Bitter Sweet:)

I'm sure many of you share my same excitement around Christmas! I cannot wait for it to arrive and it always seems bitter sweet when it's over, but especially this year! Since, my mom is a teacher and I just love being home around this time of year...I've always saved the majority of my vacation for the holidays. This year was especially exciting. Anniston was 6 months old (7 months the day after Christmas, but I didn't want to round up) and having the extra time with both she and Derrick was more than I could ask for. This Christmas was especially bitter sweet because I know we want all be off work together for an entire week until Derrick returns from Missouri in June and it was the first Christmas without my precious aunt. On a happy note, The Celebration of Christ's birthday plus the winter white Christmas was such a blessing all in one! I already can't wait until next year!

As the new year rolls around, Anniston's jabber is turning into words. She can say "bye bye" and "da da" and is starting to wave, mimic us, and now sits up and plays on her own. We are very proud parents to say the least!

5 months!

As I am writing this, I'm feeling guilty about not posting for over a month. I'm not very crafty, so this is Anniston's scrapbook for the most part- therefore, I need to keep it up to date.. In the subject line, I wrote 5 months and my child is six months next week...but unlike pregnancy (in which most women round up) I will just continue to say five months! A few of the highlights of our fun-filled ever changing fifth month included the most precious baby ever in a chicken costume. In addition, I did snap a picture from Anniston's favorite person these days...(the sweet gift from above who keeps my precious while I work. This month we started solids, Anniston started rolling over constantly, she scoots on the hardwood (very interesting to see) and has nearly mastered sitting up. It's amazing how she changes daily. My very favorite is watching she and her daddy as they growl at each other! very funny...how this began - heaven only knows. All I know, is they love to mimic each other! I'm so excited for the holidays and can't wait to post more pics.

Wow! What a difference 4 months makes!

I can't believe how Anniston's changed in just 4 months!

Anniston Ray is 4 months today!

Here's a few pics from the weekend. We celebrated Anna Kate's (niece) 4 year old birthday and Anniston Ray is 4 months today:) Both are shocking to me!

Wait a minute...time is flying so fast

Wait a minute...I just feel like I had a baby and now she's laughing at me...There's nothing like getting a voicemail at work of Anniston "belly laughing." I miss her so much during the day, but that just makes it all worth while! I can't believe that next week she will be 4 months! Crazy! I remember being pregnant and wanting the time to pass...for instance, if I was 38 1/2 weeks ...In my mind I would just say 39, but now I find myself wanting to say she's just four weeks not four months! It's so funny how your prayers change too. I pray for that child all day long and sometimes way into the night. Although Anniston started smiling before we went to Savannah on the 4th of July, the laughing is sooo much better. Besides the sweet laughter, her newest thing is to scoot all over the baby bed...So long beautiful specialty made bumper pads...By the way, if you are reading this and your preggo...don't buy them! But if you're like me..I didn't listen and got them anyway. This month has been filled with changes, but we are so thankful that though God's grace we are all doing good. But like most first time parents- we can still use your prayers.

1st day of Daycare

Well it finally came...After dreading it all summer, I had to leave my precious baby girl with a stranger in a strange place. Ok...now Ms. Beth has been very sweet and I do know another lady at the daycare, but for all intents and purposes it felt foreign to me. I prayed the whole drive over and didn't talk on my phone on Wednesday...those of you who know me know that's unusual. First day wasn't the best, but the second day was better. I'm learning. I laugh sometimes thinking about the looks first time mom's get. For instance, when you go to the pediatrician and forget to bring the bag that the poo poo diaper goes in. I had no idea that the doctor's office preferred not to dispose of them. Overall, this has been such a wonderful experience. I'm sure there will be days that I will feel guilty for not being home with my baby, but there's nothing like that feeling when I'm on my way to pick her up. I was practically running to get her this week. Derrick packed her bottles and her little bag...it was so precious. He likes to pack up her things (think he's good it packing ...maybe he get's that from the military). I'm sure I will have many more posts about daycare. Here's a cute pic from the first day.

So thankful for Eternal Life!

I must say the past couple of weeks have been very sad. With a good friend's mother passing from cancer, my aunt passing at 52, and a friend from high school's father going on to be with the Lord...I'm ready for some happier times. Oh and by the way, did I mention I start back to work this upcoming week (which I'm excited about in many ways) but dread leaving my little one. Needless to say, our family definitely appreciates any prayers sent our way. I'm just so thankful for eternal life and the fact that God forgives our sins. The only comfort for so many during difficult times of loss is knowing that one day we will see our loved ones again!

Maternity leave coming to an end is definitely bitter sweet. I am so thankful to have had these first three months at home with her. I feel like it has flown by! I hope Monday and Tuesday just stand still! She now seems to have conversations with us (I know it's baby talk) but of course we pretend like we know what she's saying! I think Derrick has enjoyed us being home as well. I know this will be an adjustment, but like everything else in life...we will just be prayful and press on. Here's a few more pics of this past month.