Eight Months Old

Oh boy...our baby is growing up...way too fast already!!

For the past four days we have been enjoying Alysia, DJ, April, Zach, and Maya's company! Everyone arrived in Buffalo a-okay and just in time before the 'storm' we received up here - the part of winter that I love. Take away the cold rain and brown snow and I would take snowstorms the entire winter!!

We've been keeping our visitors' days filled with visits with Poppy and Moppy (my dad and Heather), meatballs (a Sunday morning tradition that dates back to my mom's grandmother), and even stringing popcorn and cranberries while watching a Christmas movie - this year it was Elf with Will Farrell. Ella, Maya, and Zachary have been enjoying each other's company...learning to share toys and not pull hair! Zachary is inchworming circles are the girls, but the girls have become professional sitters and players-on-their-own-ers.

The holiday shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped as we prepare (mentally) for the next few days of craziness. I love it as that's what I'm used to growing up, but Todd is still learning to 'go with the flow' of chaos!

We'll start Christmas Eve at Brian, Barb, & Braiden's house (my step-brother) where we'll have four babies under the age of 9 months together! We will then make our way to my mom's house for the Montante Christmas Eve. Which will work out well because we will be able to put the babies to sleep for the night. We will then spend the night at my mom's so we can all wake up on Christmas morning like the good ol' days. That way we will all be together for Christmas brunch since next year DJ, April, and the twins will be in St. Louis (April's hometown) for Christmas morning. We'll then move back into our house to host Christmas dinner for the Rassmans. Usually we celebrate Christmas with my dad here at our house on the 26th but this year, because Heather is working Friday and Saturday, it will have to wait until the 28th. And then, sadly, DJ, April, and the babies leave on Monday the 29th. But the positive part is that Todd will be on vacation from Christmas Day to January 4th.

Okie dokie - it's morning nap time and someone is definitely letting me know it! I think that's all I have to report on. Merry Christmas to all!! Thank you for being a part of our lives!

Thirty-Three Weeks Old

Awww...16 more days 'til baby's first Christmas!!! But better yet 8 days until Alysia gets home (next Wednesday) and 10 days until DJ, April, and the twins arrive (next Friday)! I am SO excited to snuggle and smooch those babies and see how they all interact with each other this time.

Been keeping busy with Christmas internet shopping. Until this Friday when my mom and I are going to make a trip up to the Outlet Mall. I can't remember the last time I was up there. Although all three sets of families have decided to scale back a little bit on the gifts. Our goal is to focus more on the time we spend with family and friends rather than the "Ugh, I still have to get ____ a gift." Did I mention that I can't wait to see Alysia, DJ, April, Maya, and Zachary?!?!?

This past weekend Ella and I attended Uniland's Children's Christmas party where Ella had her second encounter with Santa...still not a big fan. Not a fan of the elf with the funny looking ears either. Then that night Todd and I went to Sodexo's Holiday Party at Samuel's Grand Manor while Mom and John stayed home with Ella.

In the meantime, Ella is pivoting much more on her tummy as well as holding herself up quite high on her hands. She is also scooting backwards, but definitely not as fast as Zach is doing the worm. Ella seems to be enjoying her food more and more each day. In fact there are some times we can't seem to 'shovel' the food fast enough into her mouth!

Finally, Todd, Ella, and I went to visit my grandfather in the Williamsville Suburban rehab center yesterday. He was just moved there after being at the Veteran's Hospital since before Thanksgiving with a severe infection that started in his leg but then spread into his bloodstream. He has made a very good recovery so far and is getting stronger and stronger each day. We think he will be up there for at least a couple weeks as the infection really did a toll on his body. Fortunately, he is in good spirits and is quite motivated to get better and get home!

I think that's it for now. I have posted a link to Thanksgiving pictures thanks to my Aunt Gigi. Funny how there's not one picture of Todd or me holding our own daughter the entire stay...ha ha ha!!

Hope you're able to take the time to enjoy this Christmas season!!!

Thirty-Two Weeks Old

Oi vey...I apologize for such a stretch between our last blog and this one and so much has gone on!!!! Since November 11th we've celebrated Mom Rassman's birthday, Ella and I had lunch with two girls from high school and their babies, I helped my mom decorate 9 trees (including two 12 footers), 5 stairways, and 6 landings in 5 different buildings, and celebrated Thanksgiving with my family.

As my dad's birthday is 6 days before Todd's dad's birthday, my mom's birthday is 6 days before Todd's mom's birthday - crazy, huh?!? Anyway, my mom spent her birthday cruising down the Danube from Germany into Austria while we celebrated Todd's mom's birthday at their house. Which means Mom Rassman is less than a year away from retirement!!!!

On Wednesday, November 19, Ella and I got together with Sarah and her 5-month-old son, Cole, as well as Shannon and her 6-month-old daughter, Ellie. Although I graduated from Nardin with Sarah and Shannon I have not talked with them since 1995 until along came Facebook. We had a good time watching the kiddos interact with each other while we chowed down on a great chicken souvlaki lunch! It was great to 'reconnect' especially since they have babies right around Ella's age too.

Most of my last few weeks have been spent helping my mom decorate the Uniland Christmas trees. Mom has been decorating these trees for about the past 18 years and I did help in the early to middle years (but that was when there were only 3 trees and a stairway). But after taking about a 10 year break, I signed up to help out again!! With Mom being the mastermind behind all the decore, I merely helped by 'dressing' the trees, stairway garland, and garland on the landing.

Ella came along with me on the days Todd wasn't home or my dad wasn't watching her. She did a fantastic job playing on her own while we worked. Although I think just about every woman (and a few men) working in whatever building we were decorating came out to say 'hi' to Ella. And Ella had a great big smile for each one of them!

And now after 10 days and close to 100 people hours, the trees are now done! If you ever get a chance I encourage you to check them out (100, 300, & 500 Corporate Pkwy; 6400 Sheridan Dr; 285 Delaware Ave) - each tree is different varying from traditional to very funky! I have to say my mom is one talented decorating cookie!!!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with my side of the family this year down at my Uncle Carl & Aunt Carol's chalet at Kissing Bridge. Aunt Gigi and Uncle Bill came in from Williamsburg, VA; Natalie flew in from Durham, NC; and Michael Sean visited from Redbank, NJ. My other cousin, Michael Paul, came home from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh too.

The holiday started with a lasagna dinner Wednesday night at my cousins' Carl & Wendy's house. We then packed up and headed down to Colden early Thursday. Since there was close to 2 feet of snow on the ground, our traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl football game was traded in for some good ol' sledding. Ella's feet managed to never hit the ground as she was successfully passed around to every family member! We then stayed overnight to help Ella's schedule and also give us more time to visit with the out of towners.

