One Month old!

Dear Addelaynie,

You turned one month old on the day that our silly lab turned one year old. It was a day of celebration for sure. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and give us all of your sweet cuddles. I can't really remember what I did before you were here with us, it must not have been very important.

After Thanksgiving you, the two pups, and mom drove back from Arkansas together, it was a long rough trip. But for some reason you then had a hard time nursing all night. So you and mommy sat on the couch together and cried for a while until you fell asleep. Then when you woke up you were able to eat a little bit. We think this was caused by your new found love for your pacifier, you want it all the time and don't like it when it falls out of your mouth.

We have also struggled with your constant want for mommy to hold you. This makes mommy feel special except those small moments when mommy needs to work on school work or do anything around the house on the weeks that daddy works. But it's hard on your daddy, he loves you so much and just wants to cuddle with his girl. I'm thankful that you at least get a couple hours in the morning when mommy isn't there to cuddle.

You have outgrown all of your newborn clothes and I have spent an entire day changing out your wardrobe. You were given so many cute things by so many people who love you. I hope we can have you wear them all before you outgrow them all.

We love you little lady!

Mom and Dad

Safe and sound, you're here with us now, like we'd hoped you'd be

Dear Addy,

Tomorrow is your first Thanksgiving holiday, but we celebrated it a day early so that your daddy could be with us to eat. We came to Arkansas for the week and spent days introducing you to people and letting them hold and kiss you. You are very popular, in fact random strangers enjoy walking up to you and they always comment on how pretty you are.

We found a dress for Steph and Alex's wedding for you to wear, and we went Christmas shopping (you picked out some very good presents for all your grandparents, they will love them). You still don't like your car-seat very much, and you cry every time that we put you in it. This breaks your mommy's heart but she knows that you are really ok and just expressing your opinions.

You still enjoy charming us with your sleepy smiles and snuggles. At night is my favorite time to cuddle with you, that and our nap time that we typically take around 3 or 4:00. You like snuggling with people but mom is ultimately your favorite, because she has the food. You love eating and would do it constantly if I let you.

You're growing and it makes me excited to see who you will become and what your voice will sound like when you talk. I can't wait for the days that we get to go on adventures together, but for today, I love sitting with you and cuddling you!

We love you more everyday.

Mom and Dad

One Week of Life Change

Dear Addelaynie Mae,

You turned a week old yesterday. So far you have been the easiest going baby and only cried when you are hungry (which is about every hour and a half during the day, and 3 hours at night). You love to be held and snuggled and aren't a huge fan of me putting you down to do homework.

Your daddy is simply enthralled with his princess and wants to hold you everytime he is home from work. He just started a new job that requires him to work 80 hours one week and then he gets a week off. I am so proud of how hard he works for you and I to live in our apartment, we miss him when he is at work but you like the days that he is home, because you like to lay on his chest and listen to his voice.

I have loved being your mom so far and know that it will only get better when I get to hear your sweet voice and laugh. But right now, I am content just to cuddle with you and kiss your sweet cheeks. I can't wait to read you your Jesus story book bible at bed time and to teach you about the love our Father has for us. Someday you will know, but until then we will rock and sing "Amazing Grace" and be wrapped in your swaddle blanket.

Your puppies love you and can't get enough kisses on your cheeks. :) They are very protective of you and like to make sure that you are safe and sound all the time. Salem cries when you cry, and she has to come make sure you are ok.

You have had a lot of visitors and everyone comments on how beautiful you are and how sweet you are. Both of your grandmas have loved spending time with you and holding you. You already have all of the wrapped around your finger.

We love you and love that you are finally here with us!
Mom and Dad