Trip to NJ

This weekend marked another first. Ella’s first trip to the Garden State! We made our way up to NJ to visit Joe’s family and attend his sister, Katie’s baby shower. She and her husband Jarrod are having their first baby in October and we are excited for this new addition to the family. This will be the 3rd Murray born since May. Ella got to meet most of her Aunts and Uncles and cousins (we missed you Ellen and look forward to seeing you this fall). I think she was a bit overwhelmed. I tried to prepare her ahead of time by letting her know that there are a lot of Murrays (6 sisters, 1 brother, 5 brother-in-laws, 1 sister-in-law and 8 cousins), and that sometimes they get a little loud, but they are all wonderful people who just want to love her. Ella especially enjoyed meeting her cousin Edie who was born just 6 weeks before her. While close in age, they are not close in size since Edie weighs in at a whopping 17 pounds! Ella did well most of the time, but sometimes in the middle of a party she would have a melt down and just need some quiet time. Overall it was a great trip and I am so glad that they all got to meet Ella. She slept most of the ride up and all of the ride back, which was a total blessing!

It was also nice to meet so many people who have been praying for Ella. She has a large support system and we appreciate all of the continued prayers. Also, thanks to the Leppard’s for letting us crash at their place.

Grammy Janet, Joe’s mom, arrived Wednesday evening and I immediately put her to work. We got home and I said, “Would you mind cooking dinner?” For anyone that knows Janet, you know that this was not a problem (she loves to cook). From that moment on I officially turned over my kitchen! Now she is at the grocery store stocking up on dinner items. Joe will be at class at night, but I will reap the benefits of many hot, tasty dinners for the next few weeks.

This morning at church Joe’s softball team was presented with the championship trophy. Last year they were undefeated until the last game and had the championship ripped from their clutches, but this year they pulled through and came out on top! Way to go FBCA #2.

Ella is growing right before our very eyes! Joe and I have done our less than scientific methods of monitoring her weight and height, and according to our scale she weighs approximately 9 ½ pounds, and my sewing tape measure has her at almost 24 inches long. She has almost reached the end of her 0-3 month clothes and we are now ready to move on to the next size. I guess that means I need to go shopping, which really breaks my heart! :)

Tomorrow marks my first day back at work. While it is very bittersweet, I am comforted knowing that Ella will be home with her Daddy during the day. We decided that it is best for Ella if Joe stayed home with her during the day. While a bit sceptical in the beginning, he is now looking forward to being home with Joella.

Katie