Ellie Rae is Here!

Woot! 

I told Michael I was going to get a bit of sleep as I was sure Ellie would be born either Saturday night or on Sunday. I even texted JaRissa and Jamin so they wouldn't wait for us at church this morning. We decided we did not want to be out of town. Sure enough...30 minutes after I laid down, Cory called. 

"Can you come over?" 

"On my way!" 

Arielle has had long and complicated labors in the past. I sped over to their house...and settled in for an 8 - 12 hour wait. I knew the plan was to come home 4 hours after birth, but I expected birth would take a substantial amount of time. 

The boys were in bed and didn't know Cory and Arielle were gone.  They arrived at the birthing center at 12:30 a.m. I'm going to quote Arielle's Facebook, "Ellie Rae came screaming into the world at 2:15 a.m. 3/24/24 in a whirlwind of 6 lb fury on the birth center bathroom floor. She's beautiful and strong and wonderful and we're all so in love. Danny has declared her his but is willing to share, Benny thinks it's the best day ever, and Charles is suitably impressed. Daddy may already be wrapped around her tiny finger. (As is fitting, Bachan says). "

Elleira Raelynn...Arielle spelled backwards, and Rae is my middle name. Lynn is Cory's mom's middle name.  Cory created the name years ago, when he and Arielle were dating, and they finally have a little girl to wear it. It is pronounced Ell Eye Ruh...or it seems sanctioned we can call her Ellie Rae. 💖

Danny has been praying for the baby to have hair like his. The midwife confirmed - she does. Don't you love that? 

It was SURREAL when Cory opened the door and then went out to help Arielle and Ellie into the house at 5:30 a.m. WOW...that's quick... 5 hours and back home with daughter in arms! I got to hug and hold her...

Cory went in and brought Benny out. I'm not sure if he was stirring or if Cory prodded him. Imagine - they didn't even KNOW mom and dad had left and here was Bachan with a baby. They'd been waiting for me to come and knew when I came Cory and Arielle would be going to the hospital...but I was sitting on the couch with a BABY. 

Benny got settled on the couch and while he snuggled with Ellie, I went to see if Danny was waking up. 

I said, "Bachan is here!" and he POPPED up. He took my hand and we walked into the living room. Danny was so stinking cute! He noted her hair, her "little ear," and her "little fingers." Ah - love at first sight. 

At this point my car was warmed up and I had no reason to stay. They said Charles was suitably impressed when he woke up as well. 

I came home and began baking....I baked the bread, but also banana muffins, almond poppy seed muffins and baked omelets...ready for the freezer and quick breakfasts or nursing snacks. 

For the first time in a LONG time, I was able to move the grandparent's countdown from "number of weeks" to...

CoRielle aren't accepting visitors just yet...shoot Ellie isn't even 24 hours old yet...but they said Michael and I could visit. Michael went back with the food and such while I stayed with GG. 

Becoming a grandparent never gets old. Elleira is our 14th grand! What a blessing they are - each and every one! They truly are the focus of our "ministry" these days. 

Grace Notes: 

1. Ellie Rae's safe arrival! 

2. Being IN TOWN when these babies are born! What an unexpected blessing we are living. 

3. Allie and Stacia are safely home too. 

Girls Road Trip

 Allie and Stacia left us all alone from Friday - this evening.😏 KrUke had a snow machine trip planned in the Seward area.  One of Luke's friends went with them. Krista had homework to do and wanted to explore Seward. She invited the girls and I to go with her. I opted to stay home as I am on baby watch.  I wasn't taking any chance of being in Eagle River or Seward when I may be needed here. 

This means STACIA drove the girls to base - Anchorage. As she said it's an adulting milestone - driving outside of the Valley.  Here's a photo from their drive BACK tonight - a Be Real...

 

I am thankful all three sent photos back throughout the weekend. I am not sure who sent what. They had a plan to spend time getting all their homework done, AND explore Seward and enjoy each other's company.  The first batch of photos showed them painting. 

Stacia's hand

Allie

Krista

Yes, they DID get their homework done as well. Krista sent a paper for Michael to edit while they were still down there so we knew they were working the plan. Krista is working on her Dmin in Pastoral Counseling, the girls are working on their Bachelor's. 

Stacia, Allie & Krista 

Most of the shops were open this time. These girls liked the trip to the Fabric store. 

I spotted this old church converted to a coffee shop/ art gallery in January but it wasn't open. The girls were able to get inside it and it was as great as I imagined. I am going back to Seward when all the stores and restaurants are open.😁

Before they could blink, they were on their way home...refreshed, I hope. Homework is done, memories were made...sounds like a great plan to me. 

Krista, Stacia (back) and Allie

I'm pretty sure Kyle and Luke had fun machinging as well. 

Lazy Saturday - Five Months

Thursday and Friday were emotional days for both Michael and me. Wonderful memories kept surfacing which are totally welcome and yet often bring tears as well as smiles. We are getting used to this.  Today marks five months since Josiah's death. This song has been playing in my head the past couple of days...I Miss Everything About You... Yep...the feels must be that another anniversary was upon us and our souls KNOW even when we don't consciously plan to remember. 

The girls are off on an adventure which I will blog about when they get back. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ellie...and so I chose to wave goodbye, rather than join them on the adventure. 