The weekend ended with a private tour of the Darwin Martin House on Jewett Pkwy in Buffalo. My cousin, Michael John, was recently elected to the Board and, therefore, invited us all on a tour of the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. If you haven't taken a tour, I highly recommend it!! For more info see http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/

Finally, Ella has been doing wonderful. She just received 3 more shots and is now all caught up (until her 1 year visit). She weighed in at about 16.5 pounds and approximately 26 inches long. Ella is getting close to growing out of her 6 month clothing and working into 6-9 month as well as 9 month clothes.

She sits up very well on her own (although she will need pillows behind her for a few more months) and officially sleeps on her tummy. Although Ella has mastered rolling onto her tummy, she is still learning to roll from her tummy to her back, pivoting while on her tummy, and propping herself up higher on her hands.

Ella has finished the box of rice cereal and is moving on to oatmeal cereal. She has tried carrots, acorn squash, and sweet potatoes. We'll continue introducing veggies and then move onto fruit. Right now she is still primarily nursing but eating about a tablespoon of cereal in the morning and a tablespoon of veggies in the afternoon and evening.

Oh!! And Ella's second tooth just came in today too!!!! She continues to be very smiley and quite a talker cracking us up all day long with her sounds!

And now the countdown begins to when Alysia, DJ, April, and the twins arrive...just 15 days!!!! Can't wait!!!!!!

200 Days Old

This past Saturday marked Ella's 200 day old birthday!! Woo hoo!

In more exciting news, last Thursday we visited her hematologist/oncologist where she was deemed "a picture of health!" Dr. Ambrusko was also the first one to spot Ella's first tooth!!! I swear it must have erupted as we were waiting (we were there awhile). Ella will continue to go every other month for her hem/onc check-ups. The doctor also said that we could start doing her blood work every other month instead of once a month. Although the more I think about it I'm not sure I'm ready to let two months pass between blood draws.

Thanks to our families, Todd and I had the opportunity to venture out on our own twice this week. On Saturday Todd's parents came over for breakfast and then stayed with Ella while we went to the mall for almost 5 hours! And then on Wednesday, Dad and Heather came over for dinner and then Todd and I went to the Sabres game. Do you see the pattern? If we feed them they will stay!!! We're so fortunate to have them able and willing to help raise Ella!


On Wednesday Ella and I also had a lunch/play date with Megan (a girl from school) and her 4 month old, Emily. Joe, Megan's husband and also a kindergarten teacher, made yummy Mediterranean chicken breast with a balsamic reduction and mozzarella cheese sandwiches for us before going to work. Emily and Ella enjoyed their time together (as did Megan and I)! We can't wait to play again!


Physically Ella keeps getting stronger and stronger! She is now able to play in a sitting up position on her own...at least for a few minutes before leaning too far that she is unable to 'right' herself back up. Even though she takes her falls like a champ, we surround her by pillows to cushion her tumbles. And because Ella is now sitting up, Carol (her physical therapist) says she is most likely ready for a front facing stroller, to sit up in shopping carts (of course with a shopping cart cover), and to sit in restaurant high chairs!


Ella continues to be a rolling champ (we often find her on her belly in her crib) but still gets stuck on her tummy. We are currently working on getting Ella to push herself up to a sitting position.

I can't express how thankful I am that we have a physical therapist and occupational therapist working with Ella. And I'm not talking about the fact that they are helping Ella catch up physically. I am thankful because they are teaching ME so much!! Even with the books I have been reading and the talks I've been having with other mothers, I still would not know to do a quarter of the 'exercises' we do with Ella if it wasn't for Carol and Teresa. They have really taught me how to play and interact with Ella so that it benefits her motor skills development!

In the meantime, Happy Birthday to Uncle Brian on the 10th, Yia Yia on the 12th, and Grandma Rassman on the 18th!!

Twenty-Eight Weeks Old

Oh no...I missed a week!! Ok, ok, ok...where to start with our lots of exciting updates! Let's see...about two weeks ago Ella visited her GI doctor and was officially discharged!! That's right...we no longer need to see the liver doctor!


Then the weekend before Halloween, Todd's family's friends, Craig and Fay, came into town for a visit. We had a great time! They both loved meeting Ella and Ella loved snuggling with them too.

On the 27th Ella also had her 6 month check-up where she weighed in at 15 pounds (almost tripling her birth weight) and 25 inches long!! Ella's pediatrician also proclaimed that she is a healthy six-month old! You have no idea what a wonderful phrase that is to hear!


Dr. Trask also gave us the go ahead to start her on rice cereal while pushing breastfeeding to every 4 hours. Ella is doing great waiting for the four hours. Eating the rice cereal is not her most favorite thing to do, but she is getting the hang of it. Todd seems to do better feeding Ella than I do!

In addition, Dr. Trask encouraged us to try to have Ella go without eating for 8 hours at night. She suggested that I feed her before I go to bed around 10:00pm and then let her go until 6:00am. So you know what that means...a good ol' cry-it-out session!! She woke up around 1:30am the next night and I decided at that time that I would lie on the floor while she wailed away so I could peek in on her if I wanted to without disturbing her. Ella successfully cried for 2 hours until 3:30am. At that time she fell asleep and did not get up until 5:30 or 6:00am...she (we) did it!!! The next night she woke up at 4:15 and 5:15 but got herself back to sleep each time before waking up at 6:00am to eat. Every night is not a perfect 8 hours, but as long as I'm getting up only once, I honestly don't mind. So in the end her sleeping schedule looks something like this...

~6:00pm - begin nighttime routine...feed cereal, bath, pjs, breastfeed
~7:00pm - in bed
~10:00pm - wake up to breastfeed
Some time between 4:00-6:00am - wake up to breastfeed
~8:00am - wake up for the day (although she is known to sleep in until 9:00 or 9:30 some days!!)

Ella's naps still are not hours long, but I've come to the conclusion that since she sleeps pretty well at night, her two 45 minute naps and one 30 minute nap late in the day must be working for her.


On Tuesday the 28th, Ella and I attended the Elm TWIG Women's Auxillary Dinner for Women and Children's Hospital. I was asked to say a little bit about our experience in front of the 300 attendees. I took this opportunity to thank all the donors from last year since with their donations the TWIG group was able to purchase medfusion pumps (which were used on Ella to administer the chemotherapy, blood products, and antibiotics) and a Giraffe Isolette (the bed Ella was placed in to keep her in humidified air and to keep germs away from her while going through chemo). We had a great time especially since my step-sister-in-law, Barb, won two baskets and Mom Rassman won a basket and a wine fridge with a dozen bottles of wine!

Developmentally wise, Ella is doing many new 'tricks.' It's been neat to read, see, and hear how the twins are developing and then see Ella do the same things a few weeks later. Ella officially rolled over on her own today!! The first time she did it was in her crib early this morning. I could tell her cry was muffled but I thought it was because she was sucking on her Flatophant. But when Todd peeked in on her, she was on her tummy! Ella then proceeded to roll many more times today all by herself!! Although she originally seemed like she was better at rolling from tummy to back, she now rolls back to tummy easier. And, therefore, has difficulty getting back to her back without help.

