Ella meeting more family

Over the past few weeks Ella has had lots of visitors. Everyone has been so thoughtful and kind. We have had many dinners, phone calls, texts, emails congratulating us on our new little girl. Words can not fully explain how much the kindness has meant to us. We are surrounded by so many wonderful people. Ella is sure loved already. Here are some pictures of my family holding Ella. Somehow I missed getting a picture of Ron, Aliah and Alexi holding Ella. The next time we are together I will have to remember to take a picture. Blaze hasn't seen her yet but I'm sure one day he will.

 Aunt Andrea came to visit a few days after we were home from the hospital. Andrea is such a good little mom herself and a baby looks so natural in her arms. 

This little girl has been waiting for Ella to be born F-o-r-e-v-e-r! Everytime I saw her she would ask me "how much longer until your baby is born?" This was the first time that they met and it was love at first sight. Lucy brought Ella a present and wanted to get started playing with her. She may have been a little disappointed that Ella only eats, then is awake for a short bit and then goes back to sleep. Lucy wants to do everything the same as Ella. Its pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Uncle Troy was sick when Ella was born so it was a few weeks after that he finally got to meet her.

I think Kash got the first smile from Ella. Kash is always interested in Ella and the new things she is learning. 

 Ty was so excited to hold her as well and did a great job. Ella has the best cousins

Mason is always asking to hold Ella too. Ella looks so peaceful. Good job Mason 

Keston, Kash, Mason, Ty all surrounding and loving on baby Ella. Keston didn't hold Ella that day but there have been a few times when Ella has been playing on the Enstein Playmat and Keston comes over and lays beside her. So tender :) 

Grandpa Leavitt and his youngest Grand-daughter (for now) He is already singing to her and trying to get her to smile. Ella you have the best Grandpa. He will tease you and teach you new songs to sing.  Grandma will support you in everything  you do in life. You are so blessed to have such great examples as your Grandma and Grandpa Leavitt. They love you so much already and are always wanting to take you from my arms. 

Lesha has the "touch". Anytime she holds Ella she puts her right to sleep. It is so cute and she can babysit anytime she wants. It just warms my heart to see Lesha hold Ella. They love each other already.

Nixon…. sometimes he wants nothing to do with her and other times "Ella is my best friend" Nixon is such a cute little boy with the funniest personality. 

Auntie Lisa and Uncle Ron came down a few weeks later. Lisa and Ron are so cute with little babies and kids. They absolutely LOVE them. I know Ella will love her Aunt Lisa and Uncle Ron in return.

Grandma Leavitt - my Mother, my Friend

This pictures makes me tear up. My mom has done so much for me over the years. She is always there for me to talk to and she has felt the same pain I have felt when longing for a child. We have shared our sad moments together and today we shared one of the best days of my life. 

The best way to express my feeling for my mom is to share a letter I wrote her a few weeks after Ella was born. 

EllJane - Grandma

My dearest Mom, 

From the moment the nurse put Ella into my arms it gave me a glimpse at the love you have for your children. Its a kind of love that words can’t fully express. As I watch her smile, as I watch her cry, as I watch her sleep there is nothing in the world that I wouldn’t do for her. I now somewhat comprehend the love of a mother to daughter relationship. 

I have always been on the daughter side of the relationship but I am so eternally grateful to be on the other end at this moment. 

Mom, I will always cherish the birth of our sweet Ella Jane. I will always remember your sweet voice encouraging me along, I will always remember you holding my hand and helping me breath through the contractions. I can not imagine not having you there to welcome Ella into the world and I can’t thank you enough. 

I thought labour was the hard part of being a mom. I guess I was wrong and after many sleepless nights, getting sick a couple times, I was then AGAIN grateful for my mom and being there to give me strength. 

I seriously don’t know how I would’ve survived without you. Jason was a big help but there is no one that could take your place as my Mom. 

I love you more today and as I go through my life raising this little miracle. I will be constantly reminded of all the endless sacrfices you have made for me in my life. You are the most selfless person I know. You are kind, thoughtful, caring, talented in so many ways. I pray that Ella will look to her Grandma’s example. You are the true disciple of Jesus Christ Mom. You give EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE.

I love you my dear Mother and friend. 

Your baby girl, 

Carmen

Arrival of our Sweet Ella Jane

The night before I was to be induced I went for a long walk to try and get things started. I ate pineapple, spicy foods and bounced on a ball but none of that seemed to do the trick.  7am May 22 I will be checking into the hospital. I can't believe the time has finally come. I can't wait to meet our little sweetheart.

