Transition...

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Eccles. 3:1

On this beautiful New Year’s Eve, I am surrounded by the resolutions, hopes, to-do lists, and wishes of those around me. I was inspired by a dear friend’s blog who has made it her habit to choose a “one-word” resolution each New Year’s. Being a teacher, I am very fond of borrowing a great idea, so I too am going to think of one good word to sum up my resolution goals for the year 2011.

But first, 2010. What an amazing year! At the start of 2010, we were still relishing the sleepless nights of being new parents to our brand new Ellianah, at a mere 17 days old! She has been the main highlight of this year, and Jon and I both have been so humbled, blessed, and overjoyed to experience our sweet baby as she grows and develops a little personality – and my, does she have a personality! I have never enjoyed anything more than the pure joy and delight that comes from doing whatever I can to make Ellie laugh, giggle, or coo – depending on what stage she was throughout this past year! I continually prayed for her to be a joyful baby when she was in my womb, and she is joy personified! She is such an easy, relaxed, peaceful baby. I often pinch myself, thank the Lord for his mercy on this first time mom, and pray that God would simply prepare me for whatever my next little girl will be like!

Ellie celebrated her 1st birthday and it was precious! She is so loved and adored, and it was so special to see how such a sweet little one has already made such an impression on so many. Her smile, her laughter, and her joy are contagious! The one thing that has been increasingly difficult is that I have to leave her to go to work everyday. I know that this is my role at this time, and I will be content. But, I cannot wait to be at home and invest 100% of myself into my little pumpkins!

And by pumpkins, I mean TWO bouncing baby girls! I have spent the last third of 2010 pregnant with baby girl #2, and I am already praying how God will use this little one. I am already struggling with trying not to assume she’ll be another Ellie Rose. I want to give her the opportunity to be her own unique person, with her own set of skills, struggles, and quirks! But, I DO pray that she will be healthy, joyful, and aware that God has created her for great things! I really believe that for each of my girls! God has blessed Jon and I with the task of caring for these precious babies here on Earth. And I can’t wait to see how he’s so carefully knit together each one of their little dreams, hopes and wishes!

Jon has had a tremendous year as well. It is becoming abundantly clear as the years pass by that he was MEANT to be a surgeon! The Lord has so gifted his hands, and although he is perhaps unaware of this, God has transformed not only his mind, but also his heart, and his ability to really care for his patients. He has received many thank you letters and compliments from his patients, colleagues and superiors alike, and I am so proud of him! I remember how shy and unsure of himself he was when he first started med school. His confidence and comfort with “small talk”, new environments, and constant change-have really strengthened his practice as a doctor. I love having been with him through this process since its infancy. And the transformation from man to doctor has been astounding. What an amazingly talented, gifted, skilled, and humble man I married! Thank you Lord for continuing to show me the depth of this man who is not only my best friend and soul mate-but YOUR servant! I pray I can spur him on as he continues to grow in his practice, as seeks how you’ll use him and his skills in this world.

As for me, I have learned so much this year as a child of God, a wife, and a mother. I have really come to terms with some personal demons and struggles. I am sorting through them, and God has been so faithful as I strive to refine myself and be a more Godly mom, wife, and friend. There is so much more “life that has been lived” between the words I’ve just written to sum up my year, but you get the gist. I am a definite work in progress, and the journey keeps getting more and more exciting!

So, my resolution for 2011. What word would be appropriate? Invest…surrender...create…contentment…trust…reach…pursue? So many goals, but I think I will steal my friend’s from last year and start with INVEST. I want to spend 2011 INVESTing in every area of my life. I have many ideas of how this will manifest itself. But I can best think of INVEST with regard to my mind, body and spirit, and all persons and things affected thereby.

I’m exhausted already just thinking about it! ☺

Wishful thinking....

So, I may have unintentionally exaggerated my daughter's height in my last post. I was cracking up when I realized I listed her height at 37"....not quite. At her 9 month check-up a couple of weeks ago, she was 31 inches. I wanted to correct my wishful thinking-but i didn't want ti change the original post because it was just too funny! I know we'll look back on that one day and giggle at my silly mistake.

September has flown by, and Ellie's first Halloween is just around the corner, and I am at a complete loss as to what her costume will be. I just can't make up my mind! I want to do something creative-but realistic too. I'm leaning towards something involving a tutu-but I guess we'll all just have to wait and see what happens.