Ella has also been sitting up pretty much on her own (with someone spotting her from behind) for a couple weeks. She loves to watch Maggie or knock down blocks while sitting. Ella's arm and hand control improves by the day! She also now loves to feel the texture of just about anything that is within hands reach. Therefore, I have gotten out the touch-and-feel books to read together too.

Ella is also much more interested in her feet than before. It's so interesting because Carol, her physical therapist, had said that when she started to bring her feet up to play that it would help with her rolling over...and it sure happened that way! In fact, Ella now loves to roll all over the place especially when we are changing her!

Finally, we celebrated Halloween by going in to Ledgeview to visit for the afternoon. I was able to show-off my little flower to many of my friends, students, and their parents! We then spent the trick-or-treating hours at one of our neighbor's house (we are humbuggers when it comes to passing out candy!).

I think I've caught you all up on our doings. New pictures are now posted to the left. Don't forget to click on the speech bubble next to the word 'share' while viewing the slideshow. In the meantime, don't forget to vote!!!!

Six Months Old

Holy cow! Our baby is 6 months or a half a year or 26 weeks old! I can't believe it was six months ago that all the madness began. On one hand it seems so long ago, yet then it also seems like just yesterday!

Well I couldn't be more happy with Ella's progress. She has her 6 month well visit on Monday. I'm guessing she weighs 14 pounds or so. On Friday she will visit the GI specialist in Batavia. I am anticipating that he will discharge her from his care seeing that all of her liver function tests (as well as her other blood tests) have been coming back normal for at least a month now! Yeah for Ella!!!

Ella is making gains physically as well. She is able to sit up on her own (with someone behind to catch when she leans back) for a few minutes at a time especially when she watches Maggie play. Carol, her physical therapist, has also been having Ella practice kneeling against her leg and putting Ella up on her hands and knees with support. She looks like such a big girl!

Now that Ella is six months and just about sitting up on her own, we are starting to feeding her rice cereal. I intend to breastfeed as long as possible, but it will be fun to begin supplementing here and there with new foods for Ella to try. Besides, I know Todd will get a kick out of feeding her.

We are getting ready for a visit from Todd's family's friends, Craig and Fay, this weekend. They are visiting from Ontario. We are excited for them to meet and play with Ella for the first time!


In other news, my college friend, Michelle, and her husband, Matt, just had their first baby. Bidget Cannon was born on Friday, October 17th - the day before Michelle's birthday...what a great gift!!

Finally, I have written and am practicing the little 'speech' I have been asked to give at a Women and Children's Hospital Elm TWIG benefit dinner on Tuesday. So wish me luck!!

Twenty-Five Weeks Old

It's been 125 days since Ella has been born and she continues to amaze us everyday! We got home from California just about a week ago. Ella was a champ throughout the whole vacation - plane rides included!! She continues to receive ooh and ahhs everywhere we go - especially when she's riding shotgun in the MetroWrap.

Ella picked up a lot from the twins. She is rolling from belly to her back more and more on her own and is on the verge of rolling from her back to belly too! She is a fierce kicker as we can hear her banging her feet down on the mattress when she wakes up. With the leg kicking she is now noticing her feet. They haven't quite made their way into her mouth, but they are fun to play with. Carol, her physical therapist, is very impressed with her reaching skills and she even showed a transfer skill (passing a ring from her right hand to her left hand) today too. We are now working on sitting and reaching without the support of the Bumbo chair. One way we practice is by having her knock down Tupperware containers we stack in front of her. This makes her reach as well as strengthen her torso.

Physically Ella seems to be growing longer each day. She has grown out of her 0-3 months clothes as well as most of her 3 months outfits. So we are now in 3-6 months and some small 6 months clothing. Ella's hair is beginning to fill in a little more finally. However, my mom said I had very little hair until I was about year old (and then DJ cut off what little hair I had)!!

Just before we left CA Ella, Mom, and I drove down to Monterey (about an hour from DJ) to visit the Pratts. Chris and Todd were college roommates and in ROTC together. Todd was also Chris' bestman. Chris is still in the Army but going to school in Monterey. Although I didn't get a chance to see Chris, we had a great afternoon spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and three kiddos - Riley (5), Nathan (4), and Ronan (2). Jen took us to a wonderful restaurant named Hog's Breath in Carmel - boy was it yummy!!!

Now that we are home we are getting back into a routine which I'm hoping will transfer to Ella's naps and sleeping habits. All I will say is that somehow this girl is happy no matter if she gets tons of sleep or very little - thank goodness!!!

We made the most of our Columbus Day weekend. We started the weekend by visiting with my Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Jon (my dad's brother), and cousin, Matthew. They drove in from New Fairfield, CT with Arvee (their RV - that's my uncle for you!). We met up at the Anchor Bar Friday night where we polished off 100 wings and a large pizza. And then hung out again on Saturday for a picnic dinner. It was so great seeing and hanging out with all of them - especially since they were able to see Ella for the first time!!

On Sunday we took Ella on her first hike to the Eternal Flame. I felt as though I was pregnant again with Ella in the MobyWrap making sure I walked very carefully, using Todd's help to step up and down over rocks. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall weekend!!

Then on Monday, we packed a picnic lunch and drove to Letchworth State Park. We picnicked and then walked from the middle falls up to the upper falls back down to the middle falls and up to the Glen Iris Inn and back to the Middle Falls.

Now it's time to get back into the swing of things!! Keep checking back as it may take me a few days to post all of the pictures from CA. Speaking of photos - I'm trying out Snapfish (easier and cheaper to order from BUT you will have to sign in). To see the captions during the slideshow you may need to click on the speech bubble next to the word 'share' below the picture in slideshow mode. Enoy!

Ella Won!!!

THE OFFICIAL RESULTS ARE IN!!! As confirmed at http://photogenicbaby.com/winners/buffalowinners.html ...

Infant Category Voters' Choice Overall Winner: ELLA RASSMAN

Buffalo's Most Photogenic Baby 2008 Voters' Choice: ELLA RASSMAN

That means Ella raised the MOST money in the infant category and out of all the participants - ages 0-5!!! According to Todd, there were 84 contestants and approximately $3,900 was raised...about $900 of it was raised by Ella's fans! That means Ella raised almost 25% of the total! That's crazy...you all are the BEST!!!!

In addition, she also was the Judges' Choice Winner for the Beautiful category!! This was determined by a panel of judges made up of local show business professionals.

Thank you once again for all of your support in raising money for Children's Hospital!! As we all know, Children's Hospital definitely deserves it!!!

