Happy Thanksgiving!

We enjoyed Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad Houge. Elliana was the first to take the after dinner nap. I have loved today in that we consciously reflect on how thankful we are to God for so many things!

Infant Denim

This great outfit is courtesy of Cousin Joni.

Flower Child

This cute outfit brought to you by Great Aunt Beth and Uncle Conway.

Snoozing with Grandpa Houge

Elliana decided to catch some zzzz's with Grandpa. They slept for over an hour and she decided she likes to sleep in other's arms more than anything now.

Highlights of Week 3

Elliana has experienced so many things in her 3rd week of life. She met Grandpa and Grandma Houge, went on a walk almost every day and watched her first sunset with her dad. The last pic is of her growling like a bear...yeah right. We found out she DOES NOT like Thai food (given via mom) but still is one sweet little girl.

Photo Shoot with Rafael

Rafael stayed at our house last night and we had a mini photo shoot. He is a great photographer and we have so many "newborn" pics that we love. Here are a few.

Happy 2 Weeks, Lil' Miss October

It is Elliana's 2 week birthday and we decided to take pics

of her sporting her "lil' miss october" shirt from Aunt Leann! She barely made it under the wire to keep her title as miss october. As you can see from the cute giraffe from Joni, that she is one tall girl at 22 inches. She is holding her own in the 90th percentile with her weight as well at 9 lbs 8 oz yesterday. She is still so fun, though testing us a little now. She loves the idea of being held to sleep and we are not into that, so the challenge begins. She's so cute...can we hold out?

Reality Begins

Grandma and Grandpa leave today and everyone is going to miss them. Elliana LOVES listening to grandma talk to her (the pic captures it well). We were all spoiled this week -- whenever we would go to a different area, we would notice something else was cleaned from carpet stains to canisters to bathrooms...it is all clean thanks to mom and dad. We enjoyed a few outings, too. We will miss you!

Happy One Week, Elliana

What a fun week it has been with our new bundle. She has experienced her first bath and lots of grandparent time. She still is the best baby anyone could ask for. She is sleeping 4 1/2 hours at night and if she cries, we know there is something seriously wrong. She has the funnest disposition. I am still having lung issues and have been at a 3 different doctors this week. But, tonight I get to sleep with oxygen and have high hopes for a good nights rest! We still are in the phase of just staring at our precious little girl and cannot believe how God would bless us with this little one.

Elliana's "Firsts"

Yesterday and today Elliana had a lot of firsts: her first pediatric appt., her first walk, her first outing & the first time I nursed and grandma cleaned up an explosion in the car:) We cannot believe what a FUN baby she is!! She really sleeps, eats and smiles. We are having a blast! Every moment we look at her, we cannot believe how loved this little one is!

Introducing...Elliana Joy

We are so excited to finally meet our BIG Elliana! Yes, after 2 days of labor and a c-section, 9.1 lb. Elliana was born!! She is healthy and of course the most adorable girl we have ever seen. God is sooo good! Can you believe this amazing miracle? No one told me how much I would love all of this!! I love being being a mom to her and Paul described her as a "piece of heaven". My parents met us here when we got home and I think we have to take turns holding her. Early this morning, though, I became short of breath and ended up back in the hospital with fluid on my lungs and heart. I am home and doing so much better. Elliana loves to sleep sleep sleep and I am sure looks forward to meeting each one of you!