tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371796162023-11-16T05:07:31.025-08:00The Art NerdAll You Need Is Love . Love Is All You NeedPenny Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844170392308795841noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-33337238477354050442009-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:002009-01-09T14:02:09.000-08:00Ellis Family BlogHi everyone,<br />I just wanted to let you know that we (Scott, Leila and I) have <a href="http://sclellisfamily.wordpress.com">a new blog</a>. I figured it would be a nice way to keep people updated on Leila's growth and development. Can you believe she's almost two month already?Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-10764231401000861702008-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:002008-12-13T20:17:12.142-08:001 month ago<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5HeZWfUX-M6Yg0kG2odfGQijBTuSSg2TS3RrSpInK7WhQuW_AQ9jK_1Ax2OMKI-NxhOKXA9-N3E56FEEoWrfYuhPjQ5FD0AU45uAycEKVNF2J5DuET4TiHuH9jjdK8MJeyrz/s1600-h/DSC_0475.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5HeZWfUX-M6Yg0kG2odfGQijBTuSSg2TS3RrSpInK7WhQuW_AQ9jK_1Ax2OMKI-NxhOKXA9-N3E56FEEoWrfYuhPjQ5FD0AU45uAycEKVNF2J5DuET4TiHuH9jjdK8MJeyrz/s320/DSC_0475.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279482100441850354" /></a><br /><br />One month ago today Leila Kate was born! It's been a crazy month! I went into labor on Wednesday, she was born on Thursday and we brought her home on Friday. We had to take her back to the hospital on Tuesday to be treated for <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_jaundice_89.bc">Jaundice</a>. She spent three days in a incubator under a special light to get rid of the bilirubin causing her Jaundice and was able to come home on Friday. <br /><br />Since then she's been doing very well! She's eating well, sleeping well (even at night) and is very attentive when she's awake. She even seems to recognize our voices. We're starting to hear a difference in her cries, so the <a href="http://www.dunstanbaby.com/">Dunston Baby Language video</a> has started to come in handy. She loves to be cuddled and carried. The <a href="http://mobywrap.com">Moby Wrap</a> has been a life saver. Since she likes being carried upright, I'm asking Santa for a ring sling for Christmas. She likes bath time, we feel bad taking her out of the tub because she gets so relaxed in there.<br />So far, it's been exciting, every day is different and we learn something each day. She has the sweetest little smiles (sleep grins) and makes the cutest noises! We absolutely adore her! Happy 1 month birthday Leila Kate! We love you!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-58144268350418144322008-11-23T22:12:00.000-08:002008-12-02T18:28:15.500-08:00Our Birth Story<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3078085521_d276244882.jpg?v=0"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3078085521_d276244882.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is really detailed...it may be too much information for some...don't say I didn't warn you. :]<br /><br />On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, after working all day, I went in for my 37 week prenatal appointment. The doctor was very busy so I wasn’t seen until quite a while after my scheduled time. The doctor asked if I had been having any contractions, I replied, “Just those Braxton Hicks contractions, but they’re becoming kind of regularly.” Doctor said, “Ok, let’s see if those contractions are doing anything.” He performed a pelvic exam and was deemed me between two and three centimeters dilated. He was concerned about preeclamsia again because of my blood pressure and protein in my urine, so he said, “Well, young lady, I think it’s time to go to the hospital.” I was filled with so many emotions! I was excited that the time had finally arrived, but kind of sad that my pregnancy would soon be over, and a little flustered because this wasn’t how I thought it would all happen. I always thought I’d go through the early labor at home, and then when the contractions were 5 minutes apart for 2-3 hours, Scott would drive me to the hospital. Instead, I had to call Scott and tell him to meet me there.<br /><br />Scott was at home resting after a long day at work, so I called him and told him the news. We hadn’t even packed our hospital bag yet, so he gathered some things together and met me at the hospital. I also called my mom, who was already at the hospital since she was working that day. By the time Scott and my mom arrived, I had already been setup in my labor and delivery room with an IV giving me magnesium sulfate to prevent a seizure from my high blood pressure, a Pitocin drip to help my labor progress and a Foley catheter since I wasn’t allowed to get out of bed on the IV. I kept laughing as the nurses asked me questions about my medical history and started the IV; I just couldn’t believe I was really in labor. They probably thought I was delirious. Scott and my mom stayed with me the entire night and were very