sneek peek!

Here is a peek of one of our pictures Emily did for us. I love it! My beautiful baby girl in her Daddy's arms! I'll post more later, I'm running around trying to get ready. Katie and I are heading to Houston at 9 to do some shopping and my hair is still wet and Alex is still sleeping! Well, scratch that, she's crying now! Gotta run!

oh, the pain...

While I was pregnant, I would wake up some mornings and my finger would hurt. It was usually a different finger and would hurt for a day or 2 then go away. A few weeks later it would flare up again. I just thought it had to be the way I was sleeping so I never really gave it a second thought. Once Alex was born, the random pain stopped, but only for a few weeks. About 2 weeks ago the pain came back but this time it was in my knees and ankles. It wasn't too bad during the day, but in the middle of the night it hurt so bad to stand up. In addition to my legs hurting, the random finger pains, as well as new wrist and shoulder pains, came back.

Sunday, the pain started getting worse. My hands were swollen and my legs were aching. I called the doctor Monday and they got me in that afternoon. He was unsure what it was, but he said it could be a number of things. It could just be pregnancy related or it could be something more serious like rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus or something viral. He sent me to have blood work done to rule out the scary stuff. I got a call today that the anti-nuclear antibody test came back positive. This is the test that helps diagnose Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. My next step is to see a specialist to have more test done to see if they can find out exactly what it is. Josh, of course, has been worried sick. I have been stressed because I feel like I wake up everyday just wondering what is going to hurt. Yesterday the pain was pretty bad all day long, but today it was much better. We are now in a wait and see period. I am waiting to hear from the specialist office to make an appointment. I'll keep you updated once we find out more information!

On a good note, Alex and I had such a fun day. We spent the morning at home then met a friend for lunch. Erika and her 8 month old son, Dane. He is such a cutie! After lunch we went to a jewelry store to window shop. I fell in love with a necklace (and mentioned it to Josh)! Then we went for coffee where Katie met us. It was great to hang out with another stay at home mom! Then Josh and I went to dinner then to run a couple of errands. Alex was so good! She is sleeping on Josh now with Cooper beside them. They look so cute! I'm in love!

Mama Mia...here I go again!

My sweet husband took me to see Mama Mia today! Now all the songs are stuck in my head! It was so cute! I think I am going to have to get the soundtrack. Katie watched Alex while we went and for the most part she was good. Rascal, Katie's yorkie, just watched from afar, he wouldn't get too close to her. He is going to be in for a rude awakening when Abby is born.

Here are a few pics of Alex and Josh I took earlier today. I love seeing them together. I know he is already wrapped around her little finger!

Happy Friday!

Just thought I'd share some pictures we took last night of Alex in her sunglasses her Grandpa got her! Last one is Alex napping on her Grandpa a few weeks ago when they came to visit!

6 Weeks Old!

Alex is 6 weeks old today! I can't believe it! The last 6 weeks have just flown by. We were looking at pictures from when she came home and she looks so much bigger.

I had a doctors appointment today and my doctor couldn't believe how big she is getting. She was still sad she wasn't there to deliver her, so she loves seeing her when ever she has a chance. After my appointment we went to meet Josh for lunch then ran a few errands. She was so good. She actually stayed awake for the better part of the day.

I don't think she shares her mommy's love for Target yet. As soon as we got there, she got fussy. I fed her in the dressing room and she was ok for a few minutes then got fussy again and fell asleep a few minutes later. I guess it will be a place she grows to love!

School is about to start here. Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and HEB were packed with college students and their parents. I forgot how much everything changes when schools is in. I guess I better get used to it for the next several months. Ugh!

Swinging!

Today is the first time we have been able to put Alex in the swing for longer than 30 seconds without her crying! We actually borrowed this one from a friend until we found out if she liked it or not. In the past, we would put her in it and she would immediately start crying. Today the stars must have aligned because she sat in it for almost an hour. Granted, the soothing music had to be on, we couldn't actually turn the swing on (she doesn't like the motion) and she had to have her paci in her mouth, but I actually had time to make lunch and Josh and I were able to eat. I can't remember the last meal I had where I could use both hands to eat instead of one holding Alex! Maybe in a few days we will actually turn the swing on!

Cooper was very interested in the swing!

We also had some Tummy Time today. I'll admit, I've been bad about actually putting her on the ground for tummy time. If she is on my chest, she usually lifts her head up and looks around so I kinda figured that was just as good. She lifted her head a few times, so I decided to run and get the camera. I guess in the 3 seconds I was gone, Alex decided she was over tummy time and it turned into "my mommy is abusing me by leaving me on the floor time!"

Last night Alex was only up one time! We put her in her crib around 10:30 then she was up around 2 then not again until 6:30! Woo hoo! For getting so much sleep last night, I sure am tired today! :) She is starting to be able to fit into some of her 0-3 month clothes that run small! Hopefully she will be able to wear all of her cute dresses before it gets too cold!

