Ryan's Nursery...

I think that Ryan's room is basically ready for him to start sleeping in. I am just waiting for him to sleep through the night before moving him from our room to his crib.

Aunt Amy painted Ryan's name so that I could

hang it on the wall. I just need to attach picture

hangers to the letters to that they will hang on the wall.

We kept the bed in the nursery so that it can double as a guest room.

Nanny gave Ryan the beautiful dresser.

I think with some shelves on the wall for keepsakes, and a cubby shelf for toys Ryan's room should really be great!

I have two babies...

Anytime that I sit with Ryan in the rocking chair, Gabby thinks that her lap belongs to me. She just hopped up there and made herself comfy. It didn't even phase Ryan, he snoozed right on!

Hospital Pics of Ryan...

I thought that everyone might want to see the hospital photos that were taken of Ryan.

They came out great, and my father-in-law was nice enough to buy the cd so we could print as many as we would like. Today, I finally ordered his birth announcements!

The Elam's are getting their first great granddaughter...

Niki and Bryan found out today that they are expecting a girl!! She is due in January and will be delivered by c-section on the 30th of that month. We are all very excited that the family will finally be getting a girl baby to spoil and love. Ryan was the seventh boy born in a row. Niki and Bryan will make wonderful parents, we are so happy for them.

Bath Time...

About a week after Ryan was born, his umbilical cord stump fell off, which meant it was time for a real bath! Being a new mom, and wanting to do everything right I watched an internet video about how to bathe a newborn. Now I've done it so many times I'm a prow, ha ha!

Ryan cried during his bath, so gabby had to make sure that he was ok.

He loved me washing his hair though, I guess it was relaxing.

Ryan all clean!

I just love the little smile on his face when we were all done!

Ryan Thomas Elam.....

On August 12, 2010 God blessed us with our first child Ryan. It is hard to believe that he is no longer in my belly, but here with us!


The labor was very long, lasting a total of 35 hours! The above picture is me after about 14 hours of contrations and a trip to the hospital triage where they observed me and sent me home. We walked around Walmart, and then spent a few hours with the family supporting me at Nanny's. Around 2 a.m. the family convinced me to go back to the hospital. I fell apart when the nurse told me I was still a one! My body had been effacing but not dilating.

I was observed at the hospital, and finally admitted after 24 hours of contractions! Thank goodness for the epidural because I was exhausted. My wonderful husband sat with me along with sister-in-law Amy, cousins Christy and Mark, best friend Christi and other family members.

I was so tired!

At 4:14 pm they placed my boy in my arms. It was an emotional moment, everyone cried.

He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 20 inches long.

After two days at Baylor of Dallas we were home.

This is his first picture in his bassinet.

Little Ryan is four weeks old now, and much loved by his family.

We Are Having A Boy!!

We found out Easter weekend that we are expecting a boy! Little Ryan Thomas will be the seventh male addition to the Elam clan. Someone pointed out to me that our last name is male spelled backwards. Maybe that's why there has yet to be a girl born into the great grandchildren!! Ha Ha!! I'm excited to be a mommy, and I know it will be great.

Saying Goodbye to my Grandpa...

Grandma Katherine and Paw Paw swinging my daddy.

Last week I got a call from my Aunt Debbie that my Paw Paw wasn't doing well. I cried all through the phone call as she explained that his kidneys were failing and we would soon lose him. She asked that the next day all of the grandchildren and step grandchildren come together to make the funeral arrangements. It was a hard day. Little did I know that when I went to see my grandpa that day that it would be the last time I saw him alive. He passed away peacefully that evening.
Although the service was hard, it was a celebration of his life, and the fact that he made peace with God before he died. I am comforted to know that he is with Jesus, and my father and grandmother in heaven. He will be greatly missed.

George Aaron Phinnell

July 9th 1928- March 10th 2010

Paw Paw with my dad and aunt.

My Mem Maw Martha and Paw Paw 1975

Paw Paw, Mom, Dad, and Mem Maw

My parent's wedding 1975.

Paw Paw, Mem Maw, and Me

Matt and Erica's wedding 1998.

Long Time No See...

Well I haven't been on here in way to long!! This is my first post in 2010. Things have stayed busy as usual. I have been subbing and going to school for my masters degree. My pregnancy is going well and we find out the baby's gender next month.