The Bynum Bunch

Dr. visit today

2009-09-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

Today we had our 6-month check-up and Miss A is 26 inches long and weighs 15 lbs 5 oz. The pediatrician said she is progressing very well and looks great.

Heartache

2009-09-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

It seems like every time I blink my eyes, my little girl has changed and passed a milestone. Tonight is going to be a hard night (for me). Not only did Aubri eat her first vegetable puree, but she's sleeping in her own bedroom. Aubri is ready, but I've been telling Dustin for the past month that I'm dreading this day. Every night as I rock her and she falls asleep in my arms, I pray that God will protect and watch over her as she grows and matures. I keep thinking my heart has met its love capacity and then Aubri crawls into my arms or lays her head on my shoulder while sucking her thumb and my heart bursts with more love.

Right now, it's taking all my strength to refrain from setting up an air mattress on the floor in her room and sleeping in there until MOMMY is ready.

6 months old!

2009-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Milestones this month:
sitting up without assistance
crawling (slowly)
swam in lake
full-time in cloth diapers
swam in baby pool
solid foods
transitioning to own bedroom and crib

She's already a gymnast.

Transitioning

2009-09-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

If I had my way, Aubri would sleep in her pak'n play in our room until she's 30, but Dustin thought it best for both her and me if she moved to her own bedroom when she is 6 months old. Well, her 6-month birthday is right around the corner, so I've started putting her down for naps in her crib so she won't be shocked when she starts sleeping in there all the time. The first time, she cried for over an hour before she fell asleep from exhaustion. Her second nap went about the same, until I couldn't stand the crying anymore. I called Dustin and he suggested that I put her pak'n play mattress in her crib so she feels more comfortable. And guess what?!? If worked. She rolled around and cooed for about 45 minutes, but didn't cry much at all before she fell asleep.

Broken Bow, OK

2009-09-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went with Aunt Jacquelyn, Uncle Doug and some other families to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. We rented a big fancy cabin, swam in the lake and had a wonderful time.

We rented a pontoon boat to cruise the lake.

Aubri made friends with Dakota.

A lake rat is born.

Snuggling with Uncle Doug.

Family pictures

2009-08-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, we went to a park in Arlington and had family pictures taken. I think they turned out really well. Here are some of my favorites. Copy and paste the link below to see the rest.

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1987086009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

More water fun

2009-08-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

We recently joined Lifetime Fitness and today we went swimming. Aubri really loves her float that Aunt Lauren got for her. We've taken it to the water park several times and we have a blast.

So maybe she's a little sad. :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

Baby model

2009-08-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

A good friend gave us this super cute outfit and I couldn't wait to put her in it and snap some pictures. Our little girl is so awesome!

She's getting so big!!

5 months old!

2009-08-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

This last week our little bug turned 5 months old. She's getting so big. Toward the end of July, she started pulling her legs up under her torso and rocking back and forth. I'm so proud to see her growing and learning new things, but it makes my heart ache to think that she'll never be this small again and I so desperately want to hold on to these precious moments.

Happy baby in daddy's lap

She's on the move

Laundry basket fun.

On the move . . . .

2009-07-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

What we've been up to today:

The reason my showering time has been limited to seriously 5 minutes or less . . . .

2009-07-27T19:46:00.001-07:00

Until today, when I needed to take a shower, I'd strap Aubri into her papasan and jump in the shower. Today, as I was watching through the shower window and talking to her, she started to climb out of her papasan. I immediately cut my shower short, dried off and got the video camera, of course.

a little over a minute later . . . .

Yummy toes

2009-07-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

After her bath tonight, Aubri was sucking on her toes big time. She is so cute! I could just eat her up!

Last week, daddy gave her a baby mohawk.

Marquez and dinner on the patio

2009-07-20T23:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend my brothers came to Fort Worth to visit. We went to our family ranch in Marquez (near College Station) on Sunday. Alex and I took the truck out exploring and got stuck in the sand. We went down to the creek and had a great time.

It's beautiful!

Peacefully sleeping after the car ride home. Check out those eyelashes.

Tonight for dinner, Alex and I made fish sandwiches, as seen on Regis and Kelley last week. They were delicious and we got to enjoy our new patio at the same time.

