One Month Already!

Dearest Alex "Lexie',
It's hard to believe a month has already passed!  You went to the doctor yesterday and your weight is up to 8 lbs, 10 oz!  Mommy didn't catch your weight; I must remind her to pay closer attention.  I've got your pictures in my 'Brag Book', and we're taking you your Great-Aunt Liz's wedding to your soon-to-be Great-Uncle Bryan on Sat.  Then on Sunday, we're taking you to St. Martin's Church in Martinsville and showing you off to our friends up there.  I hope Fr. John is still there.

Your head control continues to improve, and we've finally figured out to feed you in small doses.  Otherwise, you spit up buckets, esp all over Grandma, lol!  And most importantly, you've won over your grandpa!  Good girl!

You've been a joy to take to lunch, or hang out with your grandma in the mornings or late evenings.  Daddy has a job now, and works 11pm-7am at GenTron, where they make refrigerator parts.  So far, he's been on the job for three weeks and doing well.

I forgot to as your mom if she tried to put you in the pool yesterday.  Probably not; I tried dipping your mom's toes in the pool when SHE was a month old; she didn't like it.  Squealed and curled up her feet, so back to the stroller for her.  Uncle Kyle was 2.5 at the time and loved spending the afternoon at the pool.

We just survived a hot stretch.  Temps were in the hundreds for nearly two weeks.  It seems funny to say 'Thank God it's in the 80's!'

If I'm repeating myself, I apologize.  You rolled over at the two week mark, and Grandma caught it all on video.  Uncle Kyle and Mommy were very happy to witness it!

That's all the news for now, darling girl.  Til next time:)

Love,
Grandma

You Are Here!

Dear Alex,
In all the excitement of last week, I forgot to post again.

Last Thursday, June 7th at 9pm, Dr. Baker decided your mommy had had enough 'torture' and decided to assemble the c-section team.  You were born at 10:50pm, and I snapped your first picture when they carried you to the nursery.  I watched the nurse give you a bath; you clearly did not like it, although you quieted down when she washed and dried your back, and again when she washed your hair.  You were born with a full head of dark hair, which we think should lighten up.

At first glance, I thought you looked like your mommy, but by the time we could hold you, we could tell you had your daddy's chin dimple; his eyes; and possibly his nose and ears.

You are such a good baby!  You hardly cry; you fuss a bit, but no prolonged screaming fits.  And you don't mind being passed around.

We had your photo taken before you left the hospital, and I've also shot several short videos of you interacting with your mommy, daddy, and grandpa.

You are now a week old and this week has flown by.  I'm looking forward to taking you to your first baseball game; to the Farmer's Market; and to church on Sunday.

You are holding up your head fairly well, and you turn your head to see who's talking or walking around.  You also finally got the hang of nursing, so bottle-feedings aren't so frequent anymore.

Til your next milestone...

Love,
Grandma

The Waiting Game

Dear Alex,
On Monday, your mother was still dilated at 2cm and since Dr. Baker is leaving for vacation soon, he asked you mommy if she'd like you to be born today, June 7th.  She happily agreed, so we arrived this morning at 7am.  The doctor broke Mommy's water around 9am, and it's been a slow progression.  Mommy requested pain meds around noon, and an epidural around 1:30.  It is now 7pm, ten hours later, and she's finally dilated to 4cm.  Looks as if your Uncle Kyle may get his wish; he wants you to be born on the 8th, which is his half birthday.

Your father and I are enjoying a quiet day; he's on your mom's laptop and I've been reading.  I bought breakfast this morning (Burger King) and your Grandma Sandi gave your daddy money for lunch and dinner.  I left for about 90 minutes this afternoon, to retrieve my phone and Kindle chargers, and to eat lunch myself (McDonalds).  Not sure what I'll eat for dinner.  Your mommy's had a popcicle and some jello.  She's napping at the moment, which is good.  She only got 2 hours of sleep last night, due to having a long talk with Uncle Kyle.

Everyone is awaiting your arrival sweetie:)  And after you're born, Grandpa and I will finally go get your stroller/car seat!

Your crib arrived; no word yet on when it will be set up.

Hoping your entry into the world is smooth and effortless:)

Love,
Grandma

Miss Alex?

Dear little one:

Last week, we saw another picture of you, and early indications point to your being Alexandria Nicole.  It also appears you've inherited your father's features, but it's still early yet.  Doctor says you now weigh half a pound are doing great.

Your mother caught the stomach flu the other day, but I think is now finally able to keep food down.  I just pray you develop into a healthy child, despite your mother's nutritional ailments.

Until next time,
Love,
Grandma

Holiday Happenings

Dear little one....
I am so sorry to report your great-great-grandmother passed away on Christmas Day, before we even got the chance to let her know you were on the way.  Granny Jean Dilly McIntire had fallen and cracked her pelvis early in December, and contracted pneumonia a week before Christmas.  She got to spend Christmas with Jesus, your great-great-grandfather Norman, and your great-great-Aunt Julie, who passed in 1994 and 1993 respectively.

I will admit, your parents went their separate ways the first part of December, but before Christmas, they were communicating again.  They are just babies themselves, but know your grandma has every intention of doing what's best for YOU and your MOTHER.

Your mother is still losing weight and having problems keeping food down, or eating very little.  We saw the doctor last week and heard your strong heartbeat.  We'll be seeing you again tomorrow, and finding out if you're to be named Alexandria Nicole or Anthony Edward.

Your father has moved to Rockport with his Aunt Tina, and is in his first week of working at Grandy's as a cook.  Your mother speaks to him on a regular basis, and so far the drama has been minimal.

I looked at the saved baby clothes yesterday; whether you are a boy or a girl, you will have plenty of clothing when you're born, as well as baby blankets.  We are still deciding if you'll follow your Uncle Will and sleep in a pack-n-play, or set up a crib in your mother's room.

And joy of joys....she's beginning to feel you move around!  I'm looking forward to the day when I get to feel your tiny foot against her abdomen.

I will probably write to you again in a few days.

Love,
Grandma