Glorious January Weather

We have had a couple of days of gorgeous weather.  Yesterday, Ryleigh and I took her 1st trip down to the mailbox!  Then today, we awoke to glorious sunshine and 70 degree weather!!  What else was there to do but break out the stroller?!?! 

 She loved being outside (once she got used to that big bright thing in the sky) and I enjoyed having her out there. 

There is something about the sun that just makes your day better (and apparently a little tired!) 

 I was incredibly thankful today for a Savior that loves us so much.  He cares about the small things in our lives like a little walk in our neighborhood.  A day like today just makes my heart smile.  I think it made Ryleigh's smile too!

unconditional.love.

we

are

in

love

but

do

you

blame

us

???

Ryleigh Elizabeth

Ryleigh is here!!

January 4, 2011

9:02 am

8lbs 2oz

21 1/4 inches long

Monday, January 3rd, we had our 38 week appointment.  Steve was off work due to his office being closed and we were looking forward to hearing when our precious baby might make her appearance.  However, my doctor said that I had made no progress and just to come back the following Monday for my 39 week appointment.  We were excited that all of my blood work and other numbers were where they were supposed to be, but a little sad that it looked like Ryleigh was going to wait until the 15th or so to make her appearance.

Tuesday morning - 5:25 am - I woke up with a sharp pain in my side that wouldn't go away.  After a call in to the after hours line, the doctor told us to come on in to the hospital to get checked out.  We pulled up at the hospital at 6:15.  My doctor was already there due to some previously scheduled c sections and was able to come in and talk with us.  My blood pressure was high and I was still in pain.  She did a sonogram of Ryleigh to check and make sure she was doing okay.  Ryleigh looked great but my blood pressure was staying high.  Dr. Cole said that I had the early stages of preclampsia and said we were going to go ahead and have a baby!!  Steve and I were shocked that everything was happening so fast but we were ecstatic!!

At 9:02 she arrived and isn't she beautiful?

We're all doing great and are excited about heading home this morning, Friday, January 7th.  Ryleigh has done fantastic and the joy that has come with being parents is simply indescribable.  We just wanted to update everyone on her arrival and thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement!

It's a New Year!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Wow...I wonder if it ever seems like a whole year has truly gone by??  This time last year, it was just the 2 of us, headed back to Ft Worth after spending the holidays in MS.  A lot has transpired over 2010!!

2010 has been full of changes but I have a feeling that they might pale in comparison to the changes happening in 2011.  For now, we're just playing the waiting game.  Waiting on Ryleigh to be ready to enter the world...speaking of changes - she sure has changed a lot this year!!

Ryleigh has made me really think alot about Christ's 2nd coming lately.  We have a due date for Ryleigh - January 15th.  We know that somewhere around that date she'll be here.  We've spent the past 9 months doing everything we can to prepare for her and her arrival.  Our family and friends have purchased clothes, toys, furniture, and diapers to help prepare us for her being here.  Steve and I have gone to classes and dr appointments galore.  We are currently sitting on pins and needles just waiting for her to let us know "it's time".  We are doing everything we can to prepare ourselves and the world around us for that moment in time that she'll enter this world.  Now, what does this have to do with the 2nd coming?  Well, we know Christ is coming.  We don't have a "due date" but we do have His word.  He promises us of His 2nd arrival and that we are to be ever ready.  I just have been asking myself a lot lately - am I do everything I can to prepare myself and the world around me for His arrival?  Am I doing so with as much gusto and enthusiasm as I have in preparing for Ryleigh?  My prayer is that I do, but I know I fall ever so short.  May this year be one where my main focus is Christ and on deepening that relationship with Him.  2011 - the year of preparing our hearts and those around us for His 2nd coming - whenever that may be.