Mommy's Birthday

This past Sunday was my 1st birthday as a Mommy... my 29th all in all. ;-) To celebrate we went to Nagasaki Inn for some yummy Japanese with Honey, Poppy and Aunt MB. It was Aunt MB's last night in town, so it was bittersweet! We had a great time and Anna Claire really seemed intrigued by the fire on the table! She was so good, as usual and fell asleep just as the show was ending and we were beginning to eat.

It was a great weekend. Saturday night Brad and I got to go out for a real birthday date. Aunt Kelly and Grandmom held down the fort while we were gone. Thanks to all of our family and friends!

We miss you already Aunt MB!

New Year's Eve and a visit with Lyla

Lyla and Anna Claire


New Year's Day

Picture of Health!

Yesterday our Pediatrician's office called to inform us that the test Anna Claire had last week showed normal results. It revealed there are no structural problems or reflux issues! We go to see Dr. Childer's on the 19th for our 4 month check up. At that time the nurse said he would go into further detail. At this time they are not recommeding any further testing. Not sure what he is going to say, but suspect he may just let us know that one kidney is still measuring abnormally large, but that it is probably nothing to worry about and they may just monitor her closely as she is growing. So... great news and a big relief! Will update you after our appointment next week.

I have some great photo's to post and hope to do so later this week. For now, here is a cute shot from my phone. Not the best quality... but you can still see how adorable she is - ha!

Unbelievable!

This child is amazing and is full of joy! Yesterday we made a dreaded trip to the hospital for a test our pediatrician ordered to check out AC's kidney. As you may recall, during an ultrasound while I was pregnant they noted some fluid in one of her kidney's. It is probably nothing to be concerned about, but they have continued to monitor her closely since birth. After two different renal ultrasounds showed no change and some dialation in her right kidney they decided to do some further testing. Thursday they inserted a catheter into her bladder, injected it with dye and recorded internally, through x-ray - the flow of urine to determine if there was any urinary reflux into her kidney. While we do not yet have the results, we were shocked at how well she handled the test! She literally smiled throughout most of the test and did not shed a tear! The nurses were just as amazed as we were and said they "have never had one like this." I think she was just happy to be naked, looking at so many bright lights, playing with Mom and Dad and two very cheerful nurses. She loves to be adored and it seems people are happy to oblige! Anna Claire had no problem and I still shed some tears! I got a little panicked before the test while the nurse was describing the procedure. She said that they recently had a baby around Anna's age and that by the end of it the Mom, baby and nurse were all crying. That was NOT what I wanted to hear. Anyhow - we all remained calm during the test and even had a good laugh at how relaxed and happy Anna Claire seemed even during this awful test! She spent the entire time smiling, cooing and curiously looking around the room. She is such a happy baby and we feel so blessed. We are so proud of her! We should hear something next week or by the 19th when we return to Dr. Childers for her 4-month check up! They will explain the test results and recommend where to go from here. Hopefully it is nothing and we can just continue to monitor it as she grows. We are going to hope for the best and have no reason to think otherwise as she seems healthy and happy!

I plan to upload some more photos this weekend!

Nursery Pics and playtime

Just a few shots of the completed nursery, the infamous PINK Christmas tree and some playtime. I especially love the one of her in her candycane PJ's and the silly shot with her hat and pink cowboy boots... both Christmas gifts to fit her down the road. The one of her in her zip up suit is hilarious too... clearly she loved me putting her in it, but I had to try it! It will come in handy on these freezing, cold days! I am sure one day she will love playing dress up!

Holiday Fun

Our first Christmas with Anna Claire was great! We had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends and now we are recovering. I go back to work on Monday... not looking forward to it, but I think once I get into a routine it will be a good thing. These first couple of weeks may bring plenty of tears! As a matter of fact, they started last week! Here are a few pics... more to come tonight of the nursery and the pink tree, before it gets packed away until next Christmas!

Happy New Year!

P.S. - Anna Claire's next doc appt is Jan. 19th for her 4 month check up! I am not sure of her exact measurements but suspect she is between 12 and 13 lbs. Hard to believe!!! On Monday she will be 3 1/2 months old. She is sleeping like a champ... usually from about 10 PM to 6 AM and then goes back down after a bottle until about 8:30.