Sleeping Unswaddled

Evelyn has started to sleep unswaddled lately. Its so hot so I think she likes being free of extra covering. She is also becoming a strong wiggler in her sleep so she likes to be a little more free. I've been swaddling her with one arm free at night to slowly wean her off. And she is no longer wearing anything but a diaper at night too so she is a little cooler. :)

Fun with Family

We got to go visit Drew's family early in June. We went down to Texas to take pictures with his grandparents and whole extended family. Its something we have been talking about doing for several years now. I'm so glad we finally got around to it. We all dressed in Texas colors. :) Pictures from the photo shoot will come soon. I've seen a preview and they look amazing. Photos with multiple generations always seem so precious to me.
Evelyn has had several diaper blowouts and she is especially susceptible to them in the carseat, so we waited to put her in her patriotic dress until after we arrived. Here are a few shots of her being the center of attention with her aunts, uncle, and grandma.

 Aunt Lauren and Uncle Brian are incredibly entertaining to Evie. She loves giving them big smiles. I love this shot of her, totally enraptured with Brian. :) 

 Here she is getting some love from Honey

 Cuddling with Aunt Natalie and her cousin, Makena

Favorite Toy

Evie has a favorite toy. I wish I could remember who gave it to us. She lights up and smiles every time I show it to her. Its a little yellow and turquoise puppy with a crinkly tummy. I'm not sure what it is exactly she likes about it, but its so fun to see her preferences start to shine through. She has a fun personality!

First Bath

My mom came back into town last week and helped us catch up - on sleep, on cleaning, on how to take care of our daughter. Thank you Mommy! We needed it.

She gave Evelyn her first bath at home. We are supposed to keep her umbilical cord stump dry until it falls off on its own, so its was just a sponge bath for now.

 She loves the warm water and was alert and totally mesmerized the whole time. 

 Getting warm and dry in her bunny towel. 

Sharing

I'm realizing there is alot of "new normals" that we are transitioning into as parents. One of them, that I had not thought about is sharing.

I'm with Evelyn all day everyday, and I'm soooooo thankful for her. I'm in awe! I could just stare at her and cuddle all day. I think she is amazing. My world literally revolves around her now (side note: I think this is okay for these first weeks of adjustment, but do not plan to make my life all about my child in the future). And when I'm around other people I just assume they want to know about her, so I start to share.

She is what I talk about now. I hope this isn't annoying to those around me, but I forget that they might not really care that she went for a walk with me in her stroller, is starting to latch without help, or soothed herself to sleep last night after only 7 minutes of crying (felt like eternity to Momma!). But this is one of my new normals. I think she is incredible. I want to celebrate and cherish all her many achievements, mundane & extraordinary.

...you'll just have to excuse me if I don't think any of it is mundane ;)

First Easter

We took Evelyn up to see our family for Easter this past weekend. She did great! She slept the whole drive up and back, all the little trips in between, and through the church service. The drive back late Sunday night was difficult - lots of traffic and she was reaching the end of her time between feedings, but we got back safely and nursed as soon as we were home. :)

 Her Easter outfit. 

 With Granny and Grandpa after church. 

 All the cousins

 Evelyn liked being held by her Uncle Brian

 These two are going to be best friends! They are only 10 weeks apart. Kathleen and I are both going to be stay at home moms next year and only live 3 hours apart! Can you say play-date?

 Meeting Drew's dad, "Papa", for the first time.

Three generations of Kellys :) 

40 Weeks!!!

I made it to our due date!

We had a doctors appointment this morning. I had started to dilate (only 1 cm), but enough that she could sweep the membrane and hopefully get things moving a little more quickly.

She sent me and Drew home and advised that I go on a long walk this afternoon. With any luck labor would start in the next 72 hours...

well, it started, with a vengeance last night around 10pm. I've been up most of the night trying different positions to stay comfortable. I think we are going to get to meet this girl today!