Breaking and Entering

Today I had my scariest parenting moment thus far. I'm sure there will be many more, but I hope not again for awhile. It all started with me noticing the mail-lady driving down the street, and my instant need to get the mail. I had just finished nursing Bailey and she is laying naked on a waterproof pad to air out her still horrible diaper rash. Emma Catherine is playing near her. I unlock the front door and run the 10 or so steps it takes to get to our mailbox. I get the mail and run back to the front door. I push the handle to open the door, and it is locked, and Emma Catherine is standing inside looking at me. For those of you who know me, panic can come quickly so I try to stay calm. I plead with Emma Catherine to turn the lock to let me in. I could hear her trying to turn the lock but she can't turn it. I then tell her to go get her step stool and bring it to the door, which she does, but still no luck unlocking the door. By this time I really am starting to panic. (By the way, I am still in my pajamas) Since I know that our only neighbors are at work, I decide my only option is to go across the street and see if one of the construction workers that I've been complaining about for the past 2 weeks will come and help me. A very nice worker brings some credit cards over to try to help, which do not work. I use his phone to try to call Ryan and Ryan doesn't answer. Then the worker suggests my options are to either call a locksmith or he could break the lock off for me. I decide that breaking the lock will be the quickest option because I can hear Bailey crying in the living room. At this point Emma Catherine is oblivious to what is going on. She has started showing us her toys and building with her blocks. The worker goes and gets his tools, and finally after much work on his part, he gets the door open. Needless to say, we will now be hiding a spare key outside, and I will not be checking the mail until Emma Catherine is napping. Below is a picture of what our dead-bolt looks like now. Good thing I can laugh about this now because I was not laughing this morning.

Happy Easter!

Jesus is Alive! I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter. It was so great to celebrate Jesus and His resurrection. We feel so blessed to be members of a wonderful church. We had our service at the convention center downtown and it was a great time of praise and worship and Pastor Tony's message was really good. Jesus was definitely glorified!

Emma Catherine checking out some of her Easter presents.

Emma Catherine is telling Bailey, "It's okay, baby."

P.S. My mom smocked the girls Easter dresses and they turned out beautifully. Thanks Mom!

For all you Auburn fans...

We have been teaching Emma Catherine about Auburn since she was born and we are finally seeing the fruits of our labor. She loves anything Auburn right now. She only wants to use her "Aubie" paci and she would wear her orange Auburn t-shirt everyday if we let her. When she walked into the room at the hospital to meet Bailey for the first time, we asked her what her little sister's name was. Her response, "Aubie." Also, this weekend she and Ryan were working on an alphabet puzzle. When they picked up each letter Ryan would tell her the picture And then ask her to say it. For example, for A he said, "say, apple." When they got to the T, he said, "say, tiger." Emma Catherine's response, "Aubie." Hooray, we have ourselves a little Auburn fan. WAR EAGLE!

2 Weeks Old

Bailey is now 2 weeks old and she weighs 8lbs 9 ozs. We are slowly adjusting to life with 2 kids, but boy things are busy. I'm not sure what I would do without my mom's help these past 2 weeks. We are all really going to miss her when she leaves Sunday. Emma Catherine loves her new sister, but is definitely having many "two year old" moments. On another note, please pray for Bailey because she has a HORRIBLE diaper rash. Her skin is bright red and raw and we have been to the doctor twice because it is not getting better. We've tried lots of creams and a homemade mix of aquaphor and maalox. Today the doctor suggested she may not be digesting the dairy in my diet, which could cause the rash. She also called in a prescription ointment, so as of today, I am on a dairy-free diet to see if it helps. This is going to be difficult, but my mom went out to the store and bought some lactose-free products for me to try. Here are some pictures of Bailey's first two weeks.

Here She Is!!

God was good and blessed us this morning with Bailey Caroline. She was born at 11:30 AM, weighs 8lbs 2oz, and is 20 in. long. She has really thick black hair.

Christen sees Bailey for the first time!

Enjoying our new edition!

Emma Catherine sees Bailey for the first time.

Emma Catherine is thrilled to be a big sister...at least for the moment!

Emma Catherine and Bailey with their Mia.

After getting a bath...we are not sure where all her hair came from.

No News is Good News

Well, I went to the doctor on Wednesday, but I really didn't find out anything new. My doctor didn't want to check me because it can actually start labor. She said that she didn't need to since we already have an induction date and we're really hoping that Bailey waits until then. So as it stands, we have to be at the hospital at 4:45 am this coming Thursday, the 21st. Thank you for your prayers for us and for baby Bailey. We will post pictures as soon as we can.

Ready or not...

...Bailey is coming soon. I went to the doctor this week and I have already progressed to 3 cm. The doctor is going to induce me on Feb. 21st, if I haven't already had her. That is less than 2 weeks away and we can't believe it. I was shocked because it feels like there is so much to do, but since the appointment I have calmed down. I went to Bible Study on Thursday and part of the lesson was about being confident in the Lord. I am going to be confident in God's plan for our family's life and also for Bailey's life. The Lord knows when Bailey will arrive and I am going to trust in that. My parents are flying into town on the 20th, so my hope and prayer is that she does not come until the 21st, but if God has other plans, I am confident that He's in control. The biggest issue is making sure that Emma Catherine is taken care of and a dear friend here has offered to watch Emma Catherine if Bailey comes early. I go to the doctor again next Wednesday, so I will update later in the week. Please pray for Bailey to be healthy and that I will have a calm delivery.