Never A Dull Moment

Olivia's Pawpaw gave her a high chair as her "coming home" gift from the NICU. We finally got it put together today so she can start eating like a big girl. I can't get over how tiny she looks. The funny thing is the chair is also pretty small and compact, but you'd never know from these pictures! Thank you for such a thoughtful and practical gift, Pawpaw!

I just spent the last 30 minutes feeding, rocking, and cuddling my Livi girl. She's having a growth spurt, affirmed by the eight ounce weight gain over the last seven days, and has been waking up in the night to eat since Thursday. It's so easy for me to get frustrated about my lack of sleep or stressed that all of our hard, sleep training work is being undone. But, nights like tonight, I just feel overwhelmed with thankfulness - I'm reminded that I have the privilege of being the mommy who's needed. Thank you, Lord, for making her mommy. "If these are the pleasures afforded to sinful men, what does God have in store for those whose hearts are His?" -Augustine

Olivia is finally showing off her teeth!

We just got home from Olivia's appointment and the doctor confirmed what Reid and I already knew to be true - she's perfect! ;) He was pleased with her weight gain considering she's so active and said we can start solids this week. I'm so excited to see what she thinks. She weighs 11 pounds 12.8 ounces and is 24 inches long. I can't believe she has doubled in length since birth. Her doctor said that developmentally she is 6-7 months (she's just 5 months adjusted). It was really great to hear she's ahead of what they expect. She was showing off so much for him - laughing, smiling, squealing, scooting, pushing up with her arms and tucking her legs. She loves showing all of her tricks! I am, once again, overwhelmed with thankfulness. From the time my water broke through Olivia's first month of life, a very grim picture was painted about what life could possibly be like for her. And, that was if she were to even survive the trauma of such an early birth. I...

Olivia is nine months old today! Reid and I have said all day that she looks older. She really does! It is so hard to believe she's been here for nine months - and that she's been home with us for almost six! We find out her stats tomorrow at her appointment so I'll wait to do a formal monthly post until sometime later this week. Here are some pics I took yesterday and today... I think Olivia looks so much like me and my sister in these pictures! It's so crazy to see a sibling or parent in your child. And here is a picture of her two little teeth. I fought hard for it! :)

Olivia and I are so blessed to have Reid in our lives. My favorite part about this year was getting to watch him become a daddy. I knew he would be great with kids but had no idea he would be so smitten. He is the best Daddy Olivia could ever dream of having and I feel so privileged to get to parent alongside him. We love you, Daddy, and hope you have felt celebrated today!

I feel like I say this all time, but Olivia gets more fun everyday! I have loved every month, but I especially loved this one. She's "talking" all the time, she laughs the most precious belly laugh, and her smile makes my heart swell. We had another huge answer to prayer this month. Olivia had her occupational therapy assessment the week before Christmas. She tested right on track for her adjusted age and doesn't need any OT help at this point. It doesn't mean that we won't continue to keep an eye on it, but it is such an encouragement that she is meeting all expected milestones! We go back next week for her physical therapy eval and in February for a speech eval. I am so overwhelmed with thankfulness for Olivia's sweet life! She is a MESS! Here are a few key points I want to remember from this month... - She weighed 11 pounds 10 ounces at her appointment three weeks ago. Her nine month appointment is this Monday so we'll have so...