I think we're finally starting to get the hang of this parenting thing. Don't get me wrong, we're still learning something new everyday and having "aha" moments where you're so thankful this little baby won't remember our stupid mistakes. For example, the other day I was on a cleaning spree through the house and took a break and feed Annabelle. Since she has a tendancy to spit up I have spit up cloths laying in each room so I can grab one if I need it. Well this time she spit up more than usual and it was going all over her outfit so I reached for a burp cloth and began wiping her mouth and not just dabbing, really getting as much as I could only to realize I was wiping her mouth with the dusting rag and not her nice clean cloth...and then I panicked and called my mom to find out if I had poisoned our child.

So needless to say we are experimenting with diapers, formula, generic, name brand, bedtimes, bathtimes, feeding times, it's all brand new! Last Thursday was her doctor's appointment and they have her 1 shot and I cried as she screamed and then they put her in my arms to comfort her. Within 2 minutes of holding her and singing "Jesus Loves Me" softly in her ear she was smiling and falling asleep while tears continued to pour down my face. This mommyhood thing will turn you from a tough independent woman into a mushy, sappy, teary mom who would rather get 10 shots than watch her child get just 1.

She's becoming more and more like a little person and not a little doll I change, feed, and burp 24/7. She smiles at me and really knows what she's smiling at and laughs in her sleep which makes my heart soar because it gives me a glimpse into the future when we'll laugh together at movies, funny stories from her day, and silly embarrassing moments we're share. We play peek a boo, sing songs, lay on the floor to play with her toys, and fall asleep together on the couch during our favorite shows. I had no idea she would change so quickly and I don't take a single day for granted as I watch her grow.

Now that the weather is warming up we have taken her to church, Hillary and Savannah come over and take them for walks in their strollers, and I'm looking forward to the summer when we get to spend the days at the pool and time with our families. With each day I am learning how to be a better mother and Tony is amazing as he supports me as a mom and effortlessly adjusts to fatherhood. We are able to sit on the couch as a family and watch TV and go for drives with her happily strapped in her carseat watching the world go by. And even now as I write this she is kicking freely in her boppy next to me watching American Idol and smiling, I'm not sure what she's smiling at but it doesn't matter, she's just so happy!

Annabelle will be 8 weeks old when I go back to school to finish the school year. It's bittersweet, but I will anticipate picking her up everyday at 3:30, ready to see her little face. And 9 weeks later I will start summer break and we will get to spend everyday together once again- I think that's why it's a little easier to go back.

We are loving us some Annabelle these days and we couldn't be happier as a family...the Lord has blessed us abundantly and I am so thankful for these 6.5 weeks!