supportive. My nurse was very helpful, especially considering I needed to change positions every two hours. After a few hours on the IV, she examined me and said I was at 4 centimeters. I was so disappointed; it felt like it was going to take years to get to 10 centimeters. The nurse was very encouraging and reminded me that it takes longer to get from 1 to 5 than it does to get from 5 to 10. Eventually, morning came and so did the change of shifts. <br /> <br />My doctor came in around 8:00 AM and said that he wanted to check my cervix, but if I hadn’t progressed enough that we’d have to take go with an alternative method (c-section.) He knew that I really didn’t want a c-section, so he after he examined me, he proudly announced that I was between 5 and 6 centimeters, 100% effaced and he was going to rupture my bag of water to help speed things up a bit. I don’t remember a lot about the amniotomy, but it didn’t hurt. I just remember feeling a lot trickling out. <br /><br />Around 10 AM, the contractions were suddenly a bit more than I could handle and I asked for some pain medication. I was given a dose of Stadol through the IV to “take the edge off.” That worked for three or four contractions, and then I found myself telling Scott, “I want an epidural.” So I called the nurse, she called the anesthesiologist, and twenty minutes later I was having the epidural put in. I sat on the edge of the bed, getting prepped for the procedure and I felt a relief from my contractions (changing positions tends to do that.) I made me think twice about going ahead with the procedure, but I went for it. It took the anesthesiologist three tries before he got the epidural into a place where it would work properly. (Yes, they stuck me with that big needle three times!) It hurt, of course, but once it was in, I learned why people are so quick to suggest it. (I’m not saying everyone should use an epidural, but I do recommend being open to the idea, especially if you’re on Pitocin.) Once the epidural was in the nurse helped me put my legs back in bed (they get numb pretty quickly) and I dozed off for a nap. I was in and out of sleep for the next three or four hours, which was rather nice considering that was the part of labor they call “transition,” and I was really dreading what I’d be like during that part. Since I was so sleepy, I didn’t yell at my husband or not want to be touched, I just slept. Occasionally I would chime in the conversation that Scott and Joel were having, or I’d talk with my mom a little bit, but for the most part, I slept through it. I developed a little fever towards the end of the transition period and was shivering quite a bit.<br /><br />Around 3:00 PM, I woke up with “the urge to push.” I lightly mentioned to Scott and my mom that I thought it was almost time to push. Three contractions passed and I was sure it was time to push, so I called the nurse. She came in and checked my cervix and sure enough, I was right! So Joel headed out to the waiting room, the nurse got things ready, Mom and Scott decided which leg they were going to hold onto to and we started pushing. We started out with three pushes per contraction, but as we got closer, we increased to four pushes. (It felt SO GREAT to push! I felt so productive, and it was exciting to know that with each push we were getting just a little closer to meeting our daughter.) A few more nurses came into the room to help the doctor get ready and help with the pushing. (It was a little annoying having so many people “coaching” me to push, it wasn’t that bad, but I wish I would have said something.) The nurse said the baby was OP (occiput posterior) meaning she was presenting face up instead of face down. About an hour into the pushing the doctor arrived. He continued to coach me through the pushing, and told me that he needed to do an episiotomy. He gave me a shot to numb the area and performed a mediolateral incision. After a couple more pushes, the doctor discovered that the baby was still having a hard time getting past my pelvic bone, so he decided to use a vacuum to assist the delivery. At this point I was feeling pretty tired, but the doctor said, “On this next contraction we’re going to have a baby!” I felt a burst of energy, pushed with all my might, and with those last three pushes Leila Kate Ellis was born!<br /><br />Readers beware…this part’s kind of gross…some readers may want to skip down to the next paragraph...<br />Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end… the placenta still needed to be delivered. The nurse increased the Pitocin to help my uterus contract and the doctor massaged my uterus. With the next set of contractions he coached me to push. I pushed, nothing happened. More contractions came, I pushed, nothing happened. I was in the worst pain at this point. He tried but as my uterus contracted the placenta became caught in the fundus of my uterus. I’m not sure what was really going on, but it felt like the doctor was trying to scrape my placenta out. I was in the worst pain ever! Scott said that the doctor was literally pulling on the umbilical cord to get it out and it still wasn’t come out. Scott thought the doctor was going to have to put a foot on the bed to give him some extra leverage. Eventually the placenta came out and everything was fine. The doctor stitched me up and the childbirth process was over.