Merry Christmas.

 From our house to yours!

 

Letter to Little.

Dear Ellery,

  It's amazing. You're amazing, really. Earlier this year, when we found out about you, you looked something like this:

An image of a little mouse growing inside of me. That was you, back in early March.

Now look at you:

A month old!

You have grown so much since we first held you in our arms. With your triple chin covering your neck and fat rolls beginning to make their mark on your belly, Buddha Baby has become one of the many nicknames we've been calling you.

At 4 weeks, newborn clothes and diapers no longer fit. And all of the people who say, "They grow up so fast," well, I'm discovering that they're absolutely right!

You are getting more alert everyday, beginning to make eye contact and really focusing in on us, especially when we're singing. You do not like silence. You're calm as long as there is a lot of commotion going on around you, but if you're in a quiet room - you let us know quickly that you disapprove.

You've already got quite a bond with your daddy, young lady. I could sing to you all day long and it wouldn't calm your cranky cries, but as soon as he begins to hum a tune, you immediately quiet and focus all of your attention, so intently, on his mouth as to not miss a note.

We're absolutely smitten with you and love you dearly!

Love upon love,

Mommy

''Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.'' Psalms 139:14

Baby's exhausted...

They really don't break that easily.

 
An ER visit and a few doctors snickering at us later, we've learned this lesson: babies are pretty darn tough, and we're pretty crummy parents...

It started out like this: 

On Saturday night Justin and I brought out the Santa hats, put cider on the stove, and took Ellie on her first Christmas tree buying adventure. Since southern Mississippi isn't exactly North Georgia, where Frasier fir tree farms are in abundance, we ended up sorting through the pre-cut and already wrapped trees at Lowe's until we found our perfect-for-a-hardware store Christmas tree.

We made it back home just in time to watch the SEC Championship game across the street, only to swiftly jet back home at the final to decorate and light the tree.

At this point, Ellie sleeps, a lot! So, as we were getting the tree in the tree stand, ornaments unwrapped, and putting the finger foods out on the counter - we placed our sleeping Ellie in her Boppy on the couch. (Parental mistake: can you see where this is going?) As we walked out of the living room, we barely made it to the middle of the dining room before Justin and I had locked eyes and were running back into the living room in a panicked motion. After a loud thump and a sudden burst of little bitty lungs coming alive with a deafing wail, we immediately knew what had just happened. 

She looked so pathetic. So scared. With a big red rash on her forehead, above her right eye, where she had landed when she rolled off the couch. Her uncontrollable cries scared me beyond words. A cry I had definitely never heard before. Scared of everything that might happen because of a head injury at 3 weeks old- through my tears, I frantically asked Justin if we should take her to the hospital. Being the supportive husband to a crazy wife, he said we could do whatever would make me feel better.

We rushed to the ER, and while we were explaining what happened over the loud cries coming from the infant carrier as we checked in, I swear several of the nurses were holding back their snickers as they reassured us that babies don't break that easily. No one seemed worried. We were called back quickly, since the waiting room was empty. When the pediatrician came in he explained to us that the soft spot on the top of her head keeps her safe in case of falls and accidents - it acts like a pressure release valve in case the brain actually swells. They sent us home with a list of symptoms to watch out for: abnormal pupil dilation, vomiting, loss of appetite. None of which happened.

Everything turned out fine. She's back to her normal hunger and gassiness cries instead of the my-parents-really-need-to-not-take-the manufacturers-instructions-so-lightly cries. From that moment on, she only lays on the floor or in her crib when we are not sitting beside her. Lessons learned from a first time mom.

Love.

Yesterday marked three weeks of opening our home and hearts wider than we thought imaginable to a beautiful little girl. It is hard to believe that three weeks have come and gone so quickly and how fast we are adjusting to our new role as parents.

Looking back at my pregnancy blog posts, a time when sleep was uninterrupted by a hungry or gassy Little in the opposite room, or a time when I couldn't steal snuggles from a sleeping and very cuddly baby on demand, I had a image in my head that plagued every ounce of my imagination, of how life was going to be with our precious new life. We have been extraordinarily blessed, and we recognize that with every breath we breathe, but if we're speaking honestly, life with a newborn is much harder than most people care to disclose. As captured as our hearts are by our little Ellery, we are exhausted from lack of sleep and sometimes feel helpless when we can't automatically stop her uncontrollable cries.

