You Are One!

   Mommy sat in your room and cried and cried last night. I was holding you, but you were fast asleep, not aware that mommy was having a "moment". I actually love that you are getting bigger because there are that many more things to love about you, but there was just something about you turning one that I felt so emotional about. You are my sweet little love, my first baby, and I can't believe a year has flown by so quickly!! I love your fingers and your toes. I love that you have such a wonderful personality, always smiling and happy. 

   Your party will be on the 29th; we are having a Winter One-derland! Should be fun and I can't wait to see you eat your cake!! Happy birthday daddy and Paisley!! Love you both so much!

A Baby on the Way

Well, baby girl, it looks like we are having a new baby for you to love and play with! Daddy and mommy are excited and can't wait to see if you'll have a brother or a sister. Yay for a Paisley playmate!!

Thanksgiving

We got to go to Titusville for Thanksgiving to see Grandpa Dennis and Nini. You did really well traveling and LOVED that they have puppies for you to play with. Everyone loved seeing you and we got to meet a lot of Daddy's family that we hadn't met before. We went to Aunt Brook and Uncle Brad's house to visit one night for dinner, which you loved, of course. Neither one of them could ever say no to you or discipline you at all- they love you to death! We took family photos with everyone super early on Friday at the beach. It was really cold, but you didn't seem to mind. All of the Thanksgiving food was great and it was nice to be a part of the get together.

Virginia

Papa took us to Virginia for a little dose of fall. The leaves were gorgeous and the weather was crisp and cool. We got to see Aunt Sandy, Uncle Pete, Aunt Holly, Uncle David, and all of our cousins. You did perfectly in the car on the way there and back ( although Papa did give you cream soda in your bottle once to get you to stop crying), and none of the family could get enough of you! You love Papa so much! We went to a farm where you fed a cow and picked your first pumpkin. We stopped at a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina and then went to see Uncle Larry and Aunt Elaine in West Virginia. Daddy missed us big time, but we were having so much fun with Papa, it was hard to come home!! Such a fun little visit, my little traveler!

It's My Birthday

             Today is my 26th birthday. I know that this is going to be the best year yet. I have a wonderful husband whom I love and adore, and I have a perfect little one that I could not be more thankful for. Last night we went to Paisley's bed, admired her, and then picked her up so that we could love on her. As I was holding her in the rocking chair, I felt overwhelmed with emotion- love, hope, joy. She is so sweet and such a blessing. I can't imagine life without her. When I finally gave Zach a turn, he swooped her up, she looked at him, and rested her little head on his shoulder, slowly blinking as her eyes closed. I hope I never forget that image in my head. The two things I love most in this world, cuddling so very sweetly together. I realized that I really and truly have all I could ask for, and I couldn't wait until this morning when Paisley would be awake and ready to play. She does so many wonderful things now like singing and mimicking sounds. We want to think she'll be an amazing musician so of course, we think that her singing is a testament of things to come. For a while now, her favorite word has been "dada". She had "mama" down for months and then decided to start using it sparingly- just when she really really wants me to rescue her from the crib, but Saturday she started saying it over and over again and has been doing it ever since. Zach says she's making up for lost time; I say that its her birthday gift to me. There is not a better gift I could receive- I love hearing her sweet voice say it repeatedly, and I had missed it so much!
            I do have a few goals for this year. I think a birthday (and a Monday) is a great time to start working toward new things. Here's the list:

• Read the Word every day and come closer to the Lord
• Spend quality time with Zach and Paisley daily
• Run in a 5k
• Spend more time outdoors
• Spend more time volunteering
• Make a difference in people's lives
• Start to become the godly mom I hope to be

They are in no particular order, other than the first one needing to be my main priority. 

Here's to another year!

Weight Loss Update

Despite my best efforts, ok, maybe not best because I have yet to work out, I am still sitting at the same weight that I was in August. I don't eat sugar, and we are trying to eat whole foods, but I am stuck. I have lost 15 pounds since the first post, which is good. But you know how it is- I weigh 165, I want to way 150 or 155. With my birthday coming up, I think it's a perfect time to try something new. I have a jogging stroller and the weather is getting cooler so I'm hoping to train to run a 5k. I think getting active is going to change my results, and I want to have Paisley outside more often now that it's not quite so blazing hot. Hope it works because I love boots and skinny jeans in the fall and would like to look decent in them both!! 