<br /><br />I honestly feel like the entire process was such a great experience, even the painful parts. While I was pushing I couldn't help but marvel at how awesome God is in His creations. At one point I actually said to Scott and my mom, "How did God know exactly where to put the muscles you need to push babies out with? How did He know that this process would even work?" I now understand why people say it's the most rewarding experience of their life. It's crazy how as the long journey of pregnancy suddenly ends, the even bigger adventure of parenthood begins and you're just thrown into it! I can't wait to share more stories with everyone as Leila grows up!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-57363431250600819842008-11-17T22:19:00.001-08:002008-11-17T22:28:33.855-08:00I'd like you to meet my daughter, Leila Kate Ellis<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3039638839_71eaab34a0.jpg?v=0"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3039638839_71eaab34a0.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />WE'RE A FAMILY OF THREE!<br />After 20 hours of labor, followed by 2 hours of pushing, Scott and I finally welcomed our first baby into the world on Thursday November 13 at 4:58 PM. Leila Kate Ellis weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long! (She was due until December 1st according to the ultrasound, but if you remember <a href="http://ilovearthistory.blogspot.com/2008/03/big-news.html">my post announcing our pregnancy</a>, the original due date was November 17, just four days after her actual birthday.)<br /><br />I've posted a bunch of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/christinaellis/sets/72157609159710601/">photos on flickr,</a> so click on over there and check out our little girl!<br /><br />So far, we're loving being parents and are adjusting pretty well! Thanks for all the love and prayers! We really appreciate it!<br /><br />(Complete birth story to come soon...)Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-73468555432647424632008-10-25T13:18:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:32:02.800-07:00Another pregnancy updateSorry to leave you hanging after that last post, but I'm doing ok! Everything that was a problem at Tuesday's appointment wasn't a problem anymore at Thursday's appointment. I weighed in three pounds lower than Tuesday (not sure about that, but doc said it was ok,) my blood pressure almost back in normal range, still a little high, but not too bad and my urine was fine. He said to stay off my feet as much as possible and to watch my sodium intake. I have another checkup on Tuesday afternoon.<br />We're about 5 weeks away from the due date and my belly feels huge, but I get a nice backrub from the hubby just about whenever I want. I'm have <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_braxton-hicks-contractions_156.bc">Braxton Hicks contractions</a> once in a while, those are interesting, a little uncomfortable. We have our last childbirth class Monday night, they're fun, but I won't miss it. <br />Keala & Ashley and <a href="http://www.theepicbeat.com">Adam</a> & <a href="http://artsyfartsymom.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> threw us a couple's baby shower last Sunday! It was so much fun! We played fun games, shared funny baby stories, ate great food and received some awesome gifts! Thanks to everyone who was there to share the day with us! We still have two more showers comings up...crazy!<br />All in all...life's pretty good right now!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-10887351353309096712008-10-22T09:42:00.000-07:002008-10-22T09:55:39.849-07:00Pregnancy UpdateUpdate time! I had my 34 week checkup yesterday. Leila's doing great, heartbeat's strong, she's kicking all the time still, and getting big! The doctor is a little concerned about me though, I'm starting to show signs of <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_preeclampsia_257.bc">preeclamsia</a>. My blood pressure was pretty high (140/92,) there were some traces of protein in my urine, I've gained six pounds in two weeks, and my hands are swollen (I'm bummed I can't wear my gorgeous wedding ring on my finger anymore.) Then he asks the question I didn't want to hear quite yet, "Are you still working?" I say "Yes." And he tells me to try to take it easy the next few days and to come back Thursday for another checkup, but if it hasn't improved I'll have to go on bedrest. Yes, the thought of being able to rest more is nice, but not ALL day! Plus I love my job and I'm not quite ready to leave yet.<br />So, today, I'm taking it easy...watching what I eat...and praying that those symptoms go away so I can work at least a few more weeks. I'm trying not to worry, but it's hard. Keep Leila and me in your prayers! I'll let you know the verdict tomorrow afternoon.Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-13832792851877691172008-10-19T08:04:00.000-07:002008-10-19T08:16:19.201-07:00Awesome nightI came home from work yesterday excited about the hot date I was going on with my husband, not so much as to what we were doing, but just to spend some good quality alone time with him. But before we left, I had to hit the bathroom (I am 7 1/2 months pregnant after all...) and found some pretty new candles in there (awesome gift #1...) then when I came out and thanked him he said, "There's something on our bed for you too!" What? It's not my birthday or our anniversary...so I go in and open a very sweet card and two DVDs and a CD (Baby Mama, 27 Dresses and the new Sheryl Crow!) I hug him and thank him and he just says "Happy I Love You Day!" I tear up a little and smile. I love you day is something we started many years ago when we were first dating. It was just a random day where we'd give the other person a card or present, just because. It makes me happy that he still remembers that little things. As for our date, it was awesome too! We went to <a href="http://www.thecounterburger.com/menu/">The Counter</a> after <a href="http://www.theepicbeat.com">a friend</a> spoke so highly about it last weekend, it was pretty great! A little hard to decide because they're so many options...just more reason to go back! Then we hit the theater to see Body of Lies, which was really good, except that Russell Crowe looks strangely like Alec Baldwin...kind of weird. All in all, it was a fantastic evening!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-74073423389641515622008-09-30T11:20:00.000-07:002008-09-30T11:23:35.306-07:0011?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpF4EQQoNFXch_nXblA-GWtthuHoRwr5ygiLsZkROZlB5FoBnU9d1eHX6AV-tCxa-gJO3VOT53z9HpbFDLTWhAdDs_HknmB3-q4cPwqCb6Ux3UoJnIimIkgbJSoE5tH3-Qn_F/s1600-h/11messages.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpF4EQQoNFXch_nXblA-GWtthuHoRwr5ygiLsZkROZlB5FoBnU9d1eHX6AV-tCxa-gJO3VOT53z9HpbFDLTWhAdDs_HknmB3-q4cPwqCb6Ux3UoJnIimIkgbJSoE5tH3-Qn_F/s200/11messages.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251881603291930258" /></a><br /><br />Totally not what you want to see on your phone at work...Fun day ahead!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-19951797760025918352008-09-02T15:29:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:14:19.470-07:00Rusty Photographer<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2822202983_5ee2e25b63_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2822202983_5ee2e25b63_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Yesterday I took some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/christinaellis/">photos</a> of Ashley and Keala's son KJ. Almost immediately after I started I realized how rusty I am...not a good feeling. I wish I could've done a better job, but setting up in someone's house is completely different than doing it in a studio like I used to. He's so cute and I did get a couple good ones that I hope they like, but I'm still a little disappointed in myself.<br /><br />And I guess you can only see 200 of your flickr photos at a time now. Guess it's time to upgrade to a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/upgrade/">pro account</a> since Leila's due in 90 days and I'll have lots of photos of her to post for family and friends. Don't want to run out of space.Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-6487114465194742182008-08-26T12:40:00.000-07:002008-08-26T12:51:11.017-07:00Less than 100There are (approximately) less than 100 days left before Leila comes out! Holy cow! That's kind of crazy! She kicks more and more each day, and they get harder too. I had a check up last Monday and the doctor said she's growing well, right where she should be, she even kicked him while he measured my belly. I've even gained a couple of pounds since my last appointment. I've only gained four pounds, and that was after losing five after my first appointment. How many women can say they're approaching their third trimester and are below their pre-pregnancy weight. The doctor said it's not a big deal that I haven't gained very much because she's growing the way she should be and I'm a good baby grower (yes he actually said that.) I feel like I can't really complain about being pregnant, it's been a lot easier than I thought it would be. The only thing that kind of sucks right now is the heartburn, but even that's just once in a while. I can't wait to sleep on my stomach again. But it's worth it, I can't wait to meet her and see what she looks like since Scott and I are so different! Only 14 weeks to go...Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-74619342358804990472008-08-26T12:28:00.000-07:002008-08-26T12:34:59.837-07:00QBS @ Dos Lagos<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2800109903_0d2d7fe8d6_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2800109903_0d2d7fe8d6_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Friday night, the guys of Quick Before Sinking played at Dos Lagos in Corona. It was a really great show, even without Adam's ukelele! I always love watching them, but Friday was really special. I invited a few friends, but they couldn't make it, so instead I got to spend most of the night with <a href="http://artsyfartsymom.