Pretty Toes!!

Love my house

This is my view. Sigh. 

And a cute little peanut too!

Keeping it real....

To Ella's fan club: it isn't all sunshine lol. Ella was up sick last night. = 2 loads of laundry in the wee hours of the morning, 2 baths, and 2 bed changes. Mom and Dad each took a shift ;) Grant started singing "Oh Parenthood..." To the tune of "Sweet Caroline" during the second round lol. Parenthood most definitely makes me realize how much my parents sacrificed and did for me and makes me appreciate them even more. 

Love Georgia!!!

This weekend is beautiful. 70 degrees, sunny. Just perfect. We hung out and roasted marshmallows and hot dogs in the new fire pit Grant built. 

Ella loves s'mores!!!

Mmmm so good. 

Dream Date Night

Since moving here, and seeing all the beautiful natural wonders and architecture, I have had some great date ideas and wanted to jot them down. (Aahemmm, this way friends and family can prompt Grant to surprise me) Niki? Sheri? - Oh but we will need a sitter volunteer too ;)

The Partridge Inn. A historic landmark and truly beautiful oasis close to home. It would be wonderful to spend a Saturday night in a balcony view room and enjoy their fabulous Sunday brunch. 

Then head to the Augusta Canal on their Petersburg boat for the Civil War Themed  boat tour at 1:30. 

Sounds lovely doesn't it? :-P

A Chilly Day on the Town

Enjoyed a yummy!!! lunch with some southern flair (fried green tomatoes anyone? - so good), at the Boll Weivel Cafe on Riverwalk.

Ella's favorite fountain is near by, as are my favorite Surrey Center. May or may not have picked up some new earrings ;)

Hanging out

Love this- (guest post)

This was posted on a blog made by one of my hometown's news anchors. 

We are embarking on our own Ella's evaluations with the public school system soon and this article was just what I needed.

http://fortheloveofpnut.blogspot.com/2014/03/brains-in-your-head.html

Sent from my iPhone

The next chapters....

As promised I am back using this as my format for the adventures of Ella and the adventures of life. This way we can share photos and happenings with all of you. It is so hard to believe that it has been almost 2 and 1/2 years since I last posted. So much has changed, Ella has learned to crawl, walk, and run!! And talk (some). We are in the midst of a potty training battle of wills-- Ella may win. Life is so bright with Ella in it What she would LOVE to concur is learning to blow BUBBLES!!! 

Spring is just on the verge of springing here in Georgia. This is the weather we moved here for. It is just lovely!!!! Getting excited for lots of cookouts and time outside and reading by the lake. Appreciating the beauty in each day!

 

Happy Halloween!!

Not sure if anyone reads this anymore, as I haven't updated it since Ella came home. She is doing wonderfully. Miss Personality- all smiles and looking around constantly taking everything in. She has been out and about a little bit with a recent apple picking trip (that she slept right through!!) and visiting great gramma's, etc.
She says Happy Halloween to everyone! My little turtle dressed up as a turtle.

Guess Who's Home??????

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! Ella was discharged this am from AMC. We are settling in at home, but just wanted to update everyone! Praise God.

Look ma - no tubes, 6 lbs and more

Again sorry for the delay. Ella has jumped leaps and bounds in the last couple weeks since the last update. She was taken off of her HiFlo machine (extra pressure for breathing) a couple of weeks ago and is doing well with her oxygenation, etc. She ripped her own feeding tube out about a week ago ("enough of that," she says) and has been bottle feeding regularly. This is a bit of a struggle as when she's sleepy (most of the time) she wants NOTHING to do with the bottle. She is up to 6 lbs 1 ounce and is in her newborn outfits. Although it is taken day by day, word on the street is that she will be coming home this week. So exciting!!!!

Words will never suffice for the thanks I have to God, the medical professionals of AMC NICU, and my family and friends for your prayers, hope, and care.

Sweet baby 8/15/11

Ella and Daddy

Ella's temporary digs until she has her own room

Just Amazing!!

Long Awaited Update

Hi everyone! Sorry about the lack of updates. I went back to work a few weeks ago, in order to be able to have some time off when Ella comes home. It has been an adjustment to get back in the swing of things, and don't have much free time.
Ella is taking quite a few bottles each day and is up to 4 lbs 13.5 oz. She is even fitting into some of her newborn size outfits! They are going to see how she does off of oxygen this coming Monday. It is so much fun to see her expressions! Thank you all for your prayers!

Intermediate Ella!

Ella has graduated to the intermediate nursery! She is now what they call a "feeder and grower" and has to learn and finish doing just that before coming home.  She is up to 3 lbs 4 oz and doing very well. So alert and interactive during holding time.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Over 3 lbs!

I have to remember to take some updated pictures today, she is getting some baby chub!! 3 lbs 2 oz, as of yesterday.

Amazing

Ella is doing so well. She has been on highflow oxygen with a nasal canula for 4 days now and doing very well on it. It's so nice to be able to see her cute face. She is so alert and interactive now. Eyes wide open and looking around, loves being out and being held, which is so much easier now! She's up to over 2 and 1/2 pounds, getting a little thigh on her, and will most likely begin to try to start bottle feeding some this week. She has become a regular diva with her new clothes and accessories. We love her so and are so blessed.

Miss Ella in Action (Video!!)

Look Ma -Clothes!

Ella is a fashionista! She is free of her temperature lead and can therefore be clothed. Continuing to do well, eyes wide open at the beginning of my time holding her today, then sleepy time. Went down on her rate for her respiratory support and continuing to gain weight up to 2 lbs 2oz. Happy 5 week birthday sweet girl!

6/24

Heavy Weight Champ

She is over 2 lbs!!!

Peek-a-boo I see you.