Our life is different. We're not the same people as we were just a month ago. Our schedule revolves around feeding times. Our focus is on satisfying our daughter. We are parents. We feel helpless at times, but most importantly we love, every minute, every step of the way. Love surrounds us. Love comforts us. Love reminds us of how blessed we are, even in the toughest times. The love of family, the love of a spouse, and the unconditional love we hold in our hearts for the little girl that now shares our last name, gets us through the sleepless nights and other difficulties that parenthood brings.  

Daddy's gone back to work...

And we miss him!

This Sunday will mark the end of a very busy two weeks for our new family of three. In some ways, it has flown by, but at times we have never felt more exhausted. Last Friday, my Dad, my Aunt Jean, and my brother Ben flew in to join my Mom for a weekend visit. We really enjoyed their company - and for Dad and Ben, it was their first trip out to McComb - but they had precious little time to steal snuggles and kisses from Ellery before their long drive back last Sunday.

Last Saturday night, Justin's family started trickling in as well for the Thanksgiving holiday. His sister Emily and brother-in-law Eric arrived first with their two girls, Gabriela and Lilian. His brothers Nathan and Travis, sister-in-law Brii, and their daughter Avalee weren't far behind. Finally, his Grandma and Granddad and Dad came to complete the family gathering. It was a big occasion for us; Justin's family has been celebrating Thanksgiving at either his great-grandmother or grandmother's home in Perry, Georgia for many decades without interruption. Ellery must be something special to move the celebration two states away, if only for one year! Justin's grandma and sister Emily tag-teamed on Thanksgiving dinner, and we had a feast - all of it completely homemade and completely delicious!

We've been enjoying our family, but resting and relaxing have been in short supply this week. As our families begin to leave and our house gets slightly emptier each day, we are thankful for their willingness and help, but look forward to a house to ourselves for a little while, as we continue to get adjusted.

   

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Ellery went in for her 2 week check-up with the pediatrician yesterday, and everything is looking great. She's now weighing in at 8 lbs 3 oz, which is up 17 oz from just 9 days ago (she was 7 lbs 2 oz at her 5 day check-up).   She's visibly growing everyday, and her legs and face are chunkin' up rather nicely.

 

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There's just something about babies. How they mesmerize everyone in the room, from the youngest to the oldest, everyone stands in awe of the wonderful miracle that has entered a family. With every whimper and facial expression, hearts melt and eyes brighten with so much love. It's amazing - this love that comes on so suddenly and so intensely that your heart stops and is filled with indescribable joy. This is how we feel about our daughter, our little love, our miracle that keeps us up at night. ;)

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The love of a family is a precious thing. 

Getting Adjusted...

 

 We left the hospital around noon on Sunday and arrived home to find that my mom had cooked a big lunch - a much-appreciated welcome after two days of hospital meals and fast food. The first two nights have been relatively easy, thanks to Mom stepping in and helping. She sleeps in the same room with Ellery and tries to calm her when she gets restless, only waking me when she needs to nurse. Hopefully by the time she heads back to Georgetown, I will be caught up on all the sleep that I missed in the hospital! We are enjoying our cuddle time and the itty-bittyness of our precious daughter. There is still a lot to get used to with feeding times and deciphering Ellie's cries and whines, but we are ready and excited about this adventure.

Introducing Ellery Kate!

A little bundle of joy weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and measuring 21 inches long joined our family on Friday, November 11, at 9:55 PM. Ellery Kate and I are both healthy.

Pregnancy: 39/40 weeks.

 Behold the belly...

Lack of inspiration has hit. My anxious soul has found a place that words can't describe. I never thought it would be this hard - waiting. You'd think I've waited 9 months, I could wait another week or two without much harm. But it is so difficult knowing that this young lady is baked and ready to come, she just hasn't decided she's ready to meet us yet. Come on, Little!

