Prescription for Baby Boot Camp

For the last 4 weeks, Abigail hasn't been sleeping at all during the night. I have tried many things and nothing seemed to work. I have made so many excuses thinking the next night will be better. Well, Thursday I had had enough. I made an appointment for Abigail to see the doctor. It was time for her well visit anyway. While I was there, I was planning to find out if something was wrong with Abigail to keep her up at night or was it just me. Do I need some medication? After a series of questions and a complete body check of Abigail, not me, the diagnosis was clear: My daughter is simply spoiled. Yes, I know it may be a shock, but spoiled. That is it. In the same moment she said this I thought, thank goodness she is spoiled and not sick. But then it hit me, spoiled. My child? The doctor wrote a prescription for Baby Boot Camp. She said that Staten and I just had to let her cry. After making sure she is okay and changing her diaper, just let her cry and in about 4 days, everything would be better.

So, I started home with a new outlook and a positive attitude. When it was time for her nap, I made sure she was changed and put her to bed in her room. She cried for 20 minutes straight while I was across the house telling myself not to give in. Then there was silence. After a few minutes, I went to check on her and she was sitting in her crib with no pants on, diaper half off, chewing on the monitor wires that she had pulled down into the crib from her dresser. It was too cute, but it wasn't what I thought I would find. Again, I laid her in the crib and let her cry for about 10 minutes and she feel fast asleep! Below is the photo of her sleeping, once she gave in. The nights are getting better. Slowly but surely, we are all sleeping better. Thank the Lord for an honest doctor and a great supportive husband!

Spring Trip to Georgia

Abigail and I went to Georgia to visit for a week. A whole week without Staten (Daddy). It didn't feel right being in Georgia without him, but we managed! We were able to visit with so much family. My aunts, uncles, and cousins came over to visit and we had a wonderful time! My mother, Abigail and I traveled to visit Staten's family as well. His grandma prepared a delicious meal and it was great seeing everyone. Abigail's taste for food has been expanded - a lot! Between the home cooked meals and sweets, she hasn't turned much down and I don't blame her! She is such a good travel buddy. Of course, she has her times of just wanting to stretch her legs, but other than that she very good. Thanks to my parents and brother for meeting Staten half way to get us and for returning us in great condition. I love ya'll very much!

First Steps!!!

Yesterday evening, Abigail and I were playing on the floor in the kitchen. She has been standing by herself for a couple days and I had just told my mother earlier in the morning, "oh it will probably be another month before she starts walking...". Well, as we were playing, she stood by herself and realized what she was doing. So she just did it, took a step and then another and fell in to my arms squealing and smiling the whole time. It was awesome! Staten arrived home shortly after and she took little steps for him too. So sweet! No picture to show for it or video at this time but soon. Can you believe it? Our little baby isn't a baby anymore, not really an infant, we are almost in toddler territory! Scary but exciting. I'm so proud of you Abigail Mary-Leigh!

Feels like spring...

Today was a beautiful day! Just the right amount of breeze and the perfect temperature. So we decided to spend some time outside and enjoy the weather. Abigail played in her walker and loved the freedom of walking up and down the driveway. After I finished taking photographs of Staten and Abigail outside, Staten took the camera to take a few photos of Abigail with me. I told him I didn't like posed photos and so I squated to her level and reached my arms out for her. She came walking as fast as she could holding out her arms for me and then gave me the biggest hug ever! It was such a sweet moment! Her personality is really starting to show. By the way she said "uh oh!" today. And yesterday she was using her sock to wipe down/dush her pretty blue chair Aunt Gen Gen gave her. My daughter is awesome!

9 Months old!

Our Abigail is getting sooo big! Since Christmas she has kept us very busy! She is crawling EVERYWHERE, pulling up and cruising, and babbling non-stop. It is awesome! In the last few weeks she has been mocking me when I fold the laundry, taken off her pants when left alone in her play pen, and pointing her finger on the pages of her books, as if she is reading herself. Every day is a new adventure and it is the best one of my life. Being at home is more of a blessing that I could ever hope for. I saw her crawl first! It was amazing! She is now crawling to find me and reaching for my finger to walk around with her. She is only holding on with one hand and this is very exciting for her. She squeals each time with excitement of her new accomplishment.

Abigail has six teeth with two more breaking through. Man is teething a nightmare. Not just for her but for us as well. She is still a healthy baby. We haven't been to the pedictrian in a month! This is the longest time without a visit since she was 8 weeks old. The antibotics for her kidneys ended on January 10th, 2010 and I am happy to report there has not been an infection! Praise the Lord! Seriously. This is an answer to our prayers.

Staten and I took our very first trip alone since Abigail was born. Two nights, and three days in New Orleans. Mimi and Papa kept our baby girl. I wasn't as worried as I thought I would be. It makes a difference when you know she is being taken care of. The trip was great. Weird being the two of us again, but at the same time sweet and romantic.

Christmas in Georgia 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas. Abigail was so excited to see her presents from Santa Clause. More excited than I thought she would be! She squealed at each present we put in front of her. She is so precious. I can not say that enough! Christmas had a new meaning to us this year. Of course, we all know the meaning of Christmas; to celebrate Christ's birthday. This year just really hit home in a wonderful way of how blessed we are! Christmas with both sides of the family were awesome! Now that I have decided to be a stay at home mom, the gifts were more meaningful. Everything keeps changing for the better. Abigail's health is great, our marriage is awesome (I do have the best husband ever!), and God has provided a way for us to be closer as a family by me staying at home. I will be doing work part time for a God-sent company. This new year is going to be just another great year to add to our memories and we are looking forward to it! Photos are below!

The is a photo of Abigaila and her cousin Lois. They are one month and ten days apart in age. Photos of them as tiny babies are in the the July post.

Abigail's First Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year, our healthy baby girl, our families, and for each day we have to love and cherish one another. This year has been the best year of our lives. With the addition of our AbiLou, life is just complete. We now understand the joys of parenthood.

For Thanksgiving this year, we traveled to Georgia to see both sides of the family. We took every antibiotic that she has ever taken with us, just in case we had another illness arrive while we were away from home. No worries though, she did great! Even traveling, she was a trooper. Thanks in part to our dog, Lacey. She is now 6 months, almost 7 months and so much fun. It was absolutely wonderful visiting everyone and sharing our bundle of joy. Thanks to our parents for being so accommodating and we can't wait to see ya'll for Christmas! I have attached photos below. Enjoy.