4 Weeks Old

Three Weeks Old!

We have survived yet another week as parents, and we are somehow all still alive, some more tired than others. Ella continues to grow more and more each day. She is starting to make some sounds, but crying remains her main form of communication. We are still working on her keeping her awake during the day so that she will sleep more at night. Some nights are better than others. We found that she is a bit high maintenance, and her bassinet just was not doing it for her. She now sleeps in her Boppy pillow with a blanket over it. Gene and I call it her Princess Pillow.

The weather was nice over the weekend, so we ventured out for out first walk in the neighborhood. We bundled her up in her warm knit sweater and hat. Too bad she slept through all of it. Hopefully it will continue to warm up while Aunt Kathy is in town next week.

Two weeks old!

Well, we have survived our first two weeks together! Ella has made so much progress since her birthday. After dropping her weight to 7 lbs and 2 oz, she is now back up to 7 lbs and 10 oz and has grown almost 2 inches already! Mama is feeding her good! Soon she will actually fit into her clothes. Dr. Everett says she is doing great and won't have to see him again until 2 months when she gets her dreaded shots. Although, she still likes to sleep most of the day away, she is more alert and taking in her new environment. If only she would sleep during the night without having to snuggle with her mom in the bed! That's what I get for praying for a snuggler. Ella had her first photo session this weekend, which she was not too happy about. The child that could sleep through a hurricane didn't want to cooperate for most of the pictures. All she wanted was to be wrapped in her pink blanket with her pink pacifier. She definitely is strong willed and will let you know when she doesn't like what you are doing (nothing like her parents!). Gene and I are falling in love with her more and more everyday. What a blessing!

Aunt Jenn, Uncle Preston, and Reagan made a quick trip to finally meet Ella Grace this weekend. Ella loved finally meeting her aunt that she had heard so much about and her future husband, Reagan. Reagan was so sweet about trying to soothe Ella when she was upset. He also enjoyed counting the strawberries on her outfit. He will make such a wonderful husband someday!

This is Ella Grace at 1 week old. Grampa came all the way from Indianapolis to check out his new granddaughter. I don't think I was able to hold my child except during feedings while Gramma and Grampa were in town. That's ok, though. Ella loved all of the snuggling. Grampa bought Ella her first Colt's outfit, but it was a little big. She will be ready to cheer for them in the fall. I already feel the need to dress her up in cute bows, which she is not always thrilled about.

Happy birthday, Ella Grace!

Ella Grace finally made her grand appearance January 7th at 12:53 pm, weighing 7lbs and 11 oz and 20 inches long. You would not believe all of the hair on her little head! After 22 long hours of labor, Dr. Lieb decided to go for a c-section. Apparently, this little angel liked it in my belly a little too much. I am quickly recovering and Ella Grace is adjusting well to her new surroundings. She would be quite content to sleep 24-7 if I let her, so eating has been our only battle. Thanks to the lactation consultants, we are making great progress. Gramma Riley came to our rescue this week, and Grandpa will be joining us this weekend. Gene immediately started showing off his great Daddy skills and can do anything from changing dirty diapers to burping or just snuggling his favorite little girl. Ella Grace already has several nicknames, so it may take her a while to figure out her real name. She is Mama's Sweet Pea and Daddy's Snuggleton.