Once again Ella would like to send a BIG thank you to...

Laura & Mark Chriswell
Great Aunt Margy & Great Uncle Tom Montante
Grandma & Grandpa Rassman
Poppy Radder
Great Nona Montante
Laura ZaepfelAmy & Chris Capalbo
YiaYia Montante & Papa John Roba
Heather "Mops" Cullen
Debbie & Ken Jones

Kathe & Michael Rickert
Aunt Susan & Uncle Chris Carpenter
Aunt Sally & Uncle Chip Moore
Emily & Larry Kordasiewicz
Gretchen & Chris Eckert

Laura & Kevin Galvin
Aunt Kim & Uncle Jeff Rassman
Aunt April Saks & Uncle Deej Radder
Darlene & Gene Leahy
Peggy & Dale Berghorn

Laura & Steven Tripi

And everyone who made a trip to the Galleria to donate

...for your VERY generous donations!!!

Twenty-Three Weeks Old

Hello from California!!! Ella, Yia Yia, and I arrived last Wednesday and have been hard at work ever since! Ella did great on the plane. In fact, it was me who suffered from nice sinus pressure. I had to take one for the team though because Ella was on Benedryl to dry up her congestion so her ears wouldn't be bothered; therefore, I could not take Sudafed as it would have contraindicated. No worries...I survived!! On the plane Ella made sure she looked at every single person who walked by. Needless to say, she was a hit!

Definitely enjoying our time with DJ, April, Zachary, and Maya! My mom and I have been pulling mid-morning duty - taking on all three kiddos - so DJ and April can catch a few extra winks! Fortunately, it tends to be nap time so we aren't left outnumbered for too long.

When we're not holding, feeding, or changing any one of the three babies we take turns washing dishes and bottles, folding laundry, finding something easy to eat (preferably with one hand), or cleaning up. Fortunately, Mom has taken on the roll of 'chief cook and bottle washer' (as she refers to herself) so we've gotten to eat some great homemade meals...after the kiddos have gone down for the night.

April and I have been trying to take a walk everyday to get us out of the house. We've been able to take all three of them on occasion - 2 in the BOB (a great double jogging stroller) and 1 in the Moby Wrap - or as many as are awake. We've also been trying expose 2 of us to the outside world - most of the times it's to run to the market.

On Monday we decided it was time for all of us to get out of the house...TOGETHER!! So after about an hour or so of preparing to leave, we headed down to the Santa Cruz coast and boardwalk...all 7 of us...in 2 cars!!! The kids did SO great that we even stayed out for dinner on the boardwalk as well. Way to go us! However, the car ride home was not as smooth. Zachary had fallen asleep in the stroller on the way back to the car. Unfortunately, he was not thrilled to be woken up and put in the car (who would?). Despite his crying, Ella fell asleep right next to him on the way home.

With us here DJ has been able to get work done - like get 2 wisdom teeth pulled (he's such a trooper), wire in a business phone line to the house, sign a lease for a clinic he's renting out once a week on Wednesdays, make phone calls, and begin to set up his website at http://www.destinradder.com/!

All in all, I love the fact that the kiddos are able to be around each other so much! I just wish it could be all the time and not just a couple times a year.

Five Months Old

So the time is here...we leave for California tomorrow!! This is going to have to be a short one since there is packing to be finished.

Our big 5 month old received a second round of three immunizations last Wednesday. We wanted to get her as protected as possible since we will be flying. Unfortunately, Ella woke up with a bit of a stuffy nose on Saturday. We've been having her sleep in her car seat and then bouncy seat to keep her head elevated. Todd also ended up sleeping with her on the couch Saturday and Sunday morning. Poor baby (or should I say poor babies)!! She hasn't gotten any worse and is sleeping a little more comfortably during the night (we have the humidifier going too). I'm just hoping that she will be alright on the plane tomorrow. The doctor suggested putting her on Benedryl for 24 hours before the flight (timing the last dose to be 30 minutes before take off) to help dry her up. I'm hoping that works because I know what it is like to have sinus pressure - ouch!!

Otherwise, packing has been a two day ordeal. I hate packing. Luckily, DJ and April have just about anything I need should I forget it so that helps! But I think it's almost done which is good because I need to get myself into bed early tonight!

OK, back to packing. I intend on getting at least one blog out while we're travelling so check in! In the meantime, we are floored with the generous donations we have received!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Again, if you are interested in helping out, voting for Ella's two pictures will take place at the Walden Galleria Mall from 10am to 7pm NEXT Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th.

Thank you for all your help!!!

Twenty-One Weeks Old

I began writing this blog yesterday as Ella was 40 minutes into a cry-it-out session. This was the first time I had let it go beyond 10 minutes. But I decided to try it since she sometimes will fall asleep but wake up a few minutes into her sleep. We are trying to figure out if she is starting to make the connection between crying and then I get to snuggle with Mom/Dad again or not. I'm not sure if I am a true advocate of the cry-it- out (at least at this age), but I guess I wanted to try it at least once.

The book I am reading, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, says to not let her cry more than an hour during nap time. But knowing Ella, I have a feeling she will make it the full hour crying. Luckily, according to the book:

"...all evidence accumulated by a wide array of child health specialists concludes that "protest" crying at bedtime will not cause permanent emotional or psychological problems. In plain fact, the contrary is true.

...Please don't fear when your child cries in protest at night, because she is being allow to "practice" to fall asleep, that this crying will later cause emotional or psychological problems. By itself, it will not.

Let me be very clear about this. I am talking only about children over the age of four months and only during normal day and night sleep times. During these periods, emotional problems do not develop if parents ignore protest crying."

Fortunately, Ella is not a screamer-crier which made it a little easier to listen to. And so the hour did come and I went and changed Ella since she did not stop crying and she doesn't appear to be phased by the fact that she just cried for almost an hour.

So now the question is, do I try it again? The thing is, that for the most part, Ella is a good sleeper. It usually does not take us long to get her down. And when she does wake up, it usually only takes us less than 5 minutes for us to get her back to sleep. The most we've ever needed to do that is twice in one sleep period. However, is our soothing her not teaching her to sooth herself to sleep? Maybe I'll wait until she is 5 months old to try again.

Update: I did try it again today - not purposely - I had to make a phone call and she began crying. And after maybe 25 minutes Ella stopped crying. But now there is this overwhelming guilt I have heard about. I just want to go in and check but know that it is exactly what I shouldn't do. This is when a video monitor would be great! Oh no, 10 minutes have passed and now she's crying again. Now I feel that I am too far into another cry-it-out to go rush in. Oooo...the dilemma's of parenting...what to do, what to do, what to do?

So what did I do - I went in about 5 minutes later because it had been about 1 hour since I had put her down. Fortunately, Ella being such a good baby she really doesn't get crabby without her naps. But I know sleep is essential to brain and body development growth so that's why I am trying so hard to figure all this sleep stuff out.