This picture is obviously not me: 

...but it could be!

Sewing

I have decided that I love sewing. It's my new favorite thing. I ordered a pattern from the Tie Dye Diva (Etsy) in June, made Paisley an adorable romper, and have loved sewing since. I have now successfully made matching Red Sox dresses for the girls, baby blankets for Jen's triplets, a crib bumper for Paisley, and crib skirts for the triplets. In addition, I've taken in some of my clothes that were too big and thrown together quick headbands for Paisley. I'll try and post some pictures as soon as I can. In the mean time, here is a list of what I want to sew next:

• Fall dresses for Paisley
• Pillow covers for the living room
• Curtains for the bedroom
• Bibs
• Burp Cloths
• Baby Shoes
• Outfits for the Triplets

  I can't wait- that's all I want to do all the time. It's relaxing, gives me a sense of accomplishment, and it's a relatively inexpensive new hobby! I feel rather domestic- you should try it!!  Ready. Set. SEW.

Pictures to come! 

Swing Sets and Sliding Boards

     Today was another, "I hope I don't forget this," kind of day. We had accelerate (the newcomers class) at church, and while Zach was in talking with people, Paisley and I went out to the playground. Paisley LOVED the swing and the slide. She giggled and laughed the whole time on the swing. As for the slide, she gets so excited at the top, but during the actual sliding down, she closes her eyes as tightly as she possibly can, only to open them, smile, and lunge toward the slide when it's all over. It is the funniest and cutest thing I've seen. I love love love this baby!!
    On another note, 56 people joined the church. I'm so excited for what God is doing at COTES. It's great to feel excited for the future and to feel the excitement in those around you at the church! Thank goodness for fresh starts!

To My Little Crawler

    You can crawl! Yesterday we were at church almost all day long. I was setting up a party to welcome Pastor Chris and Ms. Nan, and daddy was working and rehearsing for Night of Praise. Jeremy Mayfield, one of Daddy's friends, was there practicing with Daddy. He has two precious little boys that are a little older than you. You have been wanting to get moving for a while now, but up until yesterday you'd just roll wherever you needed to go. Jeremy got down on the floor to try to coax you into crawling and it worked! You crawled right to him, and all of the sudden you are a pro. Time to Paisley proof the house! I was trying to take video of you this morning crawling, but you crawled right into the coffee table and hit your head. Par for the course, I guess. It didn't phase you at all. You are SO fun!! Can't wait to see what you learn next!

Teeth!!

       You got your second tooth today. The first one came in on Tuesday, the 14th. You didn't seem to have any trouble, other than feeling a little achy. Teething tablets really seem to help though, and they must taste good because you act like they are candy, not medicine. This morning  Grammie, Papa, Granny, Phoebe and Avery came to church. When we got home, Grammie was checking your tooth from Tuesday when she exclaimed, "Hey! There's another one in here!" I had no idea it was there! Last night, you briefly woke up and cried but then you were right back to sleep; I guess that's probably when the tooth started to come through. They are the cutest little teeth I have ever seen! I've already decided that my favorite new noise is the clanking of your sweet teeth on a glass when I let you drink my water. It is positively precious! Love you, baby girl!

Orlando

Dear Paisley, 

We went to Orlando this week for Brooke Albert's wedding with Grammie and Papa.. You didn't make a peep, except to talk and laugh, the whole way driving. What a perfect baby you are.
   As usual, you smiled at fellow hotel guests, wedding guests, anyone who caught your eye. There was a wonderful pool at the resort, Rosen Shingle Creek, and when you weren't swimming you were sleeping peacefully under a cabana.
      You said, "Dada" non stop most of the trip. I think you must really miss daddy. We FaceTime daddy whenever we are apart, and normally you aren't sure about what we are doing, but this trip you knew we were talking to daddy and were so excited to see him! You giggled and smiled and kicked your feet. So sweet!                        Uncle Mike set you up on a blind date with little Andy Albert; you tried to kiss him, and he wasn't too sure about that. You looked absolutely beautiful in your purple dress and white shoes with the silver toes. The music was very loud at the wedding, but you didn't mind at all- you took a two hour nap!
     A lot of moms think their babies are perfect, but you really couldn't be a better baby and I am so in love with you!! I can't get enough hugs and kisses; even when you are asleep I can't stop kissing your cheeks. Your hands and feet are completely adorable as well.
     You can flip over really well now and you like to hold yourself up with your hands while you are on your belly. I think you'll probably crawl soon. You can sit up, but I don't ever just leave you sitting because you are still a little tipsy. You look less like a baby and more like a little girl every day. It's bittersweet. I love you, baby girl!

