Merry Christmas to ME!!!

It is always nice to be loved on by PAPA.  I have learned that when I show up to a Christmas party, he comes and finds me almost instantly and whisks me off to some quite corner.  I have a big family to share the holidays with so it is nice to be able to look forward to some quite time with him.

Merry Christmas!!

Love

Ellie

My First Christmas. . . safe in Papas arms.

Dear Santa

Ellie meets Santa for the first time

Mom and Dad told me about this neat man that lives at the North Pole.  Every year he reviews a list of all the little boys and girls in the world and brings gifts to celebrate the birth of Christ - we call it Christmas.Well, this year I figure I got a pretty good gift - the gift of life.  But that didn't stop him from visiting me in Ann Arbor.  I can't wait until next year.  Mom and Dad tell me that he will bring presents down the chimney - but I have  have to be good all year. . . hmmmmm.

Goin' to California

Russ and Sean hosted us at their home Sausalito

So this week was good.  I got to make my first flight, see California and meet some of Mom and Dad's dearest friends.  Here are a couple more pictures from the trip.

I got to meet CK - a 130 lb Swiss Mountain Dog

My new friend Sean

The hills in and around San Francisco are steep.  Dad did a good job to get me down safely but decided some help to get me up would be appreciated.

CK helps dad get me up the hill - the first step in my plan to convince Mom and Dad we need a dog

Travel with a baby

Why so much extra luggage for such a little person?

So before you were born, I prided myself in being able to travel light.  Mom and I could both do a 10 day trip in a carry-on.  Right up until mid August, I was traveling back and forth to California for work.  I will say that I got pretty good at the trip. I knew all the fastest routes. . .which escalator, which security line, where to stand on the train, and most of all, never to check luggage.

Today we broke all the "rules".  Traveling with a baby just requires more "stuff".  We checked bags - so many that we had to rent a cart to transport them.  Because of the cart and luggage we had to take a series of 4 elevators, 2 moving walkways and a tunnel to get to the sky-train.  Then 15 min to load the car and get the car seat in.  In total what usually takes me about 20 min to complete - took 1.5 hours with you . . and I have to say it was totally worth it!

Today was also your first airplane trip.  We knew you are a very content baby but were nervous about the cabin pressure changes.  You did great!!  Not a peep just enjoyed the time with mom and dad hanging out in first class.  Oh did I mention that you got upgraded on your first trip - don't get used to it but it was a nice way to start.

3 Months Old

So. . . 3 months old today - I have learned a lot.  Touching hands, smiling laughing and generally helping mom and dad see the humor in a situation.  My crazy hair is still going strong but dads favorite thing is that I have become more and more interactive.  I follow a sound or a friendly face around the room.  I like to grasp other people's fingers but most of all, I respond to a smile. . . Daddy tells me that it could melt icebergs - I'd be happy with just warming up this cold December. . . 

Winter is comming!!!

Sadly, I don't get to go on all Dad's business trips - he left me and Mom behind this time.  But that is OK because it means more time for walks and enjoying the outside. 

Both Mom and Dad like outside but Dad is particularly fond of winter. . . something about skiing I think.  Well in short, he keeps saying cold is no big deal, as long as you have the right clothes.  It would seem to me that he means layers but that doesn't mean a girl doesn't want to look her best.

Today I am trying on my sweater and the stroller cozy - turns out dad is right - the right clothes make cold weather a blast!!!

A little culture

Christian is having a birthday soon - yea!!  Since mom and dad are his God Parents (and because they love him) they decided to take him and Elizabeth to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).  The DIA is great because they have lots of old things - older than Mom and Dad if you can believe that!!  Christian and Elizabeth played "eye spy" and by the end of the day were getting pretty good a spotting even some of the little features in the artifacts.

My very first craft project

It was a special day for me at the DIA because they had a puppet show and we even got to make our own puppets.  Who knew art and culture could be so much fun???

Christian, Elizabeth and Ellie having fun at the DIA

I hope I have this much pull when I am older. . .

It is amazing how many people have come to see little old me. . .

