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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Ella's First Rollover

Well, it's official...Ella rolled over from her tummy to her back.  It was two days before she turned three months old.  We were on the floor playing and she started getting up on her side.  I just knew she was going to roll over so I grabbed my video camera in hopes of capturing the moment.  YEAH...I did!!!  She rolled right over.  What a big girl!  I put her back on her tummy and a few minutes later she did it again.  I am amazed daily at how she is growing and changing.  She is so much fun!  Watch her big moment...

Ella's First Christmas

We celebrated Ella's First Christmas on December 19 before leaving for Florida.  We woke up that morning opened gifts and ate brunch.  It was perfect and she had a blast looking at all her presents.  By the end, she was tuckered out!  We left later that night and headed to Bostwick to stay with Russell's parents and celebrate with them.  It was a great visit and Ella was at center stage.  On Thursday, we headed to Vero to spend Christmas with my parents.  Ella did great in the car and sleeping in different places.  We really enjoyed seeing everyone.  Ella even got to meet her great grandparents which was a real treat!  Having her there was the BEST Christmas present God has ever given us...so BLESSED. Here are a few pictures...
Christmas in Charleston



Ella's First Christmas


Aunt Maria and Ella


Ella's Great Grandparents

Peepee feeding Ella


Christmas morning brunch


Grandma and Ella napping


Thurston Family Christmas Eve


The D'Albora's visit Charleston

My brother, Dawne and Izzy came to visit the first weekend in December.  We had a blast! Everyone was a huge help with Ella and Russell and I were able to have a date night!!  We went to the Christmas market which had activities for Izzy to do and a bounce house!  We also played at the park and enjoyed dinner out!  It was so nice having them and we hope they come back again real soon.  We love you!

Izzy at the play park


Izzy and Daddy twirling

Ella(aka Baby Daisy) with Daisy Duck


Izzy riding the pony


D'Albora Family

Me with my two favorite girls


Cousins


Thanksgiving with Family

Russell and I sent Thanksgiving at home with his parents. It was great! We cooked a turkey with all the fixins' and Ella was the highlight of our "Thanksgiving". She is such a blessing and we couldn't be happier.   Russell and I also went over to our friend's house for another Thanksgiving feast.  It was yummy!!
Our Thanksgiving table



Russell's parents at Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving with the Hollifield's

Russell, Heather and Baby Pea on Thanksgiving




Happy "1 week" Birthday Ella

Grandma Mimi bought Ella a cupcake so we could celebrate her birthday!  Here is a picture of Ella on her big day!  We love you Baby Pea!!

Happy Halloween

Russell and I spent Halloween handing out candy and admiring all of the adorable kids in their costumes. Ella wore a little Halloween onesie and was cute as she could be. We were able to take some family photos for you to enjoy. We had a blast on our first Halloween with our little pumpkin!










Monday, November 1, 2010

She's here!

Russell and I are over the moon to introduce you to our little girl...Ella Marie.  She made her debut on October 12, 2010 at 9:03pm.  She weighed in at 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 21 inches long.  She is so beautiful and has filled our lives with more love and excitement than we could have ever imagined.  The labor and delivery went great and our hospital stay was wonderful. We were able to bring Ella home on Thursday, October 14.  My mom stayed with us for about two weeks which was a huge help for me.  Ella is so blessed to be surrounded by so many people who love her.  She is growing like a weed and changing everyday!  We have been to the doctors for our 1 and 2 week appointments.  He says she is healthy and growing beautifully.  She has quite the appetite which keeps mommy on her toes!  Daddy has jumped right in with both feet and is such a huge help. Ella just adores him. Thank you to everyone who sent gifts, flowers, cards and prayers to welcome Ella.  We truly appreciate your love and thoughtfulness.  Below are some pictures from the hospital and our journey home. 








Monday, October 11, 2010

Week 40 Belly Pic

Well, here is the final belly pic.   I am 40 weeks and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little girl. Hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I have.

Week 39

We had an appointment last Thursday and no new news to report. Baby Pea is still not ready to make her debut.  Her heartbeat was 134 this week and the doctor said it sounds great.  Dr. Geier also told us if  she isn't here by my due date of October 11 then we will start seeing her twice a week to make sure things are still okay in there.  We have our next appointment scheduled for October 12.  They will do a non-stress test of the baby and an ultrasound.  I will let you know how things go.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Week 38 Update

I had my 38 week appointment yesterday and Baby Pea is still not ready to make her debut.  My doctor said she is happy right where she is now.  I am still walking and we are patiently waiting. My belly is measuring right on and my blood pressure continues to be good.  As for Baby Pea, she is still head down and active as ever.  Her heartbeat was 156 and hard to find at first since she was on the move! I feel great and are busy doing last minute things.  I will check back after my next appointment unless she decides to surprise us!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Week 37 and counting....

I wanted to give you the latest on our progress.  My blood pressure was great and my Group B test came back negative which is great!!!  I am measuring right on track and she is still extremely active even though space is becoming limited.  Baby Pea's heartbeat sounded wonderful and was 156.  There are still no signs of labor so my doctor has asked me to start walking more regularly to see if we can get things going. My next appointment is Wednesday, so I will check back  with everyone then.  Please be praying for a smooth labor and delivery of our little girl!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Charleston Baby Shower

On 2 September, some of the girls I've met gave me a shower in honor of Baby Pea. It was so thoughtful and I felt so blessed. These ladies have made me feel so special and accepted since day one. I am honored to call them friends and so happy to be sharing this special time with such wonderful women. Thanks girls, y'all are the BEST!















Belly Pic 34 weeks



Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Baby Pea update week 36

Well, it is hard to believe but we only have about 4 weeks left until we meet our precious little girl. Russell and I are over the moon with excitement. The nursery is coming along slowly but surely. We are still waiting on a few pieces of furniture and pray it will be here before she arrives. My doctor's appointment on 13 Sept. went great! My blood pressure is fantastic and my belly is measuring right where it's suppose to be. Baby Pea is very active in spite of the lack of room! She seems to be a morning person just like her daddy! I go every week from this point on, so I will keep you posted on our progress. Please be praying for a smooth labor and delivery!

The Little Blue Box

I am married to the most amazing man! He surprised me with the little blue box and white ribbon every girl dreams of receiving. I am so blessed for so many reasons. Thanks my love for making me feel so special!






Showered with love and so much more!

August 14, my mom gave me the most beautiful baby shower. She put so much thought into each and every detail...starting at the wreath on the front door, to the bassinet for presents, to the storybooks I'm sure to read Baby Pea, down to the delicious food and the cupcakes which were so yummy! I was surrounded by all the people I hold dear to my heart. It was PERFECT in every way. I am so blessed to have such an amazing mom and hope I can be the same to my precious little girl. Thanks mom for making me feel so special and loved!












































Our trip to New Orleans

Russell had a business trip to New Orleans and asked if I wanted to tag along. One of the families we hung out with while in Germany just moved there, so we were able to spend some time with them too. We walked around downtown and enjoyed a nice dinner at the Rib Room. We stayed at this old hotel called The Columns in the Garden District. We tried to leave a day early when tropical storm Danielle threatened to hit New Orleans, but couldn't get a flight. Luckily, she diminished and we just had some strong thunderstorms. I was a little worried seeing how we were suppose to be at my baby shower in Florida on Friday. Needless to say, it all worked out. Here are a few pictures from our trip.