Justin and I have been cheering her on, chanting her name, and trying desperately to convince her that it is time for her to make her grand appearance.  Everyone is getting anxious. My mom's car has been packed for weeks, ready to hit the road as soon as she she gets the call. Neighbors are scoping out our house and noticing little changes - (such as our lights being on past 10:00 pm, which is very unusual). I'm getting daily texts and phone calls from church members and friends to see if anything has changed or if we've had 'the baby' yet. All of this has been wonderful and I am so happy that others are sharing in our excitement, but it does, kind of, make me feel as if I'm letting all of them down by still being pregnant. 


This whole pregnancy I have been going by the due date my OB in Augusta gave me, which was revised considering Little has been measuring a week behind in every ultrasound. That date was Nov. 15th. We haven't made it there yet. But, my OB here in McComb has has still been calculating it as Nov. 8th - which has come and gone and left me far too anxious to meet this little one than words can describe.

We were hoping Little would come on Justin's birthday, November 7th. We did everything practical to make that happen, but we failed and she's still cooking. Sunday we went for an hour walk around the neighborhood (which is a 30 minute increase in the time I walk everyday) - and at my doctor's appointment on Tuesday I was still the same as I was 3 weeks ago. 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced. Needless to say, I left very discouraged. My OB swept my membranes, in hopes of enticing labor to start, but nothing happened other than horrible cramps.

I have another appointment today to discuss options and to have a final ultrasound to check final measurements. My doctor doesn't like her patients to go past 41 weeks, so induction will be on the tongue today. An option I really hope not to have to accept.

In this time we ask for your help in prayer. Please pray as our final days of being a family of two come to an end that we can spend our time enjoying the special nature of the last few moments. Please pray for Little's health and happiness and safety during childbirth. Pray for my mom to have a safe 14 hour drive. And please pray for me.

We'll keep you posted on the progress and events to come! :)

Letter to Little.

Dear Little,

Time is passing so quickly, it seems as if yesterday was just the start of September. But now the air has cooled, the trees are changing into beautiful beacons of yellows and reds, and November has graced us with its marvelous presence once again. With the arrival of November, my heart starts to flutter, my face brightens with every thought, because I know this month I will have you. A daughter.

The days can not move fast enough, the restless nights last too long. You have been apart of me for the better part of this past year and to know that your beautiful and delicate little body will be wrapped in my arms in just a few short hours/days/weeks, fills me with excitement.

With the anticipation of your arrival and the unpredictable nature of it all, time all of a sudden begins to stand still. With each morning's light gleaming through the semi-cracked blinds, Justin and I share a brief look as if wondering silently, "Is today the day?" As he leaves to go to work he says, "I'll have my phone on me at all times," sparking an eruption of an even greater amount of happiness within my soul - just seeing the love and anticipation written across his handsome face.

Excitement fills our home. We have had fun trying out all of the old wives tales of inducing your arrival. We've eaten a lot of meals lately that maybe had a little too much cayenne pepper in them. We go for long walks. We drink pineapple juice. To our dismay, nothing seems to be changing, but we're keeping busy and enjoying this sweet time. 

Your room is now ready for you. There is nothing left for me to piddle with or wash. I often sit in the rocking chair that will soon be our special bonding place and ponder life and how soon everything is going to change.

The house is cleaner than ever. My bag is packed and ready to go. There is nothing left to do to prepare our home for the arrival of you. We are only left with the insuppressible urge to simply hold you in our arms. You will come in your own timing. You will be all we've dreamed of.

Love upon love awaits you here.

A Little Jack-O-Lantern.

Happy Halloween! ;)

Pregnancy: 37 Weeks

 I have been bad about keeping up with the weekly baby progress. At 37 weeks, 3 days we are now in 'waiting for baby' mode. Justin and I have been walking, walking, walking, eating spicy foods and pineapple, going on weekend hikes, and everything else that is supposed to naturally help soften the cervix and entice dilation.

A little too much information? Sorry.

At this point, getting a good nights sleep is growing exponentially harder, and I am just assuming that this is God's way of preparing me for the nights that are soon to come.

At my last doctor's appointment (on Tuesday) I was 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced. She said I was progressing well and the baby could come from any day to a couple weeks from now. Either way, woah, Little will be here SOON!