Baby babbling

2009-07-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Bath time

2009-07-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Family reunion and Johnny Jump Up

2009-07-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend we traveled down south for the annual "Keischnick reunion". And you thought my maiden name was bad.

Normally, it's in Vernon, but this year it was closer to home, in Corpus. To break up the long drive, we drove to Kerville on Thursday and stayed with my dad. Then to Kingsville on Friday. We had lunch on Saturday at my aunt's house in Corpus Christi. I wore a swimsuit for the first time since last summer and it wasn't too bad.

Today, we drove the 8-hour trip straight home, stopping in Austin for Thundercloud, of course! Aubri is such a great traveler. She slept most of the way, so of course she was energized when we got home. We busted out the Johnny Jump Up and she went wild.

4 month check up

2009-07-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

We went to the pediatrician this morning and Aubri weighs 14 pounds and is 25 1/2 inches long. She's in the 50th percentile for her weight and 90th percentile for her height. The pediatrician noticed two swollen patches on her lower gums, so that means TEETH are coming soon! It may be a few more weeks/months, but they're on the way.

The pediatrician says Aubri has great core strength and she was amazed at how Aubri can sit on her own for a few seconds at a time.

We also talked about starting solid foods. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet, so we're holding off for another month or so.

Our next check-up will be in September, maybe she'll have teeth to show off!

Missing something?

2009-07-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Just another lazy Tuesday, hanging out in mommy and daddy's bed.

Notice anything missing?

Maybe this will help . . . .

As I wrote before, Aubri has been waking up more at night the last week. Last night she was extra fussy and squirming around in bed. When she woke up, I noticed her right earring was missing. I immediately checked her bed and found the back. I looked all over for the front. Not on the floor, not in our bed, not in her bed. So I called the pediatrician's office and had to leave a message. Before they returned my call, I found the front in the bottom of her pak n'play. As I was waiting for a return call, I tried to put the earring back in. Aubri was not happy about this, maybe she was having a flashback to the day her ears were pierced. She started crying and her little tiny piercing started bleeding. I'm freaking out, so I call the pediatrician back. Left another message. Finally, they call me back. (*note: it was only about 20 minutes from the first time I called*) The nurse recommended I try using vaseline while she asked the pediatrician if we needed to come in. PRESTO! The earring slid right back in. She didn't even cry.

All better and no worse for wear.

4 months old

2009-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today my baby is 4 months old. This week she'll get her second round of shots. The months are flying by. This last month was very eventful. Aubri got her ears pierced, we visited the zoo, went to her first water park and saw fireworks for the first time. Dustin celebrated father's day for the first time as a daddy. Aubri's uncles came to visit for 2 weeks this month. They really enjoy loving on her and watching her do funny things and make funny noises. Aubri loves tummy time and my mom keeps saying that she's going to crawl anytime. We have a blanket on the living room floor and she moves all around it, turning in circles and rolling from side to side.

Pretty much since we came home from the hospital, Aubri has been sleeping through the night (5-6 hours at a time). This has really allowed me and Dustin to stay well-rested. In the last week, she has started getting up more at night. We think she's teething because she chews/gnaws on everything she can get her hands on and drools like a puppy. Plus, I sprouted teeth when I was 3 months old, so it runs in the family. We'll see what the pediatrician says this week.

Speaking of grabbing everything in sight . . . . the days of Aubri sitting in our laps during meals are officially over, unless she's asleep. She's very curious and will grab anything you put within arms length. Thankfully, she's used to her highchair and loves to sit with us at dinner and "talk".

Dustin cherishes his bath time and lotion time with her and Aubri has started splashing and playing with her bath toys. Another toy she really loves is her jump a'roo. We put her in it and she goes crazy. I'm excited to try out the Johnny Jump Up.

4 months old and more beautiful everyday!

She loves her daddy.

Splashing in the tub

Baby babble

4th of July

2009-07-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took my brother's and mom to the Southlake Towne Square to see the firework show. Aubri was so entranced by the colors and noises. We had a great time.

Alex sat in Aubri's stroller during the firework show.