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Adrianne_Ashley/776279132">Adrianne</a>. They are two awesome ladies! I'm really grateful for the friendship Scott and I have with the guys and their wives!<br />I wish I had more photos to share, but my battery died and I didn't have a spare. :[<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2800109377_d7d0efd5e0_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2800109377_d7d0efd5e0_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-61936049056153116252008-08-20T13:28:00.000-07:002008-08-20T13:42:17.198-07:00Lunch Time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosrTEbLGWJJmiNBkEAkRlkA3FHiTwsgVJUBeFfMaPvxnhVScEevC6rotJ9KdK9Gd-TN0wKXTPuVFXrHnoyvDnJqh9UmYupRbKWWr8YxhuWpYBDQHou22kmJO_GR0oeAAAFpqF/s1600-h/lunch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosrTEbLGWJJmiNBkEAkRlkA3FHiTwsgVJUBeFfMaPvxnhVScEevC6rotJ9KdK9Gd-TN0wKXTPuVFXrHnoyvDnJqh9UmYupRbKWWr8YxhuWpYBDQHou22kmJO_GR0oeAAAFpqF/s400/lunch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236701954903688626" /></a><br />Why is it that when given soda and straws, grown men turn into 9 year old boys? Today at lunch, <a href="http://www.theeepicbeat.com">Adam</a> shot straw wrappers at the other table and made the <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Cause-a-Straw-Wrapper-to-Wriggle-Like-a-Worm">wrapper worm</a>. And Mark ran into a tree branch on his way in and had flowers in his hair. We didn't tell him until about 10 minutes later. Poor guy.Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-60499426239292114102008-08-12T10:38:00.000-07:002008-08-12T10:41:23.155-07:00Baby KylerI forgot to mention that my cousin Marissa gave birth (via c-section) to a baby boy this morning! His name is Kyler, he's 6 lbs, 14 oz and 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great! She'll be recovering in the hospital for a few days before she can go home. I'll have pictures later this week after I go visit them.Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-33470183388625468262008-08-12T10:34:00.000-07:002008-08-12T10:38:49.183-07:00Dad UpdateDad's procedure went well yesterday. The pacemaker's in, we won't really know if it's working unless Dad's heart rate drops below 50. Hopefully he never really needs it, but it's good that it's there just in case. He said that his shoulder hurts really bad, like an 8 out of 10 (10 being the worst.) That's normal, plus Dad has a low tolerance for pain. Just pray that the pain he's feeling is temporary, and as the swelling around the site goes down, so will his pain. He should be discharged this afternoon. He'll be very happy to be at home!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-13434811584041697242008-08-08T20:22:00.001-07:002008-08-09T11:04:24.213-07:00Prayer request for DadA few months ago, <a href="http://ilovearthistory.blogspot.com/2008/05/dad-update.html">my dad had surgery</a> to clear his carotid artery and quadruple bypass on his heart. He recovered well, but still needed more help. He went in on Tuesday to have 3 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stent">stents</a> put into his other carotid and 1 in his left leg to open up blood flow in those arteries. He should have been discharged by Thursday, but wasn't because his heart rate and blood pressure were low. Since Wednesday, he's had a couple episodes where his heart "pauses" for a few beats, then resumes working. His heart rate has dropped as low as the 20s during these episodes. To help his heart, the doctors are going to put a pacemaker in on Monday. Since my dad is so tiny (5'5", 105 pounds) there isn't a whole lot of meat to hold the pacemaker in place, so they basically have to create a skin pocket. They have an external pacer in his room in case he really drops, but hopefully they won't be needing that. Please pray for my dad, his heart and the medical staff working with him. Thanks!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-5756004236080938032008-08-06T14:19:00.000-07:002008-08-06T14:21:41.577-07:00What color is nectarine juice?The skin of the fruit is yellow/orange/red, the meat of the fruit is yellow...what color's the juice? PINK! How do I know? Because I just dripped a couple drops on my nice clean white pants. Ugh.Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-90886506989115505572008-08-02T13:06:00.000-07:002008-08-02T13:19:45.018-07:00Daddy's GirlI think we already have a daddy's girl on our hands...not that that's a bad thing, it's just funny. You see, during the week Scott wakes up somewhere between 4:30 - 6:00 AM for work. Little Leila also wakes up whenever Daddy does, and she starts fiddling around and kicking. I know because her kicks have gotten a lot stronger the past week or two, so they wake me up. Today, Scott was off, so he slept in until about 9. I woke up around 8 to go to the bathroom, laid back down and she was still sleeping. But when Scott got up to go to the bathroom and he came back, she woke up too! She's already so in tune with him, it's funny! Scott got to feel her kicking this morning, just a little bit, but she's definitely there.