We have joyous news to share! My newest little niece was born last night to my bro/sis-in-law, and Caleb and Kirsten Allen, as they welcomed sweet little Aila Marie-3 weeks early-but as beautiful and precious as new parents could hope for in a sweet baby! Congrats and We can't wait to meet the little sweetie!

I have been working on some different projects that past month or so, and i wanted to post some pictures of my progress. I have been working on a photo wall that was inspired by my Aunts' and my Grandmother. When i was young, they started a photo wall of three simple bulletin boards that had a variety of pictures from all of the grandkids and their growth through the years. I remember being really excited to see what new pictures of each of us had been added to the wall each time we made a visit to my Grandma's. Such a simple but precious memory from my childhood. So, i have decided to duplicate this project in my own home. I have three bulletin boards, and I covered two of them with fabric, and purchased a framed one for the center. I hung them with drapery tie backs and it adds a nice architectural element and really makes it like artwork on the wall. I decided to use one board for pictures of Jon's life and family, one for pictures of my life and family, and the center one for pictures of our life together. It's turned out pretty cool, and it's a grate way to display all of those photos that you have and either haven't room to display or scrapbook. Our family that have visited have enjoyed seeing pictures of themselves and i am confident it's going to be a great conversation starter for many a family gathering!

Pictures of all of the above to come.....until then-

Hello again.....it's been awhile.

Sooooooooooo, one of the real bummers of being a teacher is that it is an all encompassing job! I haven't had time to blog in almost 6 months, among other hobbies of mine, and I used my summer break to do some long overdue organizing around my house. One of my summer goals was to blog at least once a month. But, alas-8 weeks came and went like a flash and the dream of updating everyone on all that has changed with Ellie as she's grown, along with the latest in the the lives of the Allens' became a daunting and overwhelming concept that I managed to continually avoid...until now. Whoa run-on sentence!

Anywhoo, I have decided that even though in a perfect world I would have blogged and posted pictures relating all of the important events and activities that have occurred these past months, I am a perfectionist and a procrastinator-a terrible combo. And so, I shall bid adieu to those dreams of being an amazing blogger.

The entire purpose of starting a blog was to keep family and friends posted on the details of our little lives in a more personal way than via facebook or email. And so, all expectation aside-that is where I'm starting from today. I have finally worked up the courage to sit own at my computer and post something...anything. It's like that scene in You've Got Mail (a fave of mine & Jon's) where Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks, and I can't remember which at the moment "it's starting to get fuzzy", are pacing back and forth looking at their respective computers deciding how to respond to that day's email sent from “NY152” or “shopgirl”. I have paced, day in and day out, and been too afraid to post a "below par post". But, I have finally faced my fears of inadequate posting, and am moving on.

So, now for the update. Here is the Allen family's last 6 months in a nutshell:

-Jon has entered his 3rd year of his Orthopaedic program and has survived the "hazing" years of Residency...for now anyway. He is enjoying spending time with Ellie and can't wait to enjoy her through the holiday festivities this fall and winter.

-Erin (I) am a 5th year teacher at Smiley Elementary and am loving my too cute class of 34 bright-eyed 5th graders. However, I long for the day when I can stay at home, and dote on my Ellie Rose, and do "stay-at-home-mommy things', but this too shall pass, and I will keep hoping for my heart’s desire. Meanwhile, Ellie is in the care of a wonderful, God-given woman who is only 1.1 miles from my work! Yay, God!

-Ellie Rose -"with the beautiful nose, and a beautiful pose, and beautiful toes" (a song composed by my 6 year old niece, Bella) is growing like a weed and is now a 24lb. 37" 8-month old dreamchild! She is the easiest and happiest baby ever, and I can't believe God chose me to be the mommy little one. She has broken her first two bottom teeth, is nearing crawling very soon, can sit and stand (with help) and loves sweet potatoes! Just like her momma! Atta girl! :) She sleeps like a champ in her own bed, and after learning 5 new words in one week (Momma, Dadda, LaLa, Baba and Nana) she has decided she likes saying "Dadda" and "Nana" best. I have hope that "Momma" will be put back on the list of faves someday-but for now, there's nothing sweeter than watching her Daddy's face light up everytime she calls or whispers (yes, she whispers) his name. :)

We had a busy and eventful summer-a family wedding in San Diego, another in Napa, and my precious Brother Tim getting married to his beautiful bride Jamie as well!!! Ellie and I had our 1st 8-hr car trip together as we trekked to a family reunion with Jon's family in Tahoe, and finally-I was busy tackling some much needed projects around the house. Ellie and I even enjoyed "Mommy and Me"swim lessons! Pictures will be coming soon, hopefully.

