Home again, home again, jiggety jog

I didn't quite realize how draining the hospital environment was until we brought Ellie home after five days. Granted, the nursing staff had been incredible, and the hospital rooms were clean, but... I think that until that point, the whole "birthing experience" had been contained somewhere apart from our home and our lives. When Ellie came into our house, the two worlds clashed together and it all seemed more real.

There was no shortage of love to go around with Miss Ellie floating from one pair of arms to another. Mom and Dad were already here when Ellie was released and Heather and Bob followed soon after. I've never been a big fan of baby pictures and have only slightly enjoyed holding babies, but there's something magical when it's your own child. I kept thinking about all the people whose kids have grown up and who tell me, "cherish these moments because they're gone before you know it." And I do cherish them.

I'm not sure if it's because she was a preemie or if it's typical of infants, but Ellie only opens her eyes for a few minutes each day. Those are incredible moments :)

Maybe it's all the yoga JooYeon did when she was pregnant, but Ellie just loves to cross her legs and tuck them under her. It makes her look tiny in the bassinet.

Drew and Laura's daughter was born 8 days earlier than Ellie, so we're hoping that they'll have lots of play time together as they grow up!