First Lake Experience

We finally got out to the lake this past weekend. It's hard to believe we were this far through the summer and hadn't been yet. Justin was going crazy not going out on the boat. We can't find a life jacket small enough for Hannah and refuse to let her get on the boat without one (some think I'm being too over protective about this fact, I think not). So, luckily we were able to use the dock and covered gazebo of some friend's of ours. It was perfect. The cover kept the sun of off Hannah and Justin was able to take her down the steps and into the water. They also don't make swim diapers small enough so she kept on her regular diaper. It blew up so big and then didn't let any water out. It stood up by itself when we took it off of her! While at the lake Hannah got to meet Gary for the first time, and Mr. Parrish. She also got to play with Grace. She's seen Grace before, but they hadn't interacted (as much as a 2 month old can interact) until Sunday. Grace was very cute, and gentle and gave Hannah sweet kisses. They also shared Hannah's play mat briefly. Overall it was a good day. Hannah got to experience the lake and Daddy got to ski and wake board. Mommy just went for a ride, as the fear of pain was too great to play behind the boat (incision pain that is).

Big Austin, Little Austin

Yesterday was and eventful day for me and Hannah. We got out on the road. It was so nice to go somewhere and talk to an adult! First we went to the Harrelson's house and visited with Erin, Austin and Beth. Hannah was sleepy and was only pleasant for a short while. Then we headed to BiLo for 1 little thing I couldn't get at Walmart last weekend. Hannah fell asleep in the car and sleep until we got home, even slept through BiLo. Yay! Our first successful grocery store trip. Then, yesterday afternoon Stephanie and Austin came over to visit. Austin got to meet Hannah for the first time. They really hit it off. Hannah was tired, again, and fussy, but always fell back asleep when Austin took a turn holding her. He volunteered to come over in the middle of the night to put her to sleep. Thanks Austin :)

Two Months Old Today

My baby is two months old today! It's incredible to watch her grow. Each day brings new changes it seems. I can't believe that two months ago I was in the hospital wondering if she was ever going to make an appearance. I of course had a photo session today and took WAY too many pictures. I mangaged to get some good ones out of the oh 80 or so (I'm way addicted to the camera, but always have been, that's nothing new). I hope you enjoy them. You can also see them ALL on my picasa site. Here are some new highlights from this month:

• smiles! (some days more than others)
• loves to play on her playmat
• loves music
• hates the baby bjorn carrier (I think she's warming up to it though)
• is getting better on walks
• holds her head up for long periods of time
• kicks her feet constantly
• waves her arms constantly
• cries less during the day
• will drink from a bottle
• can't tolerate any dairy in her mommy's milk
• poops up almost every diaper
• sleeps for 5 hours straight at night
• loves bouncing on an exercise ball
• cries real tears
• follows faces with her eyes
• loves gripe water
• likes baths (finally)
  
• startles less
• doesn't need extra head support in her car seat

Father's Day

You think you love your husband then you have a baby. I knew I would have to marry someone who loved children and I knew Justin loved kids and was good with them, but I wasn't prepared for what I would see and feel when we had Hannah. From the very start Hannah has been a "Daddy's girl". When I see him with her, I can't help but smile. He is such a wonderful daddy and my heart is so full of love for them both. Every time I see him with her I can't help but love him more. This past week I've tried to take some pictures that show what a great dad he is, and here they are.



Happy Father's Day!

Big Girl, Bad Poops

Hannah is now exactly 10 pounds. She went from the 17th percentile to the 31st! At one point she was below 10% so we have come a long way! I know this because we had to make our first non-scheduled trip to the doctor this morning. Her 2 month well baby check-up and shots were supposed to be on Monday...but of course we couldn't wait until then.

I noticed yesterday afternoon that Hannah's poops were a funny color, tinted kind of red(it's amazing how focused on poo you become when you are the parent of a newborn). Then this morning I noticed there was what appeared to be blood in her diaper. Talk about a scary feeling! I called and talked to the nurse and she told me to come in and bring the diaper. We made the short trip to the doctor and they tested her poop. It was indeed blood. Doctor D. examined her all over. Luckily everything checked out fine and doesn't have a fever. He thinks it may be the dairy products that I consume. {Breast feeding has been quite stressful to me, as it seems everything is my fault! What I eat...is she getting enough...etc...} I am currently banned from dairy. We did this once before when she was screaming so hard at night, only I was told to just go off straight milk. It didn't make any difference and after two weeks I started having my cereal again and glasses of milk again. This time, however; I can have no dairy products at all. Cheese is a staple in our household diet, it's going to be tough. Our well baby appointment and shots have been moved to next Friday instead of Monday so we can hopefully have enough time to help poor Hannah's tummy and intestines heal. I feel like such a bad mommy!

3 Years Ago

Today is our third anniversary. I can't believe it's been 3 years already. It still feels like it was just last year, but then I see Hannah and realize how far we have come! It's wonderful to be married to someone that you know you will be with forever. I love Justin more every year and am so thankful that God put him into my life.

We were actually able to go celebrate together, alone. Sunday night we dropped Hannah off with her Nana and Grandaddy and we enjoyed dinner at Yamatos. It was super good! Tonight I am cooking Justin his favorite meal. Roast with lots of gravy, carrots and potatoes.

We look forward to many, many more years to come!

A Successful Bath!

Last night we had our first completely successful bath. By successful, I mean there was no screaming or crying involved from beginning to end. Up until last night there was always a little bit and/or a lot of screaming and/or crying. Each bath she seemed to get a little better. Her last bath was pretty good but the water kept draining out of her bathtub, and she wasn't a fan. So last night we went back to the kitchen sink. Luckily Justin was already home and able to capture this momentous occasion with the camera.

For Mimi

Mimi and Papa John have been in Alaska with some of John's brothers since last Saturday taking a land and then sea tour. They get onto the boat tomorrow, so today is the last day for Mimi to get her "Hannah fix" from the hotel. I hope you get to see these in time Mimi!

6 Weeks Old Already

Some New (and improved) Firsts

(just a cute picture of me, during my non-fussy time)

Here are several "firsts" that have happened recently:

Hannah got her first bottle. We waited until 5 weeks to introduce a bottle to her and it was a fun experience for us all. Ha, ha. Justin gave her the bottle and it started off pretty badly. She eventually realized that the same good stuff was inside, and she figured out the sucking motion. The start of the process was bad, the end was good! The following night Justin said was a huge success (I had pumped and gone to SLEEP!!!). Sunday was pretty rocky, but that was my fault for using a different bottle. Oops.
Hannah's thumb has ended up in her mouth before this week, but usually by accident. This weekend she purposefully put it there and went to town sucking on it. She is sucking on anything and everything!
She is now rolling over on her side and staying there for an extended period of time. Today she had a great time rolling on her play mat. She gets more and more interactive with her toys each day.