Tomorrow Alex will be 6 weeks old! I still can not believe it. She is getting so big! Granted, she can still fit into her preemie diapers and had to because I didn't realize that we completely ran out of the newborn diapers, but still, just looking at her (and holding her) I can tell she is getting bigger! Her little legs are starting to get some meat on them. I love chubby baby legs!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was exactly what I needed. We relaxed all weekend. Saturday we slept in (thank you Alex), got up, Josh made breakfast then he started working on the car. I sat outside (in the garage) with Alex in my a lap and a fan on us. She was so happy to be outside, she didn't care how hot it was. Nothing calms that girl like being outside! We took frequent breaks to come inside so she didn't get too hot. It's kinda sad, but I can't even remember what we did Saturday afternoon and evening. I'm sure it revolved around eating and watching the Olympics. :)

Yesterday we kinda slept in again, but this time Alex joined us in bed. I love having her in bed with us but I've realized I can only have her in there when it is light outside. I have this fear that I am going to fall asleep and roll over on her or something since I can't see her in the dark.

The past few days, I have been waking up in the middle of the night in a panic thinking I lost the baby. It's so weird. I wake up cradling a pillow then I immediately feel around the bed thinking Alex is there somewhere. Then I realize that I am my bed and she is in hers. I think these middle of the night feedings are getting to me. Sometimes I don't even remember putting her back in her crib and walking back to our bedroom. It's a little scary!

Anyway, Josh went with Tracy to Houston to pick up the furniture for their nursery. I stayed home with Alex while she napped for a few hours. I headed to Tracy and Katie's a few hours later. I walked in the door and their dining room was completely full of baby stuff from her showers. Since the furniture wasn't in, she didn't put hadn't put anything in the nursery. The guys got there with the furniture and set it up while we got dinner together. After dinner, we started watching tv. I was dying to help Katie start putting the nursery together, so we ended up rearranging furniture then we started going through the gifts in the dinning room. OMG, there was so much freaking stuff. We made piles of stuff to be washed, bathroom things, diapers and wipes, stuff for the kitchen and toys. It was so much fun! I love baby stuff!

We also tried out the Fisher Price Zen bouncer Katie had. Since Alex hates the swing, I wanted to to try the vibrating bouncer thing to see what she thought about it. She seemed pretty content it in, I think we may have to get one! Katie is on her last 4 days of work. She is hoping Abby waits at least 2 weeks to make her appearance so she can have a week off of work to make sure everything is in order. I secretly want her to have her now so we can all meet Alex's new BFF!

Coopie update: my boy is back. He has been a little on edge since Alex got here. He used to sleep with us and now he sleeps on the floor. Last night he was his old self. I got in bed and he was warming up my spot so I snuggled up to him and he stated there! He usually takes that as his hint to get on the floor. He put his head on my pillow and stayed there for about 10 minutes. If I stopped petting him he would lick my hand until I started up again. He was so cute! I forgot how much I missed my sweet boy. I know it has been hard on him since Alex got her because he was no longer the center of our attention, but I think things are starting to settle down and our lives are returning to somewhat of a normal state.

lazy day!

We have had the laziest day today. Alex has been such a little snuggle bug so that's all I've been doing. She has been asleep on me most of the afternoon, which of course I love, but man, she is like a furnace. Josh came home for lunch and I was still wearing what I had on when he left for work. Who am I kidding when I say was wearing...I am still wearing it! I have my little "command center" set up on the couch. A few blankets, the Boppy, a burp cloth, water, my cell phone and the laptop, oh and Alex of course! Now if I could just train Cooper to refill my water I'd be all set! I make it sound like I haven't done anything all day, which is not true. I paid bills and worked a little, I haven't even taken a nap! (which I'm sure is going to come back to bite me later!)

We are already planning on a lazy Saturday too! We don't have any plans so Josh is going to work on the car for a little bit and we are going to relax and watch movies! Sunday we are going to Houston with Katie and Tracy to pick up Abby's furniture. I am so excited for her, I know she has been waiting since the day she found out she was pregnant to start on the nursery. Now that Tracy's kiddos are going home this weekend, the room is painted and the furniture will be there she will be able to get it all set up! That was one of my favorite parts about preparing for Alex. I had so much fun doing her nursery. I am pretty proud of it, I think it looks adorable!

Well, I guess I better get in the shower so Josh doesn't think I have been a total slacker all day! (It's just so hard to put this precious little sleeping baby down!)

Cutie Pie!

So the night was great! Emily, the photographer, came over and for the most part, Alex was wonderful! She got some great pics in her room then we went outside and took more. I can't wait to see the finished product!

Here is a new pic from Alex's bath this afternoon. She is so damn cute! (I may be a little biased!)

It is amazing how Alex having a good day can make me have such a great night! I am wide awake, which is unusual for me, since I am typically asleep on the couch by now. The tables have turned, my sweet husband is now asleep on the couch while I watch the Olympics. hmmm, the Olympics could have something to do with his decision to fall asleep. I can't help it, I love watching the gymnastics!

Today is a new day...

