Big Girl!

     You are growing up too quickly. It's such a difficult thing because I love watching you learn and grow, but I don't want my baby to get any bigger! You'll cuddle with me if you're really tired or if you're trying to trick me into not putting you in bed, but for the most part you're very independent. You're smart, funny, and very beautiful.
     We spent a couple days at grandma & papa's house this week because daddy had a conference with the church. You get really excited to see your cousins, although you don't like to share with them at all. We're working on that. I hate spanking you. It's torture, even if it's a small leg swat. Torture. I'm hoping that you get through this little stage quickly.
      I bought you a set of alphabet flash cards yesterday. They have a letter and a picture on each card, and you know what the letters are when you see them. I'm so proud and impressed with you, as always.
     While you were eating dinner tonight you said, "I'm sorry; I don't know what you're saying," which is something  I sometimes tell you. You also said, "I said no dogs in our house; no kitty cats too." You're constantly making me laugh and fall more in love with you! I can't wait for tomorrow!

Love you, baby!

We had to run some errands and detoured at the beach...

Vacation Time!

We went to Maine last week. As usual, we flew into Boston and saw the Red Sox play. It was your second game at Fenway, and you were dressed the part! It was a bit chilly, but you didn't seem to mind it. After time in Boston, we headed to York, to our vacation home. You loved that the cousins were with us and all of the other family members you just love. Of course you wanted to climb the rocks by yourself, which completely scares me to death! But you're just trying to keep up with the older kids. Grandma and Papa bought you a rain coat, and you want to wear it all day long- you love it! It rained a lot while we were there this time so we bought you girls a tea set that you loved, went shopping around town, and went to the arcade in Wells. You, being the smart funny little thing you are, decided the best way to play skii ball would be to walk up the lane and put the ball in the hole, climbing under the metal cage that guards the holes. Too cute!!  We did all of the things mommy did when she was a kid: walking the marginal way, eating at Barnicle Billys, roasting marshmallows on the rocks. I love that you get to share the same memories that I had growing up, visiting my grandma in Maine. I hope we get to go for many years to come!

Sweet Summertime

     

My days with you are so fun!  Summer is in full swing on the gulf coast! Tricia Cate had a Noah's ark birthday a couple weeks ago, and you had a blast! Aunt Tricia knows how to throw a party!  In an effort for mommy to stay cool, we put up a pool this month. You helped Papa build the deck, quite the handy little thing you are! And adorable! So now that we have a deck with a railing, we've been able to safely enjoy the pool. At grandma's house, you're able to walk around in the pool with your head above water, but our pool is a little deeper. The problem is that you don't understand the difference so you're mainly upset with me for not letting you go on your own. We've tried floats, wingies, etc...you don't want anything to do with any of it! Maybe you'll just learn to swim and it won't matter. I'm loving every moment we can spend together while it's just you and me! 

Love you! 

Paisley baby,
 
    You went to your first Wahoos game! You love that everyone claps when a play is made, and you love the food. You liked the blue mascot from afar, but not so much when he came to say hi. We made it on the big screen- probably because you are so stinkin' cute. Daddy ate shrimp and grits, which is quite a funny choice for a baseball stadium menu! It was such a great time!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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!

The Weekend and Hospital Day!

Zach and I had a wonderful weekend. I have felt really energetic, which is good. On Thursday I decided to bake some cupcakes for our doctor's office and a few friends. I ended up with eight dozen. A little overboard, maybe, but it was fun.

        On Friday we were lazy until around 2 when I started baking for Rebecca's cookie swap. It was so great to spend time eating and laughing with the girls! I made grandma's orange cookies; I'll have to share the recipe soon. 

         Saturday was get the house ready for Paisley and family day. We rearranged some furniture to accommodate everyone for Christmas, got the guest room ready, set up Paisley's bassinet in our room and moved her rocking chair in to our room as well to make the first couple weeks a bit easier. Everything seems ready, which is a relief for us. 

         Yesterday we went to church and then came home for football, of course. Zach's fantasy team won, which I think means he goes to the "play-offs" where he and Timmy will smack talk each other to death I'm sure. I'll admit, it's quite relaxing to just lay on the couch while Red Zone football is on. I may actually be sad when the season is over. After our relaxing afternoon, we went out to eat hibachi with our friends. One last pre-Paisley get together. It was so fun to sit around and chat and get to be around great people.    

         That pretty much brings us to today. This will be my last post before Paisley arrives! We are going to the hospital this evening and are so excited. Even with Tylenol PM, I could barely sleep last night. We have been so blessed to have this experience together and can't wait to hold our new baby girl! There are a few things about pregnancy that I will not be sad to be done with and others that I will surely miss. 

What I will NOT miss:
1) Strangers not only asking me personal questions about my pregnancy but doing so while there hands are planted on my belly.
2) Not being able to turn over in bed without waking up 

3) Having to sleep on my side 

4) Feeling out of breath ALL the time

5) My chest resting on my belly

6) Having to stay away from soft cheeses 

7) Waddling

8) Back problems

9) Having to hug Zach by putting my belly to the side


What I WILL miss:
1) The sweet anticipation and excitement we have felt together  

2) Zach coming home from work and talking to Paisley through my belly 

3) Zach being so sweet, helping me with everything, even putting my shoes on
4) Hearing Phoebe talk about "Pailsley Grace" and wanting to touch my belly 

5) The overwhelming feeling of blessing we have felt as everything has gone according to His perfect plan 

6) The glow everyone keeps talking about, which I'm sure turns to the look of sheer exhaustion

7) How excited everyone is about the arrival of this sweet baby girl

8) Zach saying "Group Hug!" every time I hug him

9) Paisley kicking when she hears Zach singing

   We have a little bit of packing to do and Zach is going to make us a few playlists to take to the hospital. I also asked him to bring his guitar so he could play for "his girls", which he agreed to.  At the end of last week I looked up and recorded some scripture passages that I think will be a comfort to both of us.  I hope that this experience can be one in which we are able to give God the glory for everything and that the nurses and hospital staff will see Him through us. 

    One exciting thing that I haven't mentioned is that Paisley will be born on Zach's birthday. I'm afraid I'll never be able to top that as far as "gifts" go, but what an amazing feeling for him! He keeps saying, "Best birthday present EVER." I love it.  Can't wait to meet Paisley and to see Zach's face when he first lays eyes on her. What a sweet time it'll surely be. 

Blessings, 

Julie

Our Little Family

    This year has been one filled with excitement for Zach and me. In March we found out that we are expecting a sweet new addition to our family!

      December is here and with that comes our little girl! The tree is up, presents wrapped (thanks to Jen), and we are left waiting on the best Christmas present we could imagine.

Paisley Grace will be arriving next week and we cannot contain ourselves! I'll admit that we have let our lives revolve around planning for this little blessing for most of the last nine months, but it has been such a sweet time together planning and anticipating her arrival. I think we would both say that we find ourselves more in love with one another than ever before. Let me also say that my husband has always been amazing but even more so in the last 9 months.
       This week we have determined to have a date night each night to add to our "Before Paisley" memory bank. Monday we had a fun little dinner out at Vitolli's in Robertsdale and yesterday we had our 38 week appointment, went to a movie and then headed to Barnes and Noble for some reading and relaxation.  It was just what we needed. Tonight Zach has rehearsal for Sunday morning so we will have a date night in when he's finished, and when you're 38 weeks pregnant, you can't argue with a night on the couch relaxing!
       A new chapter is beginning and I think it'll be the best yet for our little family.

Julie