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..