Our Sweet Ella Claire















I just wanted to share some pictures of Ella. I think I am truely obsessed with taking pictures of her. It's like I don't want to miss a second of her life (or at least I will be able to "store" every second). She's only 2 weeks old and Chris and I are already sad about how fast life flies by. I can't imagine our little Ella all grown up, and it will be here sooner than we can plan for. Hope you enjoy the pictures...

Ella was 10 days old in her newborn pictures

The first sleepless night...


Last night was our first episode, showing us what parenthood is really about. For the last few days I have been busting out of my seams telling people what a wonderful, well tempered and calmn baby Ella has been. She has really been sleeping about 7 hours at night and hardly cries at all (if any). Well it all changed last night. After the 9PM feeding until about 4AM we had a very unhappy baby. We tried everything we knew to do and nothing seemed to suit her. I never have been so affected by the sound of a crying baby, it was the worst. I guess when it is your own you just feel so bad and every sceam gives you goose bumps and a knot in your throat. I HATED it! Thankfully Chris took on the 2AM to 4AM shift in our office (with the doors shut) so I could catch my breath and get a little rest. I never knew how draining it could be, and don't know what I would have done if Chris wouldn't have been here! I woke up around 4AM to find the two of them cuddled up asleep on the floor in the office...how did he do it? I picked the little missy up and took her to her cradle and Chris follow behind.

Ella has been super content today however (probably because she is so worn out) and is back to her angel natured personality. Even though it was not a fun night, I couldn't imagine it and wouldn't want it any other way!

Ella's Birthday




Wow, what a day! My water broke at 1AM on August 13th, 2009. Chris was super excited and I was super nervous. I was afraid that my contractions would instanatly start and I would have my baby within the hour....WRONG! I ended up starting poticin at 6AM and little miss Ella arrived at 1:08PM on August 13th, 2009. Labor was really not that bad, and like they say, you forget it the instant you see your baby's beuatiful face. This was the best day of my life.

We were constantly surrounded with family and friends at the hospital, which made it very special for our new family. I sent Ella to the nursery both nights we were there and it was much easier than I had imagined. I think the fact that Chris and I had been up 24 hours made the difference. We were lucky to have such a wonderful group surrounding us and wouldn't have wanted her birthday any other way.

Ella 2 Weeks Old


Ella is 2 weeks and one day old, and it has gone by super fast for us. She is changing everyday and becoming more and more beautiful. We still can't believe she is finally here.

She has been a GREAT baby so far. She took right to nursing, she's growing and gaining weight quickly, and she is sleeping for about 7 hours through the night. She has been doing this since she was 10 days old. Chris and I warmed up quickly to being new parents and everything is going smoothly. We still can't get over how amazing our little girl is, what a blessing...

Ella had her 2 week appointment yesterday and weighed in at 7 pounds 12 oz and measured 20.5 inches long. The doctor said she looks great and is a healthy baby.