the new house

June 28th, 2008
We're back in town and it's been nice. We're getting more acquainted with our new town and some of the people at our church. Steven's been hard at work fixing some things at the church all week with Isaac. Ellie is acting like an actual baby now! Yes she has her fussy moments, but for the most part she's eating much better and sleeping much better. We finally found the right passy for her (it's only the fourth different kind!!).

So here's the walk through of the new house. It's coming along quite well! Next week I was told they would start bricking and shingling.

Bathe in what you packed in?

Who knew that organizational bins come in handy no matter what stage of life you are in? This is sweet little Ellie taking a bath in the bin that I packed all of her baby belongings in. I have been on the road now for two weeks with the Christian band that I am a part of, Branch. Being called to ministry is a funny thing sometimes because it's the most wonderful, but most draining calling in the whole world. Traveling with Branch before Ellie went a little something like this: getting the house ready to go, arranging for someone to get the mail and paper, packing enough clothes for weeks at a time, preparing mentally, physically and spiritually, being a companion and a partner with Steven, playing my heart out and worshiping through my keyboard and then coming back to our room to un-wind and get ready for the next day, reaching out to teenage girls who look me up and down and then plaster a fake smile on, putting up with four boys in the car (just kidding), making sure to stay close to Jesus. Soooooo, add a newborn on top of all that and everything I just listed gets three times harder: there is NO me time, there is so much more to pack, more to organize, more to clean, more to comfort, and yet, in it all, I am so grateful that this is my life. I feel like most days I am doing good just to be dressed and have Ellie fed and happy. Housework? Phone calls? Rachel's business? What is that? Ha! People look at me and think I am out of my mind, and I probably am, but I know no different. Thank goodness! Our past two weeks could not have been done with out my amazing sister Amy that came with us and was Nanny of the year. What a merciful God to provide for my needs before I even know that I have them.

Ellie is our New Best Friend!!!

Are Steven and I best friends with Ellie now? Sometimes it feels like it! We love her!!!

From 2 days to two months

What a cute doodle bug! When I saw these two pictures together, I couldn't believe it!

Hear me "coo!"

It is so amazing how much Ellie learns and discovers each day. One of my favorite things is how she is finding her voice. I tried to get a few of her really cute sounds on camera, but of course, she only performed for a little while, and then wanted to cry. Sounds like a true girl to me! Ha!

Ellie enjoyed her baby shower in her new city, Athens, Texas.

Amanda and Rachel