Dear Ella . . .

Your sweet Grandmommy flew out here to visit you this weekend. You may not know this yet but that is a BIG deal! Until you were born, Grandmommy had only flown a couple of times in her life - the last time when I was only about 2 years old. But all of that changed when you came into the picture. Grandmommy has flown twice now! Once to be here when you were born and then again this weekend. That's how much she loves us! :)

I've realized now, after watching her with you that I learned so much of how to be your mommy from her. Nearly everything I do or even say to you is similar to what she does and says. I know a lot of that comes from watching her take care of your Aunt Anna when she was little. What a blessing it was to be old enough to watch, learn, and actually remember what it was like to see my mommy take care of a baby. I know it's already making me a better mommy to you.

You are so blessed to have this amazing woman as your grandmommy!

Dear Ella . . .

You are such a happy baby! You just light up a room with your little smile.

Your Grandmommy took this picture this morning. She loves you so much! We all do! :)

Dear Ella . . .

We went on a family walk around the neighborhood last night. You were bright eyed and alert the whole time. I think you really enjoyed the fresh air. Gizmo certainly enjoyed himself! Walks are one of his very favorite things (along with stealing your blankets and eating cheddar cheese).

While we were walking, it hit me again (as it does many times a day lately) how very blessed we are to have you in our lives. I just love our little family so much! I wish I could have had a picture of us tonight - you, me, Daddy and Gizmo - the Stewarts' little family. It was just perfect. :)

The Stewarts' Little Family - Ella, 1 week old

Dear Ella . . .

You are starting to be more and more responsive! This morning you smiled at me! I mean, really smiled at me! It was the most beautiful thing!

And then, when I didn't think it could be any better, you let out a giggle! Not once, but twice!! I've never heard a more wonderful sound!

Keep laughing, baby girl! I love you!!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

As I was snuggling and rocking you tonight I told you that I'll love you forever and ever. I've told you this many times over the last four weeks but tonight it hit me how true that statement really is. I teared up realizing that there really is nothing you can do that would make me stop loving you, and if, may it never be so, Jesus should call you home before me, I'll still keep on loving you. I can't help it - I'm your Mommy and you're my baby. I'll love you forever and always.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

You shed your first tear today. It was the sweetest, tiniest tear. Every part of you - even down to your little teardrops is so precious to me. I love you!

Dear Ella . . .

You are four weeks old today. I can hardly believe how quickly time is flying by! It seems like we just brought you home last week!

Every milestone you hit makes my heart swell with pride and break at the same time. Don't grow up too fast, baby girl.

You are starting to track faces and some objects with your eyes. You still love to look at lights.

You can lift your head and turn it from side to side when you're having tummy time or are on Mommy or Daddy's shoulder.

You're starting to put weight on your legs when we hold you up and you can even push off a couple of times!

I think we're really getting the hang of nursing. We even nursed lying down in bed yesterday morning! What a treat that was!!

You had your first MAJOR blowout diaper today. Out the top and sides and all. What a mess! I'm so glad you Daddy was home to help with that one!

Speaking of Daddy, he got to give you a bottle for the very first time today. You ate so well for him! I think he really enjoyed it. He loves you so much, you know.

Your hair is turning lighter now. It's so beautiful. It's so soft and wispy and the lighter hair looks golden compared to the dark hairs underneath.

I think your eyes are going to stay blue. I'm so happy about that! That's one thing people can say for sure that looks like your Mommy! Let's just hope you have your Daddy's eyesight though.

I love you little squeaks and squawks. Some of them you've made since you were born. You're my little squeaky girl!

You are such an easy-going baby. You love to snuggle. You make the CUTEST faces when you're alert. You really only cry when you need something (and a few times after you eat - I think you get tummy aches sometimes). You are such a joy, my sweet baby Ella. I love you!

Love,
Mommy