Okay, so I realize that it has been nearly two weeks since we last posted. I'm sorry to all of you blog stalkers who have been desperately waiting for updates (you know who you are).
We are all doing great. It has been so wonderful to have family around. My mom came for the first week, then Lisa came for the second week. Megan then came down for a few days to visit. They were all SO helpful. I can't imagine doing it without them around.
Ella is now almost three weeks old and she truly is a great baby. She is hardly ever fussy, and she loves to sleep...what more could a mom want?
I LOVE being a mother. I look at the path I've taken over the past ten years (college, marriage, pregnancy, etc.) and I can't believe how blessed I've been then whole way through. Heavenly Father has given me such a great life and family. I'm just so grateful.
Several nights ago I was up with Ella for one of her mid-night feedings, feeling pretty exhausted, and I had an interesting thought--I realized that I was just beginning to understand what a complete sacrifice it is to be a parent, particularly a mother. I've been a mother for three weeks now and it is very tiring. And this is just the beginning. It makes me so grateful for the sacrifices of my own mother and Dusty's mom who have done this multiple times and done it extremely well. I don't think I have ever loved my mom more than I do now as I'm beginning to understand the kind of love she has for me...the kind of love that takes years to develop. Years of service and sacrifice. John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Motherhood truly gives women the opportunity to experience the great love of the Savior--true Christlike love. I've always wondered how mothers become so wonderful...now I know.
Apparently Ella's not too pleased with her dream...
But she loves sleeping in the carseat. Here, she's ready to go shopping with her mom and Oma.
And her sleepsack. Let me just say this is a complete lifesaver for parents whose babies HATE being swaddled.
Sleeping with her papa.
I love this picture...her hands are just too cute!
Papa with his baby girl.
And her first (and last) sponge bath. As you can see, it was not a very popular activity.
Dusty and his three girls.
This is one of the adorable things Ella does that her mom LOVES...the two feet together. Yummy!
