Ella Joy at 2 months

Ella officially turned 2 months old on Sunday but it's been a tad bit busy around here. This past weekend was fully of activities including birthday parties and graduation ceremonies for our student ministry's senior class (which Luke and I help lead).

This weekend will prove to be even more chaotic as my wonderful mother-in-law arrives on Thursday afternoon. After I pick her up from the airport, we are heading straight to our state's Homeschool Convention. It's HUGE and I'm excited that my mom-in-law is going with me so that she can see for herself just how many resources are available to homeschooling families these days. I remember being blown away the first year I went. Convention lasts through Saturday but we will only be attending on Thursday and Friday since Lucas and Ashlee's 4th birthday party is on Saturday!

Then we will have a family Memorial day picnic at my parent's house on Monday. And, my mom-in-law departs on Tuesday. Busy, busy, busy around here!

But, I'll move onto what this post should really be about. My sweet, 2 month old, joy named Ella.

Ella Joy,

At 2 months old you prove to be, quite possibly, the easiest baby we've had to date. Your oldest sister Elizabeth was also pretty easy as a baby but she didn't have 5 other siblings to contend with. In your short 2 months outside the womb you've enjoyed spending time with some amazing people. Your Auntie Lindy was able to be here in the US for your birth, in the delivery room even. She is smitten with you, I think, as is your Uncle Chris. Today, we went to the airport and said "See you soon" to Auntie Lindy and Uncle Chris as they headed back to Kenya to continue with their ministry (click here to find out more about their ministry).

It was with a joyful sadness that we hugged and kissed and your Auntie Lindy rubbed your soft, peach fuzzy head and then smooched your chubby, squishy cheeks. I know you're going to miss sleeping on Auntie Lindy's chest as she and Mommy (and Mrs. Beth) giggle over nonsense.

In the hospital, Elizabeth first called you Ellabelle. And, the sweet little nickname has stuck. Sometimes you are Ellabelle, other times, Ellabella. It's so sweet that all of the children have their own special way of showing you affection. Some, more gently than others. ;)

Everyone stills comments on the resemblance you have with your oldest brother, Lucas. But, often, your expressions remind us so much of Ashlee's. You are certainly not reclining in any of your older siblings' shadows though. Unlike each of your older siblings, you've had some particulars with your choice of pacifier and bottle nipples. You have finally, finally found a fondness with a plain 'ol Gerber pacci. The cheapest in the store. You've also taken several bottles from a plain 'ol cheap Gerber bottle.

And, unlike your older siblings, you have had a love/hate (heavy emphasis on the HATE) relationship with your carseat. Unlike all your other siblings who usually zonked out the second they were secure in the infant carrier, you've been anything BUT content when strapped in and the car being in motion. In the last week, you've tolerated it a little bit better each trip.

You enjoy "talking" and cooing at the faces of your family and friends.

And, you are very free with your smiles, which delights friends, family and strangers alike. I can't tell you the number of ladies who have stopped dead in their tracks to gaze at your gorgeous aqua blue eyes, then stood in amazement and delight at the smiles you flash. How I am praying that your easy going spirit and happy nature are lifetime characteristics you possess!

You are sleeping much, much better at night, though still in your swing. Your first stretch of sleep is anywhere from 5 - 6 hours, beginning around 9:00 or 9:30 til sometimes 2:30 or 3:30. You had a few nights of wanting to eat every HOUR, which totally wore your Momma out. But, it appeared to just be a growth spurt which lasted 2 (or maybe 3, I can't really remember) nights.

You're spending more time awake during the day and enjoying naps on your tummy when Mommy remembers to lay you down that way. You are still nursing like a pro and your Mommy and Daddy just couldn't be more in love with you. You truly live up to your name. God has blessed us with you so very much and, through you, provided us with so much JOY.

I love you little princess!

Mommy