From the movie Zoolander...

Ellis has been practicing her "blue steel" face!

I think she's ready for Hollywood!!

Stttrrreeettccchhh!!

I think its just about the cutest thing ever to watch my baby girl stretch... thought you might need your own dose of cute for the day!!

My 1 Month Old!

People always told me time goes by faster the older you get... they must have been talking about when you have kids. Seriously, the days go by at hyper-warp speed! I can't believe Ellis is already a month old! I feel really sappy and old saying all of this, but I really don't care... she's my baby and she's growing up way too fast!

We had our 1 month well baby. She weighs 8 lbs, 1 oz and is a *long* 21.5 inches. She sure is a long skinny baby coming from two very average sized parents! She had to have her first shot and was extremely upset for about 15 seconds before she fell back asleep. It was probably more traumatic for her parents! She is still nursing great, just a few episodes of spitting up and gas. She sleeps great during the day, not so great at night which is hard on mom but I know it will get better and oddly enough I still enjoy our alone time even if it comes at 3am! I really try to enjoy every moment of her because she is growing up too fast and I know I'll miss even the sleepless nights one day! She loves her daddy so much and he is even more in love with her! Its so cute to see them together! I feel really lucky to have such a wonderful husband, he truly wants to be with her all the time. This is getting long so I'll wrap up with a few pictures of our little 1 month old!!

Napping in her swing.

I think its so cute that her arms fully extended reach just above her head.

This started with tummy time... ended with me taking pictures. Odd.

Every month on her *birth day* I plan on taking her picture with this same set up to show how big she is getting!

We'd like you to meet...

Ellis Averi Mankin

Born April 12th, 2010 at 1:05pm

6 pounds, 11 ounces and 21 inches long

Her entry into the world we pretty good for Mom and we've enjoyed the last (almost) two weeks just getting to know her and our new family of three. I know we are partial but we think she is absolutely the prettiest, sweetest baby girl we've ever known! She has a full head of dark hair, with a natural mohawk - I'm sure she'll love that when she's older! So far she's been a great sleeper, eater and dirty diaper maker (although really what else does she have to perfect in her simple little life) : )

The following is some of our favorite pictures!

This is just a small sampling of all the pictures we've taken so far!

Ellis's Room & The Countdown

Ellis's official bedroom will be upstairs, but until we feel comfortable with that she'll be rooming with us. We have a huge master bedroom (odd for a 30 year old house) with the perfect little nook to fit her crib. With her about to make her big entrance we finally got our little rears in gear and finished up her area. Thought I would share a few pictures.

Her nook, featuring bedding my mom made.

Ellis's pony from Daddy!

Artwork from cousin Jennifer!

Artwork from Aunt Jill

(showing Little Ellis with her two favorite puppies)

I went to the doctor on Friday (April 2nd). We didn't get any new pictures. But, we got good news on the delivery front. I've progressed a little further and effaced about 50%. If I don't go into labor on my own, he'll induce me on the 12th. So at the very latest we only have about 8 days! It's very exciting and mostly surreal! Hard to believe I'll be seeing my baby girl so soon!

I went to the doctor yesterday. He told me not to worry about going into labor anytime soon. That's exactly what every 37 week pregnant woman wants to hear. They actually made my appointments for the next 2 weeks (which they've never done)...I guess that's just how sure they are that I'm not going to pop this kid out anytime soon. It's not like I really expected much else, but everything is ready for her - like the clothes washed, bags packed, everything bought and set up kinda ready...So now I wait!

She got a new ultrasound picture, but its not that great. It kinda looks like she's eating my insides, so I'm not going to post it... I don't want to scare anyone.

Not much else going on. I'm going to walk (more like waddle) every chance I get, so if anyone wants to volunteer to go on a waddle with me I will welcome you with open arms! Just a warning... I waddle very slow!

Nesting & Pictures

I've been nesting like a mad woman... which I guess is to be expected at 36 weeks pregnant. I still feel like I have a ton to do before she arrives. To date I've washed everything in the house, including all her clothes for the next year (just in case I forget how to do laundry once she's home), we've set up all her furniture, bassinet, travel system, changing area, my Mom made her crib bedding (which is totally adorable and I'll post pictures later), I've somewhat packed my bag for the hospital, I've shopped until we are poor (and not just for her, we are totally stocked up on tp, paper towels, soap and other everyday necessities - again just in case all stores go out of business after she arrives). And I'm sure there's more, but I can't think. Does anyone else feel like they get an adult case of ADHD when pregnant? If I could just focus on a single task at a time, I'd be a whole lot more productive!

Ok...well my phone rang and now I have no idea where I was going with this post (again with the ADHD), so I'll just move on to some pictures!

First, Baby Ellis at 34 weeks 6 days - asleep with her hand over her face - classic Ellis pose!

Second, me at 36 weeks - getting bigger by the day!

My last doctor's appointment was just over a week ago. She weighed in at 5.4 lbs and everything looks good. She is back in a head down position. And she has hair - 1cm to be exact! My next appointment is on Friday and I'll post more then. I'll be considered full term!! Weird!