Vacation's Over!

We have had a really great 11 days since Ella was born but tomorrow Andy heads back to work and it's just me and the girls! I'm scared but trying to embrace the return to routines. Lilly has art at 11:15 and I'm hoping I can make it there in time with both girls! I have had such a good time home with Andy, Lilly, and Ella. We've enjoyed meals out, some shopping, and lots of downtime and naps. It's been very well-needed family time and we'll miss Daddy very very much (not to mention he kept the house cleaned, laundry done, etc. etc.!).

Lilly adores Ella. It's very very cute. I thought she'd be overbearing but she's not at all. She loves on her and then goes about her business. I hope she's as thankful to have a sister when she's older as I am to have my sisters!

Today we had breakfast (brunch) at Cracker Barrel and then we watched the Redskins, napped, and decorated one of our Christmas trees. We had Christmas music on and a fire lit. It was really nice. To top it off we had good friends stop by for a visit. I made turkey pot pie for dinner and mint chocolate chip cookies for dessert!

I really love this picture.

Before bedtime we gave Ella her first bath (long overdue). Lilly was a big help and Ella actually seemed to enjoy it! She didn't cry at all and was very alert and content. I was expecting the worst since Lilly cried through her first bath (though we know what we're doing this time around).
We had a nice weekend and I'm sure they'll be many more to follow. I'm finally feeling some pain relief and am excited to heal completely! I prayed and prayed that I would be pain-free by the time Andy went back to work and I think my prayers may be answered soon. Once I'm feeling 100% I'm going to take a walk! I am craving exercise for some strange reason and cannot wait until I'm able to do something physical.

Bliss

Loving my girls...

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we are in New Jersey for Thanksgiving and it's very hard! We spoke to each sister and they were both on their way into Powhatan and usually we'd be pulling in right around the same time. As I sat tearing up Andy reminded me what we would have had to endure to go this year... the packing, the car ride/sitting (for me and my pain), a one week old, etc. etc. and he's very right. We could not swing it this year. It would have been way too much right now. But I'm still missing home and all the events that will take place.

Instead of feeling sorry I will thank God for all the blessings in our life and the amazing miracles that have occurred to bring us to this place. We are very lucky and there are many that are much much less fortunate and it is on this day that we will think about and pray for those in need. We surely are not in need of anything.

We have our two girls, a happy marriage, a home and a job (thanks Andy) and many more luxuries in our life that we are very grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Our Laid Back Child

Happy 1 Week Birthday Ella!

Happy Birthday Ella! One week old already and changing every single day. Ella is a wonderful baby and we are so grateful for this blessing in our lives. I have not lost sight of what it took to get to this point and I thank God every day for the miracle that He has bestowed upon us.

Lilly loves her sister and is so very sweet and gentle. She is still adjusting to the changes in her life and has been very emotional this week but tells everyone how much she loves "Lella Wose." She kisses and loves on her as well. It's adorable to watch her and to feel how very genuine she is in her love.

I have been on the road to recovery but have unfortunately been dealing with unforseen damages that are not making my life very enjoyable. I am very discouraged to find that I am dealing with similar pain that I dealt with after Lilly's birth though I do think I'm making progress which is really great news. I went to see my doctor yesterday and he assures me the damage is not as severe and though it feels the same it should heal much more quickly. So say a prayer if you will! The physical pain makes it hard at times to enjoy my new bundle of joy and our new family.

Who's Who?

First Doctor's Visit

For Ella's 9:30 appointment this is what time we left the house...

Ella was ready and waiting patiently.

Lilly was waiting to tell the doctor that her teeth hurt. She made it clear that we were there for her - after all it is her doctor's office. Part of our delay (besides feeding Ella, changing Ella, trying to shower and take care of pain management, packing diaper bag for 2 etc.) was that Lilly wouldn't get dressed. So what to do when your almost 3 year old won't get out of her Christmas pajamas? Turn it into a beautiful dress with tights, patent leather shoes, and hair bow. Voila.

