A Weekend of Firsts

This past weekend was definitely a weekend of “firsts” for Ella. Besides going to the Nats-Mets game (where Joey’s Mets won) on Friday night, we went to Ella’s first baby shower (at least her first outside of the womb) on Saturday. Our friends Casey and Christy are having a little girl so we got to attend the shower for Christy. Ella did pretty good most of the day. She slept the entire drive there and the drive back, which was wonderful for me since it was about an hour away. And she slept for most of the gift opening and games. I was glad that she conducted herself so well.

Another first was our first Girls Night!!! Joe went to see the Mets v. Nats game (yes, two nights in a row) so Ella and I had a quiet night at home –just the girls. We watched a girly movie and ate pizza without guilt, and most of the time just laid on the floor and played.

The best first for the weekend was going to church! We missed being there and were excited to show everyone how much their prayers have paid off! Ella did great during the music and even cooed along with the solo. Then as the preaching began she got a bit fussy (no offense Pastor Don). I think she just wanted to get out of that car seat and see what was happening around her. Once she was up and able to look around she had a great time. I think she liked all of the attention for people coming up to her and saying hello. It was great showing her off and being able to share with everyone how God has shown his grace and mercy through this sweet baby.

Another very important first was going to lunch at Fuddruckers! Pretty much everyone from church goes to Fuddruckers for lunch, so it was important to get her broken in soon on the tradition. Unfortunately this was the end of Ella entertaining everyone and she got pretty cranky. Pat Brewton helped out a lot, and I was able to inhale my hamburger, but we ended up coming home and putting Ella to bed. Still, I think she enjoyed the outing.

Yesterday marked a first for Joe…it was his first day of 2nd Year Law school! Yes, classes began again, so he is back to the old grind. Now I have to get used to him not coming home until 10pm every night. By the end of last year I had forgotten how nice it was to have him home at night, but now I’ve gotten used to it and I’m not excited to make the adjustment back. I am so thankful that he took the summer off from class and spent the time with Joella and me.

Uncle Curby and Aunt Gina came over yesterday. They were on their way home from a long vacation to Texas and Wyoming. It was great visiting with them and Ella loved getting to know her Aunt and Uncle better.

This weekend did mark one very sad last. This is my last week home before I go back to work full-time (cue the tears). I love my job and there is a part of me that is really glad to get back to work, but I will miss being home with Ella and seeing her beautiful face whenever I want to. Luckily Joe will be home with her, so I know that she will be well taken care of. And Grammy Janet is coming into town to help us adjust to normal life with me at work and Joe in school. I know everything is going exactly the way God wants it too, and that makes going back to work easier. He has blessed me with a great job with great people.

Ella is quietly sleeping on the floor next to me, so I had better get some things done around the house. You know how it is with a baby around, everything else gets put on the back burner.

Katie