Enough with the sleep stuff. Last week was a busy week medically-wise! We spent most of both Wednesday and Thursday at Women & Children's Hospital. Wednesday Ella had an appointment with the developmental pediatrician. Upon evaluation she is in the 97th percentile for cognitive growth and the 75th percentile for motor skills (mainly because she was laid up for 30 days in the NICU). Although she does not necessarily need PT (physical therapy - for the big muscles) and OT (occupational therapy - for the small muscles) anymore, I told the doctor I would like to continue for now at least.

After the appointment and after being fed, Ella and I visited with a few of her nurses (Sharon (left), Chris (right), and Peggy) and even saw one of her favorite doctors, Dr. Pop Pop, (aka Dr. Robinson) who just can't get enough of her!!!

Ella then fell asleep for a much needed nap. Therefore, with Ella snuggled in the MetroWrap, I took a walk down Elmwood stopping in a few shops and finally for a piece of pizza and a pop at Casa di Pizza. We then headed back to the hospital to have her monthly blood work done. And this time Ella did not cry at all as she had four vials of blood drawn. At first I was proud and then I got sad because it probably means she is actually getting used to being pricked!

After the blood draw we stopped by the midwifery office so that Martha, the midwife who delivered Ella could finally see her out of the hospital (left photo). Now, since Ella has made such a wonderful recovery it is not uncommon that people 'fuss' over Ella when they initially see her. But I don't think I have seen someone fuss over Ella as much as Martha did! I can't tell you how much we love the midwives!!! They have made us feel so special from the first visit we had with them back in January! More than once has Martha, Sarah (right photo), or Elaine taken the time to just sit and chat with us...for over an hour...at an appointment, in the hospital, and today! If you are looking for a yearly gynecologist, I couldn't recommend them enough (they don't only deliver babies)!!!

On Thursday we headed back to Children's for a hematology/oncology appointment with Dr. Ambrusko. Fortunately, all of Ella's blood labs look good for this month - yea!! He just loves Ella and she smiles and smiles at him! Mom and I then went to Cafe Trattoria on Bryant for a very yummy lunch out on the patio!

Other than that Ella is busy growing up. She weighed 12 pounds 6 ounces last Wednesday and was measured at 2 feet tall!!! She is talking more and more which includes letting out some good screams too now! With her growing bigger we decided to set up the high chair so she can sit like a 'big girl' at the dinner table with us. Previously we would just prop her car seat up on a chair. The highchair kinda dwarfs her, but Ella is strong enough to sit in it with it slightly reclined.

Although we have not started feeding her (our pediatrician said we can wait until 6 months) we are letting her suck on 'pure' food (nothing salted or seasoned). Dr. Ambrusko even stated that she doesn't only need to start with fruits and veggies. So we have even let her suck on a piece of chicken (sorry Aunt Alysia). She seems to enjoy the new tastes as she doesn't spit the items out.

Okay, I could probably keep writing, but if I am going to post this by my Tuesday deadline I better stop now. I hope to get another blog out next week. But if I do not it is because I am too busy packing and preparing for our two weeks in California!!!! Watch out Maya, Zachary, DJ, and April...here we come!!!!

Keep the donations coming!!!!!

Twenty Weeks Old

So the biggest news this week is that we entered Ella in the Buffalo's Most Photogenic Baby contest. She has one picture entered in the Beautiful Infant category and another picture entered in the Precious Infant category. And the way she 'wins' is by collecting the most votes through donations. Since we already paid a registration fee, 100% of the donations we collect will go directly towards Women & Children's Hospital. Therefore, for each 50 cents in donations, Ella will receive 1 vote. For example, if someone donated $5.00, Ella would receive 10 votes.

If you are interested in 'voting' for Ella, there are a few ways you can donate. The formal voting where you can view all the participants' pictures takes place at the Walden Galleria (outside Steve & Barry's) from 10am to 7pm on Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th.

If you are unable to make it to the mall, you may make a donation (checks made out to Women & Children's Hospital) and hand it to any of our immediate family members (Todd, Me, Mom, John, Dad, Heather, Mom Rassman, Dad Rassman, Jeff, or Kim) by Thursday, October 2nd. We will then make sure it gets to the mall and Ella gets the votes.

Alternatively, you can also make a donation through PayPal (it accepts credit cards and is ultra secure) if you would like. To donate through PayPal, go to https://www.paypal.com/ and click on Send Money. Monies can be sent to me using the e-mail address: nicole_radder at yahoo.com. It's actually VERY easy to do!!! Then we will write a check from the money we collect online and bring it to the mall so Ella can receive more 'votes'.

And...if Ella raises $100 in donations, we will receive the CD with all of the photos that were taken of her so we can print them off for whomever would like!!!!! We then find out at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, October 5th if Ella's pictures collected the most votes/donations.

Unfortunately, I do not have the actual pictures to show you that will be displayed on Oct. 3 & 4th. You'll have to go to the Galleria on one of those days to see them. But, we will receive 8x10's of Ella's two 'poses.' I will be sure to display them online after October 5th!! Thanks for your help in raising moola for Children's!!!

Furthermore, Ella and I have been asked to say a few words about our experience in the NICU at an upcoming Women & Children's Hospital Foundation benefit hosted by Elm TWIG (Together With Individual Goals) - a women's auxiliary group - at Fox Valley Country Club on October 28th. Apparently, the event sells out so let me know if you'd like more info about attending with Mom and me!

In other news, we are full of appointments this week. PT today, a developmental check up at Children's tomorrow, hematology check up on Thursday, and OT (occupational therapy) on Friday. Luckily, Ella receives both PT and OT here in the house!!

In the meantime, Ella is such a big girl now that she can sit up in her bathtub without the sling! Todd loves giving her baths, Ella loves playing with Daddy during this time, and Mom loves that she doesn't have to do it!


Ella enjoys spending time in her ExerSaucer too! Her favorite toys have become that rolly thing in the front right part of the above picture, any burp cloth (just like Maya & Zachary), and froggy and ducky that sit with her in the car seat. She can often be found hugging ducky and putting froggy's legs in her mouth. We practice rolling over - front to back and back to front, tummy time, sitting up in the Bumbo and reaching for toys, along with a little infant massage each day. When we're not playing you can find Ella attached to Momma in the Moby Wrap aka Metro Wrap facing outward so Ella can take in the surroundings and Mom can get some work done.

That's it for now. Until next week...

Nineteen Weeks Old

As I watched the bus pick up our next door neighbor, Jesse, for his first day of kindergarten, I momentarily missed the first day of school excitement. But that only lasted until I heard Ella calling and found her smiling up at me in her crib.

