The Dalmuts

Sister Meets Brother

2010-01-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Addison's first meeting with baby Samuel took place Saturday afternoon at the hopsital. She knew that he was important to us, but that was about it. As you can see she wanted to be near him, but not really ready to break the touch barrier.

It wasn't until we got everybody under one roof that she realized that Samuel was a part of the family. This morning as a bit of a surprise. Both kids got up at the same time and when Addison saw Laura with Sam, she raised her hands up towards her mom.

The surprising part of all this was that she wasn't asking to be held by Laura, she was wanting to hold baby Samuel. She was perfect with her first time holding Sam. With him in her lap she simply had one arm over his body and at time gently moved her hand against his head.

Once she got her Samuel fix it was time for breakfast. Both kids ate well and we began the journey towards a new schedule and family life. Both kids have cried throughout the day, but it hasn't caused an early end to a nap yet for the one that was sleeping at the time.

The calmness of bringing a second child home has been true for the first 24 hours. The little things that Addison did that made us wonder if she was okay are things we expect and are ready for. We're confident that Samuel will have some things we aren't ready for, but very happy with how things are going.

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Lou got here this afternoon and they quickly went one on one with their grandchilren. It was also an opportunity for Addy to get some gentle caresses in on Sam.

We are enjoying the time together and still find it hard to believe there are two car seats in the car and two babies in the house. It is a blessing to be sure and so many good days, months, weeks and years ahead.

Our Little Family of Four

2010-01-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday morning we woke up not really expecting anything other than another day of waiting. Months of anticipation and planning had been replaced by watching the minutes and seconds trying to decide when to make our way to the hospital.

Friday morning Laura woke up around her normal time and said she felt different and that she may be having contractions. It didn't take long for her to be certain she was having contractions and preparing herself for labor. We began making calls to get Addison in the hands of loving family and friends.

Addison knew their was something different about the day, but as is her way, she simply rolled with it. Her nana and papa brought her to the hospital in the afternoon where she sat on the edge of the bed wanting to be near her momma. It wasn't long before she wanted down and began playing hide and seek in the room (a game she has started playing for the past month or so).

She left the hospital not really knowing that she would soon have a little brother. Someone that she will be able to play with, eventually tell on, and love in ways that we are never able to express... especially for a little girl that does some sign language and loves to say, "go, go, go".

The labor and delivery process went sooo much quicker this time and we are beyond thankful that was the case. Like his sister Samuel appears to like attention, since he waited until a shift change to join the family.

When the day was done and the nighttime hours came upon us, the hectic day became quiet allowing the events of the day to settle in. We were no longer blessed with one child, but God had entrusted us with yet another.

Most parents at one time or another look upon the face of their child and wonder, "why us" or "can we do this"... I don't know the answer to the first, but I know we can always do what the Lord has granted us.

Not only are we blessed with wonderful children, but are reminded once again of how many love and care us. We are grateful for many things and praise God that as always His will was done and His protective hand was upon the events of the day.

We thank all of you for your prayers. We love you guys.

We're Ready... I Think

2010-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well, our New Year is off and running. Well, everyone is running but me. Addison has pretty well mastered running on her toes now. And Darby runs to whomever she thinks is most likely to play with her. Poor dog... I think she knows we'll soon be bringing home another baby, and her chances of one-on-one time with either of us will again take a major hit. Addy doesn't have any idea. I've just been praying God will prepare her in His perfect way, because I'm going to need her to keep being her sweet self.

I think we're ready for Samuel to get here. His room is pretty well put together, and the borrowed bassinet is in it's place. My bag isn't packed, but neither is Matt's. I'll try to do that soon. My body is ready. I don't sleep much at night, my back is only getting worse, and playing with Addy is really hard. Good thing we're close. January 16 is right around the corner now!

This is Addison watching Aunt Krista put make-up on. She seldom left Krista alone while they were here.

Below, Grandma Lou is reading one of Addy's many books. She really loves to read. And, lest you think she's always sweet, I included a pic of one of her "fierce faces."

Darby had a good Christmas too. This is her guarding her new toy from Aunt Krista. The other picture is Addison and 2 of her favorite friends: Baby Stella and Aunt Krista!

Christmas Joy

2009-12-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas! Despite the snow and ice, we celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Matt's family, as my family made the journey through the weather to spend a few days here as well. Addison has become very proficient at ripping through gift wrap and emptying boxes. She loves her new toys. It has been so much fun watching her get excited and play with her favorites. We've really enjoyed watching her play with her cousins as well. It's safe to say we are tremendously blessed and have more than we could ever ask for!

