Way Too Long!!!

I know it's been way too long since posting. We've just been so busy. Here are some pictures from our trip to Myrtle Beach.

This is Alexis and I, she loves the pool!!!

This is Alexis and Craig. She's watching the fish, he's watching her.

This is Alexis and I at the Ripley's Aquarium. We got season passes so we can go back.

We had a great time. She's growing up so fast and we want to enjoy every moment we have with her. I hope to post more often now, but who knows-life always gets in the way.

Daycare

This week I did what I swore I would never do-I put Alexis in daycare. Our plan-before the economy fell apart-was that I would only work part-time on weekends so I would be home during the week to care for Alexis. However, I am the only parent with employment at the moment, so we felt that Alexis needed to get started in daycare, so that if Craig got a job offer he could start right away.

I have hated having her away from me this week. I know that we all need an adjustment period, but mine will probably last longer then Alexis'. Her teachers are just wonderful. They seem to really enjoy what they do.

The best and worst thing is that they have a camera in every room. So while I'm at home I can see her in her room. I have enjoyed the fact that I can check-up on her, but I seem to be doing it all the time now. I guess this will get better with time.

Six Months and Vacation

Our baby girl is 6 months old. I can't believe how fast this time has flown. Six months ago, I didn't think that my dream to be a mom would ever come true and now I couldn't imagine doing anything else but being a mom. Alexis has changed so much, she can sit by herself, stand with assistance and can eat many veggies-starting fruits soon. I feel so blessed to have the best and most amazing family.

We are also finishing our vacation at the Outer Banks. We are here with Craig's parents, his brother and his wife. This is the fourth year we've had a big family vacation. (Craig and I are discussing NOT doing this again next year, I need a break) It's been great to show Alexis the beach, the pool and all the other wonderful things that come with vacation.

I was very proud of myself this week. I climbed 257 steps to the top of the Cape Hatteres Lighthouse. It took a while for me to make it to the top, but I was so glad I did. The view was just amazing.

Although vacation is fun, it will sure be nice to sleep in my own bed soon!!!

Mother's Day

For years this has been a very difficult day for me. Although very thankful for my own mother, I was constantly reminded of my own desire to be a mother. Every year on Mother's Day, I would cry just knowing that another year had past without me becoming a mother. I know this sounds like a pity party, but all those years without a child has made me appreciate how wonderful it is to finally be a mother.

For 5 wonderful months I have been the mother to a beautiful baby girl named Alexis. I feel so very blessed to have her in my life and I know that if God chooses for us not to have any more children I feel so complete with Alexis in my life.

As wonderful as this day is for me, I can't help but think of the wonderful young woman out there who is probably crying today. She is Alexis birthmother. This woman choose life for her pregnancy, gave birth to my daughter and placed her in my arms to care for her. I am so thankful to this woman and the sacrifices that she has made.

For now on, I will be thankful that I am a mother, but also so very thankful for the woman who gave her life.

Veggies!!!

I can't believe how well my little Alexis eats her veggies. We have been working for the last 3 weeks feeding her different veggies. She can now eat green beans, peas and squash. I'm so impressed with her ability to catch on to eating so well. She seems to be doing so well-it makes me so proud to be her mommy.

Daddy day care is going well. I know Craig loves staying home with Alexis. I had always thought that I would be the one who would stay home while Craig worked, but we've made adjustments in our life due to the bad economy. I know that it's unconventional, but it works for us. Maybe someday the tables will turn, and I'll get my chance to be a stay at home mommy.

Hendersonville

Craig, Alexis and I went back home to Hendersonville this past weekend. I had many days off in a row, and since Craig had lost his job, we decicded to spend the weekend with family.

We watched the NFL draft with PaPa, we couldn't wait to see who the Panther's would draft. Craig and I have watched the draft with my dad for years and it was fun to share this event with Alexis. Nana doesn't understand the draw of thousands of fans watching the draft, but she always stocks the house with plenty of goodies for those of us who want to spend the day in front of the TV for this great event.

We also got to see our nephew, Byrce play baseball. He just turned 5 this winter and is playing on a coach-pitch baseball team for 5-7 year olds. He hit the ball almost every time he was up to bat. Each member of the team gets to bat each inning, even after they have past the three outs. They have 3 innings each game. The don't post the score-this way it's just a fun game for all playing. It was great to see Bryce have such a great time.

Red and White.............and Pink?

This past weekend we took Alexis to her first NC State football game. NC State had it's annual spring game, known as the Red and White game. We decided that since it was such a beautiful day that we would take Alexis and show her one of her daddy's favorite places. She was so well behaved and seemed to enjoy seeing all the people. We only stayed for the first half, because we didn't want to wear Alexis out.

I have never been more proud of being a Wolfpacker as I was on Saturday. As most of you know our beloved women's basketball coach, Kay Yow lost her battle with breast cancer earlier this year. All of the coaches had on pink shirts and hats, they painted the 50 yard line pink and they renamed the red and white game, The Kay Yow Spring Game. We were also asked to bring a donation for the Kay Yow foundation. We raised over 28,000 dollars for cancer research. I was so proud of the support that Wolfpackers gave to such a wonderful cause.

We hope to attend this game annually with Alexis. We also hope to bring her to some regular season games when she is a bit older. You will see us there with our beautiful daughter dressed as a NC State cheerleader.