3 1/2 Weeks

Everyday a new look, sound or glimpse into her personality. I can't believe she is here. It has been three weeks but it feels like a lifetime ago that we were in the hospital awaiting her arrival. I watch the videos sentimentally trying to convince myself of the true depth of what has happened. But yet it seems that I still feel like a voyeur as of late in my life.

Ella continues to grow like a weed, with her little face filling out, and she is starting to fit some of her clothes. We are starting to sketch out some type of routine which consists of mostly four hour nap times with a period of cluster feeding around 9pm every night. We are truly lucky to have such a good little girl, who really only fusses when the food doesn't appear in front of her fast enough. She alertly chats on Skype and is almost holding her head up all by herself.

I have to admit I was quite afraid once Gramma and Grampa left, but Jesse, Ella and I have pulled together as a little team and have worked well to ensure that everyone gets enough to eat, and enough sleep. Uncle Dave stopped by for a visit last weekend (auntie Kate was greatly missed) which after almost a year of not seeing him it was the perfect time for him to come visit Ella, Gramma, Grampa and of course us. It makes us really sad that we can't be closer, what I wouldn't give to live in the same city, and have sunday dinners.

We can't wait to visit Thunder Bay in April and are so excited for Ella to meet the rest of the family.

What a ride.

Well it has been one week since the day Ella arrived and what a ride it has been. I feel like I have been through the emotional ringer feeling every possible emotion all at once 24 hours a day for the last week. But out of this, comes the feeling of the greatest love. The love for my daughter, who even after 57 peeks into the crib is still there and yes indeed very real, a deeper love that I never thought possible for my husband, and a realization of the depth of my love for my mother. (and of course my father)

Through my blue days, breast feeding problems, lack of sleep I have to say this has still been the best week of my life, and I know it will only get better. I have much respect for all the mothers out there, those who have conquered before me. If it weren't for all of my support I have no idea how I would have ever gotten through this week. Ella is very lucky to have so many people who are excited to meet her and be a part of her life.

We had our first doctors visit and our little peanut who was at first 6 pounds 10 ounces (who later dropped to 6 pounds 7 ounces) had gained not only her birth weight, but four ounces. Such a little piglet, who eats just like her daddy. The doctor said this is a sign of intelligence, as if there was any doubt. She changes daily and now grasps at things with her hands, although she has been a pro with them since her conception as all of the ultrasounds will show. She grabbed Jesse's mouth and grabs at my straps when I feed her. My dad of course has no doubt that she will be walking and talking any day now hahaha. No high expectations or anything.

Ella Grace Elizabeth Boettcher- I can't believe my eyes.....

Thinking back to last Tuesday, which started out like every other uncomfortable last day of my pregnancy, and to now look and see our baby. I still cannot believe it. After what seemed like a very ordinary yet disappointing dr's appointment (where I was told that I still had at least a few weeks to go) turned into a trip to the hospital and the arrival of Ella.

After arriving at the hospital at 1:pm on Tuesday, December 30th to investigate some strange bleeding and waiting and waiting and waiting, we found out that the Dr. was ordering me to be induced. Turns out, that everyone in the city who was pregnant showed up at the hospital that day, as that I wasn't in active labour I became at the bottom of the list to be moved to labour and delivery but unable to go home I spent the night in hospital alone contemplating the events of the next day.

Finally, at 7:00 am on New years eve we were informed that our bed had become available and thus I entered the last room I would ever be just me...and not a mother. The induction started at 9:00am and by 2:00 no progress had been made so my water was broken and the show was on the road. After some time on the birthing ball, reading some magazines and the most wonderful epidural EVER!!! it seemed that the progress was going to be minimal. But at the last moments (2 hours approx) when all hope was lost for ours to be the first baby of new years, I dialated four centimetres and it was time for Ella to arrive. After only 15 minutes of pushing, which seemed like 2 seconds there she was, she cried for about 30 seconds until she landed on my chest. The moment my life changed forever. She looked into my eyes, as I looked into hers and I then realized that my life now belonged to 6 pounds of perfection, a little of myself but even more of her father.

So there she was 6 pounds 10 ounces and 20 inches long. Blonde hair and blue eyes. It still seems like it can't be real. The days since have been an adventure one I am so glad we decided to embark upon. I thank everyone for the kind thoughts and wonderful gifts and can't wait for her to meet you all.

Ella is on her way....

So the Dr. has advised that it looks as if Ella could make her arrival in about 4 weeks or so. She can't say for sure as she says this can be an unpredictable time, I just hope she holds out for Gramma and Grampa to arrive on the 22nd. It just seemed so unreal yesterday, not that I didn't understand that eventually she was coming out of there. Haha. But now to hear that we are in the final stretch. I wonder how I am going to feel the first night I don't feel her kicks? I guess it all makes up for it seeing her in front of me. I have to say that I feel as if I have had a very positive pregnancy experience, minus the few minor blips along the way. I still remain fairly agile, able to do most things I was able to do before. (although I am much more tired after). I stood outside in the snow the other night, and just took a good while imagining what our lives are going to be like once Ella arrives. Amazing.

I can't wait to meet her.

A Little Camera Shy

For my birthday I bought myself a 3-d ultrasound, which sadly didn't turn out too great as Ella decided that she is camera shy and didn't want to ham it up for the camera. Unfortunately she was hiding right in behind the placenta so it was next to impossible to get a decent shot, and when she finally moved a little she put both hands in front of her face as if to say she had enough. The three below are the best of the bunch and are still very very blurry and splotchy. I guess that is what I get for being impatient and will just have to wait the 6 and a bit weeks until she decides to join us out here. Still, it was amazing to see her stick her little tounge out, yawn and even what looked like the occasional smile.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

So this is me big as a house.......... 30 weeks pregnant and dressed as a pumpkin. It was either that or a snowman.

I can't believe that we are all moved in, and despite getting used to some new noises and alot more space it has been a fairly smooth transition. I can't wait to get the tree set up (before I can't bend over anymore haha) and in 6 weeks or so Mom and Dad will arrive to visit the new shack and await the arrival of our baby girl. The ladies at my work threw me a baby shower yesterday and I must say we are so lucky. It makes me feel so amazing to know how many people care about our little girl already and she hasn't even arrived yet. This will be the most amazing Christmas yet (not to mention the fact that its my most favorite time of year).

I also booked a flight home (to tbay) for me and baby April 8-15th for Easter weekend which is looking like my first trip home (Jesse sadly can't come with us) to introduce her to everyone. (hopefully by then I will somewhat know what I am doing). I just can't wait.

I hope everyone is well, and getting excited for CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

NEW HOUSE!! YAY!!

Well we moved into our new house yesterday, thanks to some strong boys and of course Auntie Betsy. It went fairly seamless and by 2:00 we were sitting in our living room with most of our house set up. We still have the guest bedroom and of course the baby's room to do, some pictures to put on the walls and some final unpacking. But, I must say it feels like someone else's house. I guess it will just take some living (or the bills to start rolling in) to realize that it is in fact our house. Luckily, the new address makes getting to work a breeze with an express bus that basically brings me door to door with no more ctrain hassle! We can't wait for everyone to come and visit!! xox