good morning!

i tried emailing this video to ellie's grandparents, but it was too big. so, watch if you like, but it is over 2 minutes long and isn't required by any means. :)

ellie's new look

when ellie was born, the pediatrician discovered she had hip dysplasia. ellie had an ultrasound and met with a pediatric orthopedic, where it was decided we would wait a month to see if the socket improved. last week we went back for another ultrasound at childrens' hospital then went to the orthopedic again. while ellie's socket had improved from 51/52 degrees to 58/59 degrees (you want 60/61 degrees), the doctor thought it would be best to put her in a brace to help the progression.

so, this is ellie's new look for three weeks. we only take the top of her brace off to change her onsie & give sponge baths (typically babies don't get to wear the onsie underneath, but ellie developed a rash from the harness). ellie has been wonderful about all of it. after the three weeks, we will go in for another ultrasound. if all goes as planned, she will only need to wear the harness at nights for 2-3 months after the initial three weeks.
what is hip dysplasia? it is where the hip socket is shallower than it should be. this causes the hip to be unstable, due to the top of the femur (leg bone) not being properly located in the hip socket or not located where the hip socket is expected to develop. the pediatrician and pediatric orthopedic checked for a popping in her hip. it happens in 4 per 1000 births and is most frequently found in girls who are in breech position (which she wasn't) and are first-borns (which she is). if left untreated, it could result in a shorter leg & limp and premature arthritis & hip pain. we are so grateful it was discovered and is being treated now.

Sick Days

ellie had her first sick day(s). totally freaked me out. i am a nervous mother and having a baby under 2 months old with a fever and other uncharacteristic events just about made me pull my hair out. thank goodness for both grandmas, daddy, wonderful friends who live so close, and ellie's nurse. each has been a great resource for me for information, comfort, and wise advice.

in grievance for her sick days, ellie wore black on day 2. she loved snuggling up in her super soft white blanket.

by the end of the week, she was feeling much better.

the video above is for those who just like to watch ellie move. nothing spectacular like first words or walking- that's for next week! ;) oh, but on sunday night/monday morning, ellie rolled to her side completely! i layed her in the crib on her back, went into the hallway to grab lotion, came back in and she was on her left side. it really shocked me- is that normal at 5 1/2 weeks?! i'm sure it is, i had just been taken by surprise.

another week bites the dust...

todd's mom came to see us last week (okay, we no longer factor in for visits- she came for ellie). it was great having her here: she helped with cooking, laundry, cleaning, and holding ellie lots and lots. it was especially sad for me to see her leave because i felt like i was able to get so much more done while she was here.

since we just can't get enough of our ellie bear, we thought we'd share some photos from this past week (notice we get more photos on weeks when grandmas are in town!).

ellie with daddy

ellie Loves going on walks- she likes seeing the outdoors
(and hates it when we cover the stroller!)

napping in daddy's arms

i wanna pumP...you up!!!

she loves baths- although is looking a little guilty of something here...our cute little family

dear grandpa kent,

we are having so much fun with grandma karen here. in fact, i am so sorry to tell you that she will be unable to return home. we have arranged for you to instead pick her up when you come for daddy's graduation and my baby blessing in may. i know you are going to miss grandma lots and lots, but see- i have never had such wonderful naps and mommy gets so much done around the house. we have just decided to keep her. we look forward to seeing you in may.

love,
ellie

first bottle

in an effort to prepare ellie for my return to work, we have begun feeding her one bottle a day. it is her daddy's special time to cuddle and be with her. she did an incredible job for her first time- she took it right away. to date, she has taken the bottle 3 out of 3 attempts. dare i dream... a little freedom? maybe in a little while.

Ellie is 1!!!

one month, that is. i can't believe she is already a month old. she is such a joy to have as an addition to our little family. i may get nothing done other than feeding her, changing diapers, and holding her; but it is wonderful. we love our little peanut.