May
28
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on May-28-2008

The drive was not bad today. We left Atlanta around 12 noon and stopped twice. We used those opportunities to fuel the car, ourselves and Ella as well as have potty breaks.

Honestly, Ella has been doing a great job. Sure, she fusses now and then because she’s a baby! But overall, she has been doing fantastic! And thanks again to Grandma West – – that DVD player is amazing! Ella sure loves to watch her signing videos and Baby Einstein. Now and again, we did catch her sleeping too.

We did pick the right itinerary for our journey home. Just as we arrived at our hotel today, Ella started to fuss. She had been in the car for about 6 hours total and she was done.

The meltdown started, but as soon as I started pushing the stroller, she paused. The lobby lights and sounds made her stop and check out the surroundings. Even the elevator ride to our room on the top floor made for something more interesting than the car. As soon as I got her out of the car seat and laid her on a blanket in the room, she was SO happy!

I think that was a simple and subtle way of letting us know that she had reached her travel limit for the day.

We are at the Sheraton at Music City in Nashville. Once again, we ended up with a great room. The highlight of Nashville trip was having Keith, Tracy and Christie Mitchell visit us (we met them in the NICU the first week that Ella was born last July). They drove an hour from Dickson, TN to come and see us. And of course, everything was good because they brought BBQ for dinner in our hotel room. We had a great time hanging out.

Sitting on the patio of the hotel room was surreal. Wait a minute…we are in Nashville, TN with Ella Renae?!?! We just love her so much and can’t believe that it has been 10 months and we are finally on our way back home.

Tomorrow, we are headed to St. Louis, MO, a 5 hour drive. Please continue to pray for safe travels and good weather.

Thanks for all the love and support.



John & Estela Williams on May 28th, 2008 at 8:05 pm #

God is Good… what a wonderful day for you 3. Sounds like you guys planned this trip perfect. We pray that you continue to have wonderful weather and that Ella continue to hold on for the drive. Love you guys!

Michael on May 28th, 2008 at 8:07 pm #

Ya’ll is Rock Stars!!!!!!!!!! Love ya!!!

Terri Trainer on May 28th, 2008 at 8:25 pm #

Roll on, sister!! Loving you guys across the miles. T

aunt Marla on May 28th, 2008 at 8:42 pm #

Ella, I am so happy for you and mommy and daddy. Tell everyone that this travelin business is a cake walk, compared to what you’ve come through!! God be with you all and see you home safely. Remember there is a gang of us in G’ville that will always have you in our hearts and in our prayers. Love you!

The Rainey Family on May 28th, 2008 at 9:10 pm #

Glad you’re having good travels so far!

anne on May 28th, 2008 at 9:20 pm #

safe travels!!!

Jim and Char Jordan on May 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm #

We just love to see her grow. It is quite an amazing ordeal. You have gone farther than you can imagine. You know her well. Keep up the good work. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Kara on May 29th, 2008 at 1:24 am #

Yup, short stints and a DVD player. That’s how we do it. Glad it’s going good, you all are in our prayers.

Linda (Frostproof) on May 29th, 2008 at 4:12 am #

I am so happy for you three and glad that you are having safe travels. I am praying for a safe trip. Anyone what wants to see how much this child is loved needs to check out the map of love. I checked all the way back to the beginning and there usually was no more than 20-30 visits a day. Yesterday there were 144. I think we all are checking Ella’s progress on her way home. She surely is surrounded with a hedge of protection with thousands of prayers going out for her each day. Ella, you and your family are an inspiration to all of us. Safe travels.

Tara Hayes on May 29th, 2008 at 4:37 am #

I’m awake and praying for your safe travel across our country’s mid-section and a happy, happy baby! much love,

Steve and Joan Odell on May 29th, 2008 at 5:54 am #

Enjoy and be safe – One day at a time. Steve and Joan

Matt, Abby, Austin & Caed on May 29th, 2008 at 6:19 am #

I’m really glad ya’ll are having a good trip so far. Budgeting a week to get home was a great idea. We’re praying for the rest of your trip to go smoothly and for Ella to adjust quickly to that Denver air. (I bet you’ll miss that good ol Florida humidity…maybe?….maybe not?)

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Williamsburg on May 29th, 2008 at 6:52 am #

We woke up to a cool SoCal-type coastal mist this morning which the sun is just now starting to burn off – beautiful! CO must be preparing for your arrival. How wonderful that you were able to have some friends and fellowship along the way – along with some great BBQ! Thanks so very much for being so terrific with the blog – we can’t wait to mark your progress each day and rejoice in one step closer to home! Love and hugs. XOXOXO

Joel Snyder on May 29th, 2008 at 8:12 am #

Ella, My little trooper I just can’t believe that in a couple of days you will be home. This has been a long and exciting adventure for all of us and you have been so great!!!! Now the fun begins and you can keep making those baby steps of progress that you have been for 10 months. I am praying for good weather and safe travels to St.Louis. I will check on you later. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandma on May 29th, 2008 at 8:53 am #

This is a big! BIG! “THANK YOU”to all of you out there who have prayed for and supported this Little Family With your love and kind words I am just constantly amazed when I read the comments on the blog from all over. God has done a great thing once again, and again, and again,and again. Thank you Lord for all these wonderful people. Love from Grandma West

the Lizotte family on May 29th, 2008 at 10:44 am #

How exciting to be nearing home. Lots of prayers for clear skies and clear roads ahead for you and Ella.

Todd on May 29th, 2008 at 12:40 pm #

Eve, Maeve and I are thinking about you all and hoping for clear weather and beautiful skies the entire way home! Have a safe journey 🙂

The Correia Gang on May 29th, 2008 at 1:06 pm #

We are praying for a safe trip back. We can’t wait to see you guys!! It is so beautiful and green in Denver right now!! Perfect time to come home!!

Crystal Coldiron on May 29th, 2008 at 3:11 pm #

portable DVD players are a WONDERFUL thing!

Tammy on May 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm #

Happy “almost” homecoming to all of you! How excited you must be! Ella looks wonderful.
You are truly amazing, and even though we’ve never met I thank you for the opportunity to watch the lord’s “teeny Beany” miracle blossom and grow. The lord does put people in our paths for a reason, and I find myself inspired by your strength and incredible love for the lord.
Blessings to you all!

Chambers Family on May 29th, 2008 at 7:38 pm #

Who picked the Hotels? Well done. How fun to add to the adventure of each new city! If I ever have a big event in my life — I am calling Tina to plan it! She seems to even have a Starbucks near by.. =)

jenny on May 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm #

So glad to know you all are on your way home… finally… thinking about you all the time and wishing you safe travels and a safe return. Lots of love.

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