Turns out while I am small and cute, people come from all around to get a look and more importantly, Love on me.  Today's visitors were Uncle Don and Aunt Nancy.  Don is my Grandma Robison's brother and Nancy - well, Nancy keeps him out of trouble. 

It was really nice of them to make such a long trip from Wisconsin just to see me and Maddi.  I got to spend the whole evening tonight getting special attention while mom and dad caught up with all that has been going on.

I hope all these great visits keep up - especially from Don and Nancy.  ;-)

Mmmmmm. . . TV

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Mom and Dad are running in the Turkey Trot which means another fun night in a hotel for me. Yea!!!

So. . . .Mom and Dad were setting up the room and turned on the moving picture box. . .  How amazing. I even stopped eating to watch Aladin. That Walt Disney guy is really cool. . . and what a good message ;-)
Tomorrow = turkey and the Lions football game. (And mabyee mom and dad will let me watch more shiny moving pictures)

Baptism

Today I received the first sacrament - baptism.  It symbolically washes away the sins of the past and welcomes me into the Catholic faith.  I am lucky because I have two great god-parents to guide me though life - Aunt Rose and Uncle JD.  Afterward there was a small party with the Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles at the house - so much fun to have everyone crowded around the table in my honor.

Oh - another cool fact.  Do you see the christening dress I am wearing??  That was hand made by my great grandmother Rose - who is my namesake.  It was been worn by nearly every aunt, uncle and cousin since - I would guess somewhere near 40 baptisms.

There's a whole big world

Ellie's realized there's a lot going on in her environment this week.  For the first time she's really started to look and stare at other people and things.  You know she's having fun because her whole body shakes with excitement and a big grin appears.

Photo Catchup



Yea Bathtime!!!



Ellie in Cleavland - First Business Trip



Ellie has her first cold...booo.  So Mom's waiting for her first prescription.

Here are some recent photos from a growing Ellie.  (Based on today's Dr visit, she's 14lbs and 24ins)

She's 10 weeks tomorrow and a very happy person.  When she smiles, her whole body smiles...her arms and legs shake.  It's infectious..at least to her parents. Smile.

2 months old!!!

Cute Outfit Day

I'm looking pretty cute today if I do say so myself.  Thanks Aunt Kristin and Kinsey for sharing!

Yoga baby

Mom's been forgetting to post about our cool yoga class.  There's a post-natal yoga class here in Ann Arbor that Mom wanted us to check out.  We've gone a couple times and hung out with other moms and cool babies.

Although Mom does most of the work, I get to chill next to her thinking "ohm-mmmm".  Don't I look nice and relaxed?

Halloween take 2

So after getting to see Maddi - I went to Christian and Elizabeth's for Halloween and Trick-or-treating.  You it was a cold night but worth it.  Turns out that you just show up on people's door-step, look cute and they give you candy!!!  I am pretty good at cute so I think I may like this.  Check out all the candy just from tonight.  Next year I need a bigger bag. . .

Yea Cousins!!!

Tonight you got to meet another of the baby cousins - Kaden. He was born to Nicki and Chad 2 weeks after you. He has two brothers Cameron and Mason, but it was too late to get a picture with them too.

It is very special to grow up in a large family, and so nice to have family we enjoy near by.  You are a lucky little girl.

Bradley - Bradley who???

Bradley class babies and mothers

Your mom and I did a lot to prepare for your arrival but probably the most directive was taking Bradley classes.  Bradley is a method of childbirth that focuses on breathing concentration, and simply understanding what your body is going through.  It educated us on the stages, the process but most of all it prepared to make decision we were faced with during the delivery.

Today was the reunion of our class.  We got to hear the stories of everyone's birth - all amazing and fun to catch up after so much time.  It is funny to think that you were hearing those voices every Tuesday for 10 weeks - in a sense you already meet everyone there - you just got to put faces to the voices. . .

The woman in the middle is named Cathy.  She was our coach and our teacher.  A very special person who ad a lot to do with the success of your birth.  She talked to us about nutrition, about pain management, about the stages of labor, and about what to expect and about how to plan for your arrival.

Nothing could fully prepare us for that day, but without her, we would have been lost.