    

Cousins and July 4th

We spent the fourth of July with Grammie and Papa at their house. We swam in the pool, had a cookout, and enjoyed time with cousins. You love Phoebe and Avery! Just a picture of them gets you over the top excited. It's rather cute; I think you'll all be best friends! I love fireworks, but we didn't end up going to see them. It was hot, it had rained, and you were fast asleep. So next year we will take you and I'm sure you'll love it! Here's the photo of the day from your first 4th of July...

I love you girls! 

Maternity Photos

So I just got my maternity photos from the fabulous Michelle Quimby. We forgot to connect basically so I'm just now seeing them for the first time. I have decided, though, that these photos are much more special to me seeing them now then they would have been if I had seen them right when they were taken. Seeing photos that were taken 18 days before Paisley was born makes me thankful I'm not pregnant anymore, thankful that Paisley is healthy and happy, but most of all thankful for how complete our family feels for the time being. We love being parents! It's the best thing in the world. Everyone says it, but you don't know until you have one. I love my Paisley Grace!! Thank you, Michelle, for the wonderful experience and beautiful photos. They are so very special to me.

Friends

Hey Sweet girl,

   We just had the McGees, Noes, and Smiths over for dinner. Elsie and Lucas came to play. Elsie was here all day actually. You two are so cute playing together. You LOVE any children or babies that you see, whether it be in person, in a photo, or on video. You get so excited and you are so sweet to everyone. You are still the most smiley baby! You're getting really good at holding your upper body up with your arms, and you roll over with ease. You have gotten really good at eating food, although you don't eat much at a time. You've had sweet potatoes, oatmeal cereal, pears, winter squash, corn, rice cereal, bananas, and apricots.
    When you become a mom you feel like you need a break from your baby. Maybe to sleep, get out of the house or just have a minute to yourself. But as soon as I leave you with daddy to take some "me time", I miss you terribly. I call you my little best friend. Love you more thn you'll ever know!!

Love,

Mommy

Hi Friends, 


      Let me just say that it has been so great to be home this week spending time with my loves! I don't even want to go out at all this week. I'm savoring every moment we can spend simply at home being the three of us. 

       Paisley has been doing well with baby food (sweet potatoes and oatmeal cereal). She much prefers the sweet potatoes so I mix them together. It's been 72 hours, which is the time the doctor recommends you give your sweet one's body before you let them try another food. So sweet potatoes are a keeper! Good thing because we eat them ourselves all the time! 

     Let's talk weight loss. I'm another pound down, still sticking to no sugar and loving it. The emeals recipes this week have been great! On Sunday we had grilled chicken and steak kabobs. Delicious and super healthy!  

    On the same note, it's terribly hot today so for a snack I made a frozen fruit smoothie. I put bananas, strawberries, non fat plain greek yogurt, and a bit of stevia in the blender and voila- a wonderfully refreshing cool smoothie! I'll take a photo the next time I make one, and at 155 calories, that should be quite often! We bought frozen strawberries, blueberries, and mixed fruit from Sam's Club so it is cost effective and will last us a while. Yay for something healthy that tastes like dessert...finally! 


    Hope everyone has a great day!

Julie

Weight loss update.

