Week 2 Highlights

As each day passes, our little girl continues to steal our hearts! 

Her second week of life was full of fun milestones:

Ellery started "tummy time" and seems to love it especially when she has her black and white books to look at.  

Since babies at her age see best in black and white contrasts, "Lou Lou" gifted her with lots of newborn black and white books and picture cards.  

It's amazing how well they hold her attention!

We took Elle back to the doctor to check weight gain and she now weighs 7lbs 3 oz!  The doctors were impressed with what a good eater she is!  

She not only loves her food but ADORES her sleep!  She got the green light from the doctor to sleep 4-5 hour stretches at night!  And she does!  We are so grateful for a good sleeper. 

She even slept through a visit to Mom's school {after the kids were gone} to meet the teachers!

Mom and Dad had their first date night since Elle was born.  She was in wonderful hands with Mimi and Grandpa Wes!  She entertained them for hours with faces like this:

We love her expressiveness!!

Our little girl loves the outdoors.  We take daily walks (when it's not TOO cold out there.)  S

he loves looking up at the gorgeous Carolina blue sky from her bassinet.  

Bath time, though, is still a family favorite!   

Ellery isn't quite splashing around yet; but she loves watching the water {as long as it's WARM!}

This girl does not love the cold!

Week 3 is a big deal in Elle's little life - she celebrates her FIRST Thanksgiving and gets to meet her Aunt Belle and Uncle Mattie!! 

We can't wait :)

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Love,

Michael, Emily & Elle

Ellery Gray {A Short Film}

In the weeks leading up to Elle's arrival, Michael made a gorgeous soundtrack for her birth in the hospital.  Coupled with lots of prayer and tremendous amounts of God's grace, this play list got us through the long hours of labor and then helped us celebrate the miracle of her little life once she was here with us.
--

One of our favorite songs from the play list is Matthew West's "Safe and Sound"

We cried quite a few happy tears to this one in the hospital:

Can’t believe you’re here now

Tiny dream come true

The answer to a prayer now

I’m so in love with you

Couldn’t wait to meet you

Hope you like your name

I get the funny feeling

Life will never be the same

Safe and sound

You’re here with me now

Like I hoped you’d be

Safe and sound 

You’re here with me now

And that’s all I’ll ever need

The world’s a scary place here

But baby it’s alright

I’ll make sure the coast is clear

So you can just sleep tight

But if you’re afraid of monsters

Like everybody is

I’ll be right beside you

Closer than a kiss

Safe and sound 

I’m here with you now

And you will always be

Safe and sound 

I’m here with you now

And that’s all you’ll ever need

Someday I’m gonna teach you

The reason why we pray

So that heaven’s love may reach you

Every single day

So, baby close your eyes now

And say a prayer with me

Lord, I lay me down to sleep now

But I know I will be 

Safe and sound

You’re here with us now

And we will always be

Safe and sound You’re here with us now

And that’s all we’ll ever, all we’ll ever need

You’re all we’ll ever need

I thought I'd put some of Ellery's first few days of life to music so we could treasure this (and other) songs and these sweet, fleeting newborn days over and over again.

We hope you enjoy and continue to praise God with us for ALL of His gracious blessings!

-Emily, Michael, and Elle

Elle's First Week of Life

What a fun week we've had with our little girl.  She has met so many friends and family members; and, once again, we've realized how incredibly blessed we are to have SO many that love her so well! 

As each day passed this week, we fell a little bit more in love.  

Here are some of her FIRSTS this week:

Meeting big brother Huck for the first time.  

He's been so good with her. . . I'm sure they'll be best buddies one day.

Elle's first night in the Rock 'n Play beside our bed. 

This little one loves her sleep!  

Sleeping baby beauty, we love you!

Ellery's FIRST doctor's appointment.  She was a trooper but did NOT love being undressed in the cold.

Thankfully her Daddy was there to snuggle her tight.

Elle's weight dropped to 6 lbs.  6 oz. - but the doctors say she's right on track.

Thankfully, she's loves to eat ALMOST as much as she loves to sleep, so those numbers should start to climb any day.

I'm AWAKE!!! 

And . . . asleep again.

This time I napped while on my FIRST stroller ride in the Bug a Boo! 

{Thanks Lou Lou and Pops for such a wonderful gift!}

Our tiny little model was so very patient with us as her Daddy and I attempted our first photo-shoot.

This was the newspaper on the day she was born.

Sweet little girl, we have loved watching your first week of life unfold.

You're a treasure and a beautiful blessing!

"Sing to Him; sing praises to Him;

Tell of His wonderful acts."

{1 Chronicles 16:9}

Can't wait to see what next week holds!

Welcome to the World, Little Love

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

James 1:17

On Saturday, November 9th at 11:05 p.m. God gave us the greatest gift imaginable: 

Ellery Gray Knotts

Though her entry into the world was a bit dramatic, we'd do it all over again in a heartbeat for this sweet face. 

Michael and I feel SO blessed by all those that love our little girl already.

We love you Miss "Elle" and cannot wait to spend our lives watching your little life unfold into God's greater story.

Waiting . . . 

Watching. . . 

Betting on birth weights (Daddy won!!)

Michael was a rock the whole time! 

When the chaos of the delivery began, his was the only voice I heard in the room. 

Ever the encourager, I was blown away by his strength.

How lucky Ellery is to call him "Daddy"

The sound we have waited SO long to hear!  

Music to our ears....

Safe and sound in her Daddy's arms.

Proud, proud papa!

I could stare at these eyes forever!  

. . . and just like that our hearts melted into a million pieces.

 The answer to our prayers. . .

We are so in love with you!

Sweet dreams little love.

Rest up, because God has great big plans for you.

"For out of His fullness, we have all received GRACE upon GRACE."

John 1:16

Expecting You!

From the moment we found out about your tiny little life, we've been filled with SUCH love for you!

We cannot WAIT to meet you, little love!