The Big 6 - 0!!

Happy birthday Papa! Today my Daddy is turning a very young 60 years old (I hope you don't mind my sharing that with the world)! My family and I love him more than words can express (especially my babies) and we wanted him to know how thankful we are that he is our's. We love you, and hope you have a wonderful, spirit-filled day! We'll see you tonight!

Here are a few pictures of him doing what he enjoys best:

Blessed...

Things have settled down in our house, and we are slowly finding a sense of normalcy again. Cory and I were talking last night after both babies were in bed, and reflected over the last several weeks. A terrible pregnancy, a premature baby, giving birth to a gallbladder, and a severe asthma attack sent us for a whirl, but here we are...a little cracked but not shattered, tired but healthy, and blessed more than we ever imagined.

Everyday I find myself thankful for the two sweet souls God trusted me with...not to mention the parents that God gave Cory and I. DayDay and CeCe, and Papa and GaGa have given more of their time and love to our family over the last several months, and all we can really say is thank you. I can hear my Daddy plain as day, "You don't have to thank us. We do it because we love you." But I never want the four of you to think we don't appreciate each of you. Whether it was last minute babysitting, 3 drives back and forth to Pensacola, or late night visits to the hospital just to offer a smile and that never-failing sense of security, know that we love you, and your grandchildren love you too. Here are a two big smiles to brighten your day...

Beachin' It...

Well, I successfully took 3 red-heads to the beach, and not one came back sun burnt (thanks to those 4 bottles of 50 proof Water Babies I bought)! Cory and I took Reid and Georgia to the San Destin Hilton for our annual week at the beach. We all had a much needed break from our current normal of regular hospital visits. Reid LOVED being all boy and wallowing in the sand, and Georgia just decided that the beach was a more peaceful environment for her agenda of sleeping and eating. Cory and I simply enjoyed making memories with our sweet babies. Next year, both will be completely mobile and we'll really be given a run for our money! Here are a few pictures...

Georgia was pooped...

Things got quiet in the hotel room, and when I went looking, this is what I found...

Big beach smile!

Being silly...


The green bucket didn't get too far away...

Diggin'...

Playing with Dada...

Reid took a much needed 2 hour nap on the beach! That's the life...

If only he knew...

...when the day comes that he's actually old enough to cut the grass, he won't be NEARLY as excited as he is now! This is what we caught Reid doing Sunday afternoon while Cory grilled our supper...

Anything you can do...

I can do better! I can do anything better than you! Maybe Reid's just a little jealous...= )

We can both fit on the blanket!!!

Sissy sitting in her Bumbo

...Reid can still fit in it too!!!

The drama never ends...

Just so you know, I posted a little about Georgia down below...be sure to read that first!

Ever since "Sissy" joined us, our lives have been far from boring. Reid had been spending a lot of time with his grandparents. Papa and Gaga took him to eat at Burger King, let him play in the sprinkler, and to Montgomery to pick up Francie at Chick-fil-a! DayDay and Cece also took him to the beach.

On July 2nd, I went back into the hospital because of a gallbladder attack, and had surgery to remove it on the 4th (no fireworks there!). Exactly one week later, Reid woke Cory and I up in the middle of the night coughing and restless. This is VERY RARE for Reid. He is such a good sleeper, so when he wasn't able to rest well, we knew he was getting sick. The next morning we had to take him to the ER in Andalusia, because the doc's office was closed. We assumed he would leave with some breathing treatments and antibiotics, but boy were we wrong! God's hand was on the shoulder of my child the entire day, and it is amazing to see how He worked now that we are no longer in the midst of the situation. While at the ER, there had been a horrible accident, and the ER doctor was tied up with that patient. Dr. Eldridge (Reid's primary care doc) happened to be at the hospital because there was a baby that was possibly going to be transferred to a different NICU. Anyway, Dr. E ended up seeing Reid, and let me tell you...when I saw him, I immediately felt relief and knew that Reid was in good hands! Dr. E transferred Reid by ambulance to Sacred Heart in Pensacola where he spent two nights on the toddler pediatric ward. Reid had a severe allergic asthma attack, and had to have oxygen via a nasal cannula. We had a very scary night on Saturday night because the doctors were throwing around possibilities such as surgery, ICU, infection, etc. Just as quickly as the situation became serious and brought Cory and I to our knees (literally...in the hospital room) God showed his grace and mercy, and Reid began improving. He finished the rest of his steroids and breathing treatments today, and Dr. E gave him a clean bill of health. Cory and I simply have to be more vigilant, and start treating an attack before it gets too severe. Here are pictures of Reid in the hospital. He was such a sweet boy even in the midst of his pain!!!

Needless to say, everything has been pretty hectic in the Ellis household, but I have been blessed with the joy of waking up to that precious smile every day...you have to admit, that makes it all worth it!!!

We've added a little pink to our lives!!!

Well, I honestly have no idea where to even start. The last time I posted, I had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl 5 weeks early. At the time, we were told she was in perfect health, and we were resting on cloud nine. Shortly after, we were informed by the pediatrician that she could have some possible health issues. Several tense hours later, we were relieved to find out that there was nothing wrong...she was perfect. Hallelujah! Reid has dubbed her "Sissy" and he is definitely a proud big brother. The first picture is of him seeing her for the first time. All he could do was wave and say, "Hey Sissy! Hey!"

Georgia is now 6 weeks old. Boy does time fly. She is almost sleeping through the night (she gives us 5 and 6 hour stretches) and is staying awake more during the day. Her eyes are constantly moving and looking in every direction, and she is starting to give her mommy big smiles that are all gums! Gosh I love it! Here is G at 4 weeks.