Hayden Turns 3!

Hayden is a three-year-old now. I can't believe it. We got back from Colorado on Friday, in time to celebrate Hayden's birthday with his Dad. We went to Uno's Pizza with PopPop, Grandma and Uncle Sean and family. Hayden was able to make his own pizza and got some new 'Cars' characters for his collection.

On Sunday, Justin and I took him to Fritz' Railroad Restaurant where the food is delivered by a rail system. It was a lot of fun! Look for video soon on StouderStreet to show that whole process!

We are so excited for this next weekend. Justin's sister and family will be in town for the weekend, and we can't wait to hang out with our niece, Chloe, and nephew, Jack.

Ellery is still growing like a weed. Both kids did very well in Colorado, albeit we had some minor health issues (rash for Ellery and "nursing issues" for me). But we got over that and had some good times with Grandma! We had beautiful weather every single day. I hope to get pictures posted of that trip, too!

Authentic Christianity

I read this a few days ago and stopped for a moment because it is exactly what I want to be.

"Authentic Christians are persons who stand apart from others, even other Christians, as though listening to a different drummer. Their character seems deeper, their ideas fresher, their spirit softer, their courage greater, their leadership stronger, their concerns wider, their compassion more genuine, their convictions more concrete. They are joyful in spite of difficult circumstances and show wisdom beyond their years."

- Taken from 'Too Busy Not To Pray' by Bill Hybels

10 lbs 3 oz

Ellery had her one-month check-up yesterday. It is hard to believe it's already been a month. She gained just shy of a pound from last week and is now up to 10 lbs 3 oz. Yes, folks, a pound. It looks like she is following in her brother's footsteps in regards to the growth pattern. The only issue that came up is that we have to make her sleep on the other side of her head. We have noticed that she prefers her right side, and it's getting a little flat from her laying on it all the time. She's been getting out of the position we put her in when switching sides, but last night was a different story. She laid on her left side the whole night! I can't get over how good she is...

My mom, Hayden, Ellery and I are all taking off for Colorado early tomorrow. Next week is Spring Break around here, so we decided to take our own trip to see the condo! We're all excited, but I'm a little anxious about the trip there. I'm hoping it will go pretty quickly, but we'll probably have to make a few extra stops for feeding Ellery.

Next Saturday is Hayden's 3rd birthday. He is such a big boy! He can do so much on his own and is so fun to be around. He loves to sing songs, most recently "Where is Thumbkin" and "Oh My Darling, Oh My Darling, Oh My Darling, Clementine." He cracks us up. He also has a great imagination and is super smart at puzzles and memory game.

I'd like to end in a praise report. My milk is back! After some annoying days of trying to get it back, it's back. Thank you so much for your prayers! God is good!

9 lbs 4 oz

Had to take Ellery to the doctor yesterday. Looks like she might have a clogged eye duct, so we have to give her some eye drops. While we were there, we did a weight check. Miss Thing is up to 9 lbs 4 oz! What a good girl! Here's my question, though... If she ate 4 oz right before the appointment, does she really weigh just 9 lbs even? Food for thought...literally.



The weather is absolutely beautiful. Hayden, Ellery and I are planning a picnic lunch today at the park, and then we're headed out for a walk on the trail after naptime. It's so nice to be outside. Yesterday, it was 80-degrees outside. Today, I believe it's supposed to be low- to mid-70s. I am so excited for Spring, I can hardly stand it!

Have a couple of things to ask for prayer about... First of all, because of how often our Little Darlin' sleeps, my milk is not where it should be. Instead of pumping all the time, I let her dictate how much was needed, and now I don't have enough to get her through the day it seems. I won't get into more detail, but please pray for an increased supply and that these efforts that I'm putting in pan out! Secondly, please pray for my income/job situation. Again, I'm going to go light on the details, but the maternity leave pay that I was told I would receive has not been provided. Not only that, the last paycheck I earned before maternity leave bounced and was "un-deposited" yesterday. Justin and I have cut back on everything that we can, but in light of the economy and everything else, I'd say we're both a little concerned. We leave it in God's hands because I can't do anything beyond that right now anyway. We just ask for your prayers in this effort!!!

OK, that's it for now... I have to get going to make our picnic lunch!!!

Happy March!

Hello all! I am super-pumped about March being here...that means Spring is that much closer. I cannot wait for sunny days and nice weather. I especially cannot wait for the cold and flu season to pass. I am worn out from runny noses and disturbing coughs!

Things are still going very well here at the Stouder house. Ellery is such a good baby, I cannot get over how lucky we are. I wish she would allow for a little bit more awake time, but she still sleeps well at night. I am not used to being tied down, which is the hard part for me. Hayden and I always get up and go somewhere, and now our schedules are dictated by Ellery's feeding schedule. Short-term sacrifice, I know, but it is sometimes frustrating when I plan my day and the plan falls apart. Welcome to living with a newborn, right?

I think that Ellery started smiling already. I know that it is supposed to take a little bit more time, but she was mimicking my face last night and I got several smiles out of her while she was awake. Time will tell if it's the real deal, but it got to my heart, that's for sure!

Well, she's waking up so I'll end with a couple of pictures. Hope this blog entry find you happy and healthy!