The above pictures are 2 from Christmas morning and 2 from the last couple of days. Addison loves her new stroller so much, she just keeps piling more toys into it to push around the house.

I have to get a move on here and get ready to go - it's New Year's Eve after all, and we actually have some plans! I have lots more adorable pictures of Miss Addison playing with her family and new toys, but they will have to wait. The internet is a bit slow tonight. I hope you all have a safe and happy night, and a blessed 2010!

Fall...

2009-10-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe October is almost gone and winter (not to mention the holidays) is right around the corner. As Addison (and my belly) keeps growing, it is getting harder and harder to get anything done around here. She's a blast - literally - it's like "blast off" from the moment she wakes up until she gives up and has a nap. She loves to climb, chase Darby, and imitates everything she sees me or her daddy do. It's really hard to get any cute pictures of her lately, because as soon as she sees the camera, she running at it to take it from me and push the buttons herself. Buttons that make noise or light up are so entertaining! We did get some professional fall/one year pictures taken yesterday - the only sunny day we've had in ages. I'll let you all know when we can view any of them online.

If she can't get to my phone, she just holds her hand to her ear and pretends!

Trying on Mommy's hat - she doesn't leave them on long, but likes to put them on her head!

Addison's Birthday

2009-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

We're making our way back to the land of the living! All 3 of us have been fighting a nasty stomach bug this week, which seems to have hit Matt the hardest. But none of us have enjoyed it at all! I've tried a couple of times to get some pictures up (honestly, I have!!) but "blogger" and my computer don't always play nicely together and then I get frustrated.

We loved seeing all of you that came for Addison's birthday party - can anyone believe she's already a year old!?! We're so grateful to have such wonderful family that will travel to see us so often. We even got to enjoy another quick visit from Krista this week. Hopefully she avoided the pestilence floating around our home! Thanks for braving it with us Aunt Krista!!

Here are some of the many cute pics from Addy's birthday party!

After presents, we got her all ready to dig into her cake, but she wanted nothing to do with it.

After Addy didn't eat her cake, we served our guests "Mystery Cupcakes," all filled with either pink or blue icing. Once you bite into it, you get to discover the gender of our next little Dalmut!

The icing was very blue, which means, yes, we are expecting a baby boy!!! We are so excited to get to have a son! Addison smiles when we tell her she's having a brother; we hope she's still happy about it in about 5 months!

The birthday girl was pretty worn out after all the festivities. She's such a sweet snuggler when she's tired. I'm going to miss that some day. Hopefully my growing belly won't prohibit snuggling too soon!

Playing in Peoria

2009-07-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Addison and I (Laura) are having a wonderful time in Peoria with my family. We have visited aunts, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. Addison loves her daily stroller rides and has discovered she really really loves swinging! Much to my delight she also had a great time splashing in the swimming pool at the "Y." We're going to have to keep her in practice so she can blow out the competition in her lessons next year! I've also discovered 2 new teeth in her little mouth this week, bringing the grand total to 4 (2 lower, and now 2 upper to match)! Thankfully, Addy is a fairly patient traveler. So hopefully our car ride home on Saturday will be as uneventful as the drive up here was!

First Hair Cut

2009-07-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally did it. Addison got her hair trimmed this past Tuesday. These are some "before" pictures from home, in attempt to document how long her bangs had gotten. This is even with 2 barrettes holding the really long hair at bay.

We have a wonderful stylist who was very patient with Addy. But Addison was on her best behavior anyway. The only challenge was that Miss Busybody wanted to look at the scissors and hold them. She had some puffs to munch on, and, all in all, she did great.

I only got one "after" shot, she was tired and fell asleep on the car ride home. Perfect! Now she doesn't even need her barrettes. But we still think they're cute! Bekah did a great job!

The Cutest Bike-rider Ever!

2009-07-14T09:23:00.001-07:00

Addison and Matt have been enjoying some evening bike rides this week. She has her own helmet and everything! It came with matching elbow pads and knee pads, but those are way too big and not necessary at this point. The helmet is a little big, but it works! Addy seems to love it! Matt was plenty worn out last night once he began to feel what her 18 pounds would add to his work-load!

