Whoop!

Last month, we took a quick trip down to College Station to celebrate my brother receiving his Aggie Ring.  

I have never quite understood the Aggie "cult" mentality ;) But I must say, the traditions seem pretty neat, and I am so glad that my brother found a place he loves!

Getting a quick nap in...

On Friday, we went with Shane to get his ring, and then got ready for a crawfish broil at his house that night. We enjoyed spending time with family and meeting some of his friends.

Saturday we went to lunch before heading out to shop for some Aggie gear. During lunch, Ashlynn may or may not have gotten her first taste of a lemon!

After lunch, Shane took us on a tour of campus.

We had a great time, and can't wait to go back for graduation.  I can't  believe my baby brother has his college ring and is graduating this year! We are so proud of all that he has accomplished, and that he is living his life for the Lord.

Birth Announcement

I am a little late in posting the birth announcement that we sent out...but then again, I was also a little late in sending them out! (I kept misplacing the stamps...)

Easter 2012

A few weeks back, we enjoyed Ashlynn's first Easter.

I have always gotten Mark and Zeus Easter treats, so this year Ashlynn got in on the fun! She got some spring onesies this year.  Mark and I do not want the focus of holidays to be on gifts, or imaginary beings visiting.  We will do an Easter basket and search for eggs, but will make sure that she knows where they actually came from.  Our desire is that she understands the real reason for Easter.

She wasn't in the best mood Easter morning, so we just snapped a quick picture on our way to church with Mark's family.  And then by the time we got to lunch, she was sleepy. I had grand ideas of a family picture outside with a real camera, but it was pouring outside and that was not something I was going to fret over!

We enjoyed an afternoon of yummy food and fellowship with Mark's family and family friends!

Ashlynn loved getting to spend time with her Uncle Mikey

Here are a few more pictures from her first Easter:

Crazy "Mom" Moments

I have always heard different things about motherhood that frankly, I just didn't believe.  People would say something, and I would think in disbelief, "I will never say/think/do such and such!"

Well....this post is where I insert my foot in my mouth.

I have....

*Been peed on, and gotten poop in some weird places

*Switched to cloth diapers (hence the previous statement...)

*Gone longer without showering than I would like to admit

*Showered with the curtain open while singing Taylor Swift, dancing and making faces

*Picked/wiped countless boogers without a second thought

*Gotten formula/spit up/drool on my shirt, and not changed...because, really, who wants to add to the laundry pile?!

*Learned to drink cold coffee and eat cold food. 

*Listened to "baby music" that is so terrible that it shouldn't be considered music

*Learned to multitask in ways I never thought possible

*Cried when I left my daughter in the church nursery (I was a Children's Minister for crying out loud!)

But, I have also....

*Experienced the miracle of pregnancy/giving birth

*Enjoyed sweet first smiles, laughs and coos

*Fed and rocked a baby girl while she holds onto my hand with all of her might

*Cuddled and cuddled and cuddled

*Seen the look of recognition when Baby A sees her mommy and daddy

*Watched my husband become a daddy and bond with his daughter

*Learned the priceless joy of praying over your child

I am sure there will be so many more moments of "I never thought I would have..." or doing things that I always told my mom "I'll never do/say that to my kids"! But all in all, these crazy mom moments are totally worth it!

Happy 3 Months!

Baby A,

You are (a little over) 3 months old! I love waking up each day and seeing how you have changed and what new things you will begin to experience.  You already have your daddy wrapped around all 10 of your sweet little fingers.  Your joy and smiles are contagious to anyone who encounters them!

We did not go to the doctor this month, so I am not sure what your measurements/stats are.  You are still wearing 0-3 month clothes, but the pants are now capris because you are a long baby.  We are starting to try out 3 month outfits.  We have also officially switched to cloth diapers and we are loving them. 

You are taking around 5 oz every 3-4 hours. Feedings and sleep times have become pretty clockwork.  You have also slept through the night (HALLELUJAH!) every night but 2 for the past 2 weeks! We are so thankful that you love to sleep!

Here are few things you are loving:

We borrowed a bouncy seat, and you get giggle as soon as we set you down in it.  You will kick just so that you can bounce more.

You have become a fan of any kind of sports on the tv. You will crane your neck so that you can see what is going on.

You have started to want to pick your head up/sit up.  You like to be able to see everything that is going on and want to be apart of the action! Your legs have also gotten a lot stronger.  You will stand up as long as we are holding onto your hands or you are leaning against us. 

You have also started to discover how your hands work.  You try to grab at things, and love holding onto our hands. 

You like to go for walks (most of the time!)

This month you celebrated your first St. Patrick's Day, your first Opening Day of baseball, and your first Easter!

A few things that haven't changed:

You still love to be swaddled. We are hoping your startle reflex will be gone in the next month or so.

You still love your playmat.  You are starting to lay for longer times.

Tummy time is becoming a favorite.  You will lay and look around or watch a short baby video.

You think your daddy is HILARIOUS.  He can get you to giggle and giggle with silly voices and faces.  

We love you more than we ever imagined we could love a tiny human.  Even Zeus has become your little protector.

You bring such joy into our lives, and the Lord is already using your sweet life to teach us more than we thought possible.  Our prayer is that the Lord will work in your life in mighty ways, and that your life will always bring Him glory! We cannot wait to see His plans for you.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy