Maddie's 1st Vacation

Marty had a business trip to Chattanooga last week. Maddie and I went with him, and my parents came down from Knoxville for a few days. We couldn't get out much, but we had a good time. Maddie has grown so much!










With Mamaw and Papaw













Marty and I before the big banquet

Sleeping Beauty

At least one person is getting sleep at our house...

Bath Time...Take 2

She is still getting used to her bath, but you can see this reaction is much better!












A lot of people have asked how DJ is handling the baby change...
He really is doing well. However, he does sleep with his head under the bed since we get up often.

Sharing kisses with Daddy

Marty is trying not to laugh here...every time he kissed her, Maddie would kiss back.












She is all about Daddy

Maddie Grace's 1st bath...

did not go so well. Maddie Grace wanted no part of it. DJ tried to drink the bath water and get at the floating duck. I wasn't moving fast enough. Marty got it all on video. If any of you would like to give Marty and myself instructions for giving a newborn a bath, we would appreciate it. I think we will continue with the sponge baths for now.
















All snuggled in her bath robe and slippers.

2 weeks old

Daddy giving Maddie her first bottle














Play time makes her sleepy














The first time in her crib (no, she doesn't sleep in her room yet)












Maddie and Brandi














Maddie had her 2 week check-up yesterday. She is up to 8 lbs 4 ozs, which is great! She is growing out of the newborn diapers, but her clothes are still huge on her. That's fine with Marty and me 'cause we want to keep her little as long as possible.

Sunbathing beauty

Maddie had a low level of jaundice after we got home from the hospital. The doctor told us to lay her in front of a sunny window, so we put her in the swing by our front door and she loved it. DJ is keeping an eye on her.










Our friend Kelly brought DJ a new toy when she came to visit. He is doing great with Maddie.












We have multiple ultrasound pictures of Maddie with her hands up by her face. She still sleeps the same way.

Pictures with friends

Maddie with Kim













With Christa and Trent (who got married 3 weeks ago!)












Maddie and Chad

Our first week home

Maddie is a wonderful baby. She sleeps for 3 to 5 hours at a time during the night. Marty and I agree that it hasn't been a big adjustment to have her home. She is beginning to look like him, although she has my lips. On Thursday, I needed to get out of the house and feel normal again after the surgery. We took Maddie on her first outing, and I will post pictures below. She slept through the entire outing. She is going to think Marty and I are crazy when she gets older, but we had fun with her and it was good for me!

Maddie and Auntie Lisa














In Daddy's arms














With Auntie Robin














Talking to Papaw














Our Angel

A few of Maddie's visitors

Maddie and Amanda














Maddie with Spencer and Katie














Maddie with Gayle and Gary














Maddie with Sammy













Maddie's first visitor at home was Uncle Jay

Maddie Pictures

More Pictures

She's Finally Here!!!

Mommy did not put lip gloss on Maddie. She has really pink lips. This newborn size dress is huge on her!











Maddie with Mamaw and Papaw













Proud Daddy just after delivery.













Madaline Grace:
August 23, 2006; 7:36 AM
7 lbs, 13 ozs;
20" long










We are happy to be home...Since Maddie and Mommy were doing soooooooo well, both her and mommy's doctors said that we could all go home early...SWEEEEET!!!

We are on our way...

It seems like yesterday that we were on our honeymoon! Fifteen months later, we are going to be parents.

Happy Birthday to Marty today!

We will post pictures as soon as we can.

36 hours!

We had our final untrasound today. They estimated Maddie's weight to be 8 lb 13 oz. I am so glad we are not going to 40 weeks! She would be over 10 pounds. We couldn't see her face because she had both hands up. She had a head full of hair, which means it is probably dark. Blonde hair doesn't show up on an ultrasound. We have to be at the hospital at 5:00 am Wednesday, and we will hopefully be holding Maddie by 8:00! Please keep us in your prayers.

More Nursery Pictures

The nursery is almost finished!

37 Week Picture

This is a terrible picture, but I don't think I could take a good one at this point. Marty took this before I went to the doctor this morning, and my face is always puffy after I wake up. Oh, well. Only 7 days to go! My appointment went well. We have an ultrasound next Monday to make sure Maddie is still breech and to get an estimate of her weight. When I woke up this morning, her head was sticking straight out above my belly button. It looks like I swallowed a whole orange.






















I wanted wooden letters to spell out Maddie to hang above her crib. When I told Marty that they were $15 each, he decided to make them himself. Here is a pic of him working on them. They turned out great! I will post pictures of them hanging later.

Our other baby

DJ is in for some big changes. He knows something is going on, especially since his room was turned into the nursery. He has become very protective of me, and he follows me everywhere I go. Marty and I have been reading up on ideas to introduce the dog to the baby. DJ has gotten in trouble a couple of times for getting into the baby's toys. He loves stuffed animals and things that make noise. I'm sure that in a year or two, he and Maddie will be sharing everything, whether we want them to or not.


















DJ playing with his brother, Rocco (who is now 30 pounds heavier than DJ)

C-section it is

Marty and I pre-registered at the hospital last week. We spoke with the anesthesiologist, and he said I am not a candidate for an epidural because of the spine surgery I had when I was 20. That leaves me with two options...natural child birth or a c-section (I still prefer the stork concept). Today at my weekly doctor visit, we found out that Maddie is still breech, so I have no choice but to have a c-section. On Wednesday, August 23rd, we will meet our daughter. This day is also Marty's birthday. We didn't want them to share a birthday, but my doctor only does c-sections on Wednesday. Marty will get used to the princess birthday cakes. After all, isn't having children all about sacrifice? hehehe

We have been busy buying baby gear and diapers. I have been explaining all of the gadgets to Marty. He doesn't need much help, but I do want to mention that over the weekend, he asked me if I needed to buy a milker. After a minute, I realized he was referring to the breast pump. He really makes me laugh.

20 days to go. I hope Marty and I can spend as much time together as possible because I know things will be more hectic from here on out. I look forward to every minute of it!