Luck of the Irish

We have been so fortunate to have so many friends and family come visit us and help us since Maddie has been born. Last week, Grandma and Grandpa made the trip down from Pennsylvania and we had a great visit with them. It was grew to have the extra hands to stay with Maddie while I took Ella to and from school or someone to help Ella when I was with Maddie. They were very excited to meet this little one for the first time.

Love the face of a sleeping baby (or a sleeping toddler for that matter!)
We were able to spend this little one's first St Patty's Day with her Irish grandparents! Thanks for the cute little outfit Grandma and Grandpa.
Before we went to the parade in downtown Charlotte, we went to watch Ella's swim lesson. I signed her up to take swim lessons with Daddy on Saturday mornings for a fun father/daughter activity and we all went to watch them.
She hasn't quite mastered her flip turns yet but she is sure having fun.
After the lesson, Daddy and Ella put on their green and we headed to watch the parade. We got there a little late and so we didn't have the best view but it's always a good view from up above.
In true Ella fashion, we finally found our friends who had a front row view and sat down to watch the parade. I think maybe one float went by when she turned to me and said, "I have to go potty" so luckily Daddy's office was close by and he took her up to go and she even got to hang out at Daddy's desk and see where he works everyday. Future banker in training.
This little cutie slept through the entire thing, I guess all the people and commotion just knocked her out. She is finally big enough for the Baby Bjorn and it is already a savior. She loves to be held so having my arms free is a huge help when it comes to dinnertime or just getting anything done.
A rare family of four photo. Of course you can't see Madeline's face but at this point, we will take what we can get.
Grandma spending time with her newest grandbaby.
While Grandma and Grandpa were visiting, they also took a picture of the four of us. This was right after nap time so we all look a little tired but are happy to have some pictures to remember this busy time.
Big sis with her Daddy
Miss Maddie continues to grow bigger and bigger each day and is generally such a good baby. She actually turned 1 month today and we had her well visit at the doctor. She now weighs 8lbs, 8oz (38% percentile) and measures 21 3/4 inches long (75%). Dr. Ankrah was very impressed that she grew 1lb 10oz in a month, especially after she lost so much weight after she was born and we had to keep going back to the dr for weight checks.
I can't say we have a formal routine yet but it is getting much better each day. We moved her into her crib around 2 weeks and we have already been spoiled by her. I feed her and usually put her down between 10-11 and she typically sleeps between 5-6 hours and will wake around 3 or 4am to eat and then will go back to sleep until about 7am. Only waking up once in the middle of the night to feed her has been amazing! She does have some fussy time in the evening, usually around bath and bedtime for Ella so it can sometimes be challenging but she is starting to embrace her swing so hopefully that will be a help in trying to juggle both girls.
This week was particularly hard as Ella became sick. What at first was just diagnosed as bad allergies, which have been awful this spring in Charlotte, then turned into something more. Tuesday night, Ella was up most of the night with a fever and saying her ears hurt so after another call to the doctor, we got some antibiotics which helped a lot. One morning I went in to wake her up and this is how I found her sleeping. Doesn't look comfortable to me but since I had a hard time waking her, I guess she was comfortable.
The only saving grace this week was that my Mom came up to visit and help us. When Ella was so sick, she only wanted me 100% of the time so it was great that my Mom could take care of Maddie so I could give Ella all the love and attention she needed. Ella was pretty cranky and didn't want to eat anything but somehow DeeDee always know how to cheer her up. After Ella woke up from her nap, DeeDee surprised her with frosting and cookies and suddenly she was in a better mood! Not sure if she got more in her mouth or her face!
DeeDee spending quality time with her newest grandbaby.
Ella wasn't really into taking pictures so this was the best we could get, not looking at the camera and half smile.
I think DeeDee has the magic touch with both granddaughters, cheering up Ella and getting a smile out of Maddie. Thanks DeeDee for coming up and saving the day again.
Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures but our friends Amy and Jason and their adorable daughter Abby came to visit us as well for a night. They were in Richmond for a wedding (that we had to miss unfortunately) but then drove down to see us before heading back to Texas. It was great to see them and Ella had a blast playing with Abby who just turned one. I think Ella liked being the big kid and being in charge.

Can't believe a month has already gone by, in some ways it feels like the blink of an eye and some ways (especially at 3am when I am fighting to keep my eyes open during a feeding) it feels like much longer. Next week will be the first full week we haven't had anyone coming to help so hopefully it will go smoothly or maybe I should just hope for not too much chaos. We are looking forward to a low key weekend with lots of sleep! Happy Spring everyone!