8 Weeks Old

This week our little Grace is 8 weeks old and has her two month appointment next Monday.  I cannot wait to see just how much she has grown.  She is growing so fast that I can even see the growth and I see her everyday!  She is adorable though!

This week, Grace had her first dip in the pool.  Needless to say, with all the rain we've had (which was much needed) the water was slightly cooler than she probably would've liked, but she did great!  I can't wait until she gets just a little bit older and has full control of her head and can go in the pool even more.  We are determined to have her swimming as quickly as possible!

And we introduced Grace to the pig and dog, more so than we had originally introduced them.  Maggie is fine with her and is used to babies.  She just kind of takes it and has a "whatever" attitude about it.  She is going to be great with Grace.  Cambrie on the other hand is used to being the baby and is not too keen on no longer being our only baby.  She is fine with her and actually is very protective of her when it comes to other people in the house.  But, she is still very hesitant to get near Grace.  I think she is more scared of Grace than Grace could ever be of her.  I believe this will change over time, especially as Grace gets older and we are all able to give Cambrie more attention and Grace plays with her.

No big deal for this picture

They both crack me up in this picture

Also this week, I got new glasses; Finally!!  I had not been to the eye doctor in a while, but knew my eyes were changing because my previous glasses were starting to give me headaches and I really didn't like wearing them.  On the positive side, my eyes have changed for the better.  My left eye is actually very close to 20/20.  My right eye still isn't great, but it is better.  It is so nice to actually have glasses now that I am comfortable wearing.  I got to debut them Sunday at church and we got to dress up Grace in a new dress that she finally fits into.  She looked beautiful!

Here are some things that I have had a little time to think about and put into perspective during my time at home being a new mommy:

• I really miss sleeping through the night, but love waking up to feed Grace and then watching her smile back up at me just before she goes back to sleep.
• I miss Garrett and I's regular date nights, but appreciate them so much more when we do get them and look even more forward to seeing Grace when we get back home.
• I miss my pre-pregnancy body, but love being able to work for it one way by walking with friends from church while carrying our sweet Grace in her carrier.
• I miss referring to my mama and daddy as "Mama" and "Daddy", but love calling them "Nana" and "Papi" and having Garrett and I be "Mommy" and "Daddy"!
• Garrett and I both missed River Run this year, but loved even more being here with Grace and getting to be with her as she got to wear her first bathing suit.
• I miss getting to sleep in even just a little bit, but love waking up early to dress our baby girl in her cute and fun outfits.

I'm sure there are so many more; those are just some things that really show me and remind me that the little negative things I may think of on occasion don't even come close to all the positive that Grace has brought into our lives.  She really is the best thing ever that has happened to us.  I couldn't thank God enough for this beautiful blessing (with so much personality)!!!

7 Weeks Old

Today Grace is 7 weeks old.  I cannot believe how fast the time has been going.  She is doing really well and still growing quite fast.  These pictures are not the best because she did not feel very well today and that is explained a little later.  Here is the best I could do... one halfway decent one and one of her not having it.

She has actually just about outgrown almost all of her newborn onesies and a couple of her sleepers.  So, we got her two new sleepers in a slightly larger size.  They are adorable on her!  This is just one of those sleepers.  I thought I had a picture of the other, but guess not.  I'm getting really anxious for her two month appt. so we can see just how much she has really grown.

This weekend Garrett and I decided to have another date night and used some of our gift cards that we've had forever and just have been unable to use.  We went to the movies for the first time in probably over a year.  It was so nice!!  After the movies, we met our good friends Jenny and Aaron for a double date at Logan's (my favorite place!).  It was so wonderful to see them and catch up.  Jenny, you look wonderful!!  She is expecting and we cannot wait for their little one to arrive later this year.  While we spent the day out, Nana babysat and Grace got to go for a couple walks and also got introduced to a new formula.  She is doing very well adjusting to the different kinds.  We are trying to slowly introduce her to the different samples that we have received; so if we need to buy any in the future, we will know what she likes best.  She took to it well, but unfortunately we had to use it all within 48 hours before it went bad, if we were going to use.  Because of that, I think she drank too much of it and probably a little too fast (she tends to drink very fast)... So, she has been quite fussy today (as I mentioned earlier), way more than normal.  I think she's got a tummy ache and is a little gassy.  She is only content when sleeping or with mommy holding her.  Hopefully by tomorrow she will be back to her normal self.  By the end of the day, she was already smiling a little more, but still not as much as normal.  She just wants to cry and I feel so bad for her.

love this angel

Also this week, on the positive side, Grace got to meet her first little friend!  Monica and Kendall came over for the day and we had a wonderful time together.  It was great to catch up with her and to introduce the little ones.  It's amazing to think that Grace was that small, let alone even smaller at one point.  Kendall is 3 weeks younger than Grace and little cutie.  And both Monica and Kendall look great!  We cannot wait to keep getting the girls together and for the time when they can really interact with one-another.

Two babes asleep in their car seats after a quick ride out to lunch

This picture makes me LOL 

Sweet girls

6 Weeks Old

Our baby girl is a month and half old today!  And she is definitely looking more and more like a little baby and less like an infant.  She is absolutely wonderful!!