Hello Cleveland!

Daddy had an overnight business trip to Cleveland yesterday.  He asked Mom if he could pack me away in his suitcase.  She said no.

So he asked if we'd like to join him which meant we could all get to see a bit of Cleveland together.  How cool!  I got to stay at my first hotel.  Maybe I should start thinking about opening a Hilton Account.  Can you imagine how many points I can rack up by 10?!  Hawaii here I come!

Another Milestone

The other thing I am learning how to do is grasp and hold. My hands are approaching my mid-line which means I am becoming more and more aware of them.  Today a soft fuzzy blanket. . . Tomorrow a firm grip on a ski-pole ;-)

Fall in Michigan

Road Trip

Here's a picture of Dad & me on my first road trip.  My parents tell me they like to travel so they are really excited. They're hoping I get the travel bug too!

We're headed to northern Michigan to spend time with my soul sister, cousin Maddy (oh yeah and of course Uncle JD and Aunt Kim will be there too!).

Did you notice the McDonalds sign in the background?  A road trip wouldn't be a road trip without a stop at Micky D's.  I'm lovin' it.

More cousins

So you remember how we told you you have lots of family?  Well today you got to meet a few more.  We went to baby Riley's baptisim.  Riley was born just two weeks before you, to Bobby and Julie. 

There was lots of people from Gradma Weitzel's side of the family - Bobby is her nephew.  You even got to meet Grandma Ws mom - Great Granda Tocco. 

This picutre represents 4 generations of your family!!!  It is pretty special to grow up being loved on by so many.

p.s. Did you notice your dress??  It deserves special mention because it was handmade by Aunt Jessica.  Not only do you have lots of cousins but they are all so tallented.

 

My first dance video

It was such a beautiful day so mom and dad wanted to go out to dinner.  I had a good dinner myself just before and a car ride - I didn't stand a chance - out like a lightbulb.  What none of us expected though was such loud music - thank goodness I am such a sound sleeper.

My how time flys. . .

I'm one month old today - well at least 4 weeks!!! And lots has happened even though it is only Tuesday.

Yesterday morning was my 1 month appointment withe the Pediatrician.  She said I was growing and resting well.  The most important statistic to come out of the visit was my height and weight.  I am up to 10lbs 10oz - that is a 2.5lb gain since birth and almost 3.5lbs from my low point.  Does that mean I am on track?  According to standard growth charts - I am doing great.  In fact, I am in the upper quartile for both height and weight - and in great proportions. 

In the afternoon I had a visit from Aunt Derith.  She brought some beautiful clothes for me and some great treats for mom and dad.  It has been amazing to start meeting all my extended family.  Mom and dad tell me I have tons of cousins and second cousins.  In fact, I will have 8 born within one year of me - 4 are within one month.  Now that is what I call family!!

Am I lucky or what. . .

Uncle Cortny and aunt Amber were in town yesterday for a wedding so we went to grandma and grandpa's house to see them. Grandma whipped up some dinner while Maddi and I took naps.

It was a short visit , so no time for pictures, but we stayed a little longer so gma and gpa could love on me. . .

Ohhhhhh

 

So the thing about me is this. . . . I sleep pretty good but when I wake up, I want to eat. I'll start with subtle things like "rooting" or making the "O" face. But if nobody catches on. . . . It is time for the air raid siren.
Dad tries to distract me with a walk around the house or the brightness of the sky-light.  That isn't going to work on me -  I only have one thing on my mind. . .num-num-num.

 




. . . but afterward - I feel lots better.  I am a simple girl with simple needs. . . for now. :-)

What up Cuz

had a great dinner with the cuz.  Milk was on the menu with a side of milk.  We laughed about the old days and and talked about the war and the battle of "le canal".  It was a great time hope to do it again soon.

Just so you know

Here's a quick clip of a Ellie favorite activity...looking out the window above her changing table.  She'll stay a good 10-20 minutes just looking out her window.  She's started to add some vocals to her window time.  Maybe she's making friends with all the squirrels that are busy fattening up for the winter.

