First Bath!

Not loving the bath...

A moment of peace.

Much happier with clothes on!

Ella's belly button stump fell off more than a week ago, so we figured it was time for a 'real bath.' Based on how much she enjoys having her diaper changed, clothes changed, and sponge baths, we shouldn't have been surprised by her reaction to the real thing. Not a happy camper!

Two Weeks and One Pound!

Her favorite sleeping position - she loves her arms and hands!

Monday was Ella's two-week birthday as well as her second doctor's appointment. Although we noticed that she'd filled out, we were surprised to hear that she'd gained a pound since her last visit - weighing in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces! The doctor explained that she's long and lean and while she didn't grow much lengthwise, she's catching up to her height. And other than a clogged tear duct she's very healthy and doing well - so good to hear!

Ella's Fan Club

Uncle Sam finally meets Ella!

Sara and Ella.

Cousin Ava loved holding Ella!

Aunt Bernice and Cousin Abbie.

Dad with his baby girl.

This past weekend Ella was greeted with many visitors, and they all found her as adorable as we do:) After Grandma Sue left on Friday Uncle Sam arrived with our good friend Sara. On Saturday Grandma Donna, Aunt Jill, and cousins Ava and Sammie came to visit. And on Sunday Jeritt's Aunt Bernice and Uncle Clay stopped by with his cousin, Abbie. It was great to see everyone and to introduce them to Ella. Other than a  few hours at night I don't think she spent any time out of someone's arms for nearly three days! By Sunday afternoon we were all tired, and the three of us enjoyed the rest of the weekend together - despite the Bear's loss!

First week at home

Dad with Ella.

Figuring out the sling.

So sweet!

We have a natural in front of the camera!

Ella turned one week old on her official due date - January 17. After a weekend of 'figuring it out' on our own, Grandma Sue came to visit on Monday. She's been here all week, and it's been so helpful! Jeritt had to return to work on Tuesday and with two classes this quarter is quite busy. The additional help has been especially appreciated during the night, and we'll all be sad to see Grandma leave on Friday. Aunt Erin has also been able to stop by every afternoon, making for some great girl time. Besides naps, diapers, and feedings, we also squeezed in a quick photo shoot with our sweet baby girl. We tried to capture some of the funny and adorable faces she's been making - everything from frowns, pouts, smiles, and even a worrisome expression (again, most likely a trait from mom!). Ella is a wonderful baby, only crying when she's hungry or cold during a diaper change or bath. We're really enjoying this time getting to know her, she's a peach!

Sweet Ella Jane

Such a proud dad.

Grandma and Grandpa's first grandbaby.

Check out her big bottom lip!

Headed home for the first time.

She's here! We welcomed Ella Jane into the world on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 1:02 p.m. Arriving exactly a week before her due date, she weighed in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and 21 inches long. Everything went really well, and she's absolutely perfect. As seen in the photo above, her first facial expression was pouting with her bottom lip sticking out - a trait I'm told she inherited from her mom:) Grandma and Grandpa C. and Aunt Erin and Martin and Aunt Kristin, as well as Cousin Abbie and Eric, came to visit us in the hospital on our first night. We ended up leaving the hospital on Wednesday around noon, and have been enjoying our time at home!