Newborn Photo Shoot

We were lucky enough to be approched by Stephanie Warmoth Photography while I was pregnant.  She offered to take Drew's newborn photos and waive the sitting fee.  In the end, the photos turned out beautifully.  However, it took us 2 tries to get them. 

The first scheduled date was just bad.  We were running late to get out of the house.  When we arrived at Stephanie's studio, I realized we had forgotten a diaper bag, so I had to run to the store to buy diapers and wipes, even though we were already running behind.  Jonathan and I were so stressed out and Drew just would not cooperate.  She screamed the whole time.  So we ended up having to reschedule. 

Below are the results of that second photo shoot:

This one with the orange flower is my personal favorite.

The Princess and the Pea!

Drew will be forever remembered by our photographer.  This was the first newborn session that Stephanie has ever had to reschedule and Drew was the first newborn to ever poop on her.  Luckily, she handled it all so gracefully and still agreed to do our photos.

Drew - Month One

Dear Drew -

This month has been so exciting, humbling, challenging, and awe-filled.  It is crazy to think you are here, and yet I can't imagine our lives without you.  Amazing how such a little person can have such a big impact. 

You have been so good with nursing.  I was so worried that we just wouldn't get it, but with time, we have developed a rhythm that works for us.  I am glad for you that I was dedicated to doing this for you.  Now you latch on like a champ and love to eat so much that you gained more than a pound at your 2 week check up. 

You have left the house a few times, as neither of your parents are much for staying in all the time.  You still do not like the car set, but we hope in time you will enjoy riding in the car.

You have had many visitors and have entertained them all beautifully.  Daddy and I are getting used to being an after thought for most people.  Everyone wants to see you, not so much us.

Your favorite thing to do is to cuddle with Mommy or Daddy.  You especially like naps on our chests!

Your first holiday was Valentine's Day.  You wore a cute onsie and cuddled with Daddy and the dogs.

Baths are very unpredictable still.  Sometimes you seem to really enjoy it, others you could care less.  Mommy hopes that this time will become more fun for you as you grow used to it.

When you are alert, your eyes are so wide and beautiful.  You are the perfect addition to our relationship.  The perfect gift that we never knew we wanted. 

I love you everyday!

~Mom

Random photos of cuteness

Below are a few photos from the first month of Drew's life.  It is amazing how I can just sit and stare at her.  Having a child makes me wish I had a video camera constantly running to capture everything.

I love taking the sleeping pictures.  This was the first nap in her bouncy seat.

Napping with Daddy.  We love these lazy times with her.  We try to cherish them now, because we now they will be few and far between when she becomes mobile.

Her sweet sleeping face.

This was taken on Valentine's Day.  I love my 4 Valentine's.

Can she see that snail, or no?

Spending some quality time with Gracie

A little tummy time on the couch

Hands free Daddy

I could share every photo, but I would not want to bore you guys.  As you can imagine, the camera goes everywhere with us.

What is a cousin?

While I was pregnant with Drew, Jonathan's nephews had a hard time understanding their relationship to her.  Often James Henry would say that Drew would be his baby sister.  Drew is their very first cousin, so they were not familiar with that term.  Below are some of the pictures of James Henry and Eli meeting their cousin, Drew, for the first time.

They were very excited to see her for the first time.  However, I believe they thought she would be more exciting.

Eli had a whole conversation with her.

Drew was not very happy for this photo and James Henry did not know what to do.

Eli tried to hold her correctly and Drew calmed down a bit.

It will be so much fun watching these three as the years come.  

First Bath

To give Drew her first bath, we used the bathtub but did not put water in it.  We just used a wet washcloth to clean her up.  Jonathan was great during this.  He really took control and jumped right in.  I am so lucky to be going through this with him. 

You will have to excuse the way I look - I did just have a baby.

Such a good daddy!

The first nite Drew was home she did not want to sleep.  Jonathan and I had to take turns staying up with her.  We think it was because she was most active in my tummy at nite time.  We love the periods of time when her eyes are wide open.  Drew would just sit and look around even though we knew she couldn't see very far yet.  I am amazed at the amount of time that I can spend just looking at Drew.  I am just waiting for the feeling of "awe" to fade, but not yet.  I just hope if it does, I will be able to recall the memories of this time.

Our goals for this time are just to become more comfortable nursing, get a bit of a schedule - even if it is very flexible, and keeping Drew happy.

~Candi

Going Home!

I was so ready to be released to go home.  When they came through in the morning to get your meal choices, I refused to choose a lunch b/c I planned on being gone by then.  By the time, everything was complete, we left the hospital at around 1 p.m.  Getting Drew ready was a bit of an adventure.

She wore home an outfit that said "Daddy's Girl" on the front of it.

Look at those long fingers!

Buttoning up her little sweater

The calm before the storm

And the storm begins - Drew did not like being put into the car seat.

Daddy did such a good job applying the car seat skills he learned in his class.  The nurses were very impressed with him.

All ready - She cried the whole time to the car.

We took her home on the coldest, most windy weekend of the year.  I spent the ride home just staring at her still in a state of disbelief that she was ours.  I know a lot of people are nervous when they leave the hospital, but I felt ready.  I knew there would be lots of stuff I did not know, but I had faith in the support group we had around us.

Day One Visitors

Drew was so anticipated that she had many visitors in the hospital.  We feel so lucky that our baby girl will be loved so much!

Drew and her Nana (that is what my mom finally decided to be called)

Drew & Pops (my dad)

Drew & Grandad - He came very early to see her!

Taking a time out with Daddy

Blaine was very excited and came to see Drew on his lunch break

Gran is admiring Drew's beauty

Sitting with Papa James for a bit

Excited to meet Dustin, Ansley, and Tessa

Erin couldn't resist her

These two long awaited Drew's arrival the nite before but didn't get to meet her then

Aunt Anna was the last guest of the day

Drew has lots of people to love as she gets older.  We are very blessed to have these people to share in our excitement.

~Candi