Date Night!

Proud grandma and grandpa. So in love with her!

Erin bought herself, I mean Ella, a gift:)

Grandma and Grandpa Collins just couldn't stay away... so they blessed us with another visit this week. Besides helping with projects around the house and staring endlessly at their first grandbaby... they also babysat while Jeritt and I enjoyed our first date night! It was really nice to get out and have a good dinner without eating one-handed as fast as possible:) While they were here we also took Ella on her first trip to Costco, which per usual, she slept through. It was a great visit, and we really appreciate all of their help - especially during the night! Finally, I have to give a special shout-out to Aunt Erin. While she hasn't been mentioned on the blog, she's been coming over nearly daily to keep us company, bring food, and overall help out. Thank you to all of our family and friends, the overwhelming support has been wonderful. We're very lucky!

Four Weeks and Big Smiles!

Trying to capture her smiles!

What everyone says is true - they grow so fast! It's hard to believe a month has already passed since we brought Ella home. And already she's growing and changing at an incredible rate. Right on target, she impressed us with her first smile this past Sunday! It really did help make up for all of the sleepless nights:) We tried to catch a few on camera, but you'll have to just trust us that she really is cracking a smile.

Grandpa Al and a Night Out

Ella and her Grandpa Al.

Dinner out!

This weekend Ella met her Grandpa Al, and I think they both enjoyed snuggling together! We also ventured out for dinner on Saturday with Grandpa and Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin. Ella has officially been to her first restaurant - Leona's, a family-friendly Italian joint - and was so excited that she could barely open her eyes!

Snow Day!

While it was a pretty typical day for Ella and me this week, the big Chicago snowstorm allowed us a little more time as a family, as Jeritt was able to work from home and his classes were cancelled. It's a great time of year to be stuck in the house!

Three Weeks Old

Wearing her mom's baby clothes!

One of her many funny faces.

Yesterday was Ella's three-week birthday. I decided to celebrate by dressing her in one of my old baby outfits. She's nearly outgrown her newborn clothes so I figured I'd better put her in it while I still could - Ella was pretty thrilled. I told her that she'll probably be begging to wear my clothes someday:)  Crazy how this sleeper held up for nearly 30 years!

First Outing

Ready for some fresh air!

After nearly three weeks of being stuck in the house we decided to venture out for our first family outing. Fortunately, it was 30 degrees over the weekend, so we bundled Ella up and made a trip to the huge Whole Foods for some groceries and food sampling. She was so excited that she slept through it all!

Ella Finally Meets Uncle Jeff!

Ella and her Uncle Jeff.

Aunt Kristin

Poor Uncle Jeff has been battling a nasty cold since Ella was born, so he finally was able to meet her this past week. We're so lucky to have Jeff and Aunt Kristin nearby!