   
 Update:

      No sugar since May 2, and I'm 10 pounds down with 20 to go! When I say no sugar, I don't mean no fruit. Just no processed sugars. The whole family is taking a vacation to Maine on July 27 so I'm hoping to lose 10 pounds in June and 10 in July. Totally do-able. I went on vacation and still didn't eat any sugar, but last night we had fondue night with friends so I made an exception. I know you probably won't believe me, but no back trouble since the sugar was out of my system, and today I feel that pain, just like before. I don't know how sugar can affect me that quickly since I just ate it last night,  but I know it's not a coincidence. So no more sugar for me. I don't even miss it and when I find some time, I'll try some stevia recipes. For now, fresh strawberries satisfy my sweet tooth. When you are seeing the scale drop in addition to no pain, it's totally worth it. On a side note, I haven't exercised one day since I started on May 2 so this week Zach and I are both going to start going to the gym. I think that'll make the weight come off even more quickly. I know that muscle weighs more than fat, but you know what I mean. When you feel different in your pants, the weight has come off regardless of the number on the scale. 

    As far as food goes, check out emeals.com. I'm doing the organic/all natural menu and it's been great. The women who run the site shop the sales for you and created weekly menus with grocery lists that accompany them. So easy and supper yummy.

Yay for feeling better. I'll keep you posted!

Summer Time Guacamole and Grilled Watermelon Salad

          Today was gorgeous- perfect for grilling and good food. I have never been a guacamole fan, but recently I ate at the Cactus Flower restaurant in Pensacola and tried some of their guac. Out of this world. I decided that I had to at least attempt making something similar. I'm proud to say it was a

success thanks to the Food Network's Alton Brown. Also, a while back we saw a recipe on the FN for grilled watermelon salad and decided to give it ago. Absolutely perfect for barbecues! You'll love it. 

Homemade Guacamole- Yes Please! 

Ingredients

• 3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

Yum! You'll be glad you tried it! 

Grilled Watermelon Salad:

Ingredients

• 1/2 (5-pound) seedless watermelon
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (See note below)
• Extra-virgin olive oil (See note below)
• Kosher salt (specialty salt is great here, if on hand)
• 2 cups fresh baby arugula, washed and dried
• 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled, preferably a French Chevre
• Fresh finely cracked black pepper

 

Directions

Stand the watermelon half cut side down on a cutting board and slice away the rind, leaving a solid block of melon. Turn the block on its side and cut it into 8 squares, roughly 3 by 3 inches and 1-inch thick.

Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to a thick syrup consistency. Set aside.
Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle just enough olive oil over watermelon slices to thinly coat and place on hot grill pan. Grill each side about 2 minutes until grill marks appear; transfer to a plate and season with salt.
To assemble the salads, put about 1/4 cup of baby arugula on a serving plate, followed by a grilled slice of watermelon in the center, and top with a tablespoon of crumbled cheese and another 1/4 cup arugula. Add another watermelon slice and another tablespoon of cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Finish each salad with a very light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic syrup. Dust with black pepper and serve immediately.

Side Note: We didn't reduce down the oil and vinegar because we had balsamic dressing, and it was just as good. We also only did one layer: salad, watermelon, feta, and dressing.

ENJOY!

 

 

 

Oh the Places You'll Go....

Dear Paisley, 

    Last week you went on your first airplane! You were great, of course. All of the people on the plane commented on how pretty you are and how well you behaved. We went to Virginia for your second cousin's , Jessica, wedding. Mommy made the wedding and groom's cake and Grammie Suzanne and Grammie Nola took care of you. At the wedding we got to see a bunch of distant relatives, and they all wanted to hold you- I barely even saw you the whole day! Aunt Janet, Grammie Nola's sister, made you a very special bear and brought it to the wedding. It is made from your great great grandmother's quilts. It's just beautiful.

Chillin' in the airport.

                          

At the Wedding

   While we were in Virginia, we went to a water park at Massanutten. You were neither here nor there about the water, but very happy all day. They had little swings you could bounce around in and the water in the baby area was shallow enough that you could even sit down. Grammie Suzanne went on a water slide! You'll have to ask her about it some time.  We stayed in Virginia for about a week so daddy was very anxious to see us, well probably mainly you. We used the ipad to talk to him via video chat so we could see him while we were gone. He is an amazing daddy and husband- we are blessed!

  You're very curious these days, wanting to check everything out. You can barely eat your bottle because you want to see what's going on. On Wednesday daddy and I gave you some oatmeal cereal. You did really well and seemed to enjoy it. We will try some new things in a few days.

   You say mama all the time now, especially when you wake up from your naps. In general, you talk a lot, carrying on conversations as if you were an adult. I love it. I love everything about you! I miss you when I'm away from you for any length of time. You are my precious Paisley and I love you so so much!