Butts Up

2009-06-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Last week we bought a video monitor to keep an eye on Aubri when she sleeps. It even has a handheld monitor to carry outside. However, it still doesn't compare to seeing how cute she is with my own eyes. Sometimes Dustin catches me standing near her pak'n play just staring at her. He'll whisper, "can you believe she was IN your belly less than 4 months ago?" **Sniff sniff**

I could eat her up, she's sooo cute!

Gun's up!

2009-06-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Aubri away from Dustin for a little bit to get some pictures of her in her new Texas Tech onsie from Uncle Brad. She's really starting to sit up, but is very wobbly.

Miss Prim and Proper

She's such a hamb!

She says, "okay, mommy, I'm about finished with this."

Check out more pictures here:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1313064009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today was Dustin's first father's day. He is the best daddy and husband. I can't imagine taking this parenting journey with anyone else.

Opening presents

Bath time

Baby smooch sandwich

Bliss

Reading a book before bed.

Aubri likes to help turn the pages. She loves to read books with flaps to open.

Enchilada Thursday

2009-06-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

Aubri's uncles have been visiting for almost a week now and we've been having so much fun. Tonight Alex and I made dinner. He made homemade tortilla chips and enchiladas. Uncle Daniel made queso and daddy made pineapple salsa and guacamole. Over Memorial weekend, we were watching an infomercial about a thing called the "Magic Bullet". Alex said, "you need that!" So we bought one. Now, we use it almost everyday to make smoothies, blizzards, salsa and guacamole.

Today, Aubri is 15 weeks old. She's getting so big. She loves going outside, so we're extending our back patio and having a pergola built. Aubri has really started to put EVERYTHING in her mouth. I knew the day was coming, but it seems like just yesterday when she would sit in my lap and didn't know how to reach out and grab my plate. Now, if she's not asleep or in her highchair, Dustin and I have to take turns eating so she won't put food from our plates in her mouth. My baby girl is getting so big!!

Helping Uncle Alex make dinner.

Birthday with a baby

2009-06-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Today was Dustin's first birthday as a daddy. We met Uncle Chuck, Aunt Jacquelyn, and Uncle Doug for dinner. Before dinner, we met at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens to take a quick family picture to send to Grampa and Nana on their vacation to the coast.

Uncle Alex was our camera caddy.

Right after this picture was taken, poop shot out the back of Aubri's pants. It was amazing because it didn't get on anything or anyone. We changed her diaper and continued with the fun.

Uncle Doug, Daddy, and Aunt Jacquelyn

NRH20

2009-06-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a waterpark in our neighborhood called NRH20. This was Aubri's first public pool experience. We had a blast!

Showing off her new hat that daddy bought.

So precious!

Getting ready for her first swim.

Check out those cute swim pants!

All tuckered out after a quick dip.

Hanging out with the uncles.

Aunt Amelia visits

2009-06-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

This week my best friend from grade school came from Austin to visit and go get Aubri's ears pierced. On Wednesday we went to Tom Colicchio's restaurant, called Craft, over in Victory Park in Dallas. Tom Colicchio is the head judge on Top Chef.

Aubri's bling

2009-06-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today Aubri got her ears pierced. My mom had my ears pierced when I was 6 weeks old, so I wanted to continue the tradition. Aunt Amelia came along for moral support and to document the event. Before we knew Shim was a girl, Amelia and I talked about what fun things we would do with a boy and what fun things to do with a girl. We agreed that if I had a girl, Amelia would be present for her ear piercing. So, today was the day. Right before the gun snapped to pierce her first ear, I thought to myself, "oh, I'm such a bad mommy for deforming my baby!"

We went to the doctor's office.

The doctor started talking and Aubri was talking along with her.

Aubri was being a good little girl.

Then we started marking her little ear lobes.

She wasn't too happy about this.

We got into position and Aubri thought she was getting a hug. Little did she know . . .

Not happy.

Ready for the second ear. The doctor was so quick.

Sad, sad baby.

Isn't she pitiful?

Sleeping on the way home.

Her earlobes are even cuter, if that's even possible!

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1017047009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

3 months old

2009-06-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my baby turned 3 months old. I can't believe the time is passing so quickly. In the last month, Miss Aubri has been very busy. She learned to roll from her back to her belly, has started sucking her thumb and spent 2 full days away from me when I went to Austin.