Sometimes I feel that Ella is changing right in front of our eyes. For one she is filling out her car seat now. And when we pick her up she feels as though she's got good substance to her! Ella is more consistently rolling from her belly to her back without our help too. We try to put her on her tummy as often as possible to not only strengthen her head control (which is very good according to Carol, her PT) but to encourage other motor skills such as being able to drop an item once she has it in her hand. Ella still has somewhat of a death grip which means it is still a reflex. Which, by the way, one theory is that it is a reflex that is similar to the one needed by primates to hold onto their mommies. We are also trying to get her to reach for objects while on her tummy.

Now that she's nice and strong, Ella enjoys sitting up in her Bumbo. I think she looks like an old lady in it sometimes.

This past weekend I was able to get together with a bunch of my college roommates for our friend, Michelle's baby shower. Her baby girl is due in the middle of October. Ella was able to meet Emma, Breanne and Seth's 6 month old. Breanne was my roommate and then housemate at Fredonia. Seth lived next door to us. The result...Emma (and a marriage too)!!!

With September here we are starting our California countdown. Just 22 more days until Mom, Ella, and I leave to visit DJ, April, Zachary, and Maya for two weeks.

Hmmm...can't think of anything else to report. To all my teacher friends and those with school-aged kiddos - enjoy the school year!!!

Eighteen Weeks Old

Weight: 11 lbs. 12 oz.

Length: 22.75"

Head Circumference: 41 cm

Today Ella had her 4 month check up! She jumped from the 10th to the 25th percentile now for weight! She's at the 10th percentile for length and 50th percentile for head circumference. We can definitely tell she is growing as she is getting much heavier to hold for extended periods of time. Not to mention trying to carry her around in her car seat - it weighs a ton now!!! And to think that they were so concerned about her weight just 3 months ago!!!

Yesterday we had to go into Children's to have some repeat blood labs done since Ella's platelets were up a little bit. I received the results today and they are back in the normal range!! However, on our way into Children's we ran into one of our favorite nurses, Peggy. We never got to say good-bye when Ella was discharged so I have been missing her ever since. It was so great to see Peggy and for her to see how much Ella has changed!!

We also stopped up into the NICU to visit with Lynn. She just kept saying over and over, "She looks sooooo good!!" Which she definitely does compared to when she was Lynn's patient!

This past Sunday we got to see our friends from Florida, Dave and Sarah, and their new baby, Annabelle, too. What a cutie! She is 2 months and weighs as much as Ella - Ella has some catching up to do! While we were there a fantastic thunderstorm passed through. I don't know if I've even seen so much lightning.

In the meantime, Ella is practicing how to roll over and keep entertained on her tummy for a good few minutes. Ella's sleeping is becoming more regular too. As much as we like to get out, we are trying to stay close to home so we can stick to as much of a schedule as possible.

And finally, I am absolutely LOVING the fact that everyone else is getting ready to go back to school and I am NOT!!!! I actually thought I would miss working, but I have to admit that I don't miss it one bit - at least as of now. All the moms I worked with said I would feel this way, but I didn't believe it until now!! As I was driving to Children's the other morning I was asking myself if I would rather be at school welcoming the new kindergarteners at orientation or driving my daughter to have her blood drawn. Hands down I would rather be with Ella! And I can't wait to spend each and everyday with her this upcoming year!

Seventeen Weeks Old

Hello! Hello! Okay, our biggest news this week is that 5 out of the 7 last days Ella has only woke up once during the night!!! It seemed 'just like that' that she started pulling a 6 to 8 hour stint between feedings at night. We try to get her to sleep between 8:00 and 8:30pm which means she will sleep until about 3:00am for a feeding. She will then wake up again between 7:00 and 8:00am, be up for a little bit, eat, and go back down for an hour nap or so. She then wakes up, we play, she eats, and then naps for an hour and sometimes 2.5 hours! This keeps going on until it is time for bed again. It definitely still takes us the longest time to get her to sleep when she initially goes down for the night. I just think that she doesn't want to miss anything that's going on. My favorite part is that now when I go in to get her in the morning or from a nap she stops her complaining (not quite a cry) and looks up with a smile!

Other physical accomplishments are that she is swiping and grabbing objects with purpose now. If you put a toy within arms reach of Ella, she will try to and often does grab it! She is also practicing rolling over - still with our help.

Furthermore, our baby is officially out of all of her newborn clothes. She fits in some 0-3 months and 3 months clothing now! We also just had to order new diaper covers because she is on the verge of outgrowing her newborn covers too!

Finally, on Sunday, we went to Mom and John's church picnic so they should show Ella off to all their friends. As I understand it we had many prayers and good vibes coming from the members so we were happy to introduce them to Ella.

This was a short one, huh? I guess that happens when I stay on top of it. If I think of more I'll be sure to add it. In the meantime, check out the new photos I've added.

For those of you who would like to order prints from Kodak Gallery, they are offering photos for 10 cents a print through 9/05/08. Enter coupon code: LABORPRINTS at Checkout to redeem. The offer will be displayed as a 34% discount on 4 x 6" Prints only. One coupon redemption per customer. And so to not have to pay a shipping fee you can opt to pick them up at a location near you.

Sixteen Weeks Old

Oh no...I've done it again...skipped a week. I hope I'm not losing Ella's fans. So I just realized that one of the reasons I need to keep up with blogging is it helps me remember how many weeks old Ella is. I've been going around telling people she is fourteen weeks...for the past two weeks. I didn't realize until right now that my baby is actually SIXTEEN weeks old (or 112 days)!!!

After reading April and DJ's blog I realize that I forget to include the 'little big stuff' that Ella is accomplishing. I think it's because I am with her 24/7 and these things gradually begin to happen but then I don't think about mentioning it. However, I definitely can tell that Ella is growing up right in front of our eyes. To begin with she is probably at least 11 pounds by now!! According to her doctor's appointment last week, most babies have a curve when they plot their weight gain. But, Ella has a straight line!! The GI doctor we saw in Batavia two weeks ago was further impressed that she was gaining from breast milk alone! And with all this weight gain comes rolls - lots of them - on her legs, wrists, and neck - along with some good pinching cheeks!

And as April mentioned about the twins, Ella is also bringing her hands together, bringing them up to her mouth, and sucking on her right hand mostly. Only once have I seen her thumb only go in on its own. Ella also is kicking her legs around and bringing them up which apparently is the precursor to rolling over!! Ella loves to talk...a lot. According to her physical therapist (PT) she is 'quite socially advanced.' How's that for my first brag!! Her favorite word is 'gee.' And like Zachary saying 'egg' we like to have fun with it too. Todd often asks Ella, "Where's Gee?" when we want her to talk and then, "Who's Gee?" I think he's already afraid she may have a boyfriend. Just the other day her vowels came out too - a, e, and u. It's fun because it seems as though we can actually have a conversation with Ella. Although she smiles a TON we haven't heard the hearty laugh yet. I can't wait for that to come!!! However, she's got one heck of a scream when she's happy!