Love,

  Mommy

Beach Days

My Sweetheart, 

    On Monday we went with Jen, Andy, and Jen's parents to a condo down in Gulf Shores. It was your first beach trip. You didn't cry or fuss at all- inside the condo or at the beach or pool. You were so cute and so fun! Truly a precious, sweet girl. Oh! And Jen found out a couple weeks ago that she and Andy are having triplets! Can you believe it? Lots of little playmates for you! Exciting!!

Love you, 

  Mommy
    

Baby Dedication and Mother's Day

Dear Paisley,

       This past week we had baby dedication, and it was also Mother's Day. On Saturday we went to a little ceremony where Daddy and Mommy dedicated you to the Lord and promised to love you enough to raise you according to how the Bible instructs us. Then on Sunday we went before the church and asked the congregation to join us in committing to raised you how the Lord tells us. It certainly was a sweet time. Daddy and I love you more than ever. I never knew a child could bring so much joy, but you make us so very happy and we are so thankful that the Lord blessed us with you. 

We also started what we hope will become a Mother's Day tradition- Disney on Ice. You are almost 5 months old, and even though you haven't actually seen any Disney movies, you did seem to enjoy the lights and music.  You fell asleep before the end, but it was still a fun time and a great memory.

Love you so much,

Mommy

And so it begins...

     I don't expect to be a size zero ever, let alone 5 months after I've had a baby, but my "no sugar allowed" diet (let's call it a life change) starts today. I've done this once before for a 3 month span. I lost 17 pounds, but most importantly, I had no back trouble. I have chronic back issues that have worsened through pregnancy and this year. I need to lose 30 pounds and I need my back to work. I won't be posting a "before" picture at least until there is an "after", but I am 5' 10" and weigh 179 as of today- not good! I weighed in at 201 when I went to the hospital to have Paisley. Keep in mind that I ate everything I could 20 minutes before they weighed me because they don't let you eat before you have a baby. Ok, so the number is not fun to admit, but I think we can all agree that putting something on paper is helpful for success. My goal is to weigh between 145 and 150. I was that weight from age 12 until I went on birth control a month before my wedding. I don't care if a doctor thinks birth control can cause weight gain or not- it can. So here we go. I'll keep you posted.

We could call this my before and maybe I'll reveal the swim suit pic when I'm down 30:

December 19, 2011

Nashville Vacation

My Sweet Sweet Paisley,

      Last week we took you on your first road trip! We went to Birmingham to meet Uncle Brett on the way to Nashville, where you met Grandpa Clyde, Aunt Loretta, Uncle Ray and your cousins. You were perfect the whole time! Everyone loved you, and you were happy to be passed around, hugged, and kissed.
    We went to Fontanelle, a big mansion in the mountains, and you were content the whole time. The fellow tour goers adored you. We also went to the country music hall of fame and a few other places. It was a great little get away.

It's funny that this blog was named "Perfectly Paisley" because you are perfectly calm, perfectly happy, perfectly beautiful, perfectly perfect! I know you think I'm saying that because I'm your mom, but everyone we know says it! I love you, Sweet Baby Girl!!

Love,

 Mommy

Banana Nut Bread

I found this recipe online the other day, and tweaked it so I would have a "keeper" banana nut bread recipe. SO YUMMY!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups mashed overripe bananas
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. Sift the flour, salt and baking soda into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the butter or margarine and sugar until smooth. Stir in the bananas, eggs, and walnuts until well blended. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and stir just until blended. Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans.
3. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack, and cool completely. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep in the moisture. Ideally, refrigerate the loaves for 2 hours or more before serving.

ENJOY!

