Monday, March 24, 2008
a few
Our adorable baby girl on Easter.
Our little family.
Our big(ger) family.
More of Easter to come...
Heather Dowling at 7:09 PM
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Annabelle checked in at 13lbs and 5oz. She's 25 inches long. She's living up to her nickname, "little bean".I never realized just how much goes into packing up this little family of three for our 9 day trip. I actually had to make lists this time. What ever happened to throwing a few clothes in a small bag and taking off for the weekend? I can't imagine what this trip will be like when Annabelle has siblings.
I get to hug my mom in less than two days. I get to watch my sisters and brother mush all over my cute baby. I get to hear my dad say some crazy Spanish word while squeezing her chubby thighs. It may sound silly, but "showing off" my little girl to my family is so much fun. So are my mom's hugs.
So we're off tomorrow afternoon for our big adventure. You can be sure of some super fun & cute pictures in the near future.
Heather Dowling at 9:31 PM
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Yesterday
My sweet baby girl turned 6 months old yesterday.
While we were pretty preoccupied with moving the majority of my sister's belongings to our house from Syracuse, there were several moments I paused to consider just how big my little one is with tears in my eyes. Wow. Six months gone already. Six months that have been even better than I ever imagined.
Today she and I are home from church. Annabelle has a terrible cold and cough and this mama decided some rest was much needed. So far, sleeping in and some relaxing cuddle time is proving to be healing for her.
On to the big, little things she can do now:
*She says "hi" and attempts to wave at everyone. Most of the time, all I have to do is leave the room and re-enter to get a big "HI!" out of her.
*She loves playing in the excersaucer that was given to us. She also sits up (with a little help) for long lengths of time and plays happily with toys.
*She drinks out of my cup when I'm having water and actually does a great job.
*She adores her Daddy and of course says "da" much more than "ma" ever comes out.
*She eats oatmeal cereal for breakfast and rice cereal for dinner. Her face lights up when its time to eat and she "mmmmms" at every single bite.
*She's obsessed with hands and feet. Not just her own.
*She's the best shopping buddy. She'll often times have lengthy "conversations" with me all throughout a store.
*No official height/weight report since she won't see the pediatrician until tomorrow.
Half a year of sweet little baby girl-ness. Can you tell I'm just so in love with her?
Heather Dowling at 11:13 AM
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
ideas?
So, I'm trying to find something like this chair cover for our wooden highchair. Annabelle is so tiny that sitting in the highchair is pretty uncomfortable for her wobbly little self. Any ideas on where I can get one of these without paying an arm and a leg?
Heather Dowling at 10:40 AM
Sunday, March 09, 2008
today's thoughts
*Church today was at Pastor's home. With this insane storm came lots of power outages, our church included. So, many of us got cozy and enjoyed guest ministry from Budapest, Hungary. It was great (and not just because they live two homes down from us). Just guitars and voices and babies playing. Stories from across the world and coffee with friends. It isn't a wonder why most great churches started in people's homes.*I joined a MOMS Club and absolutely love it. Each mom is different and each child unique. We even have triplets, one sharing the same name as my mom. How fun is that? Being at a church without many young moms and living in somewhat of a remote area, I needed some other lets-talk-about-our-kids kind of friends. I'm excited. Now, the idea of Annabelle learning to share & play with others before a future sibling arrives is very appealing. (That's not a pregnancy hint.)
*My sister leaves on April 24th. For Mexico. Yes, the far far away country. I know we're not created to just be part of our little families and make memories. I know. I know there is a bigger picture and ministry callings and a great big loving God to serve. I know. I'm just going to miss her. A lot.
*I bought this for Annabelle's Easter basket.
Here's the synopsis: "A is for Annabelle, grandmother's doll, B for her box on the chest in the hall. Learn the alphabet from A to Z with the help of Annabelle the doll. Each gorgeously illustrated spread features one of her favorite things."
Isn't it just wonderful?
*To be honest I've tried not to think too much of Annabelle turning 6 months this week. (I know, its only 6 months old! How rough will 1 be!?) Mostly because she's our first, and now those first six months of "little-ness" has passed. I try to gobble up each second, not trying to miss any little thing. Though, it seems the more I try to hang on, the quicker it goes and the older she gets. I do love watching her grow into a sweet baby girl with a big personality all of her own. I'm excited to watch her learn and grow. I'm excited to teach her so many new things. I'm excited to see who and what she will become. But, there are moments when I can't believe the freshness of this amazing new little person, who was prayed for before she was even conceived, has turned into the past. So when you ask, "how old is she?", you'll understand why I'll answer "six months" with tears (almost) in my eyes.
Heather Dowling at 5:01 PM
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
18
18 more days. Until flip flops and capris. Sunglasses and t-shirts. Beach and Zoo trips. Sunny, warm walks with family. Until Easter in North Carolina!After yesterday's tease of warmer temperatures and today's forecast of sleet and freezing rain, I'm finding myself (rather impatiently) counting down the days until warm weather... for our 9 day stay in North Carolina, at least.
I'm looking forward to taking pictures of Annabelle in her Easter dress... on GREEN grass.
I don't think our dragged out winters ever bothered me quite as much as they do now that Annabelle is here. I'm dying to take her out for walks, to watch her play in the green grass in our big backyard, and cart her around in the cute red Radio Flyer wagon we bought before she was even born.
Is anyone else just going absolutely bonkers!?!?
Heather Dowling at 5:30 PM