Darby's Stage

2009-07-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced that Darby thinks we built this deck for her. It's the perfect platform for her to perch on to "guard" the yard and even gives her a little more of an advantage when she decides to bound off to chase some random animal or object. She's going to have some adjusting to do once the railings get put up. Other than those, and for all practical purposes, Matt has bested his "albatross."

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend, despite the noisy fireworks in our neighborhood until the wee hours of the morning. We had enjoyed a great show the weekend before at our church. Addison didn't like them much at first, but eventually decided they were ok if Matt kept her ears covered.

I've been keeping busy with home health PT every Monday, and Addy gets to go play at Nana and Papa's house. I'm so thankful for family that so willingly and loving watches her. They allow me to keep up with my career that I enjoy so much. And Addison gets to explore all of their nooks and crannies for a change of pace!

Her hair really is getting long, and I think I'm ready to give in and let our hairdresser TRIM her bangs a little. Sometime in the next couple of weeks, anyway. That way she'll be able to see her family a bit better when we get to Peoria!

Growing up

2009-06-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

She's quick... she pulls up to any and everything... she's eating cheese, puffs, and other baby appropriate finger foods... and I'm afraid she needs her bangs cut. My baby isn't a baby anymore. But she's still the most adorable little person I"ve ever seen! You can just barely see her first two teeth (bottom) in one of these pictures!

In other news... Matt has been feverishly working on building a deck in our backyard. He's well over half way there, and it looks awesome! As his father put it, "You're definately not afraid of some hard work, are you?" I know he's ready for it to be done, but we're going to love it when it's all finished!

One day at a time

2009-06-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I really do feel bad about not updating this in such a long time. I know some of you check it every day... I'm sorry. I've just turned my computer on for the first time in at least 3 weeks... most of the 195 unread messages are just getting deleted.

For those of you who don't know, my negligence here is due to my recent state of shock/panic/acceptance of some surprising news we discovered several weeks ago. Matt and I are expecting a baby in January! Yes, we really are... and yes, it was a surprise. Addy will be about 16 months old then... what fun we will have! We're slowly trying to think through the logistics of another child in our home and keeping a watchful eye out for double strollers and things like that.

All that said, I haven't taken many pictures lately. I have a couple of Addison standing, cruising along our couch. But that's it. I'll take some today. And, I'll add a couple more vacation pictures to appease those of you in withdrawl.

I almost forgot... we had pictures taken about a month ago by a professional (also a good friend). She did a great job on a windy day with a tired baby girl! You can look at all of them on her website: rachelblackwellphotography.com/dalmut

Thanks for being patient with me. Love you!

Our mobile little girl...

2009-05-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, in the last week, Addison has become proficient in crawling, learned how to pull up to standing, and decided Darby's toys are more attractive than her own. Her two little teeth are quite sharp. My fingers seem to be some of her most favorite things to chew on.

For now, here are some more vacation pictures...

I wish it hadn't been so windy that evening we went out to take pictures. Oh well. I have a few more cute ones from that night, but the computer is working terribly slow, and I'm really tired. (It's a lot later than the log at the bottom will say that I posted this... way past my bed time). So you can look forward to those another day.

My next technological order of business is to save some of mom's pictures from her Shutterfly site to my computer. Then the rest of you can view some of those too... but please don't hold your breath for that accomplishment.

Enjoy!

Vacation

2009-05-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful trip to the Gulf... this is just the first installment of pictures... the rest are still being loaded to the computer.

Matt got to hike up and down the beach with 19 extra pounds strapped to him, and Addison fell asleep both times. Not before spitting her pacifier into the Gulf, though. Her first experience in a pool was great! She's definitely not afraid of the water.

This was the morning we discovered her first tooth!!

While Matt dug a 5 foot deep hole....

Addy enjoyed some beach time...

I've been a little overwhelmed since we got back, but I"ll have more pics up soon. Love and miss you all!

Aunt Krista's here!!

2009-04-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know who gets more excited when Aunt Krista comes to town... me, Addison, or Darby. And that's not to say Matt doesn't love having her here, it's just that the rest of us really really miss her when she's not here. So we celebrate her visits!! Addison's been learning the basics of Fisher Price basketball... her hands still have a little growing to do before she can really dunk.

And Addy and I enjoyed some playtime on the big red bed in Aunt Krista's room while everyone else was at work. Then she got to have some dance lessons when Krista got home!

At the moment, both of my girls (Darby and Addy) are napping, so I should probably do something productive! I hope my happy baby brightens your day and whole weekend!

