Our Little Model

 I'd like to think we aren't biased about how beautiful our baby girl is.  I'm sure we are biased, but I know others see it too! ;)  A few months ago, Ivy was asked to model some adorable beanies from Knit Babies and was just requested once again.  You can view our little model here!

From Ivy's 1st shoot a few months ago. ADORABLE!

In Awe

It started raining as we were just getting into bed tonight.  I couldn't sleep.  Getting rain here must be a lot like a sunny day in Seattle!  I love the sound of rain hitting the windows and roof.  There's nothing quite like it.  It's soothing and exciting all at the same time.  It takes my mind off the craziness in life and yet keeps me from wanting to go to sleep in fear of missing a storm.  So instead of sleeping, I spent some time reading.

One of the things I read was the latest update from a blog I follow - "Our Adoption Faith Walk"  about an amazing baby girl Ember with an amazing story and the family who chose to follow and trust in God (even when it was FAR from easy!) and how He is using this tiny baby and this family's faith to do mighty things!

As I read this and listened to the rain (and bawled!) I couldn't help but be reminded of God's faithfulness.  It's so easy to get caught up in the here and now and forget to focus on something far greater!  We get to be part of God's bigger story.  I have to think about how I am allowing God to use me in His story rather than how I am allowing God to be used in my story.  In the end, His story is the one that matters. Not mine.  When I'm not giving up what I think I'm in control of, I'm not allowing God to use me for a greater purpose.  When I focus on the what-ifs, I'm neglecting to stand in awe of our Almighty God and trust He knows much more than I do.

I'm thankful for those moments when God smacks me upside the head and helps me to see beyond... well, ME!

I went into Ivy's room tonight and just stood over her crib.  Sobbing.  In awe.  In awe of how just over 5 months ago, her crib was empty.  In awe of this beautiful baby girl who was so fearfully and wonderfully made.  In awe of how God has allowed us to be her parents.  In awe of our amazing God who loves us so deeply.

As I have mentioned vaguely and briefly, this situation is a little sticky, so we ask you continue to be in prayer for Ivy, her birthmom, and us.  We KNOW God has a perfect plan - it's not our story.  It's HIS.

5 months

Our cutie-girl hit 5 months yesterday!  Looking back at pics from the hospital, it's hard to believe how much she has grown and how the time has flown by.  We are having so much fun watching her learn and grow.  As I began the school year with my new kindergarten students, I couldn't help but think about how it will be so bittersweet when our baby girl heads off to kindergarten in just 5 short years!

We are beyond blessed by having sweet Ivy in our lives.  She is just a dream!  I often think about how God perfectly chose this little one to be our daughter.  She is so laid back and easy going - just like Daddy!  She also loves to be outside.  She is such a little sweetheart too.  Ivy and I love snuggles, hugs, and kisses!  I just can't get enough of her sweetness!  She also seems to enjoy hanging out with me in the kitchen when I'm baking!  I just LOVE her! Thank you, Jesus!  Ivy has been soooo worth the wait!

Here are some pics from this past month...

4th of July 

What is that?

Aren't I gorgeous?!

Playing

Getting ready to bake with Momma!

Laughing with my buddy Isandro at Momma's work

Oh! I am so funny!

Check out my sweet new shoes!

Hug?

 

Cardinals Cutie!

Ooooh! Love these bikes just like Daddy!

Ready for bed!

4 months

It just seems so crazy she is 4 months (as of yesterday)!  We are headed to the dr. for her 4 month well check tomorrow.  Can't wait to see how much our cutie-girl has grown!

This past month has been a busy one in our household, but so fun!  Ivy got to meet her great grandma and Granny, Pawpaw, and Uncle Kyle from New Orleans!  She changed so much that week; it was a perfect time for a family visit.  We dedicated Ivy at our church, and she went swimming for the 1st time!  I can't believe I have to go back to work next week for the new school year! :(

What was new this month for Ivy?
-She's babbling and "talking" so much more!
-Lots more smiles and giggles!
-Tries to immitate some sounds and facial expressions (so much fun!)
-Loves grabbing her feet
-Prefers standing and sitting up over laying down & tries to lift her body up when in her car seat so she doesn't have to lay back (might be time for a convertible car seat!)!
-Slams her feet down in her crib to let us know she's awake! hmmm... we might be in for it with this one! ;)
-Still very chill and easy-going

Isn't she the greatest?! Ever?!  :)

1st Father's Day/Child Dedication!

1st DBacks Game!

Isn't she just stinkin' cute!

1st time swimming! I forgot her sunglasses! Oops!

Spending time with Pawpaw, Granny, & Uncle Kyle

Ivy LOVES Great Grandma!

Trying out the highchair!

1st time in Jumperoo

Cutie-girl!

3 months

Ivy is now 3 months!  She is growing like crazy still, but we don't have another check up until 4 months, so you'll have to wait on the latest height and weight measurements until then - guessing she's about 25 inches and 14lbs?? since 3-6month clothes are fitting pretty good right now.

So what's new about Ivy after this past month?
-She smiles so much more and giggles!
-She loves kisses.
-The funniest thing in her world is... NOT Mommy... NOT Daddy... the recessed lighting!  It ALWAYS makes her smile and giggle! She gets so tickled by it that she closes her eyes and buries her face into my chest (which I love!)

Here are some pics of Ivy from this past month -

trying out the Bumbo

peeking over Daddy's shoulder

exhausted after a lunch date with friends

My cutie-girl and me on my first Mother's Day!

snuggling with Daddy on a Saturday morning

the funniest thing in Ivy's world!

2 months

I cannot believe how much our precious, beautiful baby has grown!  Time has flown by!

More about Ivy...

-Now weighs in at 12lbs 0oz & 24 1/4" (that's 2lbs 2oz weight gain and 2 inches growth in 1 month and 4lbs 5oz & 4" since birth!)  If she keeps this up, she's going to be taller than us in no time!
-She decided to share the love on the dirty diapers, and doesn't just wait for Daddy (he's relieved!)
-She makes all kinds of sounds now! Loves being talked to, read to, played with, etc.
-She's a morning girl and is up with the sun!  I'm not a morning girl myself (understatement!) but love waking up to our smiling, happy girl even if it's at 6am.
-On average she is sleeping 7-8 hours at night! Thank you, Jesus!

Here are some pics from this month...

Aren't I gorgeous?

Snuggling with Mommy

Sleeping in my crib now!

Playing with Daddy after bath time!

Daddy's funny!

Ready for church! Check out my tuck & roll maneuver!

Sleeping Beauty!

Playing!

 

Hanging out with my Daddy!

Play date with my friend, Nathan!

Baking with Sumer! :)

This is what I think of laundry! (Do you blame her?)

Ready for bed!

Snuggling with Daddy after my shots!

1 month

On Easter Sunday, Ivy turned 1 month old!

What we know about Ivy this month...

-She is now 9lbs. 14oz and 22 1/4" long 
-She is gets cuter by the day!
-Sometimes when she sleeps, she makes cute noises - I can hear her on the monitor right now! :)
-She likes to save her dirty diapers for Daddy.  LOVE that about her! ;)
-She loves her daddy's voice and snuggling on his chest.
-Not much of a crier (Thank you, Jesus!) and is pretty calm and easy going.
-Doesn't like to be hot.  She's a little heater!
-I'm pretty sure she likes it when I kiss her chubby cheeks a bazillion times in a row, or at least that's what I tell myself.
-She likes to put her right hand up by her cheek when she's cuddling or sleepy (you can see this in some of the pics below!).
-She loves bath time!  I can't wait until she can splash and play!

Here are some pics of Ivy this month...