One Month: Ellary Elizabeth ...

It is so hard to believe that a month has already passed since Ellary entered our lives!  It has definitely been a month of adjustments as we get use to being a family of 3 ... but I wouldn't change it for the world!

During the day Ellary eats every 3 hours.  I'm *trying* my best to get her in a schedule but with babies, that isn't always the easiest thing :)  I get her up at 7 to eat and that starts our day, then eating again at 10, 1, 4, 7, and one final feeding at 10.  She's doing a GREAT job nursing which I was super worried about in the beginning with the fact that she came early.  She typically gets up at night to eat around 12:30, and again around 3/4 so we are getting good stretches of sleep! 

I was set on her attempting a bottle at 2 weeks after hearing of babies struggling with bottle feeding.  She took it like a champ and I think Dad enjoyed the bonding time.  We typically try to do 1-2 bottle feedings a week, depending on when it works with our schedule to be home and have me pump for the feeding. 

Ellary is still our little peanut wearing newborn clothing and diapers.  I tried to put on a 0-3 month outfit the other day that Grandma gave her, she was still swimming in it.  We weighed her on our scale at home and she came in at 7.7 pounds.

We spent our first weekend away from Dad when he had to go to the State Forensics meet.  We headed up to TC to spend the weekend at Grandma and Grandpas.  They loved the cuddles and mom loved the chance to get a nap or two in ;) 

Ellary *somewhat* enjoys bath time.  She's not a big fan of being lathered up, but loves at the end of bath time when Dad takes her out of her little seat and lets her float in the water - it is the cutest thing in all the land! 

We've enjoyed the warmer weather when it makes it's appearance, getting out for walks and grilling out.  Ellary sure is happy outside! 

Otis is a great big brother pup.  We joke that he isn't getting a full nights sleep either because he's always checking in on Ellary :)  He is never to far from her side checking her when she's crying and giving her a lick or two.  We make sure that we're always near and are getting him to learn to be gentle and careful around her.  Some days he never leaves her side, others he's content up in his ever trusty window seat bed :) 

Ellary Elizabeth, 

You have added so much joy to our lives.  To think just YESTERDAY was your due date and we have already had four weeks with you on the outside.  I am so very lucky to be your momma and cannot wait to see you grow and flourish.  You made me a momma sweet baby girl, the greatest gift I could ever ask for. 

Love you to the moon and back sweet girl,

Your Momma