Changes...

2009-04-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

I know I was told this... but apparently I learn best from experience. I've realized the only constant in Addison's life and behavior right now is that everything will soon change - weather it's her nap schedule, her eating schedule, the absence or presence of a cough or cold, even what she looks like. Things change so fast. She still hasn't popped any teeth through, but I'm certain one is not far away. She's not yet crawling, but she is rocking back and forth on all fours (the tell-tale precursor). She hasn't officially said "da da" yet, but her unofficial first words sound like "gooey gooey" and "ya-da-da-da". Not sure what I'll put in the baby book.

We're looking forward to a visit from Aunt Krista next week, then a trip to Gulf Shores the following weekend to spend a week with my family! Addison's first beach and pool experiences! Guess we'll need a working camera by then... These pics are from Aunt Dena's camera - Thanks Dena!! And, lest you think she never cries, I did post one pic showing "the perfect child" at the end of her rope. Poor thing. Her cousins are so cute!

Easter

2009-04-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful, yet very busy Easter weekend. It started with a fun tailgating event we had with our Sunday School class on friday (when the weather was frigid and wet). Then, Addison joined Matt at her first Razorback baseball game on Saturday. They both had a great time I think. Then came my favorite holiday to celebrate. It continues to amaze me, every time I think about what Jesus did for us.

Sometime this last week, however, our camera decided to die. Not completely dead, just close enough to be very aggravating. You'll see why in a second. All the pictures we tried to take on Sunday came out fuzzy. And it's not user error. Matt and I both confirmed this. So I'm awaiting pictures from Dena's camera from Sunday. And don't worry, we'll get some more in her Easter outfit. But here's a taste of what we got.

Just imagine how cute she would be if she weren't all blurry!!!! If weather cooperates, we'll have some professional pictures taken this weekend. So, as always... please be patient!

This Little Piggy

2009-04-03T08:11:00.001-07:00

One of my mom's friends has a pig farm and likes to give gifts with pigs on them. This is such a cute outfit, with or without the hat. Addison is sitting on the couch laughing at Darby in a few of them. She loves to watch that crazy dog run around and play with us.

We're Back

2009-03-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. It's just taken a while to get back "in the swing of things" since our return from the freezing cold Midwest. Addison and I both came back with nasty colds, and we're both finally on the mend. I know most of you just want pictures, so I'll not ramble. First, a few from our trip this month to IL:

And now a few taken here in the good ole south. I DO NOT miss Midwestern winters!

Now that she's six months old (nearing seven), Addy has mastered a few skills. She's sitting up wonderfully, and rolling all over the place. She loves to eat her veggies and rice cereal. We're just starting fruits. Her favorite (and in my opinion, unique) skill is her ability to fit her entire pacifier in her mouth at any angle. She actually prefers to use it as a teething toy most of the time. It actually makes a pretty loud noise when she gets her gums really working on that rubber!

I promise it won't be a month before I update again!

T.G.I.F.

2009-02-27T13:12:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to amaze you all with a second update this week!! I'm not sure what's gotten into me... so don't get used to this. I've tried to take more pictures, but forcing candid moments with a 5 month old doesn't always work.

Here are a few from today and yesterday. All of them are just before a nap, so she looks a little sleepy. She enjoys mommy and daddy's big bed!

We're going to enjoy the rest of our lazy Friday, and look forward to the weekend! Addison can't wait to see Grandma Lou next week and then visit everyone in Peoria! Happy weekend!

Baby Steps

2009-02-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

NO! Addison is obviously not walking yet. I'm referring to myself with today's title. I'm finally taking baby steps toward regaining my sense of "self." But I guess it's a new version of myself. I never used to iron Matt's clothes, but last week I did; and I'm trying to "cook" a couple of meals a week; and I've started working again - a little. The last few weeks I've worked half-a-day each week. This week I'm planning 2 half days, and maybe a full day next week. It feels good to be a PT again. I really do love that job. But being Addison's mom is still my favorite job in the world. One day a week is going to be enough.

Addy's drinking her bottles much better these days. I discovered that a "fast flow" nipple is much easier for her, now that she's such a strong "sucker." She's not, however, consistently eating solid foods yet. She seems to like squash better than sweet potatoes, but the last few days she likes to spit it all out. Not just push it out on her tongue, but forcefully spit it out. To the point that I should probably wear a bib as well. She's doing that even when she's not eating too. Kinda cute, but at times frustrating.

