Father Daughter

Someday, Tom will be walking Ellie down the aisle. But, for now, Tommy and Ellie are enjoying their good night bottles, talks, and songs. Eliana likes when Tom walks her around the house, showing her all there is to see.

Most nights (ok, every single night), it takes Ellie FOREVER to fall asleep! I don't have the patience, but Tom? Oh my. She's got him wrapped around her finger for sure. He has the patience of a saint with this little girl. But, Tommy, when 2 am rolls around, just remember: It won't be like this for long.

5 Weeks. 5 Days.

Ellie has been in our family for only 5 weeks and 5 days, and it feels like an eternity. It's as though she was always meant to be here. Sure, Tom and I are absolutely exhausted. And, frankly, I wasn't so sure I was going to get through the first five weeks, but things are looking up. At 5 weeks and 5 days, Ellie is starting to smile at us, coo, and become more aware of her surroundings. She is also showing off her strength by lifting her head off my shoulders and off the floor too!

Now, if only we can get this sleep thing down...

Ellie turns One Month!

Eliana is a month old today! We had her well check-up today and she is gaining weight as she should. At 10lbs. 4oz., she is just 2 oz. over what I weighed at birth! Her length is 22 inches now. She'll be doing lay-ups any day now ;)...

Overall, things are going well. Nursing is a bit time consuming, but Connor handles it great, and I am doing the best I can. Connor was a formula fed baby, so this is all new to me. I want to get to the 

6-week mark and see how we are feeling about it all. 

Ellie is sleeping as well as a newborn should, with some minor trouble along the way, but she's learning (as we all are). I don't know what I was thinking, but I didn't realize having two kids would be so exhausting. As I write this, Ellie and Connor are in bed. I should really be going to bed when she does, but this is my only opportunity to enjoy "my" time. So, although I am exhausted, I need this. I will be kicking myself tomorrow when I'm so tired and knowing I should have went to bed, but whatever...

So, all is well here in the Carolinas. Connor randomly has been going over to Ellie and saying, "I love you, Baby." Tom is enjoying her first smiles. And, I am truckin' along trying not let the days get away from me (and letting the dishes and laundry be).

It's you and me against the boys, kiddo. I love you...

Our Newest Addition

Tom, Connor, and I are excited to announce the arrival of our daughter, Eliana Marie. She was born August 27 at 6:25pm. She weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz. at delivery, which I will take full credit for. But, for some reason, they take the weight from the nursery, in which she was 9 lbs. 2 oz. 

Homecoming Day:

Connor has been the best big brother. Ellie is the first person he asks for in the morning. He doesn't even give us our good morning kiss anymore! He is always showing her her toys and interacting with her the best he knows how. Both of our children are such a blessing, but we feel really fortunate to have such a caring son who is now taking on the role of big brother with such ease. He seems to know that I need to spend a lot of time with Eliana, and when feeding her or trying to lull her to sleep, Connor plays with his toys or just quietly sits by and "helps." 

Ellie, Connor, and I were sitting on the porch the other day singing songs, and he said, "We are family." It was really sweet. 

The newborn stage has been rough. Lack of sleep and being the sole provider of food for Lil' E has been quite tiresome. We do not want to wish this time away, but we do know that once Ellie can interact with Tom and Connor more, life will be even better. For now, we are trying to enjoy the little moments (which are often covered in spit up) and count each day as a blessing.

Because of Eliana, our family is now complete. What a happy feeling that is...

Rock Star

Connor loves rocking out with his guitar. He even plays the air guitar when he hears music...too funny...

Playtime

Man, I love watching this little guy play. He brightens my day...

My Promise

Hi baby girl. You are coming into this world in 2 weeks. I can hardly believe it! This pregnancy seems to have gone by very slow, but now that I'm almost 38 weeks along, the time is flying by. I certainly didn't have as much time to bond with you that I had with your brother, but I want you to know that I am just as excited and happy to meet you as I did with your big bro.

Here are a few things you should know about me. I tend to get very emotional, especially when I've suffered from lack of sleep.  This emotion can come in the form of anger, impatience, and (sometimes) giddiness. I can also get very moody. Daddy doesn't have much patience for me when I am like this, but he deals with it the best he can.  You'll learn quickly that he is the best man in the world. Sometimes, I also have quick outbursts which may seem like I'm in a bad mood, but once it's over, it's over. Once I let out my steam, I quickly settle down.

The thought of adding another baby to our family has me feeling excited, happy, and blessed. It's also making me a little anxious and worried about being the best mom I can be when my emotions get the best of me. The only thing I can pray and hope for is that you, Daddy, and Connor will all know how much I love you amongst our stressful times.

And, also that I won't ever give up on us.




When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold

*I can't wait to look into your eyes, baby girl. They are the windows to who you are, and I can't wait to learn all about you. 

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got

*We may be family, but we will have our differences. I will always respect you and your feelings. 

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

*We sure do have a lot to learn about each other, and the rest of our family of four too. Let's never give up on each other. Our family is growing, and it's a beautiful thing. Time's may get tough, but we will all persevere and love one another as we all grow. 

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

*You have all my love, Daddy's love, and Connor's love. I can only do the best I can baby girl. I only hope it's enough for all of you. 

All my love, 
Mommy