<br /><br />I had an ultrasound on Tuesday, my mom went with me since Scott had to work. It's neat because my mom never had an ultrasound when she was pregnant, so she was really excited! (Not like she hasn't seen one, she's a nurse, but it's neat when it's your grandbaby.) My mom said that Leila has Scott's nose. In profile her nose is a lot pointier (pointy-er, more pointy?) than mine ever was/will be. She'll be so cute!<br /><br />The other morning, I laid in bed feeling her little kicks and I'd push back a little bit with my hand. She'd kick another spot, so I'd push there, then she'd go back to the first spot. It's a fun little game! She's so neat!<br /><br />A little over months to go...WOW!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-36837160373205779112008-07-27T09:19:00.000-07:002008-11-17T04:53:32.234-08:00BIRTHDAY!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1DGlpY6FuGD_RePnY_2sDEqxc8bEN74mo7hGO33lni0xO3Pi5bdK9kt3M9g-tEAo011X6fiVItIWX5jd0aGpiXiSDWZYGY_v02EcB5vlHiabagSLInxx1R1kI3hMNlV57eiS/s1600-h/birthdaywithleeland.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1DGlpY6FuGD_RePnY_2sDEqxc8bEN74mo7hGO33lni0xO3Pi5bdK9kt3M9g-tEAo011X6fiVItIWX5jd0aGpiXiSDWZYGY_v02EcB5vlHiabagSLInxx1R1kI3hMNlV57eiS/s400/birthdaywithleeland.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227730751094088738" /></a><br /><br />How do you like to spend your birthday? Day at Disneyland? Dinner out with friends? A fun party at home? Not me. <br /><br />I like to be woken up by a big kick from inside my belly, a minute after my actualy birth time (2:42 AM,) then stay up emailing people and writing myself reminders of things I need to take care of at work that day. Then maybe I'll fall asleep for a two hours around 6 AM, then get up, get ready and go to work at 9 AM. Then once I get to work on my birthday, I like to spend the entire day walking back and forth from our office, to the tech booth in the worship center, to the green room, back to the tech booth, out to the lobby, over to the classrooms, back to the office, the worship center again, and keep repeating that for about 15 hours. And add a baby kicking all day to that. Sounds like fun, right?<br /><br />Oh wait, I forgot to mention, it was all for a great cause! I helped put on an awesome concert featuring Riverside's own, <a href="http://thetrademusic.com">The Trade</a> and grammy nominated band, <a href="http://leelandonline.com">Leeland!</a> Ok, so even though I had to work my butt off all day, it was totally worth it because it made it one of the best birthdays I've ever had! The Trade got the crowd pumped and excited and just totally rocked! Then Leeland came on... They were awesome! Although I was a little sad when the singer, Lee, said, "We've got two songs left..." because according to my set list there were three, and I knew the one they were cutting out was my favorite song, "Sound of Melodies." It was a great night of worship, even if they didn't do my favorite song. They took a bow and headed off the stage. A few minutes later, Lee returns to the stage alone, sits behind the keyboard and sings "Brighter Days," it was absolutely beautiful! When he finished, the rest of the band came out and finished the night with a nice little present, my favorite song! Seriously, could it have gotten any better?! I didn't really think so, but it did. I went to the green room to ask Scott's mom something and I had my camera with me because I was going to go wait in line in the lobby to get a picture with the band. As I was about to walk out to get in line, the bass player, Jake says to the band "Hey guys, let's take a picture with her before we go out there." I did kind of ask them before the show if we could take a picture after, but I figured I'd just get in line like everyone else. That totally made my day that he remembered, plus I didn't have to stand in line! They are some of the nicest, friendliest, laid back guys I've ever met! I wish they were here all the time! <br /><br />Seriously, two days later, my feet and calves are still killing me. Leila's finally settled down after dancing to the music all day in my belly. And it was one of the best birthdays I've ever had! I love my job!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-53907993031858256322008-07-25T02:51:00.001-07:002008-07-25T10:23:05.164-07:00Birthday!!!Happy birthday to me!<br>Happy birthday to me! <br>Happy birthday dear Christina!<br>Happy birthday to me!<br>Yay! I'm 23 today! And Leila kicked me at 2:43 this morning to say happy birthday. How'd she know I was born at 2:42!?