7.22.2011

11 weeks

Wow, 11 weeks has flown by. I'm so overwhelmed by the changes we are about to encounter in a little over a week...but we will be fine. I have to keep reminding myself that it will all be ok! A good friend reminded me yesterday that "one of the best things I've learned from working away from home, even just 3 days a week, is that it makes you value your time with your babies SO much more... It's good for both of you, even when it's hard."  

So miss Campbell Grace is 11 weeks old today. This week we have worked extra hard and she is finally getting the hang of the bottle. PRAISE THE LORD! My stress level has decreased so much! I have come to realize that she will cry and scream if she really doesn't want it, or will only take an ounce or two at a time and not a whole bottle, ALL of which is fine with me. I know she isn't starving and she is happy, playing, and napping just fine like that. So far she has taken the bottle from me, Aunt Dav, and Jacob. This weekend she is staying with Grammy and Grandpa for a few hours, so I hope she cooperates and takes one or two from them as well! She is even taking a pacifier more as well! Mostly she just wants to drool and suck on her hands or whatever she can get to her mouth!

I am kinda sad, because my baby is no longer a newborn. She truly is growing and developing so fast. She wants to sit up, not on her own, but she tries so hard to. I have found her slumped over in her swing because she pulled herself forward and couldn't sustain it...so scary and sad, but accomplishing at the same time. She wants to stand when you hold her out in front of you. She has some chubby, but super strong legs! She is smiling and cooing more and more.

I took her to dinner the other night with some of the girls from work, most of who hadn't met her yet. I was so blessed, and they were all like she is such a good baby! She hardly cried...only when she was getting tired. She let everyone hold her and played in her carseat so I could eat most of my meal! I loved it! And I do love showing her off! She is the highlight of my life and we are so proud to be her parents.

What else, I'm trying to think of all the new things my girl does these days. I'm happy to have this blog so I can use it to go back when I finally decide on a baby book for her. I know, I'm a bad mom because I don't even have a baby book yet for my girl. I just was not impressed by the ones in a few of the stores. I think I will end up getting one off of Etsy. I just need to do IT! I do have one of those calendars though, so at least I can document things on there as well.

I guess that's all I know for now. I did get my hair cut and colored yesterday, and now I feel like a new woman! My next goal is to start working out again and lose a little more weight. I am already back to my pre-pregnancy weight which is awesome, considering I haven't done anything different from when I was pregnant except nurse Campbell. I guess I need to start my Jillian Micheals DVD again since there's no way I'm working out outside in the heat. I really need some motivation to do it though. Yuck, I hate getting started. It always feels wonderful once I do it, but it's painful and so hard to start! We'll see if it actually happens...

Alright, love to everyone. Hopefully I will get a pic of my girl with me and my new hair! It's shorter than I thought it would be, but it will grow and it feels amazing! Plus I added a few feathers to my hair too! Jacob isn't impressed, haha, but there's not much that DOES impress him!

















Photobucket

7.19.2011

new opportunities

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to update a little about what has been going on in our world the past few days...

Jacob put in his 2 weeks at Merit yesterday. This is the big news I mentioned in an earlier post. He has been given the opportunity of a lifetime, and we felt like it is where God wants us to be. It may be challenging considering there may be many days of extra travel for him while I am home alone with Campbell, but we know that without struggles, there wouldn't be rewards. I pray that this new job is just what Jacob wants and needs. He has been blessed by working for Merit, and it was a difficult decision to leave. We have met so many incredible people and hope to maintain those relationships as we move on to the next stage in our lives. We aren't moving anywhere, his job is still based out of the DFW area. He is going to work for Urban Oil and Gas Group as an engineer with hopefully the chance to oversee all operations one day. He will eventually get the chance to be in management, something he will be incredible at!

I will continue to work 2 days a week at Children's in the recovery room for the time being until we feel that it is possible for me to stay at home with Campbell full time. I go back to work in less than 2 weeks and I am really dreading leaving my girl. We have gotten her settled into a daycare which I feel great about. I just don't want to leave her :( Mommy is sure gonna cry that first day, I guarantee it!

