Ella's first hockey game

Last week, our friends Tom and Donna invited us to a Spokane Chiefs game. We weren't sure how Ella would do.... but it was a lot of fun. It was so loud in the arena and so much was going on that Ella was mesmerized for most of the 1st period. A little milk from the bottle and she was good for most of the night. By the time we left, she was sound asleep in my arms. Maybe we should go to a hockey game every night!?

A visit from Lynn and Isaac

My best friend Lynn is in town with her little boy Isaac, who was born 5 weeks before Ella. They stayed with us last night and it's so fun to see them! It's really the first time we've been able to hang out since the babies were born. I'll get a couple pics posted later.... stay tuned.

2 Month Check - up

Ella is 2 months old now, which means she was due for her turn at the doctor's office and a few shots. Ouch! Both for her and mommy! I was determined to be there and try to comfort Ella, but I wonder how comforting it is for her to see me crying too.? That was a tough thing for both of us, and we've got more to look forward to at 4 and 6 months... uughh. Toughen up mom! Other than the shots, Ella is doing well. She's definitely long and lean, weighing in at 8 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring at 23 inches.

Ella and Hazel

Our little girl Ella was named after Katie's paternal Grandma. Even though Grandma Ella isn't with us anymore, we are so lucky to have Ella's sister Hazel living right here in Spokane near us.... she came for a visit the other day. Baby Ella was enthralled with her. Even though she'd been fussing at mommy 2 minutes before, she was a love for Aunt Hazel and sat and smiled and talked with her for a good 20 minutes. I'd say it was pretty magical...

A visit from the Jensens

Our friends Jenn, Don and their daughter Aayla, came to visit us from Portland, OR this weekend. Such a great visit - thanks you guys! It was fun to share Ella with them for the first time and also to see how much Aayla has grown since our last visit to Portland. She is 18 months now, and such a sweet little girl. Oh, how our lives have changed since we all used to hang out before our baby girls arrived. Hanging out is a completely different experience.... but I don't think any of us would change a thing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

So I tried to get a smile or 2 out of Ella this morning for anyone checking the blog today (trust me, you can hear me in the background begging), but only managed to get a semi happy face. But I haven't posted a video before, so hopefully this is fun to see - Ella actually moving making a couple noises. Don't get too excited, she is only 7 weeks old so she's not exactly putting on a show, but I'm pretty sure Grandma and Grandpa in Rapid City will like this!

Happy Heart Day Everyone

Family's First Caucus

Saturday was Washington's causus day, and the McKinstrys made their way to Chase Middle School to take part. Seth and I had never been to a caucus, so this was a first for all of us. Everyone there loved seeing Ella there! Even though there was a lot of chaos (sp?), it was really a cool experience!

I guess it wasn't meant to be....

Poor Patriots...... but I don't really mean that. Our little house was so happy when Eli and the Giants scored that touchdown with 40 seconds left in the game! Not that we're Giants fans, but we definitely aren't fans of the Patriots. The onesie we bought for Ella on our trip to NYC this spring was good luck I think...