Ellory Joan

Wow what an amazing couple

of weeks!!

First up, I need to say

congratulations to Tyler

for graduating from his Masters program!!

Unfortunately I was sick 

with the flu on the day

of his graduation ceremony, 

so I didn't get to see him

walk.

But, we thankfully still have pictures!!

It has been so fun getting

to know the people

in Tyler's program.

They are a silly bunch, 

and they've made these

last 2 years more

enjoyable for Tyler,

I think.

 

Tyler has told me over and over

how glad he was that Dr. D. 

was his Chair for his

thesis project.

Therefore, I am super grateful to him

for helping Tyler so much.

 

One more shot of the 

Graduates!!

(Plus Stephanie)

Alright,

as if that wasn't big enough news,

another giant thing

happened in the last week...

My mom came to stay!!

I started having some small

contractions on Sunday June 15th,

and I was just sure that

the baby was coming 

soon.

Called my doctor and she told me to

go into the hospital and have

them check me and stuff.

Downside was, Tyler had caught

the flu that I'd had the day

before.

Not ideal for baby birthing time.

She must have known because

the nurses said things

weren't progressed enough

and come back later.

Poo.

Well, my mom flew in

the next day!

And we went back to the hospital

that same day.

And then we went back home.

Poo poo.

But then I got to spend the 

next few days

hanging out with my mom

while Tyler worked football camp.

It was really great to get

to spend some time

with just her and me and Kale.

We took Kale to the library...

And to what is known to us as

The Pirate Park.

Nana was so great to

play with Kale!

 

We let Kale take a picture of us.

Not too shabby.

 

And Nana showed us how

to make banana chocolate chip cookies!

SO. GOOD.

 

And then it was time to have

a baby.

Everything went really well.

My doctor broke my water

at about 6:15 PM

and my contractions

didn't take long to get stronger

and closer together.

So, it was epidural time!

The epidural was, once again,

so lovely.

It was a little different this time, though.

I could still move my legs

and feel pressure,

just no pain.

It was awesome.

And then,

at 12:24 AM on June 20th, 2014,

Ellory Joan Patterson

was born! 

She was 6 lbs 7 oz and 19 inches.

Just perfect.

She was really cold when she 

was first born so I

held her for a while skin to skin

to warm her up.

She was making the cutest little 

pouty face the whole time.

And then it was time to

hang out and

rest.

 

 

Look at my handsome 

guy with his little girl.

I mean, he's already super good looking,

but throw in an adorable 

baby in his arms

and he gets even

more handsome!

              

 Kale has been so cute

with Ellory.

He learned her name right away

and also loves to

call her 

"My little sister."

He's very protective of her.

If she's crying he runs

over and says,

"Is something wrong with my little sister?"

in a very concerned voice.

He's obviously had some

behavior issues

adjusting to the lack of

attention he's now receiving.

But I'd say he's doing pretty great for 

a 2 year-old.

I was unbelievable grateful

that my mom could

be here when Ellory was born.

It was wonderful that she

could just be at home with Kale.

It was wonderful to have her

helping around the house in 

general.

And it was wonderful to

see the look on

her face when she got

to hold Ellory

when she was less than a day old.

We had some visitors

at the hospital,

which was so sweet of them!

Kristen DeBock stopped by

and brought me 

french fries from the Palace.

Yum!

And she held Ellory for FOREVER.

It was great :)

Also, my visiting teachers each

stopped by and brought

Ellory adorable little 

gifts.

Thanks Emily Hall and Valerie Calaway!

And our friend Stephanie dropped

by as well, also with a gift.

We are friends with the best people.

Seriously.

And then,

it was time to take her home...

 

 

Kale wanted to hold her,

which was adorable.

Obviously.

But then he suddenly didn't want to

hold her anymore.

Nana caught her.

It's all good.

 

Look how cute and little she is!!

 

 

The following is another picture

taken by Kale:

Check out those 

GOLD pants.

This was the day we took

her to her first doctors appointment.

It's also the first time

she had a blow out diaper

in a public setting.

Gotta love all those

firsts that are coming!

 

Brother and Sister!!!

 

She's a little small right now. 

But we make things work.

 

We went for a walk

and stopped at the store so

Nana could get Kale a

treat.

He picked a little juice.

And then we stopped about every 

5 feet so he could take a drink.

 

Look at my adorable 

family,

sleeping on the couch.

 

Just me and my little girl :)

Look how cute those P.J.'s are!

Kale got to help feed her 

but he was trying to watch TV too..

 

Kale and I sat outside and read books

while Tyler held Ellory.

It was great :)

 

We had a super hot day so Kale played in

the sprinkler and Ellory and I

sat in the shade.

She loved the heat!

 

And that's about it!

My mom went home

early Saturday morning,

and we were sad to see her go.

Kale has asked multiple times

since she left 

where she is. 

It's so great how much he loves her!

Mom was such a HUGE help

and I just can't thank

her enough for everything.

She'll be back soon to help

us move though,

and this time she'll bring

grandpa with her!

Well, it's hard to believe

this is my new reality.

I have TWO children.

Two.

I still don't feel old enough 

(and by old enough, I mean mature enough)

to be a mother,

let alone a mother of 2.

But I wouldn't have it

any other way.

Let the new adventure

continue!