Campbell is continuing to struggle taking a bottle. She absolutely hates them. I have tried about every kind and have a few more in the cabinet to try. She gets the nipple in her mouth and either immediately starts screaming or just chews on it. I don't know if she doesn't know how to suck on it or if she is just refusing it all together. It has been a hard few days and I'm having a hard time not nursing her when she's hungry and won't take a bottle. I'm the mommy, I'm supposed to comfort her when she's upset, not make her mad and cry more because she won't take the bottle. I am struggling being tough. I've always had this problem. So please pray for both her and I as the next few days will be rough and exhausting. There will be lots of tears I'm afraid. I just want this to be a happy time since I have to go back to work soon.

Our girl continues to amaze me everyday. She has been sleeping through the night and putting herself to sleep! She is growing like a weed, and is happy most of the time! She has a gorgeous smile which is coming out more and more everyday. She is in 3 month clothes mostly, 3-6 month depending on brand, and thank goodness the 6 month clothes are still too big. She continues to be the best part and sometimes the hardest part of my days, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! This is what I was meant to do :) I am cherishing every moment and trying to soak them all in! We are not guaranteed a lifetime or even promised another day, so I praise Jesus for the ones I have with my baby girl, and with each member of mine and Jacob's families, and with our friends!

I'll leave you with a few more pics that Aunt Casey took while she was here. I absolutely love them!












































Photobucket

7.18.2011

I did it! Here's my story...

I finally did it! My story was just posted on the Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope website. I found this site just right after I miscarried when I was trying to find support and other stories of loss. This website was a huge blessing to me. I have been approached by more than one person about my loss and how my words have encouraged them. Jacob told me the day after our loss that God was going to use this horrible experience for His good. He has given me the chance to share my story with others and show them that He is the ultimate comforter and healer! 

I don't claim the diagnosis of "miscarriage" over my life because I serve a God who is so much bigger than that. I do however put a face to the loss we experienced, the pain and the suffering. It was real and it was a huge part of my life. And I'm so thankful for the story of hope and redemption that has come from the brokenness.

Here is my story!

Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5c
WHAT A PROMISE!

And here is a face of hope, joy, love, sweet redemption, grace, mercy...the list could go on and on! 


















Oh how I love this girl!

Photobucket

7.15.2011

10 weeks old and a mini-shoot with Aunt Casey!

Our sweet girl is 10 weeks old today! My girl is growing up before my eyes, and I need it to slow down. I am cherishing every moment with her. I'm so so blessed to be her mommy. I'm so thankful for the love and joy she has brought us. I love seeing each member of our families be in awe of her. She is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.

Sweet face :)

Love her rolls...

Sleeping in her swing, our daily morning nap hang out.
















Kisses from Daddy...

Aunt Casey got this while we were in Key West.
Wild morning hair!



Then I begged Casey to do a mini-shoot with this cute little lace romper! I'm in love with every shot she got! I think Casey was happy too. These are unedited and amazing, just the same. When Casey gets home, she will edit her favs and I can show you those too! We have such a beautiful baby girl!

Absolute favorite!

Aric's favorite, our little model!



Love this one too!

Look at those rolls and that sweet baby face!

Duke wanted in on the action too :)







































































We had such a fun few days with Casey and Aric again! They are off to shoot another wedding outside of Austin tomorrow.

And yes, more big news is on the way...but it won't be until next week sometime! Thanks for stopping by!

Photobucket

7.14.2011

Happy Thursday

Just wanted to stop in and say hi! We are enjoying a visit from Casey and Aric! Here's 2 pics of me and my amazing baby girl!



















Photobucket

7.12.2011

a few pics from the past few days...

We have enjoyed visits from Aunt Tracy and cousin D'Lynn, Martie, and Brock! We are blessed with amazing family and love every chance we get to see them!

An adorable grin after waking up from our nap! 

Play time after a long nap...after those darn shots.

My 2 babies!


She just talked and smiled at Tracy, love this!


Great Aunt Tracy and Campbell


Mo and Campbell


Daddy made Campbell have silly hair!

Bath time with Daddy, one of the best parts of our day!




D'Lynn and Campbell



Duke got some attention and loved playing with Martie!

Brock and Campbell, she was not happy at this point.

Grandpa and Campbell




Mommy and Campbell, love this baby girl so so much!




































Hope y'all enjoyed!

Photobucket