She weighs 12.4 pounds and is 23 3/4 inches long. It's been about three weeks since we've swaddled her for bedtime. She has gotten too big and likes to suck her thumb, plus she sleeps on her belly and squirms around in her pak n'play all night. When we stopped swaddling her and she started sleeping on her tummy, she doesn't like to be rocked to sleep anymore. Dustin and I talked about how we didn't realize the last time to rock her to sleep would come and go so quickly. It's so bittersweet that our little girl is already so different from when we brought her home from the hospital.

Other highlights from the last month include:
- Aubri has started propping her self up on her hands and arms. Dustin says, "whoa, she's going to be crawling any day now!"
- We went to the Fort Worth Zoo with the uncles and Grama Cindy, and then to Dutch's for burgers.
- We've been to 3 playgroup meetings
- We're pretty certain her teeth are coming in, because she has started crying out at night and not sleeping as well anymore (thank goodness for orajel)
- Aubri has started cooing and "talking" like crazy
- She can sit and lean over to touch her feet and keep her balance with very little support
- She pooped all over me, herself, and the baby k'tan at my school yesterday
- Then she pooped all over herself and her highchair while we were hanging out on the back patio- it was oozing everywhere!
- We adore being parents and God has blessed us with the most precious baby.

Our baby model

She loves tummy time

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1020146009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Daddy photography

2009-05-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Video time

2009-05-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well, after a busy weekend of visiting with family, I finally got Aubri on video, rolling over. She's so precious. Enjoy!

Sorry it's kinda dark, but check out that mullet!

Rolling over, again!

2009-05-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Austin to pick up Aubri's 3 uncles, my little brothers, to visit for the weekend. We left FW in the morning and went to Daniel's splash day at his elementary school. It was hot, loud, and wet, but it was great to see uncle Daniel have such a good time. Aubri sat in her stroller like a big girl and then feel asleep later in the afternoon. After splash day, we went to see some good friends and hang out until the rest of the uncles were out of school. While we were visiting, Aubri was laying on her back and she rolled to her tummy, like it was "no big deal". I need to get it on video because it's so cute. It's crazy how babies have to develop every skill from scratch and it's so fun to see her meet milestones.

Uncle Daniel at splash day

Sweet sleeping baby

Mirror, Mirror

2009-05-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Aubri has really started getting interested in her reflection. When she's fussy, I'll walk into the bathroom and stand in front of the mirror and she just stares at herself. Sometimes I'll sit on the bathroom counter with her in my lap, so she can look in the mirror.

In the last couple of days she has started purposefully grabbing for things while in her car seat, bumbo, or highchair. Of course, whatever she grabs goes straight to her mouth. I'm so proud of my little monkey.

Today she started curling over and touching her feet when laying on my thighs. She's getting a little bit squirmier (is that a word?) each day. Sometimes when I'm holding her and bouncing her to sleep, my arms get so tired and sore, but I have to think that one day in the near future she'll be trying to push away and do her own thing. I cherish each moment that I get to spend with her and I am blessed to have such a sweet little girl.

Pisces

2009-05-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Pisces is considered a water sign. Both Aubri and I are Pisces, born between February 19th and March 20th. As a baby, I loved bath time and as an adult, my favorite summer activity is anything water-related. Bath time for Aubri is kind of hit or miss. We've been getting really good at sticking to our bedtime routine of bath, read, feed and bed. She hasn't always loved her bath time. Dustin has given her baths since day one and he really enjoys the special time with her. After we found out that Aubri loves the bumbo, he got the bright idea to use it in the bath (against all warnings of not using it as a flotation device or in the bath). This has brought a whole new meaning to bath time. She has started kicking and splashing and loves her bath. They are lasting longer now that she enjoys them more. I can't wait to take her swimming this summer. I love my little Pisces.

New experiences

2009-05-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I keep saying that Aubri is growing up right before our eyes. Angie's little girl let Aubri borrow her bumbo and she LOVES it! She'll just sit and look around. I thought since she seems to like sitting up so much, I'd try out her highchair. She loves that too. She sits and watches me make lunch or dinner, fold clothes, or dance to the iPod. She thinks it's hilarious when I sing along and show off my stellar dance moves. Pretty soon we'll be dancing together all over the house.