Ohh...sparkles

 

Every day there's something new that I do or see.  Yesterday I turned 3 weeks and to mark this milestone I decided to try the swing again.  It was much more interesting now than when I first tried it.  Plus I noticed things above that I swear weren't there before.

I also decided to smile on my own but was feeling camera shy so Mom & Dad will need to post a picture on a day I feel more photogenic!

These are a few of my favorite things

I think one of your favorite places in the house is your changing table. I don't know if it is being higher and closer to faces, if it is the light coming in the window or simply what you can see from this vantage point.

You are always at your calmest "talking", cooing or just moving around.

My hope is that this is because you can see the trees and outside. That it is a sign you will enjoy being outdoors and in the woods as much as mom and dad do ~ but only time will tell.

Baby Bjorn test drive

So. . . mom needs to work done but you want attention - solution = Baby Bjorn.  Today we took it for a test drive in the house and I must say, you were not quite sure what to make of it.  Dad shares you opinion of them but I have to admit, the hands free option does seem nice for those days that you just can't stand to be put down.

Not to be out-done.

Not to be outdone . . . Papa Weitzel wanted to love on you.  There was no way we were going to be near their house without stopping by.

Clinton Township Art Fair

Today you were introduced to Michigan fall weather.  We came to Clinton Township to cheer on Grandma Weitzel and her latest commercial venture.  She makes beautiful beaded jewelry.

You were a welcome distraction for aunt Rose. Gma made her be the transaction person stating that "she has a more honest face than me. . .".

What are you looking at?

After Ellie's first bath in the hospital, one of her nurse's commented that she had "muppet hair".  Her little fly aways make us smile after every bath now.

Madelyn Grace

Mom and Kim have long hypothesized the you and Madelyn were conspiring during pregnancy.  I think going into labor on the same weekend cinched it.

You got to visit shortly in the hospital but about a week after you were home, we took you over to enjoy dinner.

Features are not too distinguishable yet but we are curious to see if you are mistaken for sisters as you get older.

Braced for impact

Today mom and I went for our first long walk - over 2 miles. We did a a little off-roading, but you seemed to adapt ;-)

Thanks Aunt Sue

Today was bath day!!!  Thanks for my cool towel Aunt Sue.

Labor day takes on a whole new meaning

You were born on September 7th at 9:03am - You were almost on time (a Weitzel trait) but a little bit late (a Robison trait).

Most of all, you did not make it easy on yourself. I would say this is a definitive family trait - but not unique to either of us.

Here is how it went. . .

Sunday 9-5
Aunt Kim in labor through most of the day - Madelyn born at 11:34pm

Monday 9-6 
2:00am Text from Uncle JD reads "Baby Robison is HERE!!!  Kim and baby are doing great.  Doors open at 2:45 to come meet the new little one."  I reply "won't be able to make it, Ann Marie is in labor"

We spend most of the day resting and walking to try to move labor along.  We waited at home as long as possible, going for walks around the neighborhood to "speed the process".

7:30pm We arrive at Henry Ford West Bloomfield and go through Triage ->  Mom measured 6-7cm dilated. . . we had done just as our birth coach instructed us - "go us".  Text to Uncle JD " We are through Triage, AM is 6-7cm dilated - we will be in room 3".  JD responds "holy S@#* we are in room 5"

Tuesday 9-7
12:30am Fully dialated - no urge to push, let's break the water. . . whoosh. . .

3:00am Still nothing - turns out mom is actually only 4cm dilated. . . the Drs and Nurses were feeling a scar from a previous surgery - not the edge of her cervix.  But no time to tell mom, we give her something to "help her rest" - the hard work still lies ahead.  

5:45am Drop in fetal heart rate- more importantly, slow to recover - it is now or never!!!

6:00am Now mom feels urge to push.  We try a series of positions to try to help moms comfort.  Facing the back of the bed was NOT a good one. . . actually inspiring her to try to get off the bed to go home. . . stating firmly "I think I want to be done now".

9:03am You were born - less than 36 hours after and two rooms away from your cousin Madelyn!!  Uncle JD called your APGAR from his room - you got lungs girl!!