Her facial expressions are still developing, but she is using them more and more everyday.  We are even hearing her giggle on occasion now!  It is the cutest sound ever, especially when it comes along with her precious smile.  She is also gaining more eye focus.  She loves to watch the fans in the living room.  We can lay her on her back or put her in the swing or bouncer and she will just stare up at the fans with a big smile.  She also looks at us more... when we are changing her diaper or just playing with her; she will make eye contact with us and it is the best feeling ever to see her eyes looking into ours.

The only thing that is still tough right now is sleep.  To get more sleep we decided to try supplementing formula as needed at night; however, it has yet to gain us anymore sleep.  She has only had formula 3 times.  She takes it pretty well, but I do think she likes my milk much better.  We are trying to get her used to the formula though because when she goes into KinderCare, I want to make sure she has enough to eat between my milk and the formula.  I am having a hard time getting the stock of milk up; so we just would rather be safe than sorry.  Needless to say, she will stay on milk as long as we are able though.

With Grace getting older, more alert, and taking the bottle; Garrett and I decided that it was time for us to have a proper date night with just the two of us.  So, Friday evening Garrett and I dropped Grace off at Nana and Papi's house and then went out to Bonefish.  To say the least, they were very excited to babysit and we were very excited to have them babysit.  We were pretty tired because we still aren't getting much sleep at all, but the date was very worth it and I know I definitely enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait for our next date night out.

Nana babysitting

Prior to our date, Garrett and I went car shopping... yep, we decided that we needed a larger vehicle now with a baby and all that comes with a baby (car seat, stroller, etc.).  On top of this we would need room for luggage (for traveling), passengers, etc.  Garrett also wanted something with a larger towing capability so he can pull the trailer and all the things he needs for around the property.  We decided on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and we absolutely love it!!  It is much larger than my car and so much more practical all around.  Garrett still has his beater car to use around the house though and he will use my Caliber on a daily use to and from work.  Lucky me; I will get to use the Cherokee!

5 Weeks Old

Can't believe Grace is now 5 weeks old.  She had her month-old appointment last week and is absolutely perfect!  She weighed in at 9lb 4oz, 21.25 inches long, with a head circumference of 36.5.  She is in the 50th percentile in every category with each of those numbers.  She also received some topical cream to help with her baby acne and had a follow up appointment on Monday.  I am happy to say that her acne is now gone and that she gained about 8 more ounces in just those few days.  Our little girl is getting close to that 10lb mark.  I can't believe she is more than 3lbs heavier than at birth... wow does the time fly and is she growing fast.  I just love seeing how much she is changing... she is looking more and more like a little baby and less like a newborn.  I may be biased, but I believe she is beautiful!!

This last weekend Garrett had to go out of town again; this time for Bryan's wedding.  I must say I am pretty disappointed that I couldn't go, but Grace is still much too young to expect her to behave at a wedding and I definitely did not want to spoil Bryan and Sara's big day with a fussy baby.  Garrett was one of the groomsman and had an absolute wonderful time with the guys this weekend and said the wedding was wonderful (which I didn't doubt for a second!).  We are sooo happy for the newly married couple.  This has been a ways coming and we couldn't be more excited that their big day finally arrived.  Congratulations to you both!!!  Love you guys!

While Garrett was out of town, I spent much of the weekend with my family.  My mom, sister, and I spent Saturday together getting pedicures and lunch.  Then that evening we met up with my dad and all got dinner together and did a little shopping.  It was such a wonderful day!  Then Sunday, I went to church with my family and we were able to meet Garrett on his way home for lunch.  I couldn't have asked for a better time!  Also, my sister was able to come stay the night a couple nights and go with me to Grace's appointments since she is out of school right now.  She is definitely one incredible Aunt.  I know Grace is going to love her more and more as she grows up with her love :)

Boo (aka Aunt Goober to Grace) with Grace Lynn

Last night, we finally gave Grace a bottle for the first time and she did wonderful!  She had no hesitation whatsoever and took the bottle immediately.  That is great because now we can let Nana and Papi babysit while we have a date night or better yet, Garrett can feed her on occasion.  We are still going to keep up breastfeeding too though.  I just hope I can supply enough and get up a decent stock for when she goes to KinderCare.  We'll see... worst case, we mix in some formula if need be... hoping we don't have to do that too much though; would rather use the free food :)

She is doing great though and mommy is doing wonderful as well.  Grace is much more alert and has much better head control; so it is so great to actually spend time with her during the day and watch her personality develop.  I love it!!!  She definitely has a cute one too :)

Good Morning :) from my girl and I

4 Weeks Old

Today Grace is 4 weeks old... just about a month; where has the time gone?

This last week has been pretty busy.  Thursday Grace made her first appearance at our Gospel Community Group and did great.  Saturday, we made our first somewhat long road trip down to Tampa and again she was such a little trooper.  We went to meet up with my Aunt Sherry and Uncle Sonny so Garrett could go through some tools and pick out what he wanted; he is so grateful to them for the trailer and truck full of stuff he got to come home with.  While there, we also met up with my family (they were there for a dance competition) and with favorite and Mike.  We all went out to lunch and just had a wonderful time!  It is always so great getting to see family when we can.  Here's my girl and I and also Nana with her favorite grandbaby.