The nursery is prepped and ready with all of the stuff that an infant will need for survival (at least I hope so). 

My belly is somehow STILL growing, and I waddle - not just a cute, little sway from side to side while I walk, either. I look like a duck.

Besides the lack of sleep and the waddling, this pregnancy has been much easier than I imagined. I am thankful to have been blessed with good health and no swollen ankles or stretchmarks throughout this adventure. As we prepare to meet our little girl in the next little while, my heart is overwhelmed with the blessings that surround me.  Justin and I are so amazed that we will soon be using all of our past experiences, our parents examples, and God's word to guide us through the marvelous journey of raising a child. As we grow increasingly anxious and the day of meeting our new family member draws closer, keep us in your prayers. We ask for prayers for Little's health, a safe delivery, and for our future beyond the delivery room - for us to lead a Godly example for our kids, to be loving, kind, patient, and wise.

I feel every emotion imaginable. One moment I feel completely confident and prepared, and the very next second I feel I am way too young to be having a child. Sometimes I feel overly excited and the next I feel more nervous than I have ever felt. They say this is normal, and I suppose it is to be expected. Our lives are changing, but I love the life I live now. How can a little baby change what we have for the better? And some how, I know she will. I know when I see her face, when I hold her in my arms, everything will be right. Our hearts will be filled with more love than we can currently imagine and we will not want to come back to this time before her.

These were just a few of the random thoughts that have been plaguing my mind lately. Sitting on ready, waiting for those first contractions is more difficult that I imagined it'd be. We will meet her when the time is right, and we will find out when that is soon enough.

A Glimpse at Our Week.

Traveling 13 hours in one day while 36 weeks pregnant is not recommended by most doctors. However, the need to be around family last week took precedence, so we chose to make our way towards Florence on Tuesday morning, while following orders of stopping every hour and a half to keep up the circulation and drinking lots of water.

While our trip was initiated by something so sad, we were able to make the most of it by spending some much needed time with other family members who we haven't seen in several months. I was able to catch up with some of the new happenings in my brother's life (buying a house and all the work that it entails), make a brief trip to Georgetown to spend a little more time with my folks, and then head to Athens to see Mrs. Mona and Mr. Tony.

Since we now live in a state that has only one area that reaches 806 feet in elevation, and that point is clear across the state from us, it is probably understood that we are going through fall withdrawals. We have been spoiled the past couple of years to have been able to spend a great amount of time in the quaint, little mountain town of Clayton, GA (where we still own a house), enjoy apple cider, watch the leaves turn colors, and take in the fresh, crisp air. So while we were in Georgia, we decided we were close enough to spend a day enjoying fall; buying apples, hiking through the colors, and enjoying a little bluegrass. 

It is strange to think that this was our last trip home without a baby buckled into a car seat, stroller packed, and bottles pumped.

Georgetown: Broken Bridge

Athens: Lucy and Lucky

Clayton: Black Rock Mountain

Sharing Old Memories, Making New Ones

Yesterday, Justin and I made the 13-hour drive to Florence, SC to join family and friends in celebrating the life of my grandmother and honoring her memory. When we arrived at Grandma's house this morning after a restful night at a friend's house, all of her old photo albums were pulled out and spread across the dining room table. Friends and relatives gathered around the table to look through the pictures, to share stories and reminisce, and to remember Grandma as the person she was - someone who cherished her family. Eyes grew teary as old memories were revisited. Looking through the photos reminded us how much we have changed over the years, but what was equally remarkable was how little the old homeplace had changed. Justin and I decided to use some of the old photographs to create new memories.

My dad beside Grandma's house with his old Brittany Spaniel

Grandma holding my dad on the front porch nearly 50 years ago - shutters have been added to the window, but the exact same swing still occupies this spot. Little and I in the background make this a four-generation photo!



It is well.

I know there has been silence on my end of the blog-world lately. Lately, Justin and I have been making the moments count, prioritizing life, and enjoying the time that we have together - as just husband and wife - before our great, new adventure makes her way into the world very, very soon. As this pregnancy draws to a close and we enter the weeks of 'she could be born anytime now', our thoughts are full of prayer for the health and safety of this little girl, for her to be strong and happy and loved ...but this blog post is not intended to be about Little. Its purpose is greater than that.

