It Doesn't Get Much Cuter Than This

My baby girl is already changing so much. Although I don't know how much yet, I know she has put on some weight because her newborn clothes aren't drowning her anymore. She has figured out that she can straighten her legs and she now takes full advantage of stretching out. She has also realized that diaper changes aren't so bad after all and we make it through most without screaming (unless it's the middle of the night and she's starving).

Aunt Jami brushing her hair for the first time

She thinks her cousin Maggie is "A-Okay"Just pondering in her sleepMy little stocking stufferThis picture makes me so happyDad reading to her for the first timeOne of my absolute favoritesWe wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

12 Days Old and Oh So Popular

Marlee has had so many visitors since she made her debut on December 2nd. We are very blessed with such a loving group of family and friends. So many people came by the hospital or our house to love on Marlee and feed us dinner and we are very thankful for each and every one of you. I managed to get a picture of almost everyone that has visited except Nancee, Stacy, and Alissa. I was too caught up in the moment the first day to take pictures. Alissa has actually visited twice, but I'm always too smitten with Cooper to take a picture! Frank always needs some lovin too and Grady is always there to make sure he isn't left out.

First Week Home

Our first week home with Marlee has been such a blessing. We have worked out a schedule where I am on night duty and then James stays up with her after her 8:00am feeding so I can take a 2-3 hour nap. We haven't been near as tired as we thought we would be and we are just loving every minute of our new family. Every time she wakes me up at night it makes me smile from ear to ear. I just can't believe God made this miracle just for me. It is just awesome. She doesn't do much except eat, sleep, coo, eat some more, sleep, look around, repeat.

Two of her favorite things: being swaddled and hanging out in her bouncy seat

This hat was Dad's favorite gift. If it were up to him, she would wear this every day.

Even though she is too small to lift her head, the nurse at the hospital said we could start "tummy time" right away, so we laid her on her tummy this week. She loved it.What is there not to love about a baby bottom?
Frank has really taken a liking to her. He checks on her often and likes to be close. I think they are going to be best friends. Our first bath was a huge success. We learned to keep her swaddled in her towel at our child birth classes and I think that made a big difference. She was so content.James is hands down the best father in the world. I just love watching them bond...it melts my heart.

Welcome Home Marlee Mae!

After a short day and a half in the hospital, it was time to go home. Marlee hated her car seat at first, but was okay with it after a while.

James was a nervous wreck on the way home, but we made it safe and sound.

Frank was in love at first sight. He was SO excited to meet her and couldn't wait to give her kisses. However, we had to teach him that he can't give her kisses, so he's coping with that.

And then jealousy set in for Frank. He has to make sure he is close to mom as well.

The Arrival Marlee Mae Grady

Marlee Mae Grady

December 2, 2011 at 11:16pm

6lbs, 14 oz

20 inches long

Marlee was born in 5 short hours. She was ready to see the world!

Expecting Baby G

Our lives were changed forever on April 3, 2011 when we finally got a positive on our home pregnancy test. We happened to be going to Fort Smith that day and our family had been waiting and praying for a baby for quite some time, so we just couldn't stand to keep it a secret. So, we bought Frank a shirt and painted "big brother" on it to help us share the news. Since then, James has taken a weekly picture of me and my baby bump.