Just chillin'

Favorite new toy

Boxer stance- put up your dukes

Joining mommy and daddy for dinner

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:57:00.001-07:00

Today was my first mother's day and it was so special. First off, I got to sleep in AND take a shower, including washing my hair. Then Aubri distracted me so Dustin could make me a delicious breakfast.

My brother's were in town this weekend, to celebrate mother's day with our mom, so after breakfast, we got dressed and went to see them. We ate lunch at our favorite Italian food restaurant, Spaghetti Warehouse. My brother's left for Austin around 3pm and Dustin, Aubri and I spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around the house together. I couldn't imagine a better mother's day!

The precious baby that calls me mommy

All tuckered out after a long, eventful day

My amazing Mother's Day gift from Aubri. She's a future photographer, just like her mommy!

9 week photo shoot:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=757968009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

2 month portraits

2009-05-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

This past monday, a good friend of ours took family pictures for Aubri's 2 month birthday. Her name is Kasey- www.kaseybphotography.com- and she's amazing. Check her out!

Here's the link to view all the pictures:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=657113009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

2 month check-up

2009-05-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

This morning we got up early and Aubri had her 2-month check up. She weighs 11.2 pounds and is 23 1/4 inches long. Dustin says she is growing like a weed. She got her first set of shots and it was heartbreaking to hear her cry from the pain. Keri gave me this great idea to put her in a dress so right after the shots, I could pick her up and cuddle with her instead of fussing with pants or a onsie. Thanks Keri! She actually didn't cry very much, and was a little trooper. Now we're ready to get her ears pierced. I already have the earrings picked out. We spent the rest of the morning at home playing and sleeping.

In the afternoon we went and got Aubri a present for her 2-month birthday. This past weekend we spent the night at Kari and Matt's house, so the boys could ride in the MS150, and Aubri tried out Connor's rainforest bouncer chair. She loved it so much, I knew we had to get one. She smiles so big and coos when the lights and sounds go on and off. She's really good at kneeing/kicking the hanging animals so they make noise.

Yesterday, Dustin took the day off from work to rest from the MS150 and hang out with "his girls". We met a good friend at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens to take family pictures. I'm so excited to see them. Check back soon and I'll hopefully have some photos posted.

Poor little legs

New toy for a brave little girl

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=749275009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Baby Dedication

2009-05-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today our precious little girl was dedicated to sweet Jesus with the rest of our home group babies. It was such a special treat to share this moment with our good friends. Dustin and I pray everyday that Aubri will grow to know the Lord and that we will set godly examples for her. These past months have drawn me so much closer to Him and I pray that Aubri will always seek comfort in Jesus through all of life's happy times and heartaches.

Dedication pictures:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=676778009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Yaya comes to visit

2009-04-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Aubri's Yaya (grama in greek) came from Baltimore to visit. I've only seen my stepmom once in the past year, and that was only for a few hours at one of my baby showers. This time she got to stay and spend some quality time with me and Aubri. She took lots of fun, artsy pictures and we mostly stayed home to avoid being infected with the scary swine flu.

Tomorrow my little baby will be 8 weeks old. I can' t believe she is getting so big. She changes almost daily. Today she was being a "momma's girl" and when Dustin got home she fussed every time he tried to hold or rock her. It's endearing, but somewhat frustrating because she's heavy and my arms get tired.

Me and Aubri

Yaya and Aubri

Moldy clothes

2009-04-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

So I bought some cute clothes from the Gap, including a cute organic tree hugger onsie (see 6 week old blog post). A week after Aubri wore the onsie, I washed a load of her clothes and found the onsie plus 2 gowns and pair of socks with MOLD of them. Yes . . . . mold! So much for organic clothes.

7 weeks

2009-04-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

7 week old photo shoot:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=754117009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Rolling over

2009-04-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

I read somewhere that if you want your baby to enjoy time on her belly, you should start tummy time on your chest so they can look you in the face and have something familiar to focus on. Well, that's pretty much what Dustin and I have been doing since Aubri was 1 week old. For the last week or so she's been really squirmy while laying on my chest and she kept flipping over. I was getting worried that she didn't like tummy time. Then Dustin decided to let her have tummy time on our bed. As soon as I laid her down, she rolled over. Our bed is really soft and squishy, so I thought maybe it caused her to fall over. We moved her to the chair ottoman and again, she rolled over. We were so excited, we had her do it a couple more times before we realized maybe we should be recording her new skill.

