah. Ariah and I are only two days apart. Ariah's parents sang in mommy and daddy's wedding. I had a fun time with my new friend. I can't wait to visit Orlando and go to Disney with Ariah. See you soon Ariah!

Feeling a little sick.

Today, December 29th I went to the doctor and found out that I have a cold and stomach bug. Mommy and Daddy are taking great care of me as I recover from my sickness.

Great grandparents are the best!

Mommy had to go back to work. My great grandmother and grandfather came to take care of me. We had so much fun together.

Pictures with Santa

I wasn't real excited about the man in the red suit.

Shopping with Mommy

Christmas Day at Greatpapa's house.

Christmas Morning

Keeping with my sleeping schedule of 9-4, I woke up at 4 a.m. on Christmas morning.

With happy smiles, I was excited about Christmas Day.

Mommy and Daddy were so excited about their Christmas gift.... me!

Christmas with the Uncles.

Uncle Hunter is beginning to enjoy his time holding me.

Uncle Grant really loves me.

Friends from Philly.

Joe and Sally came to visit us. They are close friends of mommy and daddy. They attend the church where daddy worked in Philadelphia.

My Favorite Time of Day.

Early Mornings are my favorite time of day!

Getting Ready for Christmas

A Holiday workout. I love to stretch out and kick my legs.

Holiday Tummy Time.

I love looking at the gifts!

My New Winter Hat

Thanksgiving Day

My granddad helped me eat my Thanksgiving dinner.

Cousin Lauren gave me a great place to sleep.

Lindsey loved holding me.

Cousin Whitney really helped Mommy and Daddy during my first Thanksgiving dinner.

My Aunt Jane takes great care of me!

My uncle Hunter's first time holding me.

My Friend Olivia.

My Friend Olivia.

I was trying to sleep....... while Olivia tried to play.

Olivia's Parents Sharon and Silas

I was somewhat tired for this photo. Mommy and her friend Sharon enjoy displaying Olivia and I.

A Thanksgiving Visit to South Carolina

Me and My Nana.

My aunt Donna Faye.

My aunt Shelia.

My Favorite Twins...... my cousins Austin and Ryan.

Four generations of Skeltons.

Enjoying a nap on my Nana with my great grandma and great papa Laster.

The Carseat

Why do carseats have to be bad? I dread seeing those black straps put around my arms. Mommy and daddy love my new butterfly gloves!

My Nanny

Staci came over to help out mommy and daddy. I have the greatest nanny in the world.

My First Hayride

My families first hayride together.

Mommy and Daddy had me swaddled tight.

I had fun on the hayride with Mama Glo and Papa Randy.

My Day Out On The Town

Mommy and daddy kept me warm during our day out.

I sometimes get tired after a day of shopping with mommy and daddy.

Mommy and Daddy took me on a shopping trip with my friend Caden. WE had fun shopping with his mommy Mary Beth and daddy Cass.

A Ride with Daddy.

There's nothing more fun than a ride with Daddy in my Baby Bjorn.

My Friend Lilley Kate

Mommy and Lilley Kate's Mom, Lacey, have been friends for years. Lilley Kate and I had so much fun playing together.

My New Rainforest Swing

Asleep on Grandad

Grandad came by to visit this weekend. He did a great job helping me to sleep.

A Visit from Aunt Alisha

Aunt Alisha came to visit this weekend. We had fun shopping together at the Adidas Outlet. She put together my new swing. I love my Aunt Alisha!

Is It Bath Time Again?

I am enjoying my new bath tub. Mommy and Daddy love to wash my hair. Daddy loves to sing..." Scruba Dub Dub in the Bath Bath Tub".

My Doctor

Me and mommy with Dr. Papciak.

My Friend Hunter.

Hunter is so much fun! I can't wait to be able to sit in a seat like him.

Happy Birthday Uncle Grant!

I had fun spending time with uncle Grant for his birthday.

My First Bottle.

Mommy was a little nervous but daddy did it, he gave me my first bottle.

Fun Times with Mommy.

During the week, while daddy is at work, mommy and I have fun playing together.

My Playdate With Hunter.

Hunter and I had fun playing together. Daddy is a little nervous about me having a playmate that is a boy. Get over it Daddy.... Hunter's here to play.

I Love My Mommy.

Mommy and I had fun letting daddy take pictures of us.

My First Halloween

A Neighborhood Adventure.

This photo is from my first stroll in the neighborhood. I love my fall hat.

My Pink Piggy.

Daddy loves kisses!

Mommy and Me.

The Many Expressions of Ella.

My New Toys.

My soothing glider really helps me to relax.

It's a little big, but my new pig chair is perfect for me.

The Camera

My daddy is going crazy with the camera!

My first visit to the Doctor.

It was cold and rainy today. Mommy bundled me up for my first visit to the Doctor.

Whew, I am glad that's over!

My New Bed.

From the very beginning my mommy and daddy let me sleep in my bed. Snuggled tight.... mommy and daddy pray that one day I sleep all night.

Life is good.... especially when you can sleep!

Special Times with Daddy.

Daddy loves me.











The Best place to Sleep.

My Family.

My family.

More Birthday photos.

Headed home with mommy and daddy.

Look at my eye lashes..... my mommy and daddy love them.

My first car ride.

I am enjoying my new family.

This is daddy and the doctor who delivered me, Dr. Dang.

Mommy and me, 5 minutes after delivery.

My first time sucking my thumb.

It's My birthday October 13th!

I love to sleep.

Our first family photo. Look at my mommy, can you believe that she just went through labor?

My First photo.

This is seconds after my arrival. This is mommy and daddy's first time to see me.

Fall is here! Mommy and Daddy are ready for my arrival. I am due in 10 days but.... who know's I might come today.

Favorite Things

This is my new travel bag and little piggy.

My Room Updates

Things have been changing in my room. I just got a new window canopy this week! A few families at my mommy and daddy's church gave it to me as a gift.

My daddy and mommy with me at 36 weeks.

My Mommy with me at 35 weeks.

My mommy (w/ me at 22 weeks) with daddy at uncle Grant's graduation.

My Little Garden.

August 5th, 2006- Mommy (w/ me at 30 weeks) and Daddy in Charleston. This is their last vacation without me! I'll be arriving soon.

My mommy, daddy and aunt Staci.

My mommy (w/ me at 30 weeks) and Grandmother Leslie.
My uncle Grant, Mommy (w/me at 22 weeks), Granddad and Grandmother Leslie.

This is my aunt Brittney, mommy and aunt Alisha.

This is my nana, mommy and mama glo.

This is my mommy. I am only 30 weeks old here.