Lazy Days

Cuter and cuter.

Family

We returned yesterday from our long weekend in Pittsburgh. It was great to visit with family and to get out of town. Ella slept the whole way (4 hours) up and back and was such a good girl all weekend. On Friday, we drove to Ambridge to have lunch with Brady's grandma, aunt Mary and cousin Donna. We were treated to fresh pierogi and even brought home three dozen for later. Yum! Then we brought Granny Boo back to the house (we stayed with Brady's cousin Rob, his wife Lynn and two cute girls Kelsey and Leah) and visited for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, his grandma had to fly back early Saturday morning, but it was great to see her and have her meet Ella.

Saturday afternoon, I left Ella with Brady and had my first time away since giving birth. Fortunately, I had pumped a few bottles for Brady to feed her... she's such a hungry girl. In my four hours away, I got my first pedicure ever (nice!) and did a little shopping. It was great to get away, but I sure did miss Ella. I ended up looking at baby clothes most of the time, but I did buy myself a few things...

It was a wonderful mini vacation and we learned a lot about traveling with an infant. First, babies need a lot of stuff. Our car was packed with baby gear - stroller, carseat, travel bed, diaper bag, clothes bag, camera, bouncy chair, carrier... and then we needed to bring a few things for ourselves. But, we now know that Ella is a good little traveler. And that makes us very happy :-)

Green Light

I went to my 6-week OB/GYN checkup today and everything is great. I have lost nearly 25 pounds (yay), my stitches have healed, and I got the ok to start exercising. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm looking forward to going for a run sometime this week!

Whoa!

I found this photo on my computer today. I almost forgot that I took it. I wanted to document my last day being pregnant - September 6. I don't remember being so big! Boy, how things have changed...

I go in for my first doctor's appt. tomorrow. I can't believe it's already been 6 weeks since I gave birth to little Ella. She's changing every day... getting cuter, actually. She likes to smile and make funny noises. It keeps us entertained... and makes 2 a.m. (and 3, 4, and 5 a.m.) feedings easier :-)

Brady and I will be heading to Pittsburgh tomorrow (or Thursday) to visit family. I'm sure we'll have lots of photos to share when we return on Sunday.

weekend fun

brand new blankie... from the fr girls :-)

Priceless.

I'm sad to say that my dad went back home yesterday. It was great to have him around and little Ella just loved her grandpa. I can't wait to take her back to Montana for everyone to meet her.

While he was here, my dad had the absolutely brilliant idea of buying us a swing. It has been a lifesaver in the last few days. I was even able to take a nap yesterday! Woohoo! It doesn't always do the trick - Ella still likes to be held from time to time - but it has helped immensely so far and given me time to take care of important things... such as going to the bathroom :-)

no time to write... so more photos

ella's not really asleep... she's just resting her eyes

What happened to all of those 2-hour naps Ella took in the first few weeks? I'm lucky if I get a half an hour here or there. I guess she doesn't want to miss out on anything... except sleep.

Help is on the way! My dad flies in tonight - I'm so excited for Ella to meet her grandpa... and to have someone to hand her off to when I need to go to the bathroom. Brady will be back tomorrow. Yay!

a crash course

Brady left for Idaho Sunday morning and I've been alone with Ella ever since. I was incredibly nervous for him to leave. The last few days have definitely been challenging. Ella just wants to eat all the time and has no desire to sleep. I'm tired and dirty and my boobs are sore. I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night and haven't showered today. She finally fell asleep about an hour ago and I should be napping, but instead I find myself adding more photos to the blog!

Anyway, this experience has made me grateful that I am not a single parent. I have more patience than I ever thought possible. I'd do just about anything to make my little girl happy... and to get her to stop crying :-)

yes, more pictures