We went for a walk yesterday... Addison's big enough to ride in the stroller without the carrier. She looks so big in it!

The rest of these are just kinda random... I tried to get a couple of Addy and me together. Most of those didn't turn out very good. The flash on my camera makes capturing a smile challenging!

"Hats Off to Addison"

2009-02-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Addison turned 5 months old this past Monday. I really can't remember where the time has gone - likely due to sleep deprivation the first 3 months. But now time needs to slow down. My little girl is so much fun!

Matt got lots of compliments on his hat Sunday at church, so when we got home, I took some pictures... but Addy got the hat!

I've tried to capture some of the many attempts Addison is making to grab her toys. She's strong enough and coordinated enough to grab the dangling toys on her activity mat and pull the entire archway down to her face! She's also mastered the art of grabbing the dancing animals on her bouncy seat.

She's also getting pretty close to sitting up. I've been propping her in the corner of the couch with some pillows. We're also just waiting for the day she decides to roll over in her crib. She's gone from back to tummy in the living room a couple of times, but then gets stuck... and not happy. Don't misunderstand me though - I'm not in a hurry for any of these milestones. I would love it if it took years for her to grow up any more. But as you will notice, I haven't been any more successful at slowing down time than any of you!

Here are a few of her latest smiles. Some are in her crib - I love it when I go in to wake her and she's already awake and happy. The smile just gets bigger when I say "Good Morning!" There's not much better than that in the whole world!

Frozen... and Thawed

2009-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

We have weathered the ice storm of 2009 and seem to be none the worse for wear. Other than the poor maple tree out front. We'll have to wait and see if it will come around. And, I guess we're also cutting down the 2 trees on the side of the house that showered our yard and fence with most of their branches/limbs. It's a miracle our roof wasn't damaged. We were blessed to only be without power for 13 hours, most of which were "sleeping" hours, and out gas fireplace kept the living room plenty warm for our cozy little family.

In the mean time, Addison has been practicing her laundry skills and swallowing rice cereal. She got to eat in her high chair for the first time this weekend; we had to go without the tray on top - it was too hard to get to her "moving target" of a mouth.

I know her hair looks wet, but it's not. I've been trying to keep baby oil on it to help the "cradle cap" issue. Not sure if I'm doing any good, but it makes me feel better. I can't believe how big she looks in that high chair... she's growing too fast already!

Finding her feet

2009-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

I know I promised Christmas pictures... but I also promised I'd write again "soon;" so how many of you are surprised?? I'll do some Christmas pics, but the ones I took today are too cute to wait on. Addison has recently discovered that her favorite "toy" is her feet! How handy that she can always reach them! She's also just starting to get the idea of her "Jump and Go" we have hung in the doorway. Check out how cute she is!

Addison is also learning how to eat rice cereal. Sadly, I have no pictures of that adventure. Someday I'm sure I"ll stop long enough to document the mess it makes. We're having fun with that. Our sleeping hours are finally beginning to stretch out a little. It seems that if we can keep her fingernails from scratching herself when she flails about in the middle of the night, she sleeps through it. That task has proven difficult. We're resorting back to mittens most nights.

The rest of these were taken over the Christmas holiday. Some here in AR, and some home in IL. We had a wonderful time! I'll have to work on downloading more later! Enjoy

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Well, we've started 2009 off pretty well. After a wonderful Christmas celebration with Matt's family in Arkansas, we set off on Addison's first trip to Peoria. She's turned out to be a great traveler, which we're so thankful for. And, by the way, she seemed to kick her cold right before we left, so thank you so much for your prayers. We had so much fun introducing her to all of my family that had yet to meet her. Addy met her Great Grandma and Grandpa on my side, as well as all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was a star, and behaved perfectly all week. I don't have all the pictures from my mom yet, so I'll get them up soon. Our return to Arkansas greeted us with nice warm weather, and we're settling back in.

Last night we watched the Razorbacks beat Texas and kept updated on my alma mater as the Bradley Braves beat their conference rival IL State. Addy supported my Braves last night, and will be back in Razorback attire for the next Hog game, I promise.

Addison is definitely growing and changing right before our eyes. I love to watch her play and listen to her chatter and coo. I really can't believe how much I love her. She loves her activity mat and bouncy seat; I'm trying to convince her that sitting up in the "Bumbo seat" is just as entertaining, but she's not convinced yet.