But until next time (and hopefully that will be sooner than next year), enjoy the blessings that God gives you and yours each day. I have been reflecting on that Steven Curtis Chapman song that goes "Be still and know that he is God, be still, and know that he is God. Be still, be speechless". And so, I am trying to listen a little more-and speak a little less. I'm sure my husband will be pleased! :)

1st time swimming

I see you mommy!

I like mommy's camera!



Lake Tahoe! Brrrrrr!

Groovy shades Ellie!

Seriously Mom, another picture?

My favorite picture!!!

Grandpa Jerry & Momma Lora

4 generations!



Cousins at Lake Tahoe in the Village

I LOVE baby feet!

Looking out at the ocean

Poppa Skip

Ellie & Mommy at Big Sur during our road trip up the coast

Happy Birthday America!

Mother's Day 2010

Congrats Tim & Jamie!

Jon & Ellie in San Fran

Family Pic on the San Francisco Bridge

The Fam @ cousin James' wedding in Napa

The Hubs and I

Spring Break!

Spring Break is finally here! I have so looked forward to spending time with my little sweet pea, and just enjoying having a slightly more lax schedule for a couple of weeks. This week is also significant because not only am I off, but my hubby is off for a week as well! This is first time we’ve been able to enjoy time off (without me in recovery from labor) together, and it has been so nice to just hang around and take in life. Monday we celebrated a family birthday at Victoria Gardens, and I had ample opportunity to practice my “resist the temptation to shop” skills, although I couldn’t pass up a pink sun hat for Ellie. It was a beautiful, sunny day and her little head was at risk for sunburn (that’s my justification anyway)

Also this week, Ellianah is now 3 months old! I cannot believe how fast the time really does fly! She just started learning to roll over, and she talks (coos) and sings like you wouldn’t believe! Poor Jon is doomed to be surrounded by women who like to gab. ☺ It’s so fun to watch her really come into her own little personality. She is also teething like crazy and is learning how to clasp toys in her hands. She was 11lbs 1oz at her 2 month check-up, and topped the charts at 24.5” in height. She has been wearing 3-6 month clothing, and even wears a few 6-9 month clothes because of her height. She’s destined for basketball for sure-which makes her Daddy proud. She can also stand up when we hold her hands-she’s really strong and wants to talk and walk as soon as possible. Of course, I would prefer she take her time getting to walking part so I can snuggle her a little longer! She has also started throwing cute little baby tantrums-I’m sure those tantrums won’t be “cute” for long-but for now, it’s funny to see her little pouty face.


I am so excited to celebrate the extra hour of sunlight by learning some new recipes, scrapbooking, planting fresh flowers, and going on walks with Ellie in the warm sun. What a gift to have a few days to play and enjoy moments with friends, family and a great big God! It’s this time of year that reminds me of God’s grace and mercy in my life. A season of rebirth, growth and renewal-a chance to start fresh and take stock in that God’s provision, and all that he’s carried us through in the past year. The warmth of summer is just around the corner, and the delights of springtime are calling.

P.S.-I have FINALLY completed the baby announcement for Ellie

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's back to work I go...

So, this week was eventful one; full of wonderful celebrations and challenges. I started back to work on Tuesday and my sweet 5th grade students threw me a surprise baby shower. It was a lovely way to distract from the fact that I was missing my baby so much! I realized just how lucky I am to return to a job that I love, since working is a must at this time in our lives. As much as I love my job-I daily long for my precious hunny-bunny and am counting down the days to spring break, when we get to spend two more glorious weeks staring at each other and cherishing a laid back schedule. Speaking of schedules, this week was crazy! Thankfully, I made it to school on time everyday-but it wasn’t without its challenges! Pumping during breaks, rushing home for late afternoon feedings, and to top it all off, I GOT SICK!! It’s amazing how germy a classroom can be. I literally walk in the classroom after a break, and ZING, I’ve got a full-blown cold. Thank God for cough drops, Kleenex with lotion, and recess breaks!

