Maddie meets Stella!

As many of you know, we have a pretty rowdy golden retriever, Stella. We've been so fortunate that Chris's parents have been taking care of Stella for us the last 2 weeks as we've eased into our routine with baby Madeline. We brought Stella over today and introduced the two to each other. Maddie obviously slept through the introduction. Stella sniffed her and then...laid down and went to sleep as well. She seemed to not really mind Maddie- thank goodness! We cannot wait to bring Stella home permanently.

Stella is either not interested in Maddie or worn out from hanging out with her grandparents!

While I took a nap today, Chris did another photo shoot with Madeline. How cute are these?

AND!! Our first official family photo- all four of us!

Hungry baby!

Chris and I are slowly easing into our routine with baby Madeline. The last week has been wonderful getting to know all of Maddie's facial expressions and habits. While its been the most rewarding week, it's also been one of the most tiring of my life!

Because she'd lost a lot of her birth weight we'd been feeding her every 2.5-3 hours the last week. This was exhausting...but definitely needed to plump up our sweet girl. Fortunately, Maddie weighed in today at the pediatrician at 6 lbs, 10 oz- this means she is past her birth weight! Babies are given 2 weeks to get back to their birth weight- Maddie did it in 11 days! (Could this mean we've got ourselves a healthy eater, like both mom and dad?!) Because Maddie is growing so well, we were told we can let her sleep a little longer overnight...I'm so excited!

Here are a few photos of Madeline:

Aunt Laura let Madeline borrow Dane's swing and it's been one of the best hand-me-downs we've gotten! She sleeps so well in here!

Madeline LOVES her car seat!

Maddie resting. She sleeps most of the day and then becomes WIRED around 8 pm every night. Her most alert time of the day is between 8-2 am.

Madeline's First Days at Home

We are enjoying every minute with Madeline!

Right now, Chris and I trying to get into some type of pattern with our baby girl. She is very nocturnal and tends to want to be awake throughout the night. If she does fall asleep, she wakes up right when we lay her down. Chris and I are rotating sleep schedules as much as we can just so we can stay sane!

Yesterday, Amanda, our photographer, came to the house for Madeline's newborn session. She already posted 3 of the photos on her blog: http://amandagravesphoto.blogspot.com/. Be sure to check them out. We should get an online viewing gallery in the next few weeks and I am so excited!

In the meantime, Chris is still taking lots of photos of her. I'll have him upload some and will post soon.

Baby Madeline is here!

Our sweet daughter was born Monday night, December 27th at 8:37 pm. The experience of being in actual labor was a little more difficult than I expected...but definitely worth it! Chris and my mom were fantastic during the delivery and the rest of our family was so supportive throughout the day and our hospital stay.

Maddie clocked in at 6 lbs, 8 oz and was 19.5 inches. She's perfect in every way! Chris and I came home on Wednesday and survived our first night with the sweet girl. Here are a few pictures from Madeline's first days...

Off to spend more time with the love of our life!

38 weeks! Christmas gift or New Year's Baby?

Happy Wednesday!

Madeline has hit 38 weeks- we are officially 10 from her due date. At 38 weeks, most babies weigh about 6.8 lbs and are over 19 inches long. We'll know soon if baby Hughes is close to these measurements.

I had "false labor" on Sunday. I had some pretty regular contractions and was certain I was going into labor...but then they spaced out and...no baby came. :( I guess she is going to stay warm a little longer. So- back to the waiting game. I'm not sure if we'll have a Christmas gift or a 2011 baby- we shall see! I go back to the doctor tomorrow morning and we'll see how much progress I've made since my last visit.

Here's a pic of the bump at 38 weeks:

So I know you're thinking..."she's huge." I know, right? I think the same thing. I literally double in size every time I look in a mirror.

While we were taking pictures, Stella wanted one as well.

Chris, Stella and I are all anxiously awaiting the next member of our family!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

Madeline is full-term!

Baby M is 37 weeks- less than 3 weeks until her due date! We went to the doctor yesterday and were told that my body is starting to prepare itself for labor. She's not quite ready to come out yet- I think she's pretty warm and cozy- but hopefully she will come out soon!

Chris and I have been busy getting ready- the hospital bag is packed, the room is complete, etc! I am starting to get a little nervous about the big day. Its hard not knowing when baby M will decide to enter the world. I've been wrapping up all of my projects at work in preparation for being gone for 12 weeks. I won't want to think about work while I'm at home with our sweet baby!

I must admit I am totally into all things monogrammed. Look at these cute onesies and burp clothes friends have picked up for Maddie.

Lastly, a big shout out to my dad who had his birthday on Wednesday. He is a wonderful dad and I know he will be a fantastic grandpa! I love you!

36 weeks & maternity pics

Madeline is 36 weeks- only a few days away from 37 weeks and being considered "full-term." I go to the doctor on Friday and I'm hoping that she'll be able to tell me if Maddie has turned or not. She should have by now...fingers crossed! I've been trying to judge by her kicks and movements but I really cannot be certain!

Chris and I got a "sneak peek" of our maternity pics from our photographer. They are in an online viewing gallery that you can find here: http://amandagravesphotography.com/viewing/

Click on Maternity and then our album should appear. Password is brittney. I am excited to get the rest of the images soon! Let me know what you think!

Happy Tuesday!