Physically, Ella is getting stronger each day. She is holding her head high up during tummy time. Her PT, Carol, brought over a Bumbo for her to use. It's basically a foam seat that allows Ella to sit upright but makes her really practice head control (like what tummy time does). Ella is also getting better at her 'pull to sit.' That's when you gently pull her up using her arms while she is lying down encouraging her head to come along with her body. No rolling over yet but she does work her way down her crib at night to a perpendicular position from what she started at!

A couple Wednesdays ago on July 30th, I had a couple friends over for lunch. For the first time, I was able to actually handle taking care of a baby and entertaining because Ella is more willing and able to entertain herself if I put her down for a few minutes. Although I'm really trying hard to not get used to putting her down too much as it can easily become. I can just hear you all saying - 'don't hold that baby too much or she'll get used to it.' But you know what, after not being able to hold her whenever I wanted to for the first 30 days, I can do what I want (smile)!! Anyway, I mention this luncheon because it was the first time she took a two and a half hour nap!!!

Remember in my last blog how I said I was trying to get this sleep routine down. I have discovered that the book is correct and the more I can stick to a 'schedule' the better she sleeps. As I write she has been sleeping for almost two and a half hours. Unfortunately, it is proving hard to stick to a schedule with the appointments we have as well as trying to maintain somewhat of a social life. But when I can, we try to stick around home so she can sleep! They say the brain and body grows when the babies are sleeping - so we want Ella to sleep as much as she can!!!

We did end up meeting with a new GI doctor in Batavia on July 31st for a second opinion. Dr. Rossi is great! He and his nurse practitioner were very impressed with Ella. They both expected a 'different looking' baby from what they had read about her on paper. He does not think her liver will have any fibrosis or cirrhosis and, therefore, does not think she should have a liver biopsy to find out. We will just continue to keep an eye on her liver functions - which seem to be all close to normal!!!

Ella had her first sleepover at Grandpa and Grandma Rassman's on August 1st since Todd and I had a wedding to attend. The wedding was a 2pm on Friday so we went to Todd's parents' house between the ceremony and reception so I could feed Ella. Of course, Grandpa and Grandma had a kick wheeling her around the neighborhood showing her off to the neighbors. I then had to leave the reception half way through to pump in the car so I wouldn't burst. Todd really enjoyed sitting with me while I tried to discretely pump on the side of Delaware Avenue...ha ha ha! After the reception we slept over his parents' house. Ella did great with them. Slept from 8:30pm to 2:30am...in her car seat. I then handed her off to the grandparents at 7:45am for them to feed her the leftover milk I had defrosted and got to sleep until 10am!!! I could get used to that!!!!

Last week Ella also received two more of her shots - polio and pneumococcal. She did get a mild temperature but nothing that wasn't taken care of with some Tylenol.

Finally, this past weekend the three of us took our first weekend trip - down to Ellicottville. We have gone down each year for the Taste of Ellicottville since the festival was going on the weekend we got married. Speaking of which, tomorrow is our big three year anniversary. We will be celebrating by going to Toro Tapas on Saturday for dinner - yum!

Okay, I think that's it for now. Let me know if I'm forgetting to fill you all in on some part of her development. But before I go, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ALYSIA today!!

Fourteen Weeks Old

Weight: 9 lbs. 13 oz.
Length: 21.75"
Head Circumference: 39.4 cm

Wowsers...it's been almost the entire month of July since I last blogged. I know, I know and I'm sorry!!! So the short of it is that DJ, April, and the twins came to visit for ten days. And Alysia came home during that time too! We had a FABULOUS time!!!

In these past few weeks, Ella has become that much more smiley and talkative. She is certainly capable of babbling up a storm at times!! She has also packed on the pounds - gaining almost 2.5 pounds over the last month. She was 9 pounds 13 ounces as of last Wednesday!!!

The California crew came in late on July 8th so we had to wait to see them until the 9th. It was hard waiting but was well worth it!!! DJ, April, and I spent many of their days here together feeding, changing, and rocking the babies. In fact, many of the times, all three of the babies were on the same schedule. So we would all sit down and feed together - which was fun to have company. Now I sometimes get lonely feeding all on my own!!

Then we would get to trade off babies depending on who was being the quietest and which one of us needed to do something or get some sleep. One of the nights I left Todd and Ella home and traveled with DJ, April, and the twins to a picnic in Lewiston. Even though I missed my crew, I enjoyed being able to give my time to holding and taking care of my niece and nephew!!

On Thursday, July 10th, Alysia came with me to Children's for a Hematology appointment. Boy was I glad she came. The first 40 minutes I spent checking in at 4 different windows (check in for the general clinic, check in for the specific Hematology clinic, check in for the blood labs registration, and check in to get her blood drawn). After another hour's wait Ella got 5 tubes of blood drawn (poor baby). We were then able to be seen by the hematologist which always includes a resident coming in first and then we see Dr. Ambrusko. And after all of this her labs were not ready to be read...argh!

But that same night, my friend from school, Megan, had her baby - Emily Marie. She sure is a cutey!! We're hoping to get over to see Emily soon.

Mom and John then hosted a big ol' family picnic on Sunday, July 13th. It was so great to hang out with a bunch of our cousins, aunts, and uncles. I do have to say that it was such a relief that just about everyone 'volunteered' to wash their hands before holding Ella or the twins. It's so helpful to not have to ask people to wash their hands. It's such a simple task that can save any baby from picking up germs that can lead to illness - some that are harmless to us but will knock out a little bambino!!

The next day, on Monday, we had a Radder breakfast at CJ's on Sheridan. We basically took over their back room! It was great because Grumpa was able to join us and meet the twins too! And the food was quite yummy in our tummies!!! And...there were plenty of arms ready and willing to hold the babies so us new parents could eat using BOTH hands!!

On Tuesday, Todd, Ella, DJ, April, Maya, Zachary, and I ventured up to Lewiston again, this time to Tom, Kate, and Anna's house. Tom is DJ's bestest friend - the one who has been my medical dictionary and medical terminology translator as well. My cousin Kevin and Gen and their two girls, Mason and Isabella were there too. It was funny to step back and look at how our get togethers have changed from late night beer drinking to mid afternoon cookouts. The neat part is that we are all going through this 'stage' at the same time.

Wednesday was another Radder meal with Dad, Heather, Grumpa, and Cathy (Grumpa's lady friend), Alysia, DJ, April, Zachary, and Maya. We have definitely found that entertaining is not as easy anymore especially because we tend to be down a person especially when I'm feeding Ella. But tonight was at least a little easier since Dad brought over, prepared, and cooked the meat. Every little bit of help we can get these days helps. Besides Todd has certainly been a trooper picking up a lot of the slack too!