It is a bit hard for me to write of happiness and excitement and a growing family when, at this very moment, all I feel is sadness. With tears falling on the keyboard and my head pounding from a day full of crying, I replay many years of barbecues on Christmas Eve, of tailgating before and after Carolina football games, of smiling uncontrollably when Carolina beat Alabama, and of many wonderful mountain vacations. All of these sweet memories were spurred this morning, when my phone was on silent and my mom was trying to reach me and my dear husband ran into the house with a face full of sorrow, there to give me the news of my grandmother's passing.

I don't deal with death well. Actually I am terrible at it. I realize my grandma is in a much better place, peaceful, away from the dialysis machines that have plagued her life over the past several months. I realize that she is now free to enjoy and be happy and worry-free. But I still cry - in a selfish, I'm really going to miss her kind of way. I cry that she missed meeting her first great-grand child by just a few weeks (maybe less than that) and I cry for my dad who lost his mom and Mr. Jim who lost his wife. The sweet memories I have of my grandma make losing her so much harder. Knowing that from now on life goes on, we make new memories without her, birthdays and holidays will lack a certain luster.

Although things will be different without her, she left a smile in all of our hearts and we are all better people because of her. If she felt the love of her family it is because she taught us all to love. She taught us to cherish good times and accept each others differences. She truly was a wonderful woman, who looked for the good in everyone and loved with all of her heart.

She will be remembered and loved, always.

Friday Night Football

In the fall, small town streets come alive with stadium lights and the roar of a crowd hungry for a high school football win. Living just down the street from all of this commotion, it is hard not to get wrapped up in the drum line beats and the enticing aroma of concession stand hotdogs and join in on the fun.

It has probably been 5 years since I have attended a high school football game, and to be honest, they are usually a little overrated and maybe a tad bit lame, but this time it was different. This time it was special.

Several of our friends here in McComb are involved in a beautiful program called Camp Sunshine. This special camp, held at Percy Quin State Park, was started in 1976 as a way to offer fun and excitement to mentally and physically challenged children and adults.

Once a month we get together with a few of the campers who help us all keep our lives in perspective and to see the beauty that surrounds us.  

Before heading to the game, we all gathered across the street to enjoy pizza and birthday cake to celebrate two of the campers, Warren and Calvin, and their November birthdays. 

After which we walked to the game, enjoying the company of some wonderful people.

Unfortunately McComb High School ended up losing pretty terribly, but that didn't stop the waving of the green and yellow pom-poms and watching the guys thoroughly enjoy their Friday night excursion.

After making friends with the mascot, we all decided to call it a night of football and head back to the house. After a few good laughs and discussions of next month's gathering, we said our good-byes and left with smiles.

 

After nights like these we are able to see the past the insignificant problems in our lives, see past money, see past possessions, and see what truly matters; sharing this life with people who make you see life as beautiful.

Things I'm loving on this Thursday morning...

• I recently found this precious blog, Enjoying the Small Things, and absolutely adore this sweet family. After reading the birth story of their second daughter, who was born with down syndrome, I was left in tears. The sheer honesty behind the words, the beauty behind the unconditional love of a mother was heartwarmingly touching and quite inspirational to this soon to be mommy. Read the story here, but, please, grab a tissue first.

•  How cute are these baby leg warmers?! Maybe Little will have cute, chubby legs that will look just adorable in these little things! And what's even cooler, if you don't want to spend $10 on a pair at the store or online, check out this cool blog, Calico! Learn how to make them yourself really quickly.

•  The husband and I have declared the last few Friday nights stay-at-home date night. We build a fort and curl up with blankets and sleeping bags and watch a movie. I think this lovely tent-like creation would make a wonderful addition to our 'acting-like-kids' sort of night. I found this beautiful piece on Pinterest and think it  may be one of my next projects! 

• And another really cool blog I stumbled upon recently is Dear Photograph. When I found it I was so excited. Check it out, I think you'll be impressed!

Well, that's all for today. What are you loving today? Any cool blogs or good reads I should know about? I hope you enjoy this Thursday as it is the last day before the start of another wonderful weekend! :)

Pregnancy: Week 34

 6 weeks to Little!