<br /><br />Oh, we've decided her name's going to be Leila, no matter what. I just feels right. :}Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-56310743772927270082008-07-23T14:56:00.001-07:002008-07-23T14:56:38.795-07:00You have new Picture Mail!<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" > <tr> <td VALIGN="top" colspan="2" width="100%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" bgcolor="#FFE100"> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.sprintpcs.com"><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/retailers/PCSNEXTEL/images/logos/togetherWithNextel.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td VALIGN="top" colspan="2"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="590" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <tr> <td><br/><p><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" border="0" width="10"/><font face="trebuchet ms, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana" size="2"><b>You have a Picture Mail from scottellis11@pm.sprint.com</b></font><br/><br/></p></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td VALIGN="top" colspan="2"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="590"> <tr> <td width="10"> </td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="280"> <table border="0" style="border:1px solid #9C9A9C;" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td> <table border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="7"> <tr> <td align="center"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/mmps/RECIPIENT/001_083d3dff49ba02a2_1/2.2?inviteToken=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&limitsize=125,125&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1"/> </td> <td align="center"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/mmps/RECIPIENT/001_083d3dff49ba02a2_1/2.3?inviteToken=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&limitsize=125,125&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1"/> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif?&limitsize=125,125&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1"/> </td> <td align="center"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif?&limitsize=125,125&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1"/> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif?&limitsize=125,125&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1"/> </td> <td align="center"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif?&limitsize=125,125&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1"/> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="20"> </td> <td VALIGN="top" align="left" width="280"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="280" style="table-layout:fixed"> <tr> <td><p><font face="trebuchet ms, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana" size="2"><b>Message:</b></font></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td><pre style="overflow:auto; font:normal 10pt trebuchet ms; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: -moz-pre-wrap; white-space: -pre-wrap; white-space: -o-pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">This is what happens when you let your boss play with your new phone. Fun stuff.</pre></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" border="0" height="15"/></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:4px; padding-bottom:4px; color:white; background-color:#59639C; font: bold 10pt trebuchet ms" width="280"> Options </div> <div style="padding:10px; background-color:#f1f1f1; font: normal 10pt trebuchet ms" width="280"> <a target="_blank" style="color: #148AB2;" href="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&shareName=MMS&messageState=RETRIEVED">View Slideshow</a><br/> <a target="_blank" style="color: #148AB2;" href="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&shareName=PRINT">Print at Retail</a><br/> <a target="_blank" style="color: #148AB2;" href="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&shareName=REPLY">Reply to Sender</a><br/> <a target="_blank" style="color: #148AB2;" href="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&shareName=REPLYTOALL">Reply to All</a><br/> <a target="_blank" style="color: #148AB2;" href="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=UEhrJu8Ck5Y5c5u8Lax8&shareName=FORWARD">Forward</a><br/><br/> Send and receive Pictures and Videos through Picture Mail<sup>SM</sup>. For more information go to <a target="_blank" style="color: #148AB2;" href="http://www.sprint.com/picturemail">www.sprint.com/picturemail.</a> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" width="5" height="45"/> </td> </tr> <tr> <td VALIGN="top" colspan="2" width="590"> <img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" height="5"/> </td> </tr> <tr> <td VALIGN="top" colspan="2" width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#f1f1f1" align="left"><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" border="0" width="385" height="15"/><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana; Font-size: 11px; Color: #000000">© 2008 Sprint. All rights reserved.