This week also welcomed little Ellie’s 2 month birthday! Yes, I am enjoying the phase of life, where you celebrate each and every new day, week, month! I want to soak up every moment of her first year-as many have warned of how quickly the time flies by. She has already changed so much, and I can see her becoming more and more interactive each day. I am amazed at how much joy mommyhood has brought me, and yet, I know God must delight watching us live out parenthood in our own lives. For then we finally have the chance to grasp a glimpse of his joy in being our Father. This week Ellianah started cooing and singing up a storm! She loves to lie on her changing table and gaze out the window. She will literally sit there and talk (coo) for a good fifteen minutes without a care in the world. She takes after her chatterbox mommy I suppose.


My sweet husband, Jon is another topic I’ve been meaning to address. My fabulous husband of six and a half years is the most amazing father, friend and husband! I am amazed at his tenacity and commitment to his career! He is currently completing his third year of residency, and year two of his Orthopaedic Residency program at Loma Linda University Medical Center. This year is the most grueling year of his 5 year program, and with only 4 months and 7 days to go (but who’s counting) – he is still able to laugh, go on family walks to the dog park, help with the groceries, and remind me to let him bond and comfort our baby when she’s wailing in his arms. (Mr. Incredible theme music inserted here). He averages 80 hours a week, and I really don’t know how he physically does it! I’ve been a working mom for 4 short days, and I feel completely defeated – yet I look at this amazing man who gets up everyday at dawn, and returns at dusk, and he JUST KEEPS GOING. It’s in these moments I realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing reminder of how little I have to complain about. In the meantime, I think I’ll dust off the ol’ pom-poms and cheer him to the finish line!

Bless you all! Until next time…

Newborn Photo Shoot!!

A few weeks ago, we were blessed to have our dear friend Allison Easley take newborn pictures of Ellie at 4 weeks. It was a wonderful experience, although-it would've been great if Ellianah had been a little sleepier when this was happening! It made for a long shoot! But, graciously, Alli & Ellie hung in there! Thanks Alli! :)

I am so impressed with the final results and thought I'd share a few of our faves! Enjoy!

Welcome Home Ellianah

We're back! I originally set up this blog as a way to get a jump start on something I knew I desired to do once I was a mom, (blogging) but wouldn't have time to set up once my little punkin' was here. So, now that she's here, I want to start blogging as regularly as I can to keep friends and family updated on the crazy life of the Allens. So, to start things off, here is my labor and delivery story for those who wanted details. Forgive me for being fairly blunt at times throughout the story-but I didn't want to forget the little details that make each pregnancy such a memorable and unique experience.

-OUR STORY-

I thought it would be wise to jot down the events that transpired that day that my sweet baby girl entered the world…well, actually, the TWO days that you spent entering the world! J

It all started on December 7^th when Daddy and I were going to my last doctor’s appointment. We arrived ready for a routine check-up, but to our surprise, our FANTASTIC OB Doctor, Dr. Balli, told me that I was at potential risk for Preeclampsia - and was being sent to the hospital for observation. “WHAT!!” I said aloud. After a completely normal pregnancy, I was not expecting this. I thought you were coming early! But, we went home a few hours later, and I stayed off my feet until it was time for you to arrive.

Your DUE DATE, (Friday, December 11^th), came and went and I was barely experiencing contractions. I remember thinking-“Whoa, this labor stuff isn’t that bad”. Well, that was because I wasn’t in labor, not even close. Your daddy and I decided that we should be induced since you were already 40 weeks, and we were fearful of you getting even bigger! The night before we went to the hospital, I remember praying all night because I couldn’t sleep - I was so nervous. I wanted everything to go smoothly-and with as little pain and complication as possible.

So, on Monday, December 14^th (my 30^th birthday), we journeyed to Loma Linda University Medical Center (where your Daddy was completing his residency) at 6:30am. I was placed in a room and set up to be induced by 7:00am. Daddy and I prayed in the car ride to the hospital that God would give us a healthy baby girl, would keep me safe, and if possible-would provide a smooth and fast labor and delivery. Dr. Balli checked me and said I was barely 1cm dilated, and not effaced at all. So much for “fast” labor. J So, I was put on medication that helped my cervix dilate and efface over the next 8 hours. But, you gave us a little scare when they first started the medication. All of the sudden, your heart rate was dropping, so the nurses rushed in and gave me a shot to help stabilize your heart rate. I had no idea-but Daddy knew the signs of trouble, and was worried for both of us! Thankfully-everything was fine.