Twin frowns

6 weeks old

2009-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today my baby is 6 weeks old. I can't believe how much time has passed since she was born. It seems like just yesterday I was feeling her move around in my belly. Every time I hold her, even when she's fussing, she takes my breath away and I can't believe how blessed I am to have such a perfect baby. Before she was born, I was told that a baby would change my way of thinking, but I never realized how much I could love someone and my very definition of love has completely changed.

Aubri has found her hands and been sucking on them all the time. I wonder whether she will be right or left-handed. I'm left-handed and Dustin is right-handed, so there's no telling. She also really likes her play mat. She's gotten really good at holding up her head when we have "tummy time". I think she may roll over any day now.

Cutie-pie

Yummy hands

6 week old photo shoot:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=755277009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

5 weeks old and a road trip

2009-04-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we traveled to Kingsville (near Corpus Christi) to visit my family for the Easter holiday. It took 8 hours and 3 feedings. Aubri slept all the way from our house to Austin, where we stopped for lunch. Yummy Thundercloud! In Kingsville, Aubri got to meet her more grama and more grandpa (great grandparents) for the first time. For the past 3 years Dustin has been wanting to eat at a seafood restaurant in Kingsville called King's Inn. Every time we've traveled to Kingsville (mainly for Christmas), the restaurant has been closed. Not this time. Dustin got to curb his craving for the next 3 years.

5 weeks old

Cousin Claire and Dustin at King's Inn

There were over 25 people at lunch.

Dustin was so happy to eat at King's Inn.

Hanging out with Aunt Lauren

5 week old photo shoot:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=291836957/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

Random pictures:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=291837994/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

1 month old

2009-04-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

Aubri has really started smiling a lot. Unfortunately, as soon as she sees the camera coming she stops. Some evening, I'm going to have Dustin stand by with the camera ready and get a good shot of her smiling.

I love nursing. It's such a peaceful, quiet time with little Aubri and it's my favorite.

Knock on wood, but I think she's getting into a routine of sleeping 5-6 hours straight at night. At 3 weeks old, she slept 6 1/2 hours. Another favorite time is after the 5 or 6 o'clock feeding when I keep her in bed with me and we snuggle until it's time to get up.

On March 30th, she measured 22 1/2 inches and 10 lbs.

We went on our first road trip. It went very well, but we were only in the car for 2 1/2 hours. Next weekend we'll be in the car for almost 16 hours over 4 days. Am I a bad mom for subjecting my child to this? Please pray for us.

In the last day or so, she's found her hands. First she looks at them very carefully and then puts them in her mouth and sucks and snorts. It's really funny and I need to video tape it.

Other highlights/ firsts:

- stroller ride to run errands and visit the mall

- family photos

- birthday party

- hail storm (slept through it)

- walk with friends Angie and Kinley

- hanging out in the baby k'tan

- started wearing 0-3 month clothing and size 1 diapers

Cuddling with daddy (17 days old)

3 weeks old

Sticking her tongue out at the camera.

Guns up!

Sleeping positions:

Right side

Back

Left side

In the swing

Chopping wood

Karate stance

First road trip to family ranch in Marquez. Pouting with Uncle Jacob

Check out more photos on these links to Snapfish.

Family portraits:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=487234009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

3 week photo shoot:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=364641009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

Faces of Aubri:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=499601009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

2 weeks old

2009-03-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today Aubri is 2 weeks old. She has gotten so big, I can't believe it. She went to her first restaurant for lunch with my mom and oldest brother and dinner with my mom, Dustin, and all my little brothers. Aubri has an uncle that is only 7 and he adores her.

We also had our second doctors appointment and she weighed 8 lbs, 12 ounces, which is 9 ounces more than her first doctor's appointment. She also measured 21 3/4 inches, which is 1/2 more than at birth.

