Week 4

Our baby is already four weeks old.  WOW! She is doing a lot more smiling, seems to recognize our voices, tracks people and objects, makes lots of little noises that resemble giggles and grunts, has found her tongue to be a useful tool (just like Lizard Max) and is gaining strength and control with her head and neck.  We added the swing to the circuit this week and she seems quite content in it. We have packed up the preemie clothes and transitioned into newborn.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had it all - time as a family, time with our families, and time with friends.  

We enjoyed a quiet thanksgiving just the five of us with an especially wonderful dinner made for two by Peter!

Uncle Matt joined us Friday for a full day of errands, a long walk, lots of play time with the kids, cooking, and a Thanksgiving feast!

My parents, Abigail, Liz, Bill, and Emma came to us for Thanksgiving Brunch (which is my new favorite social event) Saturday. 

Sunday, a few friends came for Thanksgiving Brunch #2 on their way to their respective homes.

The weekend came to a calm end with appetizers and wine on the front porch while the kids ran around with the neighbors!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year!  We are especially grateful to our loving families and friends who have supported us in so many ways the past few months. 
We are blessed beyond words for our happy, healthy family!

Fall Leaves

November in North Carolina is fabulous! 

Amazing weather, neighbor kids everywhere, and leaves to rake!

Ms. Shannon

We love seeing you Ms. Shannon!!!

Week 3

Poor little girl, sweet as can be, has had tummy troubles and got a cold this week.  Bless-her-heart she sounds like a little puppy when she coughs and sneezes all day (and night) long.  She is a little trooper, getting the kids to their weekly events and strolling in the warm sun with me.   I am mesmerized by her soft skin, tiny parts, sweet smiles and curiosity for all that is around her.

My Pilgrims

Kate & Max invited me and Anna to their Thanksgiving Feast!  It was so adorable!  The kids paraded down the center isle, stood in front for a group photo, watched the other classes parade down, enjoyed a pot luck lunch, mingled with the teachers and other parents, found their leaves on the "I'm Thankful for..." tree, and finished off the day with a cookie.  It was so nicely done and everyone was so excited to be there. 

On a more personal note, I about cried five times because I have been living for this moment since I went on bed rest.  This is my VERY first P-school experience besides the carpool line the past two weeks.  I can not tell you how amazing it felt to be celebrating with my children at their preschool - talk about being THANKFUL!

Mimi & Pop Pop

Mimi and Pop Pop came for a short visit this weekend.  Max and Kate were beyond thrilled to see them.  They played hard, read books, and went out for ice cream.  Mimi and Pop Pop also found time to cuddle with Anna!

Welch Family Visit

Auntie Liz, Uncle Bill, and Emma visited this weekend.  They brought a fabulous lunch for us all to enjoy together!  Emma liked Anna's little parts especially her fingers. Auntie Liz made sure to recognize what a good Big Brother and Big Sister Max and Kate were being with a few special treats!  It was a wonderful visit!

Week 2

Anna has been busy growing especially in length this week.  She smiles, follows voices and objects, startles, lost her belly-button, prefers to be swaddled with arms free, projectile poops, and has stretched out her feeding from 2.5/3 hours to 3.5/4 hours!  She is content in both the car and jogger. 

Kate and Max tell everyone they have a baby sister Anna.  Kate names every animal and baby doll "Anna".  Max uses the doctor kit to check Anna and make sure she is OK. Kate & Max seem to be coping by becoming more dependent on each other.  They do not like to be separated especially Max.

Farewell

We can not thank Gamma Mary enough for all her help the past two weeks.  She has a remarkable way of knowing exactly how to help and anticipate our needs.  She joined the kids at their preschool Harvest Party, brought them to Duke to meet their baby sister, took them to our neighborhood Fall Festival,  got them to gymnastics, soccer, and story time and played, played, played!!! Thanks to my Mom, Peter and I were able to stay together at Duke the entire visit and get to know our sweet baby girl - a truly amazing gift!

Thanks Mom for your love, support, patience, and understanding.

Love Her!!!

Kate: Mommy?

Me: Yes Kate.

Kate: I love you! [big hug]

Me: Thank you Kate.

Kate: I can't believe my eyes!!!