Feeling Ill

Well, we didn't escape the bug that was going around in Kentucky. All three of us are sick. Mike has been home with the Flu the past couple of days. I've got a really bad cold (I think, anyway, I haven't been to the doctor). My lack of sleep hasn't helped, I'm sure. And poor Abby Kate is really congested. She could barely breath last night. I wish she knew how to blow her nose, or how to breath through her mouth for that matter. Isn't it weird that infants won't breath through their mouths, even when they are so stuffed up?! I tried saline drops and using the nasal aspirator, but it's not working. She doesn't have a fever, but we're taking her to the doctor today with hopes they can do something for her.

We answered a knock at our door yesterday afternoon and were surprised to find Chad and Sommer standing in the doorway with homemade chicken soup and warm apple pie in their hands. We were so grateful! We didn't have the energy to cook anything or go out and pick up something to eat, so their thoughtfulness was such a blessing. Thanks again, guys! Sommer, I hope to be feeling good soon so we can get back to our daily workouts! My new jogging stroller is ready to hit the pavement!

So Much to Be Thankful For

Our little family set off on the 9.5 hour trip home to Kentucky for the holiday last Wednesday. We were a bit nervous of how Abby Kate would do in the car for so long. We were relieved to find that she loves road trips. At least right now, anyway. She slept the whole way and didn't cry one bit. I sat in the backseat with her so I could feed her along the way. She is doing good taking the bottle when we need her to.

We arrived at my parents' house late Wednesday night. I was excited to introduce Abby Kate to her Uncle Brian and Aunt Carrie for the first time! Brian held her for awhile and she just stared up at him with her big blue eyes. It was great to be at home with my family and to bring our daughter to Kentucky for the first time. Unfortunately, most of my family was sick. Mom had an upper respiratory infection. Dad and Carrie had some sort of bad colds going on, too. We all kept the antibacterial lotion handy.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. My grandmother and many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins came over. They all held Abby Kate and said (as everyone does) that she looks exactly like her daddy. So true. Thanks, Mom, for cooking a delicious meal, even though you weren't feeling well. The desserts were especially good!

The trip was way too short, but thankfully we were able to see a ton of our friends and family while in town. I already miss them and I can't wait until January when Abby Kate and I will be home again.

Mom in the kitchen
I couldn't believe how much my nephew has grown since I saw him last!
My sister-in-law, Carrie, with Abby Kate
Abby Kate meets her great uncle Greg
Our daughter's first Thanksgiving.
Abby Kate meets her "aunt Lyndsay"
Mike and Brian lounging with the babies
Abby Kate meets her great aunt Linda and second cousin Windy

I Know, I'm a Slacker

I've been meaning to post for days now, but I've been so busy lately. Hmmm, now why would I be busy?! Ha, ha. Caring for Abby Kate is a full-time job! I haven't been able to master the suggested "nap when she naps" thing because with all the extra laundry and my design work on top of that, I go non-stop all day long. I'm a zombie. A lot of things I say make no sense. Mike would argue that this was the case BEFORE I was a mom, but he exaggerates [a little]. Anyway, I've got lots to post, so my goal this week - besides getting my Christmas decor up - is to update my blog. So stay tuned...

Officially Part of the Moms' Club

Abby Kate is only a little over two weeks old, but she already has several 'friends'. Sommer with her son, Griffin, and Sarah with her daughters, Eden and Maren, came over last week to have a play date. I look forward to our future get togethers. Sommer and Sarah are great company, not to mention a great support for a new mom like me.

It's a Boy!

Congrats to CJ (Mike's brother) and his wife, Amber, on the news that they're expecting a baby boy in March! We're so excited for you two and can't wait for him to get here. It'll be neat to watch Abby Kate and him together. Again, congratulations!!!

The First Week

Time sure flies by when you have a newborn! I can't believe Abby Kate's 10 days old today. It has been such a joy getting to know her. She is an angel. She doesn't cry much and is pretty content most of the time. Her eyes are so bright and big. I can't believe how alert she is at such an early age. She's nursing very well, eating every three hours consistently.

We've spent our days hanging out at home for the most part. My parents were here the week before she was born and a few days afterward, then Mike's mom and dad were here for a few days after that. Her only outings so far have been to the hospital for her 48 hour check-up and a quick trip to K-Mart.

At her check-up, we were pleased to hear she is already back to her birth weight and she is perfectly healthy. I checked out OK, too.

She grows and changes every day right before our eyes it seems. We are so glad she's here and just can't get over the fact that she's ours!

Some photos from her first week...

One day old, still at the hospital...


Already spoiled by the Grandparents...



First stroll...


Sleepy girl...


First bath...


After pooping on Mommy, she sported her "Junk in the Trunk" onesie, courtesy of Sommer and Chad...


Most of her clothes are still way too big...


With friend, Griffin, in the hammock...


First outing - doctor's appointment...


Daddy's girl...


Enjoying the early Fall weather...


Mike changes his first diaper...