GG went to bed at his normal time. Michael and I had hours of quiet to talk - which is good as we were both dealing with all the feels at the same time. The Northern Lights were out last night...and I had a "moment" when I remembered how often Josiah would text or call and say, "Y'all may want to watch for lights they are out in Eagle River."  I saw an eagle and it reminded me of how excited young Josiah was to see his first eagle. Josiah loved Alaska. 

This morning, I punched down dough which had been rising overnight and formed a pan of rolls. I fed the starter and started the process to have a round of bread to bake tomorrow morning.  This all takes about 15 min tops - 5 min on a day without rolls - and I get to start the day feeling like I accomplished at least one thing in the day! LOL 

GG rang the bell, and we went through the morning routine...and then I told Michael I was heading out. This photo tells the story. I needed to mail a package to Michael's sister, return a library book and deliver eggs to a friend/customer at Three Bears. AND I made a protein shake to take on the road as I hadn't had time for breakfast and knew I'd be hungry before I got home. 

I left the library with a full basket and a full heart. Jennifer, my favorite librarian, was working.  She gave me a hug and shared some kind words about losing Josiah. She didn't know how lonely I felt today, how much I was missing Josiah visiting on a Saturday with Liv, her hug was perfectly timed.  I continue to explore new genres of reading. 

Yes - I DO need notes. I've had this package in my van all week! LOL 

Back at home I baked rolls and stretched sourdough...sent Michael to take a nap...and began reading a book. I double (triple) wrapped these, dated them and threw them in the freezer for a night when I may need rolls and don't have time to make them. Planning ahead for sourdough can be a challenge for me. LOL 

So...other than that...we had dinner. Michael is editing a paper for Krista. GG is working on a puzzle and I'm about to go READ. 

Carrie sent a couple of photos of the girls from the land of SUN....I mean we are getting lots of bright sun this week but it's still a bit chilly to be outside in summer clothes. 

These girls love the sun! 

Look at that smile! 

OH - and THIS - the little slip mat under the Bosch works "fairly well." It does great on the first speed and works on the second. It began moving all over on the third speed...but it was much better. I'll keep looking for a better mat. 

GRACE NOTES: 
1. Late night conversations with Michael...someone to travel this journey with who feels the same joys and pains. 

2. So thankful for a loving God who journeys with us and gives the gracious gift of lament for times like these. 

3. It has been nice to have a quiet day. 

4. That hug at the library was perfect! And ministered greatly. The ministry of presence. 

Note: The photos of the girls are from Carrie! 

Noah's First Haircut

We knew it was going to happen. 

Baby Noah was born with a fantastic, darling, amazing, FULL head of hair! I've never seen anything like it. Check it out. 

Jared and Larissa have been talking about the eventuality of Noah's first haircut. His long curls were darling...but the day came when Larissa scheduled Noah's first appointment with a salon. 

Noah seems to sense what is coming! 

Noah @ 14 months

Larissa went into the salon with a baby and came out with a fantastic, handsome TODDLER. I imagine this will be easier to keep up - maybe... Doesn't that look like a fun salon? 

He still has the same incredible personality and engaging smile! 

Note - all these photos are from Larissa! 

Such a Fun Spring Day!

This was an incredibly busy spring Thursday. I managed to get 2 miles in on the treadmill before Dad woke up. This was a bonus!  I got dad through the morning routine and headed to the college to pick up Stacia. We enjoyed our study on atonement/forgiveness. We parted ways after lunch and she headed to physical therapy while I went to play with Bella, Gideon and Jojo. Annie and Trudy had well baby checks today. 

We had an impromptu tea party...and then played astronauts and Throw the Burrito. Before we knew it Bre was walking in the door with the girls. 

Cory and Arielle came over with the boys about the time I got home. This is an exciting day of the year! Spring is here...they began clearing paths through the snow so we can get around our yard and enjoy it a bit. The temps are in the mid 40's and the kids would like to be able to run and play in the yard, I'd like to get to the greenhouse...as you can see the snow is still deep. Paths will help. We couldn't help but think back to Josiah and Michael making paths last April. 

Cory and Michael came up with a system involving the snow blower, shovel and pick axe. Yes, there is snow, an inch or two of ice and then lots of snow on top of the ice. 

Arielle managed to talk Dad into going out on the deck for a bit. He didn't stay out long. He never does. 

Ellie is taking her sweet time...she will arrive before the end of this month! Any time now. Both Benny and Danny were born earlier in the pregnancy than this. LOL 

Charles (above) and Danny (below) found the amount of snow quite challenging. They used up quite a bit of energy outside today.  The temps were great and the sun was AHHHmazing!  BTW, we had 12 hours of sunlight today and will be gaining more light every day now until June 21st. 

Benny managed to pull the sled with Danny on it across the yard to the playhouse. I was impressed. He called for me to come get on the hammocks, but I told him I was waiting for a path. 

While we were visiting, Stacia got home and then Jenni popped in! I extended an invite to Corielle, but they had pizza dough in their fridge at home. I'm learning my oven is simply wonky with meatloaf...so our dinner was later than I'd hoped...none of us really minded the time to visit. We cleaned up dinner, skipped the game this week as we were running late and went right to the living room for Season 2, Episode 1 of All Creatures Great and Small. 

Jenni's project

Allie & Stacia with projects

Other news of import is these three are off on a jet plane! Josi's first trip to Florida...

📷by Carrie

I DO have photos of my bread...but today there is no need to post any of them. LOL 

GRACE NOTES:

1. Hugs when weeping interferes with everyday life. 

2. Glorious sun! 

3. Lots of family time today...