Baby Boot Camp

Sorry for the lack of posts, but this little cutie pie has been going through "Baby Boot Camp" for the past week. She was only sleeping about 1-2 hours a day and as a result, she was EXTREMELY cranky all day long. We thought it was colic, but figured out that she was just absolutely exhausted. So, we have started a schedule and she is doing much better, thank goodness. She is sleeping about 4-5 hours a day and she is such a happy baby when she is awake.

Holly and Crystal visited a couple weeks ago and unfortunately it was right in the middle of her miserable spell. But, they did cook us a delicious dinner and breakfast and even went grocery shopping for us. It was so wonderful to have them visit and we are so thankful for all of the help. We did manage to get one picture as they were leaving. Marlee, what do you think about your new schedule?It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, mom!

1 Month Old

Happy One Month Birthday Marlee Mae!And just so you can get an idea of how small she really is

Frank helped us celebrate her one month birthday (although it looks like he is thinking "what in the world are you guys doing now?!")And here is just a little bit of what Marlee has been up to at one month.

She grew out of her newborn clothes. The pajamas she is wearing in this picture fit three days earlier. I thought it was so funny that she couldn't straighten her legs, so I had to take a picture.

She loves her pacifier

James started feeding her a bottle at night and she guzzles it down like it's nobody's business

She always clasps her hands while she is eating, breast fed or bottle fed, and I think it's the sweetest thing in the world and something I don't ever want to forget.

She has started noticing all of the toys hanging above her jungle gym and bouncy seat and will stare at them for a good 30 minutes. She absolutely loves her bouncy seat and falls asleep in it often. And then wakes up frantic when it shuts off.

We've been taking advantage of this nice weather and going for walks around the neighborhood. She spends the majority of the walk just looking around and taking it all in and then eventually falls asleep.

After spending so many days stuck inside, it's good to get some sunshine.

Other than that, She's just been snoozin and cheering on those Hogs!

Christmas 2011

Since it's flu season and Marlee doesn't get her shots until late January, we kept it low key this Christmas. We went down to Fort Smith for Christmas with the Kifers, went to see Natalie, and then did Christmas with the Gradys. We didn't take very many pictures, but for the most part, Marlee slept through Christmas at both houses. Overall, Marlee's first road trip was a big success. She loves riding in the car. And she got about 5 "My First Christmas" ornaments, so she was definitely feeling the love.

On our way to Memaw and Papas

Christmas at Memaw and Papa's house

Marlee got to meet Layla and Natalie (and Bradley and Josie too). Josie loves Marlee and walks around saying her name constantly.

Christmas at the Ma and Pa's houseHappy New Year!And since the wait for New Years was so long and it is hard to stay in one outfit very long with the amount of spit up Marlee produces, we actually rang in the New Year like thisBut it's all good.

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.