Dear Ella . . .

We've had a busy few weeks around here! Two weeks ago you tried rice cereal for the first time. Daddy and I both got to feed you. You weren't sure about it at first but I think you liked it. You ended up wearing about half of it!

Your little tummy didn't like it too much though and you ended up spitting up all weekend. Daddy and I decided we would wait a week and try again.

Viral rash  :(

Unfortunately, you came down with a tummy bug and ran a fever for the first time at the end of last week - so we had to wait on trying cereal again. You even broke out in a fever rash. It just broke my heart. Your sweet little personality still shined through though. Look at this beautiful smile.

Sweet happy baby, even with a fever.

You felt better on Monday and by that night your rash was totally gone. We had some sweet snuggle time Monday night - I think your little body was tired from being sick. We rocked and talked and sang in our rocking chair most of the evening. You even found my face and lovingly patted me over and over. I think we both needed some good mommy-baby time.  What a sweet memory.  :)

This is Daddy's busy season.  He was gone last weekend to play with the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale (where we used to live).  This weekend he's in Abilene and next weekend in San Angelo (and the weekend after that we get to go home to Alabama to see Grandmommy and Granddaddy!).  We both miss him a lot - I'm so thankful that you have him for a daddy (and that I have him for a husband).

This morning it's just you, me, and the Gizzy-bear around here.  You woke up happy and talked to yourself and squawk for a little while until you decided you were hungry.  Then you nursed and we tried cereal again.  You are really getting the hang of eating from a spoon!  I'm so proud of you!

Dear Ella,

As absolutely adorable as it is, you cannot smile and eat at the same time. It just doesn't work. But boy is it funny!

I love that you're such a happy baby!

Love,
Your Very Happy Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

Smiling in Mommy's lap after your supper

You have truly begun to smile in response to people!  I really started to notice it on the way home from Tulsa yesterday afternoon, but I didn't want to say anything and jinx it.  I've been testing it with you all day and I think I can really say for sure that I can predictably get a good smile from you instead of just hoping to get lucky and see that cute grin.  Your Grandma is going to be so happy when she sees you smiling tomorrow and I can't wait to get to Alabama later this week so you can show Grandmommy and everyone else what you can do!

I love you, you smiley little bug!  :)


Love,
Mommy

Dear Ella . . .

You are 5 weeks old today. I know I say this all the time, but I really can't believe how fast time is flying!

Your cheeks are really starting to pooch out now. I love your little chipmunk cheeks - especially when you're nursing!

You've started smiling a lot more - real responsive smiles. They are just beautiful! I haven't heard another giggle yet, though. That's ok. I know we'll be hearing those magical little sounds soon enough. I'm not in a hurry. :)

I need to quit thinking that you're finally getting on a schedule. Every time I do, you change the game plan.

I think you must be having a growth spurt. You've been nursing longer and more often these last couple of days. Very hungry babies make very sleepy (and hungry) mommies. You've also been a little more fussy. I hope your little tummy isn't hurting you. your Grandmommy thinks you're fussy because your still hungry. Maybe she's right - it seems like you're eating all the time right now.

You really are the cutest little thing I have ever seen! Everything about you - from your feathery soft hair to your soft baby feet is so perfect (and squishy!).

I love you, beautiful baby Ella!
Love,
Mommy

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 . . .

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 . . .

You have the most beautiful little smiles. They already light up the room. I know you don't really know you're smiling yet - that will come in a few more weeks (don't worry - I'm not in a hurry for it. I'm enjoying things just the way they are).