Merry Christmas!

We celebrated Christmas yesterday so that Ryan could celebrate with us.
(someone has to work on Christmas, right?)

Christmas PJs.

This is the best picture we could get. Someday I am sure that Addy will want to be the center of the picture with all sorts of dramatic poses but for now, we will settle for her just being near the other people in the picture.

Jack was THRILLED to the point of shaking when he opened his Richard Scary Airport Book. We've read it 45 times already.
He is also super excited about all of the airplanes, dozers and train pieces he has to play with too.

Ella enjoyed some quiet time in the evening after the other kids went to bed. Notice her first pigtail straight out of the top of her head. Not every almost 3 month old can rock a pony tail:)

Addy and Jack had a great time playing with Addy's new kitchen. Did you know you can cook a mean airplane stew on an Ikea kitchen? It was tasty. I love how our kids play with all of their toys together. All themes get intermingled and they are so creative. Now the kitchen is a recycling center and they are dumping all of their toys through in the sink.

oh, and if you have not seen Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baaaaaa, you are welcome to borrow ours if you can pry it out of our kids hands. We've let them watch it on repeat as they played and they love it. It's Christmas, they can watch it as many times as they want.

Hope you all have a Merry Day.

8 Weeks

Can you believe that she is 2 months old?

She had a major blow out while taking this picture so it is the only one we got measuring her growth in the chair. Compare to this. She's getting bigger.

She is sleeping really great right now. IF she gets up at night it isn't until about 5 a.m. and then sleeps until 8 a.m. It is quite wonderful. We're really getting into a good routine and I am even able to get some things done around the house, do my calling and I even finished the book club book. But now that I've said that, she will be up all night tonight. :)

Life is good.

Thanksgiving Recap

We long to be back in Atlanta with our family . . .

And not just because of all of the great food.

Although I have to brag about my sister-in-laws and their amazing cooking skills. Stephanie makes THE best turkey and Tracie makes homemade samosas every year. Seriously, I don't think I stopped eating all weekend long.

The cousins had a GREAT time together. They ran around the house chasing each other, watched movies and even went on a Turkey Egg hunt orchestrated by the favorite Uncle Mikey.

(headbands from Grandma Shirlene. Adorable)

Addy wore the binoculars almost the entire weekend. She usually had a sword too but she needed her hands free to carry her turkey eggs. She's a character.

I almost brought Caleb home with me as my carry-on. He is one cute boy.
He and Joshua would both sing and try to entertain Ella.
These two girls are about 7 months apart.

We attempted a picture of the kids. Notice anyone missing?
Yep, Addy refused to participate in any group shots of the cousins.
This was the best we could do.
(Lily is missing too.)

So glad that we are able to spend Thanksgiving with Ryan's sisters.

First Thanksgiving

was a success!!!

She traveled well, was loved by all and no one got sick.

More pictures of our family filled weekend of good food and good company to come.

We love visitors

We had some great times with family the weekend of Ella's blessing.

Aunt Stephie snuggling Ella.

Uncle Mike reading to Jack and Addy.

Grandma Shirlene holding Ella. Grandma brought fun with her. Addy and Jack had fun with her at Strong Museum and Jack still sleeps with the airplane she got him.

Mike is always a favorite. He can make the kids fly like airplanes and he set up an adorable game of fixing the airplanes' (the kids) broken wings and other parts of the planes.

Uncle Jay came too and brought an iPad full of fun games.

Glad we get to see you at Thanksgiving in one week!

Blessed Day

Saturday was a day full of family and friends coming together to celebrate Baby Ella.

It is tradition in the Mormon Church to give a child and name and a blessing.

We decided to bless her in our home instead of at church.
Something,I now wish, I had done with all of our children.

I got a little teary-eyed when I looked at the circle of family and friends gathered to help Ryan perform the blessing.

Family of Five.

Ella wore a dress made by her Grandma Peggy with cute pink shoes from Grandma Shirlene and was wrapped in a blanket made by her only living great-grandparent, Great Grandma Matthews.

Ryan's sister Stephanie, brothers-in-law Mike and Jay and his mom, Shirlene, all joined us for the weekend.

Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Jim were able to stay to participate too.

Dad and Daughter.

They have to go home sometime . . .

Sadly, it means they are leaving on Monday.
(So I am writing this post today before my breakdown at the airport)

We have had the best live in help for the past month. My mom came and took over all of the day to day tasks so that I could concentrate on feeding a baby and sleeping. She made every breakfast so that I could sleep a little longer. She played games, did crafts, and read story after story to the two older siblings. Did I mention that I have not done any laundry in 4 weeks? Highlight was when Addy would sneak into my mom's room and say, "Boo!" in the mornings.

In addition to all of the day to day activities she completely redid my living room. (Pictures to come) She sewed 6 roman shades, made 4 valences, recovered a rocking chair, recovered two bean bag chairs, helped pick out 3 rugs and a table, made 3 throw pillows, made Addy's zebra chair, and designed my mantle.

When my dad arrived last week, he went right to work on a to do list and so now I have vent covers that fit in my dining room, pictures hung on my walls and valences and Roman shades installed. Plus, the kids are now all reacquainted with the fun that is grandpa. He's read stories, did puzzles, played spider and gave free spats. Favorite memory was when he was trying to tell Addy that her sister was named Eleanor. Addy's response was, "No she's Baby Ella."


Come again anytime.
I promise we will have fun and not make you work so hard next time.

We love you and can't thank you enough!

Team Shelton

Sure glad these three joined our team.

The giggling is contagious.

Guess who is a whole month old?
She was nice enough to share her cupcake with me.

She is too sweet.

Boo!

Ella excited to leave for her first Halloween Party.

Snuggled together in their Halloween pajamas/costumes.

Mmmmm Chocolate.
She was very efficient in her candy eating.

The spoils of the Church Trunk or Treat.

"I Love CANDY!"

The kids are now passed out in a sugar induced coma.

Week Three

Ella with the pumpkin Jack picked for her on his first school field trip.

Getting ready for bed.

All clean.

Ella had her first cold this week. I hate it when my kids have a hard time breathing. Leads to less sleep and more anxiety. She seems to be doing better now. She slept for 5 straight hours the last two nights. Let's hope it was not a fluke. She is also really alert during the day. It is wonderful to see her bright eyes.

Sunday Debut

Ella made a brief appearance at church today to see her big brother, Jack, participate in the primary program. Ella sported the dress her Great-Grandma and Grandpa Parry sent to Wisconsin for Amy's blessing as a baby. It won't fit much longer.

Getting ready for church takes a lot out of a girl.

Other than Ella

Addy makes our life happy. Her favorite phrases are "That's silly." and "That's a good idea." and "Mommy clap." All said with her trademark lisp.

Grandma Peggy let Addy choose a craft from the store. Addy loves to make things.

Jack made cookies on Sunday for Family Home Evening. Always a favorite activity.

Jack and Addy went Trick or Treating at the Zoo with Grandma Peggy and Daddy. What is Addy's costume? Well, Grandma Peggy carried Addy's Princess Dress around the Zoo while Addy walked around in her tights and fleece jacket carrying her princess purse and sporting a princess hairdo. Maybe she'll wear her costume on Halloween.

Week Two

Ella is still the hottest thing at our house. Jack and Addy both love to snuggle her. Today I walked in the living room to see both Jack and Addy trying to sit with Ella in her bouncy seat. Glad they like her.

2 weeks old.
Outfit courtesy of Aunt Jennifer. It is adorable.

I can't get enough of the ruffles on her pants. Ryan can't quite understand
my obsession but they are so cute.