"2 weeks old"...

Our sweet Ellison is 2 1/2 weeks old. It seems like she has been here forever, so it really is difficult to believe that it has only been 2 weeks. She has already brought so much joy to our family. So far, she is a laid back, docile little girl who is only fretful when she is tired or hungry, or has the hiccups!  Other than that, she is quite content. She is a champion eater and already weighs 10lbs 3oz!  She is a snuggler and cuddler, and LOVES being up on my shoulder with her head nuzzled under my neck. She also loves her big brother as much as he loves her. She has become so much more alert, and tonight she was following Elijah Brooks all around the room with her eyes. Her daytime naps are kind of all over the place right now, and she is still really sleepy during the day. Her nights are beginning to regulate some though, and she will usually go anywhere between 3 and 4 hour stretches between feedings (usually 3 1/2), but has pulled several 4 hour stretches recently. She always goes back to sleep immediately and that has been so nice. 

Elijah Brooks has far exceeded our expectations in how he would react to his little sister and having to share his Mommy and Daddy - but Mommy in particular. I honestly don't even have the words to describe how amazing he has done. He has not shown one second of jealousy towards her. God must have been preparing his heart to welcome Ellison into his life, because he has welcomed her with outstretched arms - literally!  I have fallen in love with him all over again just watching him interact with her. He is such a nurturer with a tender heart, and has such a genuine affection for her. I always find him sitting right beside her, talking to her, rubbing her head with his head, kissing her head, and comforting her if she is upset. He never leaves the house without telling her goodbye and never comes home without running up to her and saying how much he missed her while he was gone. I already think these two are going to have a special relationship and be the best of friends. 

Last night, I was nursing her before bed and had Elijah Brooks on the other side of me in the rocking chair. The tears just began to fall down my cheeks as I looked at her so peacefully nursing against my chest, and then I looked at him snuggled next to me rubbing her back, loving her so tenderly. I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving and humble gratitude to the Lord, who has blessed me far beyond what I deserve in giving me the privilege of being the mother of these two most precious children.