Out with the old, in with the new...

Happy Holidays everyone. It has been a busy few weeks for us, so sorry for the delay in posts! We did a lot of traveling as a family for the holidays. First off, we ventured down to Springfield for Christmas and a few days after. It was good to see Alex's family and for Adeline to have some quality time with them. After our time with Alex's family, we headed up to my Mom's for some more celebrations. All of my sisters were in town for the week of New Years Eve. It is always so good to have everyone together, even if it is just for a short time.

It was the first time for Addie to see a lot of our family. She met her Grandpa, aunts and uncles, some cousins, and even some second cousins. I am happy that everyone has met her now because I know these times are precious and fleeting. I fear it will be many months before she'll see some of them again.

Adeline was such a good traveler. She seemed to grow up quite a bit while we were gone. She is making much better eye contact now, smiling some, cooing, and holding her head up really well! She is going through a growth spurt right now, so that means little sleep for me, but hopefully it will pass soon. It is hard to believe she is already 6 weeks old!

Christmas Eve

Aunt Sammy with Eli and Addie

a pet bird!

our first Christmas as a family

3 generations

chillin with her Grandpa

cousins and second cousins

hanna anderson long johns from Mormor for the kiddos

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