1 month old!

Yesterday Adeline turned one month old! It's so hard to believe how fast she is growing up. We have really been blessed with a well behaved baby. She's a rock star at eating, sleeping, and has lately gotten really good at holding up her head. It's such a pleasure to notice all the little steps of progress that she takes.

Motherhood has definitely been a change in pace for me. It's a steep learning curve, but thanks to family and friends, I feel like it's been a good learning experience. The first couple weeks are full of emotions and recovery, but after that I felt as though I could really start to understand this new life in my arms. I knew that I was going to have a lot to learn once she arrived, but I did not anticipate how helpless I would feel at times. There is such a deep desire to make sure Adeline is being cared for in every way and to make her happy at all times. I realize now that is not always possible and to embrace her fussy moments. Luckily those fussy times are few and far between =)

Last night I was able to enjoy my first night of eight straight hours of sleep! Alex thankfully took the night feeding and Adeline only woke up once. It's amazing how thankful one can be for sleep! Hopefully Adeline is starting a new trend.

Snow and Hibernation

We had our first big snow of the year this week so we spent most of the week indoors. We did venture out today, but were quick to come back home for a nap. Here are some pictures from the week...

staying snug in her swaddle me

first big snow of 2009

15-18 inches

almost done



all finished!


snow fun downtown

venturing outside

cheeks and chins

tummy time

2 weeks in

Life is moving along in the Pence home. We are now over 2 weeks into our new role as parents. So far it is going really well. Now mind you there have been some rough nights and some tears, but overall we are starting to learn the ways of little Adeline. She is such a good baby and a huge joy in our lives. Adeline had her 2 week check up on Friday and we were pleased to see she was not the biggest loser for the week. She now weighs in at 9 pounds 1.5 ounces! She gained a whopping 12.5 ounces since birth!

This week Aunt Rachel visited us and what a help she has been. Not only providing some great company, but cleaning and cooking for us as well. What a blessing =) We will all be sad to say goodbye to her today. Here is Aunt Rachel and Adeline (experiencing a pacifier for the first time).

Visitors

The arrival of a baby seems to attract relatives. Adeline has met some of her new family this week... Grandma Oneal

Mormor (Swedish for Grandma) Poore

Aunt Cassie and her cousin Elijah

Eli loved holding Adeline!

Next week.... Aunt Rachel!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hiccups

Hadababyitsagirl

Adeline has arrived! She made her entrance on Wednesday evening and is such a blessing already. A day early, she took 13 hours to finally make her first appearance. It was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, but the end result makes it all worth it. We left the hospital yesterday and have really been lovin' being home as a family. Here are a few shots from the past couple days...

Adeline Myra 8lbs. 5oz. 21in.

Daddy and Adeline takin' it easy on the couch.

Our friend Chris who was one of our Doctors

Going home from the hospital




1st Doctors appointment

Diapers

It's been a running joke in our small group from church for a long time now. A huge bag of tape less diapers was given as a white elephant gift. No one has wanted them...no one, that is, except for Alex. So with great excitement, Alex went over to collect the sack full of diapers. I can't say I was thrilled as I saw him struggle to get them out of the back seat. Over 450 total, these diapers are probably going to fit Adeline when she is about 6 months old. Now we just have to figure out what kind of tape to use.

Itty Bitty Hats

I've recently taken up knitting again. Right now I'm hooked on hats. This one will probably be worn by Adeline next year...unless she has a really large head =)

Mmmm Barriques...

Enjoying some nights out before our little girl arrives.

Month Eight

I know, I know...I should be enjoying my free nights with no baby crying and demanding my every moment. But for a gal who has never seen the other side, I am anxious to enter over to it.

I'm 35 weeks and counting down the weeks, days, and moments until Adeline's arrival. That's right, Alex and I have decided to name our lil daughter Adeline. Sometimes it seems like her arrival is so far away and other days it feels fast approaching.

We have pretty much everything ready for Adeline. Our classes are almost done, nursery complete, laundry clean, and the diapers are ready for their duty. While the material stuff is all ready to go, I wonder how ready Alex and I will be. As much as you read and learn, how can you truly prepare for a change like this? I often ponder what will be our struggles? Is it possible to prepare anymore? I am thankful for a best friend like Alex to begin this journey with and I eagerly await seeing him hold our daughter in his arms.

So for now we wait. We shall see if she is an early bird, right on time, or a late arrival. We'll keep you posted =)

A September weekend to remember

Some of my dear friends threw me a shower this weekend. What a sweet time it was. My Mom, Steph and Joge were also able to come to Madison for the event. Check out some pics from the day... http://www.slmphotography.net/shower/

My family also got out to a local apple orchard for a lovely fall morning. Appleberry Farm had some delicious apples, cider, and doughnuts. I think this will have to become a family tradition =)

Aunt Joge and Kate set off to fill their bags

alex finding just the right apples for our pie

kate exploring the orchard

32 weeks down and the waiting continues.....

Getting ready for her arrival....

With 30 weeks under our belt and some 7-12 to go, we are getting things ready for our little baby girl.

the nursery with the addition of our glider.

the first pair in this lil girl's life.

the monster isn't happy with his new home in the toy basket

beautiful painting done by her Aunt Cassie

Yellowstone

So it all started with a highpoint... Idaho's highpoint to be exact. From there it became a big family adventure!

After a 20 hour car ride, we made it out to Montana, where we stayed at Wilderness Edge Resort. Our cabin, Aspen, had a kitchen, living room, dining room, and 4 bedrooms. Luckily it had 2 bathrooms as well.


It was a superb trip filled with hikes, rest, knitting, campfires, delicious meals, site seeing, games, puzzles, and lots of laughter. One thing missing was our brother-in-law Jon who is currently over in Iraq. We all wished he was there with us!


Alex, Brad, Tyler, and Rachel took a side trip to Idaho for two of the days to hike up Mt. Borah. It was a rough climb, but they survived. It was Tyler and Alex's first highpoint and Brad's 45th highpoint. Mom, Joge, Steph, the kiddos, and I were very excited for their return!


Here are a few shots from the trip....