Does Alabama have something against families?

June 2012

In my brief time as a parent, I have come to understand and appreciate some things.  Some I view as bonuses (Wow-this place has a little nursing area") and others I see as just plain ridiculous if they are not present.

During this month, my little family took our first real leisure trip.  We are lucky enough to be graced with friends that live 4 miles away from the beach in Pensacola, FL.  We loaded up our 4 month old and all the gear having a 4 month old requires and headed out.

Stops along the way are inevitable.  When Baby D is in her car seat, we try to get her out and change her as often as possible.  I did not realize that Alabama had something agains the practice of changing diapers.  In that state, we stopped at 2 gas stations, a Burger King, and a Subway and not a single place had a baby changing station.  Really?!?!  I ended up changing her on the hood of the car on her changing mat.

It is not like they are very expensive - online, you can purchase one for $129, a few screws and you are good to go.  Not to mention the ease for your future guests.

Is there an app for baby changing stations?  Because I really do not want to give an establishment my business if they have so little concern for their guests that they cannot put up a baby changing station.

Oh, how the concerns of my life have altered since giving birth.

Happy 5 Months to Drew!

July 9, 2012

Dear Drew -

The months just continue to fly by.  It is so weird how I can not imagine you any older than you are right now, yet I know you are growing daily.  Everyone is always telling us you will be doing this and that before we know it and we just want it all to slow down a bit.  You, on the other hand, are trying to learn as much as possible as fast as possible.

During this month, you finally rolled over for the first time.  Neither of us saw it though.  Mommy laid you on your tummy to put up some clothes and when I turned around, you were on your back.  You are beginning to try to sit up on your own.  Right now you need a little adjusting and assistance, but it will not be long.

So much has happened this month!

We took our first beach trip.  You did so good on the beach even though the wind was blowing like crazy.  We, also, kept you up for all hours and did not stick to any schedule but you adapted well.  During this trip, we went to your first baseball game.  We only lasted 4 innings due to the rain.

You celebrated your first Father's Day with your daddy.  You sent him a card in the mail and bought him shorts and swimtrunks.

We celebrated cousin Eli's birthday and July 4th.

You had your first taste of cereal and seemed to like it ok.

Each day is an adventure with you and I am doing my best to soak it all in as they come. 

I love you everyday!

~Mom

Fourth of July and Visiting Lafayette

July 2012

This was Drew's first July 4th and we kept her out way past her bedtime to see the fireworks.  We spent the day at our friend's house and then went to Powder Springs to watch the fireworks.  We were so blessed to have my brother come to visit as well.  I am not even sure if Baby Drew even noticed the fireworks.

After the fourth, we went to visit my parent's in LaFayette.  We were able to go swimming and spend some time with Amber's family as well.
Nana bought Drew a new outfit.

We had a great time swimming and with Amber's family!

Finding One's Self

June 2012

One day I had Drew playing on her activity mat and she finally discovered the mirror that was on it.  It was so cute to watch her look at herself.

We have also been practicing sitting up.  We are so close to being able to do it all by herself. 

We have also started eating some cereal.  We use the term eating very loosely, because we believe more of it ended up on Drew's chest rather than in her stomach.

Cousin Eli's Birthday Party!

June 2012

June 23rd was a busy day!  First, we had a summer photo shoot for Drew.  I loved this set up.  Stephanie really is so creative.

After that, we drove to Blue Ridge to celebrate cousin Eli's birthday party.  We had lots of fun and loved seeing everyone.

All this activity left us with one tired baby.

I really love how all activities are better with Drew.  She really puts more meaning into everything.

Jonathan's first father's day!

June 2012

Jonathan's first father's day will most likely not be forgotten.  It was sprinkled with excitement, exercise, and a bit of frustration.  On our way back from the beach, his alternator went out leaving us to walk to a Subway for some air conditioning while waiting on Joseph to come rescue us.  Pretty eventful Father's Day!

I am so lucky to be in this journey of parenthood with my best friend.  There is absolutely nothing as awesome as watching Jonathan with Drew.  It is moments like that that make my heart swell.  We really are two very lucky girls.

Dear Daddy -

     Thanks for making all those silly noises, turning wiping my face into a fun game, making up stories as I ride in the car and just generally loving me.  I am a lucky girl.

Your sweet girl -
Drew

First Beach Trip

June 2012

Each year, we try to go visit our friends down in Pensacola.  If you will remember, this was the first trip Jonathan and I took after learning we were pregnant.  It is always such a great trip and the hospitality of Joseph and Ashley is fantastic.

Joseph was nice enough to get us tickets to the Blue Wahoos game.  This was Drew's first baseball game.  She was very intrigued until the looming storm approached and cut our nite short.

 

We also enjoyed our time on the beach.  Drew seemed to love the water.  She was calm when the waves came in and cried when the water went back out.

First we had to get ready for the beach.

Now that we were all ready it was time to enjoy the sand and sun!

Thank you to our wonderful hosts!

We can't wait to do it again next year!