Ella Is Home!

They weren't kidding when they said a child changes everything. As I start to write this entry to my website I realize I haven't written anything in over 5 months. Additionally I've neglected my bestofbatonrouge.com project for nearly a month. For me this is a clear sign that I've been ridiculously busy to the point that I haven't touched my project websites. However you can all have confidence that it's all been because we're getting ready for a good reason.

Ella Renee Odom was born November 19, 2009 and we're so excited. She was 7 lbs 12.5 oz at 20 inches long and absolutely perfect. Since then we've been busier than I can ever remember being in my life. The wildest part is all that busy bee behavior has been from my own home. We almost never leave the house but the days fly by as if I were traveling! Getting to know Ella is a full time job and Michelle and I are working overtime.

Our families and friends have been great. Everyone comes by to see our little angel. We've been given so much food we haven't wanted since we got home a week ago. We've been given clothes, rockers, breast pumps and tons more that have all come in handy getting Ella used to her home. I'm so thankful for the great people we know.

Ella is so sweet of a baby. I heard it was all crying but our baby is sweet as can be. She squirms and whines a little when her diaper is full or her belly is empty but as soon as the problem is gone she is so sweet. She will squeak and coo at us looking around with her pretty new eyes. She already has her own idiosyncrasies in how she sleeps and behaves. It's just so fun.

For us the hardest part about having the baby is Michelle's recovery. 10 days later she's getting her bearings back. Trying to deliver a baby is just such a traumatic thing and then you have to go home and start caring for this little person who 100% depends on you. Once Michelle is back better than 90% caring for Ella will be secondary to all the joy she brings. We love her and are so happy to be parents!

Other than that dad (me) is still working for Turner Industries. I took off 8 days across 2 holiday days for Thanksgiving. Monday we get Michelle taken care of and I should be back at work building my career to support my FAMILY. I'm really happy because all this gives me a great base and something to work for beyond just making more money. After we get all settled in I'm sure I'll be redoubling my efforts to build my projects including new projects to show off baby Ella!