Sunday was then Mother's day... yep, my first mother's day!  So exciting!  I was very happy to get my first mother's day gift from my wonderful mama a couple days early since I wouldn't be able to see her on Mother's Day.  She got me a wonderful picture collage of Baby Grace, as well as a key chain with Grace's picture.  I was very excited!!  On Sunday, we got up after a lazy morning laying in bed and got ourselves ready for church.  Yes, I got my first ever Church Mother's Day gift; a beautiful potted pink flower.  It is the little things that make me happy and that definitely made me happy.  After a great church service, we then headed over to Chuck and Sandy's to spend the afternoon with them and the family and had a wonderful time.



Sunday morning; Like daddy like daughter :)



My girl and I on Mother's Day!

Monday I had my postpartum doctor's appointment.  I can't believe it's that time already.  All went great and I lost about 23lbs, yep... still got a little more to go, but I was so happy to be back to a manageable weight and look more like my pre-pregnancy self.  Here are my girl and I this weekend, just prior to the appt.  I am back in some of my normal clothes, but still trying to get into more... I will get there :)

I am curious to see how much weight Grace has gained... I'm losing weight and she is gaining it.  She has her month-old appointment this Thursday; so we'll know then.

Finally, today Grace and I ventured out to Garrett's work to meet him for lunch and to introduce Grace to his co-workers for the first time.  After lunch, I then drove over to my office to introduce my co-workers to her while I was on that side of town.  It was so nice to finally have all of them see her in person, after only seeing pictures.

All in all, what a wonderful week it's been.  Grace is sleeping about 4 to 4.5 hours a night, which is great!  We have gotten her on a nightly routine, which I think is slowly helping her to realize when bedtime is.  We love this little girl more than words can express.  She makes so many of the goofiest faces and makes the cutest little sounds.  I just love to watch her, whether she is sleeping or awake... it is the absolute best!  Here are a couple pictures from one of her many baths, that she LOVES!  She takes after mama in that.  She loves her bath and does not like getting out because she is not fond of the cold.

3 Weeks Old

Grace Lynn is 3 weeks old today!  Love the first picture of her, she's like "yep, that's me!" hehe.

Last Wednesday we had her two week appointment and Dr. Chabon said she looks great and beautiful!  Her head circumference is a little bit bigger and she has grown half an inch to 20" since her first appointment when she 3 days old.  She also has way surpassed her birth weight.  She went from 7lb 1oz on her birth date to 6lb 13oz at 3 days old to a whopping 8lbs at her 2 week appointment.  I cannot believe she gained over a pound in less than two weeks, but she did and the doctor said that was great.  It just means she is eating and eating well.

Here is a sneak peak of some of her newborn pictures that Jackie did... I still have not picked out a favorite, but here a few I do really love; heck, I love them all!  You can see some of Jackie's favorite on her blog, HERE.

Since her doctors appointment, we have been doing well.  My mama (Nana) came over Thursday and Friday to help me out during the day while Garrett was at work.  Then Friday she went with me to take Garrett to the airport; yep Garrett was headed out of town.  Garrett was off to Kentucky for Bryan's bachelor party and let me just say I was a little jealous.  You probably guessed it, yep, he got to go to the Kentucky Derby!  He had a wonderful time and Grace and I did pretty good this weekend until Sunday morning.  Grace did not sleep well at all Saturday evening, which means I did not sleep well and she was up most the day Saturday, so I didn't get a chance to eat all that much.  To say the least, I woke up feeling pretty crummy and mom had to come to the rescue.  She came and helped me feed the animals Sunday morning and then we went back to my parents house, so I could rest.  I ended up with a 102 fever and crazy headache.  Luckily, with my families help, I was able to finally get some sleep and have been doing much better since.

Passed out on Nana's lap at church

Later Sunday evening Garrett finally made it home.  It was so wonderful to see my husband and for Grace to see her daddy.  I know I sure did miss him!  I didn't think it would be that bad not having him here, but now with a daughter and myself getting sick, I really just wanted to have him home.  It was a good test for us though and I know now that we can do it, which is good because there may be one or two more weekends in this month that Garrett has to be out of town.  Again though, a lot of the credit goes to my family for stepping up and helping me out when I needed it.

Monday, Grace started to get a stuffy nose and it has since not gotten too much better.  We felt so bad for her and tried to get it out, but it just kept coming back.  So, she had to sleep in a carrier for the first time because that seemed to be the only way she'd sleep.  She couldn't breathe very well lying down.  We are hoping that tonight she will be able to sleep in her bassinet again and get a good nights rest.

All in all, this has been one crazy week, but again, just looking at this girls sweet face is all it takes to turn the week around and make it a great one!  She is our little angel or as Garrett likes to call her, his little "cowgirl".  She's a trooper and we love her so much!