This morning it pained me to leave my wife and daughter alone as I left for a full-day of work. As I drove to my meeting this morning in Fort Wayne, I spent about the first 30-minutes thinking about how different life has become since the birth of our darling, Ella! I prayed for my wife to have the strength to do all of the “motherly things” and I prayed that my daughter would continue on her schedule of 3-hour feedings. When I called in to check on wife and baby I praised the Lord after hearing a cheerful wife on the other end of the conversation.
God answered prayer today by giving Jess and Ella an entire morning – alone – for the first time – and with HUGE success!
I even called my dad for some helpful tips on “how to leave your wife and daughter and go back to work.” He was a helpful source of wisdom on the phone this morning, too.
Ella continues to change before our eyes – everyday. That’s probably the most incredible part of this whole “parenting” thing – to think that I have been able to witness the first 15 days of another human being’s life – and to see her changing right in front of me – it’s just a bit overwhelming, really.
I have a new-found respect for my peers who are Fathers. I shook some of my buddy’s hands today at our meeting and told them – seriously – that I now respect them on a new level – for having made it as far as each of them has in the realm of Fatherhood.
My mom and sister both arrived safe and sound last evening and were able to spend some quality hours with Ella and us this afternoon. Today we went through another bag-full of Grandma-Sheets-collected clothing items for Ella. Ella is probably the only 15-day-old I know with more clothing than I have probably ever owned.
This evening “Aunt” Pam Sempel and her daughter, Jenna arrived from Marion to meet Ella face-to-face, finally. They joined Mom and Sherilyn for dinner.
Ella happened to take an evening nap just long-enough for Jess and Me to catch up over a plate of yummy-goodness provided by Renee “Momma” Sweeny. The nightly dinners that have been provided by our church people have been an absolute blessing!
Tomorrow is another full-day of work and Jess’ first check-up since the C-section at the Doctor’s office. We’ll get an update on her continued healing at that appointment.
Stevan, Jessica and Ella,
I just knew you were all going to have a good day today. Hurraaaaay!!!! It just gets better and better.
Ella looks like she is getting ready to speak in today’s picture. She is a cutie-pie!
Love you all three,
MOM/GRANDMA GARRETT
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I met another Ella today. Her name is Ella Mae and she is 87 years old. She was one of our patients and was delighted to see my pictures of our Ella Marie. She thought it was great that young people today are naming thier children the older names again. I found every excuse in the book to show off pictures of my sweet granddaughter today, and I will continue doing so……
I enjoyed my visit w/Jess and “sleeping Ella”.
It was just good to be able to be there for Jess today. Give her a hug and kiss for me. I’m glad you enjoyed your supper–did you find your Snapple??? and wasn’t Jess’s gift just the best!!! Love you guys.
Momma Sweeny
Hip Hip Horray!!! I”m so glad things are going well…we continue to keep you all in our prayers and we (Richie too even though he’s scared of her) Ella and you guys so much! Don’t forget, we’re just a phone call away!
Love you,
auntie Jaymie
It was wonderful to have the chance to meet Ella Marie in person. She is precious. Jess – you are doing a great job. I remember how overwhelming it was to have carried a baby, then give birth and suddenly you are supposed to know what to do!! Stevan – you are doing a wonderful job of supporting Jess and being a daddy even if you are scared….comes with parenting at almost all stages! But God….
Hi. Hope Jess had a good dr. visit. If she has any questions about the c section healing she can feel free to contact me!! Hope you are doing well Stevan. Give Ella a huge hug from the cook family.
Thanks for taking photo and sharing of Pam and Jenna. It was nice to see them after so long. They look great, and yes, Ella does look so alert and as if she is think’n, think’n.