Yesterday was not a good day. My usually sweet little girl was not happy at all. She woke up around 6:30 on the wrong side of the crib. She usually eats, hangs out for a while, then goes back to sleep. Not yesterday. She ate, hung out, then instead of going back to sleep she just got so fussy. She finally went back to sleep, but it was on my chest. It sound so sweet I know, but it's not what I needed yesterday. We were supposed to have a photographer come over last night to take pictures of Alex for her announcements and family pictures so I had a lot to get done during the day. The house was a wreck. Finally around 11 she let me put her down in her stroller in the bathroom while I took a shower. About 2 minutes into my shower she started crying. It broke my heart to hear her so I finished as fast as I could and got out to get her. Pretty much from that moment on, she decided I had to hold her all day long, whether she was awake or asleep. Around 3 I knew if she wasn't going to let me put her down, there was no way I would be ready for pictures so we canceled the photographer. She was so nice about it and offered to push it to today.

The rest of the day pretty much went the same way. Sleep (on me), eat, cry, poo. When Josh got home, he was amazing. He offered to make dinner and clean the house so I wouldn't have to do it today. Normally I would jump at the chance for him to make dinner but last night, I told him to hold the baby so I could get a few things done. I finished the laundry and made dinner. Of course when we put Alex down so we could eat dinner the crying started. Needless to say, I have mastered eating while holding the baby.

The night didn't get much better. She slept off and on, only letting us put her down for about 15 minutes. Around 11:30 I fed her and put her in her crib. She lasted for about 15 minutes then started crying again. I got up to snuggle her and Josh joined me. He brought in a pillow and snuggled with Cooper on her floor to keep me company. She finally passed out in my arms. She only woke up twice last night!

I think her day yesterday wore her out, because she has been sleeping most of the day today. Hopefully all will go well with the pictures tonight!

1 month (and 1 day) old!

Yesterday Alex turned 1 month old! Yesterday was also Alex's due date! Here is her 1 month old picture taken last night after she got done eating...I think the half smile is because her little tummy was all full and she knew she was about to go to sleep! I can not believe she has already been in our lives one month. The time really does fly. She is doing amazingly well. I can tell she is getting bigger (and longer!) She is already getting spoiled. She loves falling asleep on someone, anyone. As long as there is a warm chest she is a happy girl!

She is staying on a pretty regular routine at night. She is usually up 2-3 times but only long enough to eat, get a clean diaper and then she falls right back asleep. I am so lucky she isn't up for hours at a time in the middle of the night!

Oh, my friend Katie is due in a month. I will be watching her baby when she goes back to work. Anyway, she has had 3 ultrasounds during her pregnancy and they never could tell the gender. Well last week she went to the doctor and she was measuring 2 weeks ahead of where she should be so the doctor ordered another ultrasound. She is having a GIRL! We are so excited. Alex and Abby will be able to grow up together! Abby is already measuring around 7 pounds so it looks like she and Alex will be the same size when she decides to make her appearance!

Today is also our 1 year anniversary. What a year this has been. We got married, got settled in the house, I got pregnant and now Alex is here! Whew! Josh and I are going to dinner tonight while Terri and Ray watch Alex! This will be our first time leaving her with someone. I know she will be in good hands! Alex is up and squirming so I guess I have to go hold her! :)

New Pictures

We had such a great day yesterday. My parents and grandparents came down for a few hours just to see the baby girl. They got here and took turns holding her, then we went to lunch. Afterwards we came back and hung out for a few hours. It was so nice of them to make the 3 hour drive each way just to see Alex for an afternoon. Here are some of the pictures from the day!

Our first family pictures! (We realized with all of the pictures we have of Alex, we didn't have any of us all together!)
Alex, Popi and Nomi

Alex and Ita

Alex and Ito

Last week was a good week. It was my first full week at home with just Alex. She is such a good baby. She eats, sleeps and poos. She is starting to have more time when she is awake. She just looks up with her big brown eyes and watches me or looks at the light coming in the window.

Friday we went with Katie and the kids (Austin and Riley) to Houston for a day of shopping. It started out at Babies R Us where we filled 2 huge shopping carts with stuff! between the 2 of us, the 3 kids and all of the stuff we bought there wasn't an empty space left in the Tahoe! After BRU, we had lunch at Chuy's. One of my all time favorites! Then we were off to the outlet mall. I was very proud of myself. I only bought 2 things, the most adorable dress for Alex that she can wear now (the purple dress in the pictures above) because I was tired of seeing her in onesies everyday and a little gift for a friend who is expecting! For the most part Alex was good...until she got hungry! Once she was hungry, she cried until she got to eat. Poor thing, it broke my heart hearing her cry while we were driving knowing there was nothing I could do until we got to the restaurant.

That night we met Katie, Tracy, the kids, Sheena and Tyler for dinner then went to Katie and Tracy's to play Wii. Let me rephrase that, everyone else played Wiii, I napped on the couch with Alex. After spending the entire day going, I was exhausted.

Today our plans include absolutely nothing! It is 103 out today so we are spending the day inside relaxing! We got to sleep in then Josh made me pancakes and bacon for breakfast! He's the best!