As the day progressed, Daddy, Nana Bev and Auntie Shannon were my labor coaches and helped me get through contractions throughout the day. Around 6pm that evening, I decided it was time to get an epidural. The contractions were getting stronger, and I didn’t want to miss my opportunity. I was SCARED to death of that needle! But, I did great, and the anesthesiologist was awesome. Daddy was a great support! Once I was no longer able to feel the bulk of the pain, the nurses turned up the Pitocin to get things to accelerate more quickly. Dr. Balli came in to check me, and at 8:00pm that evening, I was still just barely at 3-4cm, but I WAS effaced and making progress! At that point, I knew you and I would not be sharing a birthday. But now you have your own day to celebrate! J

As the evening progressed, so did my labor. There were a few moments when I would start to sleep, and you too would relax-resulting in your heart rate dropping. Fearful of your heart rate dropping again, I decided not to sleep from that moment on until you were out! The nurses decided it was in your best interest to keep a close eye on your little heart, so they attached a small heart monitor to your scalp, while you were inside of me still! I continued to be checked throughout the night, and you were taking your sweet little time getting ready. You were definitely worth the wait though! Around 8:00am, Tuesday, December 15^th, I was really starting to feel the contractions-even with the epidural. Daddy said I was so tired, that I would start breathing “hee hee hee-hoo, hee hee hee-hoo” through my contractions while drifting in and out of consciousness. Dr. Balli was thrilled with my progress, but unfortunately had to leave the hospital to go work in his clinic. I was bummed because I really wanted Dr. Balli to deliver you.

Finally around 11:30am, I was nearing 10cm dilation, and the nurses began prepping me to PUSH YOU OUT! The time had finally come, and even though I was still very afraid-I was SO excited to meet you and enjoy you! Not to mention, I was done being afraid and fearful of every little thing! Around noon, I started pushing, and after a strenuous 2½ hours, I wasn’t getting very far! At this point, the OB doctor I was assigned explained that standard protocol was that a patient could push for 3 hours, and then it was time to have a C-section. Of course, C-section was the one thing I DID NOT want, and after being in labor for 30 hours, and 2½ hours of pushing – this was the news I did not want to hear.

As I started to cry in frustration and exhaustion, in walks Dr. Balli. Our Superhero to save the day! He was done working at his clinic, and after having worked 30 hours - had returned to the hospital to check on us! I was overjoyed! I knew Dr. Balli would help us complete this journey (without a C-section). I was exhausted, but Dr. Balli explained that he felt I could still deliver you with a little help. So, after a little prayer and a lot of hope, Daddy and I okayed the use of suction to get things moving. Dr. Balli applied a little suction cup to your scalp, and after 20 minutes of gold-medal pushing (if I do say so myself), you were on your way! Of course, I needed an episiotomy, and thankfully your Daddy knew the best type to have for swift healing – but it was worth every pain, every push, every moment to finally have you within reach!

“I see the head”, cried Nana Bev. That was all I needed to hear. I started pushing like crazy, and within a couple of minutes – YOU WERE HERE! Finally, at 3:54pm, Tuesday, December 15^th, 2009 – our sweet little princess-Ellianah “My God has answered” Rose Allen had arrived, weighing in at 7lbs. 11oz. and 20.5” long. (Of course, you were 7lbs. 12oz. once we got to the recovery unit, so Daddy likes to claim that weight instead). J Daddy clipped your umbilical cord and got to cuddle you while they weighed and measured you. (He got to hold you first too!)

After the nurses cleaned you up, they brought you over to me, and I got to hold you skin to skin for the first time! You were so tiny and peaceful and beautiful! It was like you knew immediately that I was your mommy! I have never been more proud and overjoyed in my life! You immediately started looking for “food”, a telltale sign you were definitely an Allen baby! :)

We were so excited to hear your precious little cry and to see your FULL head of blond hair! I knew that all of those months of heartburn (supposedly linked to hair growth) would pay off! You were just perfect, with the most piercing blue eyes, long fingers and toes, sweet tiny ears, and a perfect suction-cup hickey on the top of your head! Sorry Lovey! We both had a few bumps and bruises from the journey-but we made it, and Daddy and I are so excited to get to know you and love you and grow you up in the ways of the Lord who gave you to us – God’s most perfect and precious gift!

*Here are some of the scripture verses the Lord has given me throughout my pregnancy that I have prayed over you! We love you Ellie Rose! -Mommy & Daddy

Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Isaiah 49:1
Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth He has made mention of my name.

Galatians 1:15
But when He had set me apart before I was born...and had called me through His grace.

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.