8-31-11 - Newborn pics taken

[written retroactively]

Anna Claire had her Newborn pictures taken on 8-31-11 by Wendy Jones.  It was a great experience!  She still sleeps almost all the time and she was just as moldable as a baby could be!  Wendy said she was "perfect!" and that she very rarely has babies be so cooperative!

Several of the photos were taken without any clothes, to show off all those babies wrinkles and soft skin.  This makes for great photos, but Daddy ended up getting tee-tee'd on while taking this picture!! :)  Haha!  Good thing he was wearing black!

Another sweet moment was when Wendy was taking the Daddy/daughter set - Anna Claire woke up just briefly and reached up to touch Andy's face.  Talk about special!  Precious moment!

Our new sweet family!  I am so blessed...



8-30-11 - Dr. Visit

Had first doctor visit this morning.  What a new and exciting experience!  Of course, she slept most the entire time, but watching Andy be so gentle with her, and so interested means so much.  We were worried about her weight - they would want her to supplement if she hadn't gained enough back, but she did great!  She was up to 7 lbs. 12 oz!  Yay!  No supplementing.  I'm not so much worried about her taking formula, as I am NOT interested in introducing a bottle until she's nursing well.  Also, her jaundice had improved considerably, so that was a relief also.

Saw Dr. Williams - seems very thorough, fairly personable, but I've heard he isn't the biggest proponent of breastfeeding, so I have a little reservation about him.  I have also heard, however, that he is meticulous and if something is wrong, he's the guy you want!

Everyone has been sending loads of kind comments via Facebook and texts - we've really appreciated it! 

I am still moving extremely slow, but altogether doing quite well. We are very happy. :)

08-29-10

I am very peaceful... the past few days have been exhausting but so very joyful. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

8-27-10 - Bringing home baby

Today we came home from the hospital - I felt like I needed an extra day, just for the help and I am really glad that I did.  With the c-section, I am just moving very slowly.  Although, it is going much smoother than I expected - thank the Lord.

Baby girl took her first car ride and came home to her house today!

Now what do we do with her!!  :) 

The ladies from church have been fabulous though - they are going to provide two weeks worth of meals for us.  Lauren Malphurs was here this afternoon and made some delicious chicken salad with crescent rolls!  Yum!

8-26-10 - Hospital pics by Art Solomon

We are so incredibly blessed - words just can't express.

 

8-24-10 - The greatest blessing EVER

This will be short, for good reason.  After a day like today, words are insufficient!  Andy started the day off with flowers - card read, "To my two girls, I love you!"

Our beautiful baby girl was born today at 12:48 via c-section.  She weighed 8 lbs 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.  She has lots of really dark hair and her skin looks like it will be more like mine than Andy's.  She is absolutely gorgeous.  When she was born she screamed SO loud - even the doctors and nurses commented on her having strong lungs!  I said it was because her Daddy was a singer, and she would be a singer too! :)

First time I hold her....I am so amazed.  Today I walked into the hospital a woman, but I left the delivery room a mother.  There is a vast difference between the two.  I have never been more keenly aware of another person and anxious to know everything about them as I was when I heard her cries for the first time.  I don't know, maybe I can't explain it properly.....well, I know I can't explain it properly - it's astounding - you don't have to be prodded to love your baby, they offer nothing in return (at that moment), but God just does this miracle in your heart. 

Proud Daddy pushes her back to our room to meet everyone!

My Daddy loves me instantly!

08-23-10

Nothing like a car repair the day before having a baby, but I am thankful that it isn't any worse than what it is.......God is good and always provides.


Andy was on his way home from church and the car started to smoke and STINK.  Turned out to be just a transmission line - only $300 or so, but man, oh, man.....I was imaginining that the transmission had blown up. 


I guess this is an opportunity to remember who is in charge and not get so freaked out.....the whole Phil 4:6-7 - "be anxious for nothing...." should have been ringing in my ears, but I'm bullheaded. 

08-21-10

Two thoughts: I have never known a dog that will willingly walk into the shower to get a bath. Weird dog that Louie..... 2) I don't know what in the world Anna Claire is up to, but whatever it is it is UNCOMFORTABLE! :)

Anna Claire's Nursery is done!

We are so happy with Anna Claire's nursery! It is finally starting to seem real....sort of! But at least I feel a tiny bit more prepared having the nursery done! She can come anytime now - her room is done!

08-19-10

I have the best husband ever - how many guys will jump into the pool fully dressed just to lift your spirits! :D

08-16-10 - I am officially a domestic engineer!!

I thoroughly enjoyed my first day as a domestic engineer, even though I can't "overdo" it.....(who knows what that REALLY means)!! :D

8-13-10 - Maternity Pics!

Had maternity pictures taken today - weather wasn't too great, for my hair at least! :)  Very humid.  Usually people have maternity pics taken toward the end of the 7th month or so from what I understand....that way you aren't just MONSTROUS.  (Like I am currently!)

Andy did SO good, but I have to admit that it was fun watching him! :) I don't think [normal] guys are ever comfortable in photo situations....... haha! :)  When he had to kiss me, he lost his bravado and grinned! haha! 

Here's the best shots - we love our little baby girl so much already! I think Wendy captured that appropriately.

08-11-10

Well, it was an unexpected doctor visit today.  I expected to hear that I was dilating, but instead I hear that Anna Claire is butt first - frank breech.....c-section scheduled for the 24th. :( Glad she is healthy and doing well - really can't complain, although it wasn't what I had in mind. :)

08-10-10

I had an amazingly productive day due to the efforts of my wonderful husband and the amazing Malphurs duo, Lauren and Becca......who are so much fun that I think I would make up projects just to have them around more often! :-)

08-09-10

Well, today I am starting my last Monday at work for quite some time. I'm nervous, but ready for the next phase all the same. Hope it's a good week. :/

08-08-10

I think I could get used to this early service thing......home by noon, swim, nap AND clean house?? Wow...... :) Wonder if I can get myself AND Anna-Claire ready in time to be at church by 8:15 once she arrives.......

08-07-10

I was able to buy two of the last major items for Anna Claire today - feels good to be getting so close to ready. Can't finish up until next Friday though - my 20% coupon goes into effect then and I can get her stroller! :) haha (Maybe once this is behind us, I can start giving some attention to my housecleaning again! :) Andy would like that!)

08-05-10

So glad to know that God is my/our provider - it's still a battle of the mind to trust when you get the wind knocked out of you, but I know that He is in control and will meet all our needs.

08-03-10

I am so grateful to be able to be allowed to spend my life with my best friend - 8 years today! God is so good to not only provide someone whose company I can enjoy, but someone who will lead me spiritually and be a life partner in every sense of the word. Praise God for His ultimate provision and goodness towards us!

08-02-10

Okay, so today the doc said he would consider inducing me in three weeks - now my question is - is inducing a bad thing or a good thing? He said it was personal preference....... It's mighty hot, but this is the end of our married life as we know it, and I hate to rush this last bit of "alone" time with Andy, so I don't know...... ;)