Big Brother fun

The boys have been so great and not at all jealous of the time we need to spend with Anna, but we are still trying to give them extra time and special alone time with us when we can. 

Both boys wanted to participate in IronKids again this year... this time with Isaac's two buddies, Beckett and Noah. 

The kids had a blast and the families too - love spending time with these guys! 

Family photo - post race, with snacks - mid bite! 

James got to go to the Badger game with Patrick on a hot sunny Saturday thanks to Uncle Buck.

The Conlons got some tickets too! 

Johnny Photograph was on the field and snappy pictures in the crowd! 

I just love these photos! 

Meanwhile, Isaac, Molly, Anna and I went to Little Amerricka. 

It was one of the hottest days of the summer and we had never been to the park. Molly was kind enough to come with us and ride the rides with Isaac. 

He was pretty brave and happy to try anything he was tall enough for - but I don't think spinning rides are going to be in his future --- I made the ride attendant stop the scrambler because I thought he was gonna pass out - :) 

They rode the roller coaster, the bumper cars, the tilt-a-whirl, the bumper boats, and lots more! 

This was the mouse - hardly any lines (except for the bumper boats since you got wet --- it was that hot!) 

Slurpies for everyone --- 

And our little miss was content to nap in the stroller - at one point I found a chair in the shade to feed her while Isaac and Molly were on a ride... realized a few minutes in that we were suddenly a sight to see on the train ride that circled the park :) 

oh well! 

What a gift!

Everyone has been so incredibly kind with well wishes, girlie gifts, hand me downs, loaned sleepers, etc --- but one of my favorite gifts for each of the kids is from our old neighbors and friends - the Maniaci family.  John is an incredible photographer and he always makes a point to come over and capture priceless memories in those first few days at home. 

No explanation besides that needed --- just tried to share some of the ones that aren't already framed in our home! 

Thanks again John 

I couldn't love these any more :) 

Anna's first week

We were super grateful that Anna arrived when she did - giving us 4 days with Mom and Dad at home and time for visitors! 

 Despite being tiny - she was a pretty great eater and sleeper from the beginning. 

But look how tiny! I honestly think the boys each MAYBE wore a newborn outfit ONCE - MAYBE. 

We were rolling up sleeves on newborn clothes! 

(And sending silly photos to the boys!) 

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit along with lots of aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. 

We got some great naps in too. 

First dinner as a family of 5. 

Steaks!.. from Kwik Trip- we got diapers to buy! --- but they were delicious! 

More naps 

First bath --- love that we can do this in the farm sink. 

The boys are excited for when they can help (not gonna lie, we did the first bath at home after they were asleep :) 

But look at the love --- she is never gonna understand personal space :) 

Welcome to the world Anna!

We welcomed Anna McCulley Ellestad to our family on Friday, August 31, 2018. She was born at 1:21pm and was our smallest babe at 6lbs 11oz. and only 19 inches long. 

With James and Isaac weighing 9lbs 1oz and 8lbs 8oz - she felt really tiny! 

Anna's delivery was fast and easy -- we arrived at the hospital at 7:30am and had a wonderful birth experience, I would do it again tomorrow (but we won't!) 

What a sweet little girl --- still hard to believe we have a girl in the family! 

We had a lot of skin to skin time, so didn't even have her stats when we started calling family and friends --- this was our nurse Angie - she was great! 

Patrick was once again incredible - he even got to catch Anna - it was definitely a proud papa moment! 

And this is our midwife Kim - she is so awesome! 

We had great birth experiences with all 3 kids, but this was by far the most special - midwives are incredible and I would highly recommend ours! 

We were also super lucky to have our fantastic neighbors working that weekend and providing wonderful care to our family. So special :) 

The boys had gone up north with Grammy and Buppa for Labor Day weekend (leaving Thursday night). When we called to tell them Anna had arrived, they all jumped in the car to come down and meet her. 

These big brothers were smitten from the moment they saw her! 

Jimmy was too little to be that engaged when Isaac was born, so it was really special for both boys to hold her and get to be big bros! 

First family of 5 photos 

And so it begins  :) 

Grammy loves all of the boys dearly - but she is pretty excited! 

Lisa came in to check Anna out and give her the first bath. She let the boys help! 

Look at her little spa tub --- so tiny! 

The boys and Grammy and Buppa went home to sleep but came back in the morning. 

Proud Buppa right here!

Jimmy was happy to hold her again, but is clearly getting more into football as he was paying more attention to College Game Day than his baby sister. 

The boys spent the rest of the holiday weekend in Milwaukee exploring with Grammy and Buppa to give us some time to adjust to Anna and get situated at home. 

They had a blast despite the nasty weather (hence why they didn't go back to the cottage) 

They were sad to leave us - but adventures like this quickly distracted them! 

We left the hospital just 25 hours after Anna was born - ready to go home and settle in.

Ellestad - party of 5 :)