Sacked out from getting weighed and measured.

Ella is definitely bigger than Lilly was. She is 90%tile for height and 50%tile for weight and head measurement. Lilly was 50%tile for height, 25%tile for weight, and 10%tile for head measurement. Lilly was a peanut.
We'll have to see how it all plays out and how the girls will look in years to come. For now we're just thrilled to be one happy family of four!

Moving Right Along

Ella is almost exactly 4 days old as I type this. She's changing every single day! When we wake up in the morning we look at her and can't believe she looks different from when she went to sleep! Her face is a lot less red and the bruising is much improved. She has a bit of a rash on her chin but we'll check that out today at her first doctor's appointment. I'm sure it's fine.

I can't get over how well Lilly is doing with Ella. She loves her so much and constantly says, "Awwww! She's soooo cute!" and she likes to help burp her. She's very gentle and careful around her as well. Andy and I have been working very hard to make sure she has one-on-one attention from one of us at all times. It's like a tag team! Yesterday I took Lilly to her gym class. It was nice to be alone with her and follow our usual routine. I left Andy and Ella at home and hoped she didn't get hungry! It all worked out. Last night I went to Target and Andy stayed home with both girls! I don't know what I'll do when he goes back to work but I'm just trying not to think about it. Life will definitely be a lot harder but sweeter as well.
We'll all be going to Ella's first doctor's appointment in an hour or so. I'm anxious to see if her weight is good since she doesn't nurse as frequently or as long as Lilly did. Judging by her dirty diapers I'm assuming she's doing great but it will be nice to see the numbers on the scale.

Home!

We're home! So happy to be home and reunited with my computer! Last night in the hospital I dropped my phone in the sink with the water running. We didn't activate the room phone so I couldn't call out using that, my cell was dead as a doornail, and I was stuck - STRANDED - in this room alone with no way to access the outside world! Out of desperation I asked the nurse if I could use her personal cell phone to call Andy and give him the room number... Amazing how addicted I am to technology.

I am thrilled to be home! I had a nice stay but it was time to get home to normal life. Since my recovery is so much better with Ella I was eager to get out of the hospital and I desperately missed Lilly and our routines.

Lilly's napping, Ella's napping, and I have my laptop. Life is good.

Short one today but I'll write more later!

Daddy's First Post

Please excuse me if this post isn't up to snuff.

Kristin's labor experience was interesting once again. She began regular contractions around 10:00PM yesterday. She finally woke me around 3:00 and called Jackie. Of course Jackie came to our rescue. Jackie DiNunzio came over to watch soon to be big sister Lilly Grayce. Kristin and I ventured off to U.Penn.

Upon arriving at Penn we went through the preliminary admissions and then we were off to PEC (or something like that). Kristin's contractions were now about 4 to 5 minutes apart and lasted anywhere from 40 seconds to a minute and a half. The nurse checked and assessed Kristin as 1 - 2 cm dilated; not enough for admission. So we were off for a walk. Kristin and I strolled the halls for almost an hour before she threw up in the hall (into a spit pan). A nurse sent us back to PEC. Apparently it against the rules to throw up in the hall.

The nurse re-assessed Kristin. She thought she was about 2 cm at this point but wasn't sure. It was good that she asked for another nurse to check. The 2nd nurse assessed Kristin at 4 to 5 cms dilated. WE WERE IN!

By the time we made it into the delivery room, Kristin was obviously in pain. Before she could even sit down the Mid-wife knew something was up. She had Kristin get in the bed ASAP. In little under twenty minutes Ella Rose Davis was born.


Baby Ella Rose arrived at 7:34 AM. She is a whopping 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 and 3/4 inches long. Momma and baby are doing well.



I hope you enjoyed my first Clifford and George post!

Monday and No Baby!

Today Lilly had art and I let her stay for a gym class after art.  Everyone was surprised to see me in class thinking I would have had the baby by now.  Wishful thinking - I told them to feel free to throw up a prayer, etc!  

