Newborn pics

This is waaaaay overdue...When Annabelle was 4 days old we had her newborn pictures done.  Ashlie, my friend and roommate from college has a sister, Meagan, that is a photographer.  We were so excited to get pictures of our sweet little baby!  And Meagan did a GREAT job!  Check her out at Sweet Pea Photography.

Here are some pics from the shoot...

One of my favs...such a precious moment captured

Nothin better then this...

So.  Precious!

Love my family!

I know.  The cutest thing you've ever seen.

Ok, maybe this is the cutest thing you've ever seen.

Our beautiful, perfect girl!

Don't Blink

Right after she turned 5 weeks, we started having some serious issues with gas.  Poor thing was just miserable!  Worst feeling as a mom...So, thus began the process of eliminating foods, and trying to figure out how to help our sweet girl.  By mid-week 7 it was at it's worst.  I mentioned my attempt to get my hair done, and boy was that a huge fiasco.  Between the over-stimulating surroundings and her gas, she was done!  Screaming and crying.  Big fat tears started falling...then mom started crying.  Felt so helpless.  During the week and a half of the unbearable gas my sweet baby girl did not enjoy being the in the burping position on my shoulder.  For over 5 weeks I had loved the cuddle time of feeding her, burping her, then her falling asleep on my shoulder.  Just some of those priceless moments of being mommy.  I was super sad to see that phase come and go.  

Fast forward to the end of week 7 were the dairy was leaving my system and the medicine we tried started working.  The combination equals this...

Thankful for these precious moments!  Huge reminder to not take advantage of these sweet moments.  Like they say, the dishes can wait, the cleaning can go til later, laundry can get done tomorrow, but these moments with my sweet girl will be gone in a blink of an eye!  Don't forget to cuddle while you can!

Cutest noises ever!

Isn't this the best!  She's not too sure what to think when she sees daddy's phone come out...

Annabelle strikes again

She keeps us laughing...

Obligatory mom pics

Annabelle's life thus far in pictures...

2 days old

My precious girl one week old

Two weeks old, and much more awake!

Three weeks and growing and growing!!

Beautiful blue-eyed four week old!

Five weeks and loving life!

Six weeks, and we're talking and talking!

Seven weeks, and so fun!

Just like her daddy...

I find myself snapping pictures and taking video ALL the time.  I'm sure I'm not the only mom that has this problem.  My iPhone just told me the other day I had run out of storage... Noooo!!  So,  needless to say I've been busy snapping memories, but finding the time to blog  these memories seems impossible!!

I have to say that Annabelle is really a great baby.  She only cries if she's hungry or has gas issues.  Unfortunately, the gas issues have become more persistent, and poor thing is just miserable.  Well, we find her changing table proves to be her favorite place to hangout...and handle any gas or discomfort she might be having.  Here is an example of what she does on a daily basis...p.s. She gets this trait from her daddy!  It's only 30 seconds, so make sure you listen to the whole thing.

Happy One Month!

Beautiful girl, you are one month old!  People are not kidding when they say the first several weeks are a complete blur!  It has been such an amazing experience becoming mommy and daddy to you!  Daddy and I talk all the time about how much we cannot imagine life without you!  You are a blessing beyond blessings!   Here are some of the highlights of your first month!

You are such a big girl!  Your one week checkup showed you had not lost even one ounce!  You maintained your 9 lbs 8 oz weight your whole first week!  You lost a quarter inch (since you lost the lovely cone head look) and were 20 inches long.  As you can see you are having no problem eating!  Which proved great for mommy.  Hello losing all that weight!  Thank you nursing!!  Seriously, amazing.  At two weeks you weighed 11 lbs, and were 21 inches long.  So big!!

