Curren and Ellen Meet

Aki, Greg and Curren were kind enough to have us over Friday. It was the first opportunity to meet Curren and we jumped at it! She is just the most adorable baby and she is soooo tiny! I couldn't resist and had to create another video. Enjoy!

Curren Arrives!

Big congratulations to Aki and Greg! Curren was born Monday March 26th at 6:02 PM. She weighed in at 6lbs 14oz and measured 18 and three quarter inches! While Ellen and the rest of us haven't had the chance to meet her yet we did manage did get a hold of this snap shot. You'll be happy to hear Aki, Greg and Curren are doing well and should be returning home soon.

Bath Time

This Sunday it was bath time! First Ellen and then later in the day Gypsy. While I don't have any footage of Gypsy splishin and splashin here is some of Ellen captured with our new camcorder.

Ellen's Friends

This video clip was inspired by our friend Tom and his son Noah who visited us Saturday. In order of appearence is Ellen, Chase, Noah, Patrick, Sam, Gypsy and Claire.

Enjoy!

Hanging with Chase

Here is an image captured from Sunday while Ellen and Chase enjoyed some time outside on Ellen's activity mat. Chase was born in early November and at the time of this picture was 17 weeks I believe. While Ellen is only 8 for comparison.

Ellen on the activity mat

I've got so many new pictures and videos to post I don't know where to begin. This weekend was a busy one as both Sasha and Chase Harvey paid Ellen a visit. It was a perfect San Diego weekend and being so we tried to spend as much of it outdoors.

Many people have been asking me what has Ellen been doing lately. Well instead of just telling you all I thought I would share this video clip. We captured this video early today as Ellen "conversed" with us.

Two Month Pediatrician's Appointment

This morning Ellen had her two month check up at the pediatrician. She now weighs 8lbs 7.8ozs and measures a full 22 inches in length. She also got three intramuscular inoculations in her upper thighs and one orally which she did not particularly enjoy but she took it like a champ.

Dr. Sacker examines Ellen at two months.

Ellen meets her cousins

Kathleen's brother Jonathan, his wife Molly and their two sons Sam and Patrick all came to San Diego from Portland to meet Ellen. I think I can speak for Ellen by saying it was a good time. Trips to the zoo and beach to name just a few outings.

One cousin left to meet next and that's Bryan!

More Pictures

The weeks are flying by! Ellen is already 6 weeks old and changing before our eyes. In the last few days we have started to notice her becoming more aware of the world around her. One of her favorite things to do is to sit in her swing and watch Daddy "dance" like a monkey in front of her. I use the term "dance" loosely because it mostly consists of waving my arms and rocking from side to side.

For now here are more pictures of Ellen for you to enjoy.

Happy Birthday Noah

Ellen had the pleasure to attend Noah's 1st birthday on Saturday! After what amounted to be her furthest venture from home to Whittier we arrived just in time for the traditional singing of happy birthday and cake cutting. Due to Ellen's inability to eat solid foods daddy ate Ellen's share of cake. Yum! Thanks Tom, Laura and Noah for having us!

The next day was Aki's baby shower where Ellen again made another public appearance. Unfortunately Mommy didn't take any pictures so instead here is picture of Ellen's newest outfit from Jillian. Thanks Jillian! The PJs are super cozy!

Appetite for Destruction

Ellen enjoys her first bottle feeding while wearing her G&R onesie from Auntie Heather.

Baby Snores

Week 4

A few updates to report from week 4. Despite the lack of pictures in this post and it's briefness this week was momentous. First of all it was my return to work which left Kathleen and Ellen to fend for themselves. I was a bit concerned for Kathleen since she would not have an extra set of hands but after a couple smooth days my worries were gone.

As for sleeping at night I'm happy to report continued success this week as Ellen woke no more than once each night and last night she slept completely through till morning! When I rose this morning to find it light outside I was overcome with elation initially followed by fear when I realized Ellen never stirred. Once I could hear her quiet snores I was ecstatic! She is just the perfect baby and is really making life easy for us!

Ellen's Photo Albumn

The last three weeks are behind us and we have all survived! While I can't speak for Mom, it wasn't until week 3 until I felt I had finally mastered the techniques needed so soothe and care for Ellen. While I am sure there is still much to learn I at least feel I can handle the basics. Now for your enjoyment I have uploaded all the pictures I've taken to date to view and even order prints; Ellen's First Weeks photo album.

Ellen's Cousin Bryan Arrives

Nearly 3 weeks to the date since Ellen's birth, my sister Carin and her husband Mike had their first child Bryan. He was born Thurs, Feb 1st at 10:32PM and weighed the same as Ellen, 6lbs 15ozs and was 19 3/4" in length. Congratulations to Carin and Mike! The family to starting to grow very quickly this year and it is only February 1st! Theoretically there is still plenty of time to sneak another child in before year's end........

Forgive the low quality image, it is all that I currently have.

Playtime

I was trying to embed this rollover image into today's blog entry but just couldn't make it happen. Maybe I'll revisit the attempt later. In the meantime you can still appreciate it. Hope you enjoy! Mouse over image for full effect.

Phalanges

Some of you may have heard that Ellen has inherited Daddy's phalanges. Well it is true and to prove it here is a close up of the the piggies. Please note the elongated second phalange which is of equal length or greater than the big piggy. A sure sign of intelligence.

Pediatrician Week 2

Today was Ellen's week 2 appointment with the pediatrician. At which time we learned Ellen has gained a full pound since last week to bring her total body weight to 7lbs 8ozs. That's a full 9ozs above her original birth weight. So what does this mean? Ellen and Mom make a great team! There is still room for improvement as far as sleeping goes. In fact we were told Ellen might be on a opposite schedule and we should therefore make an effort to make her more active during the day. Either that or we may have to send her to Italy to live with Amanda in Trever in a more appropriate time zone.

Bath Time

Ellen had her first bath several days ago but I am just now posting a clip from it. She is doing quite well and sleeping in 3 hour increments throughout the day and night. Which is how frequently she has to eat so it works out well. It was a big shock to our sleeping patterns but I think we are starting to become acclimated. Hopefully the return to work for me won't be difficult with the somewhat erratic periods of sleep. All in all the experience has been amazing, trying and a blessing all at the same time.

Enjoy the clip of Ellen's first bath.

Ellen Is Here Beer Label Complete

Following Ellen's arrival and in time for submission to AFCHBC I have completed the label to accompany the belgium tripel brewed in honor of Ellen Elizabeth Crain. A copy of this label in PDF format can be downloaded at the following link: Ellen Is Here Beer Label.