Whew! Yesterday concluded our birthing classes. If things did not seem real or like they were progressing before, we definitely feel it now. From touring the hospital, watching a video of several women given birth, and seeing just how the labor bed comes apart and gets put back together for the different stages of the birthing process - our eyes were opened in a big way.

The handsome one has been full of questions lately and seemingly analyzing every action I take or pain I have trying to determine if it is pregnancy-induced or me just overreacting. He's also observed that I'm at least 3 inches wider from navel to back than from side to side, which is ultimately a little disheartening but I guess it should have been expected.

With my belly taking the shape of a torpedo as I begin to waddle, I'm constantly approached with the concerned question: How are you feeling? I stop and think and can't help but feel absolutely weird and fantastic all at the same time. When I feel the little feet and a hard bottom rolling around under my ribs or in my side - realizing that there is really a little person inside of me, how can I not feel anything but weird and fantastic? 


On the home front, the nursery is pretty much ready. Tiny little girly outfits are washed and arranged by size in the closet. With only a few picture frames to paint and hang, we’re now left to wait out the last few weeks until Little gets here. Our emotions and feelings are all over the place as we constantly contemplate life as a family of three. Life with a newborn. Life where traveling will now include packing strollers, car seats, diapers, and bottles.

Our lives will change. They already have. It has been a beautiful ride so far, but we are anticipating the journey to get even sweeter as our family expands and we watch our little girl grow.

Weekending.

We love weekends. Especially when Fall completely encompasses all of nature with it's wonderful beauty, transforming hot humid days into brisk, orange and yellow colored dreams. That's how this weekend felt.

The first of October brought temperatures of low 70's and cloudless skies. The only reason to be inside was to bake - and bake I did. My husband's mouth has been watering for some delicious pumpkin pie for months now, and lately, so has mine. It was time to bring out the good ol' pumpkin pie dish and get to work. The recipe called for a little more pie filling than my pie dish could hold, so I used the left overs to make our own individual pies.

This recipe was wonderfully delicious, but tasted a little more like pumpkin cheesecake than pumpkin pie. The recipe did not call for cloves, ginger, or nutmeg - which I'm sure if added would give you a little more of that Autumn feeling we've all been longing for. Find the recipe here. 

As I baked, Justin worked in the shop constructing a bench for us to enjoy when we sit out back by the grill. We found the Georgia V. Mississippi State game on the radio, turned it up loud, and cheered as the Dawgs brought in another victory! We were also able to find the disappointing USC V. Auburn game online and even with cringed teeth and pounding hearts we were unable to pull the Gamecocks through for a win. 

To get my mind off of the fact that we had just spent several hours in front of a small computer screen watching a football game that had such a frustrating ending, we went for a walk around the neighborhood and to the nearest park. Acting like kids again, we headed for the swing set, where I (almost 8 months pregnant) simply rocked myself gently, back and forth as I held my breath and closed my eyes hard in a disapproving manner every time Justin did this:  
 

 Soon the shoes came off and he held a contest with himself to see how far he could jump. What a nut. :)

Sunday started off slow as we slept in, waking up to pull ourselves out of bed just in time to get ready for church. Since the weather was still gorgeous, we opted to go on a picnic afterwards; picking up chicken and sides from the deli and loading Paisley in the back of the Prius, we headed to another park.

Later we drove around looking for walking trails or something to do outside, away from the neighborhood, but failed and came home. A few chores around the house were necessary, so we took a break from all of the weather-loving to accomplish them.

Since the kitchen was clean and we now had a new bench to enjoy, we decided grilling was the perfect way to end the perfect weekend. Pork chops with steamed potatoes, onions and peppers were on the menu as Justin fired up the grill.

Paisley watched admiringly as she lifted her nose slightly in an approving fashion every time Justin opened the top to check on our dinner's progress.

When dinner was ready to serve and our plates were fully loaded, this is all Paisley had to say when we told her she couldn't have any:

:)

Ending the evening with a campfire was just the way to conclude the weekend. The only things missing were marshmallows and a guitar.

How was your weekend? Did you make time to enjoy the beautiful weather? Happy Monday!