Dear Paisley

       You are taking a nap right now, or at least you are trying. You sleep peacefully for 45 minutes and then wake up every day for about ten minutes before you fall back to sleep. You can ask daddy, when you cry you cry, "Mama" over and over. I think you know you are calling my name. I just went in to give you your paci (did I tell you we tried 7 pacifiers before you liked one?), and you smiled at me while you started to cry. You've been doing that lately when you are tired. You aren't sure whether you want to cry or laugh or smile. You are so very sweet and so special to me.
       We have been going on walks lately because the whether is just beautiful. Soon it'll be too hot for me to take you out for long periods of time so for now, we will enjoy this spring weather. You are doing a great job of holding up your head lately. I like to sit your bottom on the counter while I hold you and talk to you. Speaking of talking, you are making so many sweet noises, trying to talk to us. I love it. Last week we put little toy bugs on the handle of your car seat. You love them! You talk to them, stare at them, smile at them...adore them really.
        For the past few days, I get so emotional when I look at you! I feel an overwhelming since of love for you and gratitude to the Lord for giving us such a perfectly healthy, happy, smily, sweet sweet girl. I know I told you this before, but I tell you over and over, "You make mommy SO happy," and you really do. I love you more each day. You are my precious baby girl.

Love,

Mommy

I just downloaded 500 photos of you from my iphone; here are a few since you have turned 3 months...

Dear Paisley

       What an incredibly sweet and happy baby you are! You'll be twelve weeks old on Tuesday, and the time is flying by, just like everyone said it would. In one sense, I love that you are getting bigger because I can't wait to see the things you'll learn how to do or take you to the playground or bake cupcakes with you, but on the other hand, I want you to be my tiny little cuddle baby forever.
       You smile all day long and it just makes daddy and mommy so very happy. You've started making little noises this month, and you're getting much stronger. You have grown a couple of inches and you weigh about 12.5 lbs. I tell daddy all the time that you know how to say momma because when you cry you say "mamamamama" and I love it. I'm staring at you right now as you are grinning from ear to ear- such a beautiful baby. I love your cheeks and your eyes and your little button nose. You have ticklish thighs and feet and you laugh out loud now!  I think you are starting to look more like me, but your eyes are undeniably daddy's. You stare at us with those beautiful brown eyes and even though you can't say it, your eyes are telling us how much you love us. I can't explain it, but I know that's what you are thinking. You sneeze quite a bit, usually two or three sneezes at a time. You love when I tell you about your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and cheeks...oh how sweet your cheeks are!! Everyone loves them and has to say how cute they are every time we take you out. You have the hiccups everyday. In fact, you have them right now as you are falling asleep; they don't seem to bother you but are still quite pitiful.
        I don't think I realized how much joy you would bring our family. The whole time I was pregnant all we could talk about was how we just couldn't wait to hold you, and now when I'm holding you that seems like ages ago!  We can't really remember you not being here and wouldn't want to. You truly are a blessing. Daddy sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" in church a few weeks ago (you love being in worship and hearing daddy), and the line, "morning by morning new mercies I see," found a new meaning in my heart because every morning when I get you out of your crib I truly do see new mercies in your face. You are my little blessing and I love you more than you'll ever know. I tell you all the time that you are "Mommy's baby"- I treasure you more than anything. I don't think you'll understand how much I love and adore you until you have your own little baby. I love you, Sweet Girl!

Love and kisses,

Mommy

She's Here!

        Paisley Grace Adamson was born December 20 at 5:12 pm and weighed 8 lbs 14 oz. What a sweet, perfect little baby she is. We are in love.
        We got to the hospital Monday evening and spent the night. Our nurse, Stephanie, started me on an IV and gave me some medicine to get me ready to have Paisley. On Tuesday morning around 7:30, Dr. Wells came and checked me and broke my water. Then our new nurse, Rachel, started me on pitocin to get things going. I got an epidural around 11:30 (thank the Lord for that!). We waited most of the day and around 4:30 Rachel checked and said I was 10 cm and ready to go! I started pushing around 4:45 and Paisley was here at 5:12!
         I couldn't help but cry when I saw Dr. Wells holding our baby. It was such a miracle. God really is amazing, and I think His sovereignty may be best displayed in the birth of a baby and the miracle of life.
        Paisley is 11 days old today.  We got to leave the hospital on Thursday evening; it was great to be home. We had her first pediatrician appointment last Saturday, Christmas eve, and everything looked great. Then, the whole family came to our house for Christmas, including Grammie Nola and Papa Willis. Since then, we have been getting used to being at home, sleeping and eating.  Paisley has done a great job adjusting. Poor baby has hiccups all the time, but other than that she is content. We couldn't love her more. What a sweet little blessing!