Ella's First Week at Home

Well, as with all little ones, Ella's first week was filled with eating, sleeping, and diapering! She did a great job of keeping Mom and Dad on their toes- especially when it comes to the diapers. Ella has a goal of seeing how many times she can catch Mom, Dad, and even Grandma Lisa off guard in the middle of a diaper change- especially fun for Dad at four am!! Ella had many, many visitors this week starting with some her very first day at the hospital. Ella loved getting held and cuddled by everyone, and especially loved the gifts, flowers, and treats that many brought her. Upon arriving home, Ella immediately took up residence in wonderful handmade bassinet loaned to Mom by a school friend. As of now, Ella does a great job of sleeping soundly in the bassinet on Dad's side of the bed- although it is going better now that he isn't kicking it each time he gets in and out of bed!

The feeding has been a tough adjustment for both Mom and Ella. Mom and Dad had their hearts set on Ella breastfeeding, but it hasn't been an easy journey. Ella spent the first few days home getting quite hungry while waiting for Mom's milk to come in. Finally Mom and Dad went to visit the lactation consultants and decided that supplementing with some formula would be best for all involved- Ella gets to eat and gain weight and a nice bonus for Mom and Dad is that Ella sleeps a bit longer between feedings at night. At this point, Mom is taking some medicine and still waiting on her milk, but Ella is doing a great job eating and is just about back to her birth weight- right where she needs to be!

In between feedings, Ella spends her time sleeping, hanging out in her bouncer seat or swing, or cuddling up with Grandma Lisa. Grandma Lisa has been a true blessing- especially for Mom during this time of adjustment. Ella loves snuggling up with Grandma and really does a great job of being calm with her. Dad has enjoyed being able to work from home this week so that he was able to spend a lot of time during the day with Ella. He's not sure about going back to work next week, but at least he'll get to spend his days outside on the water- Rowing Camp! It won't be long until he's got Ella out their with him in her little carrier strapped to Daddy!!

Ella's had many visitors come to see her at home and so many of Mom and Dad's great friends have gone out of their way to take care of them while they're taking care of Ella. Thanks so much to all for the support, offers of help, and the meals that have been provided! You all are making this fun and tiring transition much smoother for us all- we greatly appreciate you!!