Elsie Marie Sheffield

We finally decided that Elsie's full name is:

Elsie Marie Sheffield

And.... We made it home from the hospital today!   As much as I LOVED the hospital, it is good to be home.  I love seeing how Brinley interacts with Elsie in her own environment.  Both girls have been champs.  Everything is just so much more peaceful at home. 

One thing that has been hard for me is not having any family here. I want them to meet her. I can't wait until some of our family members can make it here to Mississippi.  We have had some great friends help us with the transition and with watching Brinley though.  I am so thankful for them. Sorry for any picture overload, I just want everyone to get to see every side of her like we do since they can't see her in person!

Here are some pictures we snapped the day before Elsie was born.  Classic prego pictures.  I guess it's about time I gave up and let people see some pictures of me pregnant.

And of course, here's Elsie!

We had to compare and see how big Brin has gotten by putting her in Elsie's bassinett

I love baby feet

The three girls chillin in the hospital

Elsie has already changed so much in 2 days.  It's crazy how fast it all goes by.  All I want to do is soak it all in and relishes these moments with my little family.

Baby Elsie

Christa did it - baby Elsie is here!  We are so excited.  Mother and daughter are both healthy.

6 lbs 9 oz

19 inches

1:32 Central Time

It was a good experience.  Christa was induced early this morning here in the Greenville Regional Hospital.  She decided to use an epidural and received it in the late a.m.  Unfortunately for Christa, after the initial injection the epidural didn't work.  At all.  It did not offer her any pain relief.  The doctor had given the epidural and left the hospital so he couldn't re-administer the epidural.  Christa was in a lot of pain and the contractions sped up.  She was soon fully dilated and started pushing with the help of the nurses.  After she pushed for a little while the nurses called the Doctor to get him to come back.  Christa and Elsie weren't feeling very patient.  They waited for a little while for the doctor but eventually Elsie was born with the help with our nurse Autumn.  Who needs a doctor anyway?  Who needs an epidural?  Christa vows to never have a baby without (functional) pain medication again.  

My favorite quote of the day came from Christa.  She was well into the pushing process and was in a lot of pain.  As she was taking a rest between contractions/pushing she looked up at me and the nurse and said, "Can I eat after this because I AM HUNGRY!"  

We are so happy to have Elsie in the world with us.  Brinley has joined us at the hospital and we are happy to all be together.  Thank you for your love and prayers.

Brent, Christa, Brinley, & Elsie

Sunday wake up

For some reason Brinley sleeps in late on Sunday mornings so we always have to wake her up for church. As much as I hate waking her up I love seeing her asleep and peaceful. Holding her as she wiggles and rubs her eyes and nuzzles her head into my neck is one feeling I hope I never forget.

Summer Vacation Part 4: Colorado

Our trip to Colorado was a blast, but way too short. We were lucky to celebrate the Fourth while we were there.  We spent the day swimming, eating popsicles,  playing corn hole, lighting sparklers, and watching fireworks with Brent's parents and his sister and her cute family. My ideal way to spend the fourth.

  

Brinley had her first pony ride while we were waiting for fireworks to start. Well, sort of.  It was a little scary for her so it only lasted a second.  As much as she loves animals, she does NOT enjoy riding them.  I love how unpredictable kids can be.

We were sad to finally go home because we don't know the next time we'll be able to be back to Colorado. We really hope it will be sooner rather than later!

Summer Vacation Part 3: Newport Beach California

Hey look at that, I am actually writing the post that I said I would!  Following through. I am working on it. 

The third leg of our summer trip consisted of us driving back to California (I know, more driving).  Brent's grandpa who recently passed away had a beach house there that we were able to stay at.  The beach was AMAZING.  It was one of the most relaxing weeks we have had in a while.  

Brinley loved loved loved the beach. Playing in the sand could keep her entertained for hours.  She even liked eating crackers covered in sand.  Not my snack of choice, but she didn't seem to mind.  When it comes to water, this girl has no fear.  She would just run straight toward the waves, not even knowing what was about to hit her.  

We spent the week with Brent's sister and her husband, Kristen and Jake.  We had a blast with them.  They were even kind enough to watch Brinley one night so we could go out for our anniversary.  Brent, the romantic that he is (haha), proposed while we were in Newport beach three years ago.  It was fun to have a night to ourselves.  

Frozen bananas and a round...or two, or three...of canasta filled each evening, despite my horrible losing streak. Thanks for putting up with us and our crazy kid for a whole week Kristen and Jake!

This 100+ degree weather is making me wish I was there right now...

Growing up

I decided to try to put Brinley's hair in a ponytail today and I think she is the cutest little thing.

Summer Vacation Part 2: Utah

After our trip to California we drove to Utah to visit for a few days.  We had a blast going to the zoo with cousins.  Brinley's favorite thing right now is animals.  It doesn't matter what it is, she is fascinated by anything that moves and semi resembles a dog (or cat, or bug, or bird or whatever).  Her favorite things from the zoo were the monkeys.  I now hear monkeys at all times of day, coming from Brinley of course.

I was able to take some pictures of Brinley for Fathers Day while in Utah.  I put these three in a frame, but for some reason the formatting is a little weird in a collage, and I gave up. You can get the idea though.

Brent is the best father and husband anyone could ask for. We sure lucked out. We love you Brent!

After spending a few days in Utah we actually went back to California to spend a week at the beach.  Pictures from that to come shortly (in my time that generally means anywhere between 1 day and never).  We then went back to Utah.  Are you confused/bored/sick of driving yet?  Yes, we did a lot of driving back and forth, but it was well worth it.  On our second round to Utah I spent a lot of time with my two awesome sisters making baby blankets and other things.  This is one of the things I miss the most about living in Utah.  I wish I could just hang out with them all the time.  They are great.  Here are the things that I made while there:

A cuddly receiving blanket

A cover for our changing pad.  The top part is super soft fabric.  Brinley loves it.

A new nursing cover.  My old one shrunk when I washed it so it wasn't long enough.  Hopefully this one will work better! Plus I think it's kind of cute.

I sure miss spending time with our families and can't wait for everyone to come out to Mississippi and visit - hint, hint.