During art and gym we wear socks.  So after class we were sitting on a little bench putting our shoes on when I noticed CBS news right outside the gym doors interviewing a lady on her way in.  As she came inside people asked her what they were discussing and she said, "What women wear after having a baby (Spanx etc.)."  I thought, "Oh Lord I'm their next victim" since I was the only pregnant woman around and we needed to leave and walk right past them.  I got my bag, grabbed Lilly's hand and put my head down to walk to the car.  The minute the door opened I heard, "Ma'am, Ma'am!  Can we please talk to you on camera?"  I said, "Oh no I don't want to be on camera but thanks" and she of course persisted in her journalistic nature and I just said, "I really can't" and ran away!  Can you imagine?  What do I wear after pregnancy?  I wear my husbands huge t-shirts and sweatpants, lol.  It would have been a funny interview that I'm sure they wouldn't have been able to use.

Andy's home sick today and just went to the doctor to get medicine for a nasty sinus infection.  We're trying to get him well before this baby is born.  Hoping baby can hang on a few more days until Daddy is well and can hold her!  

Family Hide and Seek

Tonight we played one of Lilly's favorite games - Hide and Seek. She loves to play with anyone willing! She counted and we hid. She found me first (behind the drapes) and then when I saw where Andy was hiding I got hysterical and had to grab the camera! Here he is...

After that I counted and lo and behold found her in the same place. How cute is this?

And of course she asked me to hide there too which was very very interesting!

This was a really good hiding spot (I think Daddy helped her on this one)! I couldn't find her and she stays really quiet. But eventually with a little of Andy's help I caught a glimpse...


I got you!

And this was my proudest hiding spot. She actually looked quite a while for me!

It's fun to be together as a family with these last few days as just the three of us!

My Sweet Angel

The last two days with Lilly have been amazing. I always love and cherish my time at home with her but at this age we have many trying days. Yesterday we went to the grocery store and she was so helpful and put all the groceries in the cart, stayed with me, said "Excuse me" and "Hello!" as she passed people and was just my little buddy. She didn't run from me and we had a great time. When we got home she helped me unpack the groceries and was so cooperative and sweet.

Today she had gym. I could cry at how amazing she was at gym - we've come a long way! She shared and waited her turn with a smile on her face. She used wonderful manners (which she's always been very good about) and was patient and kind. When a couple kids cried she went over to them and asked if they were ok and even kissed one little girl on the forehead. When the teacher handed out stuffed horses one little boy was left empty-handed and she immediately went over and gave him her horse. I didn't have to intervene once. I was so proud of her (and yes I told her this many times) and so happy to see her acting like such a big girl.

We did a few errands after gym and again, she was wonderful. We ate lunch together and she went to sleep without a fuss. I am enjoying and relishing these last few days of alone time with her. I am just so grateful that we're able to enjoy this time without the power struggles that come with being two!

New Blanket

Today I had an orthodontist appointment and when we left they presented me with gifts for Lilly and Ella. It was very sweet since I should give them gifts for being so kind and letting me bring Lilly to every appointment (once a month). They are so good to us! One of the girls, April, made Lilly and Ella each a blanket that matches their rooms. They are SO SOFT (fleece) and Lilly loves it. Today was a cold and rainy day and after my appointment and many errands this morning she was content to cuddle on the couch with her new blanket and watch Frosty the Snowman!
Ella's blanket is pink and brown and matches her room. It was such a surprise and was so very thoughtful. The receptionist gave us some outfits for Ella. Lilly had a very hard time understanding why they didn't fit her and she had a bit of a meltdown so I got a glimpse into my life to come I fear... But with some explanation in the car she calmed down and we were able to discuss it and she felt better.

I am hoping for a sunny day tomorrow because these rainy days are getting old! I found myself feeling very blue today and I think it was the weather.

We're Back At It...

