Mother's Day 2012

I was originally going to title this post "First Mother's Day."  And then it dawned on me that this was not my first Mother's Day.  You see, last year was my first.  For two reasons really.  First, I was unknowingly pregnant with baby A last Mother's Day.  But also because of our baby that was only with us for a few short months. Even though we never met "Guido" (as we had affectionately nicknamed him/her),our first baby will forever be apart of our family.  My heart still aches at times for such a short life, but then I look at Baby A, and I know that God has a plan that is much bigger than anything we could have ever imagined.  What a blessing that the Lord allowed us to be parents to that sweet baby in the way and for the amount of time that He saw best, that glorified His name and carried out His plan.

This Mother's Day was indeed our first with baby A though.  And what a blessing it was!

We spent the weekend at the lake with my family.

And spent a little time being "silly" together.

My heart is overflowing with the blessing of a healthy, happy daughter and an incredible husband.  I am beyond thankful for the privilege to be called "mom" and for the blessings of the mothers that Mark and I have in our lives.

Bluebonnets

A while back Mark and I took Ashlynn to take pictures in the bluebonnets. We weren't sure how we were going to prop her up in them, so I had the idea to use an Easter basket since it was around the same time. I went to the store to buy one, and I am pretty sure half of the people there thought I was crazy for sitting my daugter in Easter baskets to see which one she fit in. Thankfully another mom laughed and said that she had done the same thing with her child!

We were totally "those people" on the side of the highway snapping photos, and looking like crazies trying to get her to smile. It was totally worth it! I am so thankful to have a husband who can/loves to take pictures!

Happy 4 Months!

Sweet girl,

On May 7, you turned 4 months old! I can't believe you have already been with us for 1/3 of a year! Each month, I think we couldn't possibly love you more-but we are constantly amazed by our growing love.

Last week was your 4 month checkup. Your stats were:

Height- 25 inches (78%)

Weight- 15 lb. 13 oz (90%)

Head circumference- 16.25 in (59%)

The doctor said that you were looking great and everything was on track developmentally.  Mommy wasn't too sure about your doctor at your 2 month appointment, but she was great this time.  You got 4 shots, and seemed much more upset than you did last time.

You love to be up! If we lay you down to play, you are constantly trying to figure out how to sit up.  You haven't started rolling over yet, but we can tell you are trying to figure it out! You also love toys.  Anything that rattles or makes noise quickly catches your attention. Granny and Bampa bought you an exersaucer and you love to sit in it and try to figure out the toys!  We have also started using the doorway jumper.

You have always had spunk, but this month you have become much more dramatic. You are a very happy baby....unless there is something that you need or you are uncomfortable.  You are then very quick to let us know!

You are still working on teething. It is miserable to see how much your teeth hurt you, and we are very excited for those first teeth to pop through. You will put anything in your mouth that you can.

You sleep through the night!!! (I know I will be up for a week straight now that I have said that...) You go to sleep around 9-930 each night, and wake up around 5-6.  You then stay awake for about an hour and go back to sleep for a while.  Your naps have gotten shorter during the day, but you still take 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and a short nap in the early evening.

You have started interacting with everyone/everything around you! You will smile at Zeus and grab his fur. He seems to be ok with it! You will smile for anyone and everyone.  You still think your daddy is much more entertaining that your mommy.

We took a trip to Granny and Bampa's this month.  You rode in G-Ma's big carseat and loved it! I think it is because you could see more of what was going on outside.  You do well in the car once we start moving, and you love to listen to music and ride with the window down.

You are eating great.  You take a 5.5 oz bottle every 3 hours. You still take your paci-but only when you are sleepy.  We still swaddle you at night, but I am guessing you will outgrow that in the next month or so. You are wearing size 3 month/3-6 month clothes.  When you do use disposable diapers, you are in size 1-2.

Keep growing, learning and smiling sweet girl...
We love you! 

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...)