First Roadtrip

This past weekend we took Mary Ella on her first roadtrip to Fayetteville to stay at her Gigi and Papa's house. The reason for the trip was the twins' second birthday party. She slept all the way there and all the way back- 3 hours! I think we may have a little traveler on our hands. Let's hope so because we will be making that trip 5 more times this fall for Razorback games. I sat beside her the whole way in case she woke up I would be right there. She did well sleeping in the pack and play and actually slept almost the entire weekend because she was constantly being held by family. In the picture above, you can see she loves to look out the window. It wasn't long though before she was out.

Mommy, why aren't you holding me?

I love her eyes in this picture. I am so thankful she got the big ol' Harriman/Smith eyes. I just wonder if they'll stay blue or turn bright green like her daddy's?

Happy birthday Reese and Eli!

Five Weeks

Five Weeks Old

We started the week by taking Mary Ella to church, and she was a sweet angel again.

But when we got home she decided she was ready for her Sunday lunch too.

I think the face she is making in this picture is hilarious. I wish I knew what she was thinking.

This week was a busy week. We had 3 doctors appointments in 3 days. Not my idea of a good time, but Mary Ella did great getting out three days in a row. I had my follow-up appointment, and she had her one month check-up. She was up to 8 lbs. 7.5 oz., and was 21 1/4 in. long. The doctor was pleased with her growth, and Mary Ella took her shot like a pro. I couldn't even watch of course. It's a good thing her daddy was there. We also had an appointment at Children's Hospital for an EEG. I haven't mentioned this before because I didn't want to alarm everyone if it was no big deal, but Mary Ella has been having some tremors in her sleep. Her arms and legs jerk rhythmically. It's not a startle, and it doesn't wake her up, but it really freaked us out. We let her doctor know a few weeks ago, and she said she couldn't say it was or wasn't a seizure. But she ordered the EEG to see if anything was abnormal with her brain activity. It was a very sad experience walking into that hospital and seeing our baby's head hooked up to so many wires. But she did so well- never made a peep. We got the results back, and everything looks good, so hopefully it is nothing or atleast something she will grow out of.

Getting ready for Mommy's doctor appointment.

She got a little tired of waiting in the waiting room. Me too!

All tuckered out after her one month check-up

Getting ready for her EEG

Again, knocked out after her trip to the hospital

Her toe got caught in her gown. Too cute

One Month

I'm one month old.

And proud of it!

Look at that booty

First Game Day

Go Hogs!

Brad and I enjoyed another night out of the house Saturday night. Brad's parents came to Little Rock to babysit while we went to the season opener against Missouri State. It's great to be back in Razorback country! Especially after a win! Football season is one of our favorites, and this year we have high hopes. Thanks Gigi and Papa!

Four Weeks

Four Weeks Old

Sweet profile

Going for a stroll around the neighborhood

This week we got out and about. Our first trip out on our own was to Walgreens for diapers on Tuesday. Woo hoo! Then we got brave and went to have lunch with Daddy on Wednesday. The weather was beautiful, so we took a couple walks around the neighborhood too.

Sunnin' on the patio

Mary Ella LOVES to be outside. Sometimes this is the only way Mommy gets to eat her lunch. She doesn't love her bouncy seat, but she will sit in it awhile if she's outside or looking out the window. If she's fussy going outside is a sure cure.

Napping with Mommy

This week my cousins Jeff and Diana came to visit Mary Ella. They came bearing some very special gifts. In this picture with Diana she is wearing a one hundred year old dress. It belonged to Diana's mother, and it is BEAUTIFUL. The lace detail is amazing. We will have to have some professional portraits made in it. They also brought another vintage bunny outfit from the 30's and an original Madeline print by Bemelman. These were just a few things hanging around their house! Thanks Jeff and Diana for such thoughtful gifts. We enjoyed your visit!

A close-up

This week we tried napping in her crib. She loves sleeping on her side.

And her tummy. Don't worry people, I am watching her closely.

Getting some exercise on her play mat. I know it wasn't on purpose, but she actually grabbed a giraffe hanging abover her head and pulled it off!

Zoolander

Happy girl

We are also working on some tummy time, because Aunt Julie, the OT, says so. But this is what usually happens. She kicks around a little bit, grunts, raises her head a time or two, and then finds a comfy position and doesn't move. We'll keep working on it!

A Night Out

Our first night out after baby

This weekend my mom came up to see Mary Ella and babysit for the first time. Friday she watched her while I got my hair done (much needed)! And Saturday she stayed with her while Brad and I went to a wedding in Hot Springs. One of my roomates in the Kappa house got married. We had planned on going before Mary Ella got here, but I wasn't really sure if it was a good idea. She didn't have any problem taking a bottle from my mom Friday, so we went for it. It was a beautiful wedding and fun reception at the Hot Springs Country Club. It was nice to be out of the house for a little while and see some old friends. Congratulations Lauren and Lance, and thanks Mia!

Three Weeks

Three Weeks Old

Chubby cheeks

This is the face I see every night in the middle of the night. Daddy changes her and brings her to me, I feed her, burp her, change her again, swaddle her, and then she's wide-eyed and ready to talk. It's tempting to stay up and enjoy every minute, but I do need my sleep. So, we rock a little bit, I put her down, and we go right back to sleep. Such a good girl.

This was our first week at home on our own. We had more visits from friends and family and went out to eat with friends for the first time. She made it until the souffle came out, and then she decided she wanted dessert too! Early in the week Mary Ella had some very fussy days, and I was beginning to wonder where my smiling, happy baby went. She cried and seemed like she was in pain every time she was awake. We are crossing our fingers it's not colic or reflux. I talked to the doctor, tried a couple things to help her tummy and by Thursday I got my baby back. Thanks, Gripe Water!