It's wintertime again and Lilly has a cold. Unfortunately she cannot fight colds (just like her mommy) and they linger until they end up in her chest. So from November to March she is supposed to be on a nebulizer and nasal spray regime but we tend to just treat her when she gets a cold (the drugs scare me and they make her super HYPER). Got her checked out at the allergist today and it's not in her lungs thankfully. Here she is watching her night-night show and doing the nebulizer all by herself like a big girl!

Devoted Husband

He's at it again! Yes, Andy's painting the nursery for a 3rd time... Once for Lilly, once for baby Ella, and now again for Ella. We both agreed that we didn't love the gold since it wasn't very babyish and we are now going with a pale pink. Andy works long days and comes right home to doing this in the evening.

I am very lucky to have a husband that can do this sort of work and doesn't mind doing it over and over again! Thank you Andy!

Art Project

Today in art class Lilly made a hot-air balloon and I was very surprised and impressed! The balloon was separated into 6 different compartments for the kids to paint and Lilly stayed in the lines! I figured she'd paint all over the entire balloon. She also had to share 6 different paints and brushes with another little girl (Tatiana). They shared beautifully AND didn't mix any colors. Yay! Here's the balloon.

Lilly sharing her artwork for Daddy to see.

Lilly and I were both covered in paint! They put down a big tarp on the floor and the kids end up getting paint all over the tarp and then we're sitting in paint (yes we sit on the floor in art class - it's hard for me to get up). We had a great time.

Family Sunday

Today we ran around and did errands (and breakfast) until I could no longer walk! Three different people asked me "How much longer?" as I was huffing and puffing my way through the stores... lovely. I'd love to know the answer to that question!

I like this picture of Andy and Lilly (getting ready to leave for breakfast).

I've been wanting this outfit for Lilly and had a coupon so we went and got it last night. I love it! I think it's adorable and comfy looking.

Here are the last pictures I will take of my pregnant self. Front shot...

Side shot

Here are a few shots I've been messing around with. Not sure what I'll do with them but I think they're sweet.

Flashback Sunday

One year ago today...

Lilly's been sick this week with a cold and I've been progressively more and more uncomfortable with this pregnancy so it's been a few days since I've blogged. Not to mention the batteries in my camera died! I did, however, buy new ones. So here is Lilly one year ago today eating breakfast. I can't believe her hair! It really has grown in. In fact yesterday, for fun, I dried it with a roll brush and there was plenty to roll in the brush!

Lilly says baby Ella will be born tomorrow. We'll have to see about that. One thing I can say for sure is that I'm very very ready. Lilly was so tiny and snug in my belly that I felt great until the very end. Ella is either bigger or I'm carrying very differently because I am almost crippled in so many ways! I am having a lot of trouble breathing, lots of pressure and pain, and am very very big out front. I guess I should be thankful for my easy road with Lilly because this part is not fun (but meeting her will be). :-)

Just having fun...

Lilly Ella

Ella Rose

Today we got our first real glimpse of Baby Ella Rose Davis! Here she is...

My girlfriend Jackie does high risk ob ultrasound and invited me to come to her hospital for an ultrasound to confirm the sex. She is indeed a girl and looks perfect in every way. After visiting Jackie and having fun watching Ella I headed to my regular ob appointment at Penn and they too confirmed all is going well. I am 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. She said she thought I'd make it to my next appointment next week but probably not the next. We'll have to see though - anything can happen (or not happen).

Eli Forrest Hulette

Welcome Eli Forrest Hulette! He arrived on Thursday, October 30 at 11:10p.m. Lori was scheduled for a C-section on Monday but Eli decided to arrive on his due date! He is such a handsome addition to the family - 3 boys all beautiful and sweet.

Big brothers Tobin and Noah getting a look at their new baby brother.

I love Tobin's face in this picture (the oldest brother). Lori told me he adores Eli.

Three perfect little boys!

The Hulette Family

Congratulations and welcome Eli! I can't wait for my turn!