We have been super lucky, and you're a great sleeper.  You sleep 3-4 hour stretches each night, giving mommy some decent sleep.  You do well with your naps, but especially your late afternoon nap.  By the end of the month you were making good eye contact, able to track things and sounds really well, and have lots and lots of movement!  Here are some other fun facts about your first month:

- You lost your umbilical chord at 5 days old.
- You were in newborn anything for less than 36 hours.  You've been in 3 month clothing since day 2!
- You are allergic to normal diapers, so we've had you in chlorine free diapers.
- We tried giving you a bottle at 3 weeks, but you were not having it!  You'll take it one night, then not at all the next.
- You are not a fan of pacifiers.
- You are such a hotbox!  You're pretty much naked all day long.
- You would much rather sleep on your side or tummy.
- You're obsessed with ceiling fans and lights.
- You LOVE your changing table.  You can be having a complete meltdown, take you to the table and you are a happy baby!  You especially love the green shelf about the table.  You just stare, and have even started cooing and making all kinds of fun noises!
- You love sleeping on mommy or daddy's tummy.
- You have good head control.
- You didn't love your first bath, but have loved everyone since.

I might be a little partial, but I think you're just perfect!  We already know you're going to have quite the personality!  Daddy thinks you're going to be feisty like me. ;-)  We are loving every second of watching you grow!  We could not love you more!

Who does she look like?

A question we always get, and most people who just had a baby is, "Who does she look like?"  When she as first born we had no clue.  Just looking at her we didn't really think she looked like either of us.  Maybe a perfect mix?  I asked my mom for some baby pictures, as well as asking Travis's mom.  I couldn't believe I didn't have any of our own baby pictures anyways.  Not sure why I would have my own baby pics.  Maybe just seems a "grown-up" thing, or something you have once you're married?  Either way, I was curious.  The minute we saw my baby pics we knew...it was almost identical!  So crazy and fun!  

Sweet Annabelle just days old.

My baby picture.   I actually still have that bunny!  AND, I'll go ahead an admit I still have that blanket...and I might still sleep with it...maybe.

Giving Thanks

^"I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."

1 Corinthians 1:4

I wake up every morning feeling so incredibly blessed and thankful.  I'm in a season were my felt needs are pretty high.  The first week after having a baby is a huge eye opener to pain and discomfort.  Considering what I just went through the last 10 months, not to mention the fact my body just birthed a 9.5 pound baby, you'd think the after would be a bit easier.  Well...not so much.  I have no clue what I would have done without some key people this last week and a half.  Seriously, so incredibly blessed. So, here's a tribute to some of the people that have blessed me in ways words could never describe.   I am so incredibly thankful for each of you!

1.  My husband.  I know, it's impossible not to start here.  HE has been a rockstar!  I realize I am the one that actually gave birth to our daughter, but he had to sit there and watch helplessly as I did give birth.  For those that don't know or haven't realized, I gave birth at a birthing center WITHOUT ANY DRUGS.  Yes, you read correctly...all 9.5 pounds without drugs.  Not easy folks.  Hardest, most excruciating pain ever, and he had to sit back and watch me in all that pain, unable to do anything.  On top of all that, I ended up passing out in his arms an hour after birth.  I came to hearing him say "We're losing her.  We're losing her."  Turns out not eating and hardly drinking for 24 hours combined with giving birth is a really bad combination.  Definitely took a few years off his life I'm sure!  Not only that, he really is the only reason I've been eating the last 10 days.  I'm so busy keeping track of Annabelle's feeding and trying to sleep whenever possible, eating for myself just doesn't happen.  He's also been pretty amazing at handling my 1 or 2 (or 3 or 4) breakdowns.  Hormones are real people...and crazy.  Those flood gates open and it's all over...So a super big thank you to my wonderful husband.  Travis, I love you!

2.  My mom, aka Gigi.  Where to begin!  She came over everyday after Annabelle was born.  Travis had to go train clients, so she came over in his place.  She has done EVERYTHING!  Laundry, dishes, groceries, cleaning, and of course loving on sweet Annabelle so mommy could get some much needed sleep.  She is the reason I don't have huge bags under my eyes, and I'm not a constant basket case!  Mom, THANK YOU for everything you have done for me, Travis, and Annabelle.  We are so incredibly grateful and lucky to have you! 

