A new family...

Anna has become the great love of our lives. She has grown at an exponential rate; amazing and thrilling both of us each day with new movements, new expressions and a new fundamental understanding of the world around her. She's begun to play games; she's begun to recognize our facial expressions. Her capacity for growth is unlimited. Each day is a new opportunity to teach and be taught.

There are few things out there that approach the feeling of becoming a parent and realizing that instead of fear, you're beginning to find that most days bring joy in having a role to play in the growth of a child. We know we're lucky: We have a business that supports us and a roof over our heads. We have our educations and family all around. Frankly, we spend time now wondering why we don't have more wants. Which I think leads me to my point: We're learning that more than anything else we're blessed.

Whoosshhh (the sound of time flying by)

So Anna is almost 3 months old and honestly we can't believe how fast the time has gone by. Everyone says to enjoy every minute...and they weren't kidding. Anna is able to hold her head up most of the time and really starting to interact. She coo's, says "ah-goo" and even giggles a little bit! She always has a huge smile when I lean in to love on her...which just melts my heart.

She is still getting up in the night to nurse...most of the time around 3am. We are really, really looking forward to that blessed morning when we wake and realize she slept through the night! Seems like all the other babies around me are sleeping through the night already, which had me a little down in the dumps yesterday. I am learning not to compare...it doesn't do anyone any good.

John's business is booming like crazy already and we have some great marketing plans in place to move it even more!

Anna and I are headed to Atlanta this weekend to hang out with the family and visit Lindsay and her new little one, Luke. I can't wait to meet that little guy! I will post pics from the weekend when we get back.

the blogger photo upload isn't working...will try again!

Happy New Year!

2009 is officially over and we honestly can't believe how fast it went. We spent the majority of the year counting down the weeks until Anna arrived which we attribute to it moving with the speed of light. I feel extremely grateful for all that we have...great jobs, a wonderful house, 2 loving pups and now a wonderful daughter. Couldn't ask for more.

So, today is Jan 2 and I am giddy with excitement for what will come in 2010. A few goals:

1. LOVE on Anna!! :)
2. Run/walk the Music City Half Marathon
3. Lose baby weight (see above...)
4. Grow B Creative Design and start Art by the Glass
5. Be thankful everyday.

2 month appointment stats

Anna weighed in at 12lbs 15 oz which is the 95% and 24 1/2 inches long! Her length was off the charts so they put it at 97%. She's going to be tall like her mom and dad...like we were surprised.

She also got 5 shots and the liquid rotovirus vaccine. It was pretty tough to watch but she was a trouper and was happy just as soon as they finished...I was, of course, still drying my tears!

little Abbie

For some reason, this makes me laugh....here's the story.

So, the dogs sleep on their dog beds in the back of our closet. First, the jump on the bed and sleep a bit while we read/get settled in and then they hear the dreaded words.."Go to Bed". So they reluctantly hop down and go to the closet. We used to put a basket in front of the closet door so they won't come back out but we haven't had to do that in awhile. They just stay sleeping in there until they hear us in the morning.

Lately, I have been hearing these little "tack-tacks" on the bathroom floor coming back into the bedroom. These are very hesitant dog steps...and I can always tell it is Abbie. She comes into the bedroom and either John or I will hear here and say, "Abbie, Go back to bed". She will pause and then I hear the "tack-tacks" headed back to the closet.

I can just hear her muttering...crap, they heard me.

Video!

Here is a video we took over the Thanksgiving holidays! Can you believe how big Anna is getting? I just love it when she smiles like that. Trying to upload more videos but they are too big for blogger.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by lots of family and food!

An addition to my previous post...

I forgot to add a couple details to my previous post that I felt were the most important of all. The feeling I had when Anna came into this world was absolute and unbelievable joy and happiness. I wept openly with a big smile on my face. She is an absolute blessing and an amazing addition to our family. We can't imagine life without her now.

She seems to be growing so fast. She has her second Pediatricians appointment today! Dr. Ewing at Green Hills Peds is wonderful and gives great advice and guidance.

I honestly could stare at her all day...