I promise I'll have some Christmas pictures up soon... I need to gather them from all the different cameras in our families. Have a blessed day - I know I will!

Cold, cold, go away!

2008-12-17T11:45:00.001-08:00

I've never truly understood the desire to take someone's pain or illness on myself to relieve them of it... until motherhood. Of course I hate it when Matt gets sick. But I so desperately wish I could take this persistent cold of Miss Addison's and live with it myself. We're going on 3 weeks now. And hopefully she'll kick it before we head north to the really cold winter land of Peoria.

We had pictures taken at Bedford Studios last month, and I figured I could share a few. She was 10 weeks old then, and catching a smile on camera is still challenging! I'll bring all the proofs home with me at Christmas, don't worry!

So Thankful

2008-12-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful week of Thanksgiving with my parents and sister in town for a long visit. All of us under one roof... believe it or not, it never got crowded or too full. We loved having everyone. And they loved 24/7 access to Miss Addison. She blessed us with 2 nights of sleeping all the way through (for the most part). So since then, Matt and I have decided she doesn't need that middle of the night feeding. Which she's not too thrilled about. Especially now that she has a big bad cold, and can't really sleep well at all. The bags are returning under my eyes, but I'm clinging to the memory of those glorious nights that she proved she can actually sleep. We're looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends again at Christmas!

November is flying by...

2008-11-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well, in the last 18 days (yes, I know I'm a deficient blogger - I'm over it), our heater/furnace broke, Addison got her 2 month shots, we had her first round of baby pictures taken, she got a cold, and still doesn't like to nap. Since her shots, Addy has also decided to revert back to only sleeping 3 hours at a time at night. Much to my dismay.

So Matt is managing a fussy baby, a sleep deprived and moody wife, and a depressed dog.

Everybody keeps telling me it will get better. I believe you all - really I do. I'm just ready for that to happen - yesterday.

Thank goodness for these happy times to remind me she really is doing better than she was.

It was pretty windy the day we took these, but we were afraid if we didn't, the leaves would all fall and we'd lose our chance. Addison did not like the wind in her face.

A Weekend for "Dress-Up"

2008-11-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Even though we didn't leave the house for Halloween, Addison dressed up as the cutest caterpillar you've ever seen. Nana and Papa were over for dinner and got to see her in all her glory. The costume was pretty hot though, so Addy didn't spend much time in it.

The next day Matt and I were treated to tickets for the Razorback football game while Addison stayed at Nana and Papa's house. She got to put her Razorback gear on and cheer the Hogs to victory!

Sleep...? Who needs it?!

2008-10-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

I know it's been 2 weeks since my last update. Please forgive me. I'm a sleep deprived mother of a 7 week old with acid reflux. Thanks for understanding! I'll post lots of cute pictures as my peace offering.

Addy is starting to have more happy moments and fewer inconsolable moments, I think. But really I have no idea. We started her on a new medicine Sunday night, and since then she has decided not to sleep in her crib at all. Even at night. Which is a big step backward. But we're hoping this too shall pass quickly, and we'll soon have her back on a semi-schedule for her nights.

We've had several visitors over the past 2 weeks; which is always welcome! My parents returned for a shorter visit this time, and Matt's Aunt and Grandmother visited for a few hours as well. I've never been more thankful for the blessing of our family! All 4 of our visitors commented on how beautiful Addy is, how big she is getting, and how much hair she has! We compared her to my baby pictures while Mom was here, and decided she looks quite a bit like me. She definitely has some of her daddy's features too, though.

We're taking one day at a time, and praying through our nights. Looking forward to seeing you all sometime soon!

So Much to Learn

2008-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying, that despite its challenges, we love being new parents. And even if it never got easier, we wouldn't trade this journey for anything in the world. However, let me also say, we extremely grateful that it will get easier!!

First, we've learned that not all "fussy babies" are created equally. Addy started out content and somewhat happy; but over the last couple of weeks, she's gotten increasingly unhappy. Screaming at every meal time and the following hours, not sleeping well, and never really smiling or being content unless she was sleeping (which didn't happen routinely). A friend of mine suggested she might have acid reflux, so we called the doctor. We didn't get to see our regular pediatrician, but that was ok. The nice new doctor confirmed our suspicions and prescribed an antacid for our poor little baby girl. Enter: next lesson.

We've learned that not all medicines are created equally. Not that the drug we're using is ineffective - on the contrary. The problem is, this nice doctor gave us a drug that is an orally dissolving tablet - for a 4 week old. He told us to dissolve the caplet in a syringe of water, then squirt it in her mouth. Sounds easy enough I thought. Unfortunately, the pill doesn't completely dissolve, and 4 mL of water is way too much for a baby that's only ever swallowed breast milk. It turns out, there are several other drug options that are in the liquid for already... but we'll probably never try those. After a few days of perseverance and advice from lots of friends, Matt has discovered how to get the medicine in our little girl - without her wearing too much of it. Enter: next lesson.

We've learned that when she's not horribly uncomfortable, Addison really is a pretty happy baby! The medicine is starting to work, and we can already see an improvement. She still has times when she wails and is inconsolable, but they're fewer and last a much shorter time. And Matt and I have a little more patience with those episodes now, knowing the cause and not doubting what we're doing anymore.

Addy and I have had a few lunch dates and are getting a little more comfortable with getting out of the house. Once feeding her becomes more routine - which should be as soon as her reflux is under control - we'll be out and about with the rest of the world. I'm looking forward to going to a park for a long walk in this gorgeous fall weather!

Eating (yawning after she's done) and bath time are finally getting easier... and cuter!

Matt is proving Addison will suck on anything to try to find some food... and we finally remember to have a "family picture" taken. We tried to include Darby, but she was not in the mood to sit still without "playing" with Addy.

Our Little Angel

2008-10-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

Wow... I can't believe it's already been almost a month. Our little angel is almost 4 weeks old. And, amidst the sleepless nights, endless questions, and unbelievable responsibilities we're faced with, I haven't gotten back to post more pictures. Thanks to Aunt Krista, I have a few minutes here. So please enjoy! She's gorgeous, and we're so in love with her it's hard to believe.

Here she is with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Lou (we're not sure if she's going to like that abreviated name or not). Addy prefers to be held... which isn't bad when there are 4 of us to pass her around. But we're ready for her to love her crib.

This was our first bath. Matt successfully accomplished most of it on his own. Darby still isn't sure what to do with Addison when she's crying. And you should all be grateful I didn't post the pictures of Matt wearing that "hooded towel."

We're practicing our amature photography skills...

Here's each of us with our baby girl. Daddy likes to rock her and snuggle, Mommy likes to sing to her (and snuggle).

We're so blessed to have wonderful family that loves our little girl.

So, until the next time I have 30 minutes to myself, or until Matt wants to kill some time back here on the computer, I hope these will tide you all over. My goal is a once a week update... but as you all know, we'll see!

Addison Claire Pictures

2008-09-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

These pictures are over the past couple of days. Hopefully we will be able to load some additional pictures of Addison coming home.

And just a couple of hours ago, she let loose for a few solid minutes... and so it begins.

Peanut's Room is Ready!

2008-08-14T16:44:00.001-07:00

Of course it is... Matt has had this beautiful nursery ready for quite some time now. I just don't get to the computer as frequently as most of you would like. Amazingly, it only took him 3 or 4 days, and I had strict instructions to stay far away from the paint fumes; so I wasn't much help. The photos below won't do it justice. The room looks professionally done. Our little one is so blessed to have a Daddy that likes to get into the details of life!

Finally, a Good Doctor Appointment

2008-06-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today we had our fifth ultrasound on little Peanut and my "belly." Today's purpose was to identify a conspicuous "bright white spot" that had consistently shown up on Peanut's stomach the last 2 ultrasounds. So Matt and I loaded up and drove to Little Rock for our Level II Ultrasound, truly believing the whole time there was nothing wrong with our baby. A talented ultrasound tech and a doctor with a great sense of humor confirmed what we and the Lord already knew: our baby is perfectly normal (Matt swears this proves the doctor is a quack, since nothing with his genetic makeup could be called normal)! We feel our peace of mind and faith have been validated, and we're hopeful this is the last test or procedure we'll have to undergo before we meet our Peanut face to face. Thank you to all who have prayed us through this!

Joining the Technology Age

2008-06-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

At the encouragement of my sister and family, and with the upcoming birth of our first child, I'm starting a blog. Any of you that know me well, are probably laughing out loud. You don't believe I have it in me to keep up with this. Don't worry, my husband has his doubts as well. But I'm inspired by friends with babies, and I know this is the easiest way for our families to see pictures of our little one when he or she arrives. So please keep your sarcasm and doubts to yourself, and I'll try to have this site ready when Peanut arrives!