Its go time…. Dr. Kahn just broke my water. 

Daddy monitoring my contractions and baby's heart rate 

Daddy reading more of "Babywise" 

 This is in-between a contraction. Full labour people!!!! Ahhhhh

For some reason I don't have a picture of my Mom and I in the delivery room but she was there by my side, holding my hand, encouraging me to keep fighting through the pain. She was the photographer too once Ella arrived. She gave us our space with the first few moments with our girl. I seriously don't know what I would've done without her there. Jason was amazing and was there encouraging me with every contraction. All I remember him saying was "go, go go" :) He held my hand, rubbed my back to ease the pain. He was so excited to hold his daughter in his arms.

She's here and she's perfect! Introducing Ella Jane Gourlie

First picture with me and my girl. Oh how I love her already.

Nana Makarenko holding Ella for the first time. Jason's mom has been so supportive of us. She helps us with little projects around the house and has been so thoughtful to our family. Ella is going to love her Nana.

My dad and Auntie Mel came to see our sweet girl. My dad wasn't feeling the greatest so he came with a mask which was very thoughtful. He also bought a dozen peach roses for my girl. They were so beautiful.

Love this picture. First time meeting Auntie Mel and I think they love each other. 

Uncle Ryan also came to the hospital, bought Ella flowers and held his newest niece. 

To my dearest Ella Jane, 

My heart is so full today as I look into your eyes. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you. 

When the nurse put you on my chest after you were born I could barely contain myself and the tears flowed more than ever. 

The first night in the hospital I don’t think I slept more than 5 minutes . If I wasn’t holding you then I was hovered over your bed watching you sleep. I still can’t take my eyes off you. I am getting only a couple hours of sleep a night but every time I hear you cry I get excited to hold you and stare at your sweet face. 

Last night I sang primary songs to you and I couldn’t help but cry when singing “I am a Child of God”

Ella Jane you are my light and life. Even these few short days together I have such a love for you that is hard to explain. My heart is so full of joy that it hurts. Your Dad and I prayed for you many many nights. We went to the temple regularly and pleaded with our Heavenly Father for you. Now that you are here it makes us both want to be better people. You have given your mom a whole new meaning for life. Your Dad was my everything and now you are apart of OUR everything. 

Your Dad is so darling with you. He loves to hold you and do tummy time with you. He loves to rocks you to sleep and sings “Love is spoken here” to you. I'm sure you will be daddy’s little girl and watch many sports games with him. Your Dad loves to talk to you and get your attention. He calls you munchkin all the time and its so cute. He is always giving you little kisses and hugs. 

As your Dad and I talk about each milestone in your life we get excited to be apart of this journey together. 

You have brought us so much joy already and we can’t wait for everything your life holds in store for you. 

There will be hard times my little Ella Jane. You will go through trails and I hope you will lean unto us as your parents and more importantly that you will turn to your Saviour Jesus Christ. Over the years he has been there for me and he will bring the greatest source of strength in your life. 

There will also be many happy times in your life. Your first t-ball game, dance recital, primary, YW’s, first date, college, temple, mission, marriage and a family of our own. 

I pray that you will be a confident young woman and that you will stand up for your values in a way that others will follow and want to be more like you. 

Your Dad and I always talk about if you will play sports or if you will have a love of music or dance. What ever you decide put your whole heart into it and follow your dreams my little angel. You will excel at many things but you will also fall short too and that is how you will learn and grow. In everything you do in life I hope that you will be KIND. Kindness is a Christlike attribute and I hope when others meet you that they may see our  Saviors countenance through you. 

Ella Jane - now that you’ve been home for a few days there are really no words to express how much I  LOVE YOU! 

We came home from the hospital , shut off our phones, pulled the curtains and just spent time with our little family. We love you sweet girl of ours. We will try our very best to teach you not only by words but by our example. You have brought new meaning into our home and we will thank our Heavenly Father for you as our miracle everyday of our lives.. 

Jason's 36th Birthday

We celebrated Jason's birthday a week early just in case our baby decided to come early. It was also the same weekend as Mothers Day so we thought it would be nice to have Jason's mom here to celebrate both events.

Jason's mom made him this apron and hat. Pizza print of course 

My Mom and Dad bought him this RV mat for our new trailer

Well baby Gourlie had not made her appearance yet so Jason got to celebrate his birthday twice. On Ella's due date of May 15th we went camping. No baby in sight. I was kind of uncomfortable but it was a fun weekend. On Saturday was Jason's actual birthday. I made him breakfast when we got back from camping and then opened presents and spent the day together.