She's 4 months old!

Well, my baby girl turned 4 months old the day after Christmas. She's getting so big. She had her check-up yesterday and we found out that she weighs 15 lbs!!! And is only 23 5/8 inches long. The 76th percentile in her weight and 26th in her height. Shorties run in the family...and she no doubt, is going to be a short one. The doctor also said that she is a month or two advanced in her motor skills which was really exciting. I have a genius on my hands folks. My baby girl is just perfect....still. ;-)

The last week of this month my husband is flying me to OK to stay with a friend for a few nights. I'm quite excited about that. She just moved there not too long ago and I haven't really had a chance to hang out with her since I had Anna-Kate....but maybe once. So it's going to be super fun. Whoot.

Today is my last day of babysitting for a friend. I've been doing it for a week and a half. It's been a challenge because I can't leave the house all day...and I'm used to being able to take a little nap when I'm feeling tired and I haven't been able to do that. I've been so used to nice, peaceful days with just my daughter and me that having other youngsters in the house kind of makes that a little hard. But it was good and now it's over. I'll probably go through withdrawls.

another new life

So, my sister-in-law delivered my fourth niece on December 2nd. Makyla "Kylee" Lane was born at 10:14 a.m. weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. There she is right with Anna-Kate in their matching onesies. So precious!!! Hopefully they will grow to be good friends. Christmas is going to be some great fun with three little girls all under 4 months of age. Yippee! We'll all be celebrating "baby's first Christmas" together. Whoop.

my babe

It's hard to believe that my little Anna♥Kate is three months old today. How crazy! Her present milestones include: looking at her hands, LAUGHING, rolling from back to side, kicking her feet wildly, throwing fits, and knowing exactly who her momma and daddy are. And oh man, those giggles, they melt my heart. I have such a love for this little gal, a love that I never knew was possible. I often think about how I could ever love another child so much, but I know without a doubt that my heart has enough love for all, I just wonder how it's possible. My heart already wants to explode sometimes from all the lovin' feelings. Haha! No, but really, in this little child I capture the goodness of God. I can't even imagine the kind of love He has for his children or what His heart feels like ALL the time-a BIG EXPLOSION of love. I'm thankful that I get to take part in just a tiny bit of the whole thing.

When I look at Anna-Kate I'm amazed by her perfect little detailed face. I mean, what an AMAZING GOD! Seriously! I can't believe how perfect He made us all. It's not common for me, or most people (I think), to sit and stare at another adult and think about how great God is for creating such an amazing reflection of himself, but when you sit and stare at a sleeping child for hours it envokes such a love for the God who created it all. I am overwhelmed by all the sweet revelations that have come from simply being a mom...not that being a mom is simple at all.

Anyways, faster than I know, I'll be celebrating her first year with us. I want to cherish every moment... and sometimes stop time. But I know with every passing day that God gives me the grace and heart that I need to do this job called parenting-aka-the best job in the world!

new life

My aunt delivered her first child on October 15, 2007. Little Abigayle Fayth weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. She is sooo cute. Now, I must show you the size difference between her and her sweet cousin Anna♥Kate.

Why didn't anyone tell me my kid was so huge?!?!?! I mean, I knew she was a fluffy girl but look, she's only 7 weeks older than Abigayle and double her size! I guess it's okay though, Abigayle hasn't had multiple feedings of the most fattening milk of all-mommy milk. Haha. Give it a few weeks and Abby will be looking fluffy too.

baby musings

According to my last blog, I sure was a pain during those last couple weeks of pregnancy. Sorry to all who had to endure it.

So, I guess it's time to update a little. As most of you know, Anna-Kate Elizabeth Gathright was born on August 26, 2007 at 9:30 pm. She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

This next Friday she'll be TWO months old. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It's crazy to think about. It felt like just yesterday that I was trying to sweep the floor through my contractions. (Weird, I know.)

I love these little phases she's going through but I sometimes miss her being so little.....and quiet. Haha. And I know, she's only going to get bigger and louder!

I went to the doctor the other day for myself and I had them weigh her just for fun and she weighs 11 lbs. 8 oz.! I have a chunker on my hands. Nah, she's purely fed breastmilk. I guess it really is the best.

Anyways, oh boy does this little girl bring me so much joy. I love those little moments where she looks at me like she knows exactly who I am and I am who she needs. It melts my heart. Oh, and those smiles, they drive me crazy. And she has these little faces, faces that say, "what the heck are you doing Mom?" It's so funny! She has such a wonderful personality already. I can't imagine what another year will bring me. But, I'm definitely not rushing it. I think a lot of moms make the mistake of wishing the next phase of life from their child that they forget to soak up the moment of right now. Moms-you will never get these days back. ENJOY THEM!

Well, that's all for now. I'll leave you with my precious smiles.