Why we named our baby Ellen.....

As soon as Drew and I found out we were pregnant we began talking about baby names.  We kept a list of names we liked for both girls and boys.  Each time we thought of a name we would add it to our growing list.  When the time came to find out if we were having a boy or a girl we had a good list.  Our boy list had seventeen names and our girl list was much shorter.... Ellen Elizabeth. 

We always knew if we were to have a baby girl we would name her Ellen Elizabeth after my Grandma.  My Grandma Ellen was one amazing women.  She had a strong presence in my life and I feel so blessed that Drew got to know her over the years.  I have a hard time putting into words what she meant to me but I will do my best.  I want my baby Ellen to be able to hear stories of the amazing women she is named after. 

Grandma Ellen was unlike any other Grandma.  She was stylish in the simplest way possible and she had a gift for decorating that impressed anyone that came into her warm and inviting home.  The door to her home was always open for visitors and you were guaranteed to have the best food you had ever eaten.  Even now after she is gone some of her recipes take me right back to her kitchen and the love she would put into her cooking. 

This was her kitchen.  Nothing fancy but filled with so much love!

Most importantly Grandma Ellen had heart for the Lord.  She was a living example of how to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others.  She served others around her with love and grace.  She was always working behind the scenes.  Never taking on service projects that got publicity but rather the jobs that were left over that no one else wanted to do.  That is where you could find her. 

She lived in Gothenburg with us and now as an adult I realize how lucky we were to have her right in town.  She knew all of my friends names and at each event I could find her cheering me on from the stands with her "old lady" friends.  She always referred to her friends as her "old lady friends."  As if to imply she was not one of the old ladies.  It still makes me smile today. 



Grandma and I at my high school graduation party she hosted at her house. 

Most nights of the week Grandma would walk through the back door of our home at 1615 caring pots and pans filled with dinner for our family that night.  At the time I didn't realize what an amazing blessing that was for our family.  Now as an adult I can see how much time and energy she put into each meal for us.  She loved our family so dearly.
 

Grandma Ellen's nightstand with pictures of all her grandkids. 

Grandma's home was filled with love and laughter.  We would gather at her house often all crowded around her dining room table laughing until we cried.  She would tell stories and Mom would read jokes.  My sisters and I grew up around that table.  Now that table is in my kitchen.  The table is worn and has lots of scratches and marks.  Each one is evidence of the love that has been shared while gathered around.  

Grandma's house



I love this simple picture because it was a normal night at Grandma's.  We are setting the table. 

Then we would spend time in her living room together. 

 

I am so thankful that Drew was able to get to know Grandma Ellen.  When he asked permission from my family for my hand in marriage she passed down the diamond from her wedding ring to me.  Drew used the diamond in my engagement ring.  I treasure that ring and I will continue the tradition someday and pass it down to baby Ellen's children. 

I don't have a memory without Grandma Ellen in it.  I talked to her everyday and she would send countless letters to check on me over the years.  She was even known to show up on our doorstep ready to help me learn how to cook for my new husband and take care of my new flowers. 

Grandma took Chelsey, Jackie, Drew and I skiing.  She loved the mountains.

A picture from when she took me to Europe. 

All the Evenson girls. 

So when we found out we were having a baby girl we knew her name would be Ellen Elizabeth.  We wanted to honor a women that impacted my life in more ways then I can measure.  She was the rock of our family and she is forever missed. 

As I look at my baby Ellen's new little life I can't help but be excited about all that is to come for her in the future.  My prayer is that she will love Jesus, serve others humbly, and love her family with all her heart just like the amazing women she was named after. 

Grandma Ellen and me

Ellen's Baby Dedication

Last weekend was Ellen's baby dedication at church.  Our dearest friends and family came as Drew and I recognized that Ellen is a gift from God and dedicated her to the Lord.  It was such a special morning.  We all went to church together and then gathered in the chapel for the dedication ceremony. 

This chapel is very special to us because eight years ago Drew and I were married in this very chapel.  It is so amazing to have pictures of us on our wedding day and then with our sweet baby Ellen in this chapel. 

 

After the dedication ceremony everyone headed over to our house for lunch.  We had smoked pork sandwiches, salad and of course watermelon.  It was a perfect day to gather together and celebrate.  I am so bummed that I didn't get more pictures of everyone that came.  Entertaining with a baby doesn't leave an extra hand for my camera.  :)

Ellen and the Thimm twins hanging out after coming back to the house after church.  Snooze time!

Emily with her sweet niece Reese.

Uncle TJ and Aunt Joy with Ellen

Ellen in her pretty dedication dress. 

Decorations from the BBQ.  I put out the sweet card Rita sent and my Colorado mug just for her.  :)

Ellen in her cute onesie for the BBQ.

Jaime and Will

Grandma Marcia and sweet Ellen.

We are so thankful to God for blessing us with Ellen.  We were so happy to dedicate her to the Lord and commit to raise her in a Christian home. 

It was a blessed day!

Ellen's 3 Months

This month Ellen has been very busy growing and changing right before our eyes!  She has a whole new set of party tricks she likes to show off.  :) 

 

 

This month she started rolling over from her tummy to her back.  She did it once during her first month but I was convinced it was a total accident.  Now she rolls over more frequently.  However, I am learning she will not do it on command when I have an audience to watch.  I think I should get used to this.  :) 

This month Ellen has discovered her hands!  She is obsessed.  She will look at them, flex them, curl them into little tight fists and of course chew on them.  She loves to attempt to stick her whole fist in her mouth.  She has not ever found a finger or thumb to suck on consistently but she always has her fingers in her mouth.  As I write now I am watching her on the baby monitor chomping on her hand that she somehow got out of her swaddle.  She LOVES her hands! 

Another new development this month is she blows adorable little spit bubbles.  You know you are a Mom when you find drooling spit bubbles absolutely adorable. 

At the beginning of the month Drew and I finally broke down and bought Ellen a little bath tub.  We had been holding out to see if we could get along with smaller options but our backs were killing from bending over for bath time.  So we bought a little bath tub to put in the kitchen sink for her.  And may I say..... worth. every. penny!!!  Ellen LOVES bath time.  She kicks and squeals the whole time.  We give her a bath every night because she loves it so much.  When we take her out of the tub she screams and gets so upset!  Ellen loves her tub and we love no longer having back aches.

This month we celebrated Mother's Day.  I got so spoiled by Drew and Ellen.  They brought me flowers, Starbucks and even made my favorite blueberry crisp for breakfast.  We also got to spend the day with Drew's family.  Marcia and I snuck away for pedicures.  It was wonderful!!!  At church they took Mother's Day photos for all the Moms.  All I wanted for Mother's Day was a family picture.  I also got some cute ones with Ellen. 

Here are a few other things Ellen has been up to this month.....

During these beautiful spring days we love going on walks with good friends!  It is a time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air!  I of course also LOVE the girl time. 

We got to have a visit from the Dudley's.  They are so sweet!

We celebrated Memorial Day weekend with my family in Gothenburg.  We were only missing Sam from the crew.  It was a wonderful relaxing weekend.  We spent time together eating, laughing and flying a kite.  All American fun!  Ellen also got to meet Aunt Jackie and Uncle Alex for the first time. 

It has been another wonderful month with our sweet baby girl!  We can't wait to see what is to come next month! 

 

On a completely unrelated note..... I found my first grey hairs this month.  :)  Something tells me the "all nighters" I have been pulling the last few months have caught up to me.