3.  Now on to Ashlie...Ashlie was a roommate of mine in college.   We re-connected a few years ago to do the MS150 bike ride, and have kept in touch ever since.  She has been more than a lifesaver really my whole pregnancy and most certainly the last 10 days of my life.  I probably need to help pay for part of her phone bill due the amount of text messages and phone calls we've had...it really is ridiculous.  She has 3 of her own, her last just born this past spring.  She has been a huge source of help, comfort, and wisdom to a new mom who knows nothing at all!  I know I can ask her any and everything and she will be able to give me some guidance or direction.  Ashlie, words cannot do justice how thankful and grateful I am for you and our friendship!  You have been more than a lifesaver, and you are very much appreciated!  Hoping one day to be able to repay you for everything you've done!  

1999

2009

4.  This one is is for all the amazing friends and family that have brought us meals over the last week.  Brooke is someone I met late in the spring, and has become a great friend.  She has such a heart for serving, and we are so thankful for that!  She started up our meals after Annabelle got here.  Grateful! We also have recently gone back to our McKinney Church home, and were shocked when they reached out to bring us meals.  We've only been back at McKinney for about a month, and already they have welcomed us, and are helping us in this busy crazy time in life.  We are beyond humbled and blessed!

5.  And thank you to those friends that have sent Annabelle sweet gifts.  Thank you to those that have called and text Travis and me over the past week.  I haven't been able to call you all back, but soon I'll get back to some kind of routine!  

Again, a huge thank you to so many of you that have helped make this last couple weeks a bit easier.  So very thankful!!

God is Good

"I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Ps 89:1

Annabelle Christine is finally here!  Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 12:41 am.   She was 9 lbs 8 oz, 20.25 inches long.  Thursday, August 30th, around 4:30 pm I started having some pretty consistent contractions, 7-10 minutes apart.  By 3:00 am they were at 5 minutes apart.  We were so excited and so ready!  I had contacted my midwife, and she told me to rest and relax as much as possible.  NOT what this mommy wanted to hear!  BUT, I did what I was told and laid in bed.  Somehow I was able to fall back asleep.  Woke up at 6:00 realizing I had had only a few contractions.  What was going on?!?!  Very frustrating to say the least.  After talking to my midwife again she had me come straight in to check me out.  We packed the car, knowing we we would not be coming back without our sweet Annabelle.  

After she checked me, I was only at a 3.  Annoyed again.  She then had us go for a 40 minute walk.  She called it the "hell" walk, but pretty sure she was talking to 2 personal trainers.  She said this should not be a leisurely stroll.  I'm not sure I know the meaning of "leisurely," especially at 10 months pregnant.  The walk helped get the contractions going again, but they still weren't were they needed to be.  She sent us to go get some breakfast, but eating was really the last thing I wanted to be doing.  I forced down some food from Central Market, and then we headed back to the birth center.  My contractions had started becoming more frequent and a bit stronger.  She "let us" go on yet another walk, which we were of course thrilled about (note the sarcasm).  By the time we finished this 40 minutes my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart.  It was around 10:30 when we finished that second walk.  Travis and I walked in and said we would not be walking again.  We were sweating, and it was humid and hot outside.  (Need I remind her west nile is everywhere right now?!)   I took a shower, and was drying off when all of a sudden..POP.  My water broke!  Hallelujah!  Game time was officially here!

Well, 13 hours later she finally decided to make her debut.  I'll spare you all the details, but she definitely made her mommy work!  She got stuck the last 4-5 hours, so it got a little scary for awhile, but lots of prayers were going up, and God was faithful.  We are so amazed by this special gift, and loving every second of her!  Here are some pics from her first week of life.

Just hours old!  And she came out sucking those fingers!

Day 2 with mommy...

Day 2 with daddy...

On our way to the doctor!  

On our way home from the doctor...yes, we had an outfit change.

She is SUCH a hot box!  We have to keep her naked most the time.  She gets so hot so fast!

Out cold!  And the cutest baby ever!

I'm 1 week old today!!! And my eyes are a bit more open these days.