Holidays with my Little Bestie

Dear Little Miss Amberly Faith,

This Christmas break has been the most exhausting ever. You are too awesome, darling, feisty, cuddly, fun, etc.

 

Sometimes I go to the work to prepare a bottle for you, just because it's so stinkin adorable to see you take it. (It's also a nice break for myself. Breastfeeding has proven to come with its own world of challenges.)

 

 

You are growing and changing every day. Look how tight this shirt is on you! Only seven weeks ago you wore this home from the hospital.

I love love love that tummy!

 

See the difference? Crazy Baby! Now that you are thriving and healthy, feel free to slow down pretty please!! It is awesome to watch you grow but it breaks my heart at the same time.

(On our way home from the hospital)

 

 You can be a little diva from time to time. You like taking over Mommy and Daddy's bed.

Spread eagle!

 

And you certainly have an opinion on things. You're rather vocal some times.

The cutest pouty face I have ever seen. Sorry can't help but love it.

 

Grandma gave you a really great Christmas present. I know I've been looking forward to it!

 

It's this sweet baby gym! My hope is that these toys keep you awake for longer portions of the day, as we're still working on getting you to sleep earlier at night. You LOVE to be wide awake from about 10pm to 1:30am (at least for the holidays).

Christmas Eve was especially tricky. I guess you were just too wired and excited about Santa Clause coming! I knew you'd be exhausted all Christmas day, so we snuggled for the majority of the morning. 

 

Don't worry, I opened your presents for you Goose.

It's kind of obvious to say but...I am so crazy about you.

Even if I fall asleep on a dime these days...

 

Daddy too. He is such an amazing father and companion to your mama. He sure treats his gals right!

 

He is really good about watching you each morning so I can go workout. This Christmas was awesome because my best workout buddy was in town! Mary and I worked out together three times and spent hours doing all kinds of mommy talk.

 

 

You met Cora Jayne and Mary and I are just hoping you'll be future college roommates! :)

 

You also met beautiful Stephanie and cuddled up with her! She is so great with babies. Just love that girl.

 

 

 

You also finally met your Aunty Mary! She loves you so much, she can never hand you to anyone else! 

 

 

Quality time with Uncle Matt because you are the best best best to snuggle with.

 

 

You also met Uncle Dan and Aunt Alicia! You've officially made all the rounds.

 

 

Your daddy and I are really looking forward to this weekend! Your baby blessing, my angel. We had to do a practice run and make sure your gorgeous dress fits you for your special day. You look breathtaking!

 

So Little Bestie, I'm just so smitten. I hope you like me some day as much as I like you. You are changing every single day, and you are my entire universe.

 Love, The Mama

 

 

 

 

 

1 Month

Happy one month old birthday (yesterday) Little Bestie! We are getting rather close, you and I. We discuss when Daddy is away how we both know the truth: you are such a mama's girl.

You are growing so nicely, finally getting a little chub on those cheeks, belly, and thighs! You lock eyes with me more, and I am just awaiting to see that smile when you're awake (although those smiles of yours while you're sleeping are pretty darn cute too).

Dad and I love  to hear you "coo" when you are super cozy and comfortable.
On the other hand, you can bust out what Mama calls a "Level 10 cry" to showcase your fiesty side. One extreme to another...where on earth did you get that from? :-) :-) :-)

We are kindred spirits, Little Miss. I'm so glad to call you mine.

My Christmas

Thanks Aunty Alicia, we love the Santa onesie! Lots of "coos" came about in these comfy jammies.

Love,
Your Mama

Her First Thanksgiving

It was only one year ago last November that we went to the Utah Fertility Center in Pleasant Grove and met with Dr. Foulk for a consultation. Our third attempt at seeking some help. A lot can change in 12 months.

 

We are so grateful for our doctor and the entire team at the fertility center, and especially for our Amberly Faith.

 

Don' worry, she just slept on Daddy like this on Thanksgiving morning! Just a big bear hug for her favorite man.

 

Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays.

I even got to play in the annual Turkey Bowl this year! Go figure. I definitely thought I'd be massively pregnant or in the hospital.

Back and forth between the two families, as always! Packing up for the five day weekend was an all-day event. Jonathan and I thought we'd leave for Centerville around 10am, and left around 2pm. It was hilarious. I learned my lesson!

Little Amberly met her Uncle Anthony and fell right asleep on him. 

 

She also met her Uncle Seth! Blast, I just realized I never got a photo of her with Uncle Nate. :(

 Just Uncle Dan left, and Amberly has finally met all the uncles!

And back to the Dittos: Baby hungry much? (Okay I totally was too!!)



 These are such sweet moments. Aunt Sara also met Baby Girl for the first time and could hardly put her down. Amberly had a "sleepover" with her aunty and Grandma Ditto unti 4:30am.

(Blessed day for me to get some consecutive hours of rest!)

 

Doting and adoring. She is such a precious girl.

Jon and I have a new favorite: Family nap time together. 

And it was bath time again while we were out of town! Such a gorgeous little baby.

Grandma Mecham had to get the camera again because Amberly is too dang cute.

 

Ahhh you're choking me!

 

Still hating baths! (At least the before and after part) This girl cannot stand being cold! Jon tries his best to keep her warm, it's pretty darling! 

She's so sad...

 

But she smells so good!

 

I can't get enough pictures of this precious little soul. I want to document and remember and re-live every single moment.

 

She LOVES to snuggle, especially with her daddy because he is so much warmer than me! Sometimes she will only sleep if someone is holding her.

Little angel.

My life is sleep-deprived and simplified. My body hurts like never before as I continue to recover from delivery and nurse my daughter.  And I have never been better or more grateful. My first Thanksgiving with my daughter.