Thursday morning, mom's neighbor and a mother of two students I have taught, came over and taught DJ, April, and I infant massage. It was really neat to learn. Cheri was kind enough to compact three sessions into one so that DJ and April could participate before they leave. I will probably do it again with Megan (my friend from above who just had a baby). I have since tried to do some of the 'moves' at least once a day with Ella. She seems to enjoy it!

And then the dreaded day came on Friday - when DJ, April, Zachary, and Maya had to leave. I don't think I've ever cried before when DJ has left but it really hit me this time. I just so enjoyed spending time with DJ and April as well as cuddling, kissing, hugging, holding, and taking care of Maya and Zachary. It was really had to see them leave. It would be a wish come true for us to be together all the time!

So that next Monday, July 21st, we had a GI appointment (liver specialist) only to arrive to locked doors. After calling the main office (I was at a satellite location) they told me my appointment wasn't until August 21st. That may have been how the receptionist put it in the computer but I know for a fact that the appointment was for July only because Dr. Baker did not even want to wait six weeks to see Ella again. So after pulling the "just three months ago my daughter was in liver failure" the office was able to find me an appointment for later in the week with Dr. Putnam. He was very pleased with Ella's progress and went over each one of the labs that were done on Ella. The most impressive is that her bilirubin levels are almost ZERO!!!!

Previous to that appointment we had Ella's three month check up. I can't tell you how much I LOVE our pediatrician's office. First there's Dr. Cavalieri (a friend of my mom's side of the family) who came to the hospital every Sunday to check in on Ella's progress. Then there's Dr. Trask who is so good at listening and letting me know that everything is okay and that we're doing the best we can. And finally, Dr. Watson, who set aside an hour for this month's visit and called me back when I was having a paranoid mom moment. The scary part of the appointment was beginning Ella's immunizations. We had put off the shots until now to allow Ella as much time as possible to get better before putting foreign bodies into her body. Even though Ella is behind on her shots, we agreed to only give her two at a time. One reason is so that if she has a reaction we would know exactly which one since she received one shot in each leg. The other reason is that I just didn't want her body to have to deal with too much. After a slight scare that she was having a reaction (she could not stop crying for over 15 minutes - which is absolutely unlike Ella), everything turned out to be just fine. She will go back for two more shots either next week or at her four month visit.

On Saturday, Alysia left to visit Ithaca, then make her way to NYC where she will get a plane to Gainsville, FL. She is moving down there to teach some classes as well as audit some classes. There is then a possibility that she will apply to the Religion and Nature program at the University of Florida. Sounds like it's all right up her ally! I definitely miss having Alysia around too. She has become one great cook, aunt, and babysitter!!!

And finally, the whole sleep issue. Which tends to be the number one questions when I see people, "How is she sleeping?" I'm not sure if it would be considered a regression, but Ella still has one good chunk of sleep, but is now getting up every two to three hours like clockwork and not napping very well. I'm sure most if it is our fault because we either have a doctor's appointment or just not home to give her consistency. So I reviewed Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and started keeping a chart to see if I can find a pattern to her day. I am also following the author's advice to not allow her to stay awake for more than 2 hours no matter what it takes to get her to sleep. And as of today, it's really working!!! She has so far taken 3 one hour or more naps. Apparently, when we get her naps in order it will really help her night sleeping as well. I'll keep you posted.

Okay, I think I've given you enough to read for now. I will attempt to get back on track updating each Tuesday. Stay posted...

Hold on...I'm coming...

Apologies to all you faithful blog readers. We've been very busy visiting with Ella's new cousins. I promise to update ASAP. In the meantime check out the new pictures under Month 2. I'll be back...

Eleven Weeks Old

So today is Tuesday and it's time to update the blog. However, I'm SO excited that DJ, April, Zachary, and Maya are coming in that I can't think of anything to write about. The crew should have been here already except that their plane was delayed in St. Louis (they were there visiting April's family). Luckily they were able to get themselves on another flight, but they won't be here until after 10:30pm. So that means we have to wait another day to see them.

July Fourth weekend brought us to many places. We started the weekend off with Todd's birthday on the third. YaYa and Papa John babysat Ella so Todd and I could go out to dinner. We went to Frog Hair. Love the atmosphere but the food and service have yet to impress us. Therefore, we picked up dessert and took it back to my mom's house to share.

The next morning (July 4th) Todd's parents came to babysit Ella so that Todd and I could go golfing with our friends, Geri and Mo, at Arrowhead. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. I forget how tiring 18 holes can be. Todd ended up losing more balls than I could keep track of though!

That evening we went to my cousins', Mike and Alex's house for a cookout dinner. We tried to make it to fireworks, but a full night's sleep was more important to the three of us.

Saturday evening we enjoyed homemade baby back ribs to celebrate Todd's birthday at Mom and John's. Sunday evening we celebrated Todd's birthday once again with his parents at their boat with my Dad and Heather.

Other than our outings - and making sure everyone who holds or touches Ella at these outings are washing or sanitizing their hands (it's more difficult than you think - you wouldn't believe how many people are 'put off' that we ask them to wash their hands!!!) - Ella seems to be getting into more of a sleep routine. She is consistently in bed around 10:00pm each night. She will then wake up between 2:00 and 4:00am. Most nights she will then sleep until 6:00 or 7:00am and sometimes 8:00am - which means I am getting up once in an eight hour stretch. However, when I put her back down after that feeding I will usually lay back down too. She then will sleep another couple hours. Ella will also take an afternoon snooze at some point and sometimes an early evening nap too - but nothing predictable yet.

With those nights I get up just once in 8 hours, there are the nights that she is up at 1:00am, 4:00am, and 7:00am still. However, we have started to swaddle her (thanks to the suggestion from my cousin, Wendy) and this seems to allow her to sleep longer.

Ella loves to have her arms free and, therefore, originially fought the swaddle when we brought her home (probably because she wasn't ever 'contained' in the NICU). However, we started to notice that she was flailing her arms and scratching herself in her sleep which would wake herself up. We tried the mitties but she would fling those off too. So that's when Wendy, the Baby Whisperer, suggested we give swaddling a try again. Ella still throws a fit when we swaddle her if she's awake. Therefore, I now swaddle her as she is drifting off to sleep in her crib. However, our little Houdini often wakes up with her arms out. So I am looking forward to taking some swaddling lessons from DJ and April.

Finally, Aunt Alysia got to see Ella again, but this time in a much healthier state. Alysia flew in so that she could be here to visit and see April, DJ, and the twins too. She will also be here for a big family picnic my mom is having on Sunday to introduce the twins (and Ella) to the local family members - as well as some out-of-towners too (my cousins, Matt & Mara, and their son Jackson will be in from NYC).

Alight...off to sleep - we have a big day tomorrow meeting the twins for the first time!!!