Nighty Night

Big News!!! Ellie can fall asleep all by herself in her Big Girl Crib. No more bassinet, no more rocking or swaying to sleep, and no more "sneaking" her into bed and hoping she doesn't wake up. Thomas & I can lay her down in her crib, eyes wide open, and leave the room. Five minutes later, she's out. This may sound trivial, but when Lil Miss takes 4 or 5 naps a day and wakes up twice in the middle of the night, falling asleep on her own saves A LOT of time! She's also gaining her own independence and learning how to soothe herself this way. We are very proud of her! :) I don't think I've shared pics of her finished nursery yet...


The quilt hanging over her crib is so special because it was made especially for Ellie by Mrs. Jokinen. We love to have Tummy Time on the quilt. (Honestly, Ellie HATES Tummy Time, but she knows it's good for her little neck and motor skills. Ha ha!) The sea life hanging from the ceiling was made by Aunt Regina and I strongly believe this is what helps her fall asleep-she just stares at it-especially when the fan is blowing the tentacles!

This rocking chair has been in my mom's (Grammy Kate) family since before the Revolutionary War. We love rocking in it before bed and have our night-time feeds here. The photos on the wall were a gift from Courtney from our Maternity Photo Shoot. Ellie loves to look at them because they are black and white AND she can see Mommy & Daddy's faces. The cute bedding accessories are from Brian, Courtney, Chelsea, & Laura. It matches the whole theme of the nursery perfectly!

Ellie loves to be swaddled when going to sleep. Isn't she peaceful-looking? Nighty Night!

Video: Car Ride

Here we are cruisin' in the car. Can't remember where we were going...but Ellie was chillin'. Lately, she's been enjoying the car rides much more than she used to. If you wait until the last 2 seconds of the video, you'll see why it's dangerous to pinch cheeks!

Warning: Turn your VOLUME OFF! We had the windows down so there is major static. Please MUTE first! :)

Video: Girl Talk

I ran to get the camera when Ellie started cooing, laughing, and other "talking". Of course, she wasn't doing it nearly as much once I began recording. About halfway through the video she starts to get a little more animated. She loves staring at the fan above Mommy's bed. Can't wait for belly laughs!

Real Estate Photos

Courtney (of Lovely Photography) has once again made us look fabulous! Ellie doesn't need any help with that, but sleep-deprived Mommy could always use a little editing. :)
I've joined Savvy & Co. Real Estate and am considering using this photo for my Real Estate Blog...CharlotteRealEstateMom.com. I'll be selling real estate in Charlotte as I have since 2005, but I'll also be putting a twist on my "niche" market (moms, moms-to-be, families, etc). I think this precious photo will help sell lots of houses...don't you!?!?! ;) I'll let you know when my website (SarahMartinHomes.com) and my blog are up-and-running. I'll also have a Fan page on Facebook for Real Estate clients, mortgage brokers, other Realtors, etc. I know-who knew I was so tech savvy?

Fun around the House

Ellie is so cute! Look how much bigger she is...if you check out the August 9th blog, you can see how much longer she is and how her head fills out the pillow more now. She enjoys the swing to an extent...anywhere between 2 min and 10min.

Hehe...I'm peeking at Mommy in the kitchen. You didn't know I could sideways scale a wall?




Mommy loves when I lay like this...it reminds her that I am still a tiny new baby AND I look like frog. Doesn't get much better than that.


All this fun makes me sleepy...being sleepy makes me cry. Look! I'm as stiff as a board!

Newborn Photo Shoot

Courtney did an amazing job on these newborn pics! The first two were taken at our home and the second portion Courtney took at the hospital on Ellie's second day. Thanks for capturing these precious first moments for us! Sorry that the pics are so small...I don't know how to make them bigger!?!? Enjoy!
ps-Since these pics are over 6 weeks old, Ellie is looking like a different girl now!!!

Grandpa's Visit

We had a great time when Grandpa Bretz was in town last week. Ellie loved hanging with him and he had a knack for calming her down, too. Can't wait to see you and Grammy again in October! This pic was taken at Stool Pigeons on Friday afternoon. Thomas had a few hours off before the dinner shift and Emily just finished her Friday classes so we met and had a few beers and then went to the Brew, Blues, & BBQ fest. The weather was great and felt like fall was coming!

Flying baby! She had a great time hanging out and just relaxed with the adults! :)

I love Daddy.

I promise...we did not give her any beer. She just looks like she enjoyed some. She loves to "gangsta chill" in her car seat.

Happy Fam at BBQ fest on Trade & Tryon

Intently sleeping.

Lunch time-thanks, Grandpa/Dad!

Ellie & Grandpa just hanging out on the couch.