Some more highlights from the last week are that she has pooped all over both me and Dustin. I left her with Dustin and was away from her for the first time in her life. I was very nervous, but everything went great. Aubri has also started following me with her head as I move around the room and smiling when she's sitting on my knees or in my lap.

It's funny, because I really didn't understand the meaning of love until Aubri was born and I can't imagine my life without her in it. She's so precious; Dustin and I love her more everyday.

Meeting Grama Cindy for the first time.

Uncle Alex, Aubri and Uncle Daniel

Uncle Thomas and Aubri

Proud Uncles and Aubri

She's already borrowing my stuff.

Check out more photos on the Snapfish links below.

St. Patrick's Day outfit:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=361396009/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

1 week old

2009-03-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is already one week old. It seems like just yesterday Dustin and I were at the mall walking around and trying to convince "Shim" to come out. We've already had lots of visitors. Dustin's family spent time with us in the hospital and my friends came from Austin to meet Miss Aubri. This last week Aubri got her first bath, which was lots of fun. Dustin has become an expert at swaddling. When Aubri is swaddled, she looks like a little hotdog. When she's hungry, she snorts like a little pig and it's so adorable. I can't help but laugh a little when she cries because her little cry sounds like a squeaker toy. My favorite part of the last week has been watching my little baby sleep. Whether she's in her pak'n play, our bed, or my arms, she makes the cutest little faces. She frowns a lot and puckers her little lips for kisses.

Cuddling is the best!

Wrapped like a sausage.

Aunt Amelia and Aubri

Aubri in her swing.

Sleeping in my lap

These are the moments to be cherished.

Check out more pictures on the Snapfish links below:

1 week photo shoot:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=277619266/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

First photo shoot and bath:
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=277619976/a=43599772_43599772/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

Welcome Miss Aubri Joan, a little girl!!

2009-03-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

Before Aubri was born, one of my best girlfriends told me to start a journal and write to Aubri regularly. I thought this was a great idea and have been doing it since a day after she was born. I'm not very good with words and my entries tend to read more like a summary of the day than anything else. The other day I was reading one of my many baby magazines and I read a letter about the moments after giving birth that brought me to tears. It's like someone was narrating my first hours after having Aubri. (pronouns modified to fit Aubri)

   "I had no idea how messy this would be. I crouch on a latex glove full of ice, the hospital's make-shift diaper. I like my insides are going to pour out, but it doesn't matter- because of her. I climb onto my hospital bed, pluck Aubri out of her bassinet, and put her on my chest. I'm exhausted, but I can't sleep. I just want to stare at her. I'm especially in awe of Aubri's cuticles, how they look like they could belong to a grown person even though she's only hours old. I wonder what she prefers: being inside of me or nestled under my arm.
   This is what it feels like to love somebody, I think. However I defined love before now seems so terribly off. So not like this.
   When I look over at my husband I know he knows. From this moment forward, he will be the only person who understands how I feel, who can look at Aubri with the same eyes, no matter how differently we may look at each other or the world.
   I want to live in this hospital bed, in this moment. The house will soon be a mess and the nurse won't come in to check on me and wrap Aubri the right way in her swaddling blankets. We're so comfortable right here and now, in our bubble world with a red button that brings help. There won't be any red buttons tomorrow.
   When we leave, it takes us well over an hour to make sure Aubri is buckled in safely and the car seat is secure. I swallow tears and sit squashed against the door, watching out the window as the world speeds by.
   Now she's a week old. Her hands are neatly folded under her chin, and her breath sounds like a tide, in and out. Once in a while she sneezes and I say, 'Bless you' from the other room. And even at 5 a.m., when she's wailing to be held, fed, changed, I am so overwhelmed with love that it doesn't matter.
   In many ways, I'm only a week old, too. Everything looks different now, a lighter shad. A baby! In my arms! I pinch myself. She's still there, with her head on my knees, waving her hands. I'm crazy in love and scared to death."
   From the book Rockabye, by Rebecca Woolf

Waiting patiently for "Shim" to make an entrance.

Beautiful baby GIRL!!!

8 pounds, 6 ounces?! I almost fainted.

Love at first site.

Two becomes three.

Daddy's little girl.

Special moments.

Precious baby girl!

Eskimo kisses.

This took a while to get it secure. Aubri was not happy.