</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#f1f1f1" width="100%"><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" border="0" width="20" height="5"/><a href="http://www.verisign.com"><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/retailers/PCSNEXTEL/images/logos/verisign.jpg" alt="VeriSign's Home Page" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#f1f1f1" width="100%"><img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/images/x.gif" border="0" height="10"/></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-5661910124146809802008-07-23T11:16:00.001-07:002008-07-23T11:18:51.818-07:0024 years ago...<a href="http://a638.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/l_f40067c74396a459ee44503f34786755.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://a638.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/l_f40067c74396a459ee44503f34786755.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />24 years ago today, my wonderful husband Scott was born! I can't tell you how thankful I am for him. He's so loving, caring, funny, talented, and well, nice to look at! ;] He's amazing! Happy birthday, my love!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-26016733757355103042008-07-18T10:20:00.000-07:002008-07-18T10:29:52.567-07:00WE'RE HAVING A.......GIRL!!!<br />Since Scott wouldn't be able to be at the ultrasound on the 29th, we decided to just go to Fetal Focus (an ultrasound place in the mall) and find out what we're having. We're very excited! Our moms were both hoping for a girl, especially Scott's mom since she raised four boys. <br />We have names picked out, but it depends on what she looks like/when she's born. Our first choice is Leila Kate, Leila comes from the Hebrew for night (as Tyler told us last night) so it means either born at night or dark (haired) beauty. So if our baby is born during the day and has blonde hair like her daddy, that name doesn't fit very well. In that case, her name will be Lucy Elizabeth. Lucy because it means light, and we hope our little girl would go out and let her light shine before the world. But for right now, we're just calling her "L" (like Elle) since both names start with the letter L. Scott's so cleaver!<br />So that's it, we're having a little girl!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-58026009161562922432008-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:002008-07-15T12:37:42.680-07:00The head?!I had my 20 week check up (Yes, 20 weeks! Halfway there!) The doctor was feeling my belly to see how the uterus is baby have grown. <br />Doc: There's your baby's head, it's nice and firm.<br />Me: The head?!<br />Doc: Yup, right here. (And he pushes down a little bit.)<br />Me: Wow, I didn't know I was at the point where you could identify body parts. Cool, baby has a head!<br />Doc laughs.<br /><br />Wow...it's a little crazy to have someone push on your belly and tell you what part of the baby it is! I didn't realize he'd be able to tell, the baby's only about 6 inches long. We listened to the heart beat, it's still nice and strong. My results from the glucose tolerence test came back normal. He ordered an ultrasound so we'll get to see the baby again and (hopefully) find out what we're having. My last ultrasound was at 10 weeks, so it probably looks quite a bit different. The only bad thing is that Scott has to work the day of my ultrasound (July 29,) hopefully he can move things around or not be too busy and get part of the morning off. It'd be fun to be able to go together!Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-40783943087926163472008-07-12T12:37:00.000-07:002008-07-12T12:42:51.369-07:00A little confessionLet me start of by saying that I am very excited to be having a baby and I can't wait to meet him/her and to be a mommy. I can't wait to see Scott hold our baby for the first time. But some mornings I wake up and just want to not be pregnant yet. It's not the morning sickness, I haven't had any in months. It's not my aching muscles, I can tough it out. It's the stupid thoughts... Today was one of those mornings where the thoughts of "there's so much I wanted to do before I had kids" and "I don't know anything about kids! What have we gotten ourselves into?" flood my mind and it's a little overwhelming. Eventually, I cry and move on, but it just stinks. I'm not on my own "afraid of motherhood" island am I? This happens to other people right?Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37179616.post-11839280248413778632008-06-25T17:03:00.001-07:002008-06-25T17:06:04.347-07:00We made a what?<a href="http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/babies.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/babies.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Totally how I feel about being pregnant sometimes... The baby isn't even here yet, and won't be for almost 6 months, but it's still a little strange to think that God thinks we're ready for a kid. Well, I guess God knows we're ready...maybe ready isn't the right word...Christina Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733141514445696215noreply@blogger.com2