Sitter

Holland went to the sitter (Ms. Lori) today for the first time. Jenn went to school to work in her room so she took Holland to Ms. Lori's mid-morning to get used to the surroundings. The other kids loved having Holland around and were very curious. She took her full nap while she was there and was in a good mood when she woke up. Jenn got there to pick her up right before she woke up and said she could see her in the monitor as she was waking up. She looked around for a second or two trying to figure out where she was and then started to smile and "talk."

We feel really good about Ms. Lori's and hope it goes well. Holland will be there all day starting Friday, that is, if daddy doesn't try to stay home with her all day!!!

This weekend is going to be a big weekend for us all. We are going up to Kentucky to go skiing!!!! It will be Holland's first trip on a boat. We want to introduce her to boats and the water as much as possible right now since we will be getting a boat next spring. This will also be the first time we've skied in 2 summers. I just hope neither one of us hurts ourselves!!! We'll take plenty of pictures and post them when we return.

We Went to Church Today

Holland made her first trip to church this morning. We didn't put her in the day care and she sat with us in the sanctuary. We went to the 8:00 service since it was right after her first feeding and were hoping she would take a cat nap during the service. She sat in daddy's lap for about 20 minutes until she started to yawn and get restless. Then, mommy stood up with her in the back and within 5 minutes she was out and slept the rest of the time. We were difinitely not the ones with the noisey baby in church!! At least not this time.

Holland's First Trip to the Pool

Holland took her first trip to the pool today. It wasn't too hot outside so it was very comfortable for all of us. We first put her feet in the kiddie pool and stood her up for a few minutes. She didn't mind that at all so we sat her down in the water and she loved it!!!! While she was sitting down some kids came over to see her and jumped in and accidentally splashed water in her face. She got fussy for a second because we think it scared her more than anything. But, after a few seconds, Jenn put her back down in the water and she was fine again. Now that we've got that out of the way, we will be teaching her to dive off the side of the pool next weekend along with all four major swimming strokes. She'll be ready for the 2012 Olympics in no time.

I'm a Stinker

We had a big day last Saturday. Holland's "Poppy" came from Bowling Green to visit and we all went to a fish fry at our friend Bobby's house. Holland did very well considering how hot it was. She sat around with Jenn and Poppy, as well as in her swing as long as the fan was blowing on her.

She's been sitting in her Bumbo a lot lately and has discovered her feet. If she could figure out a way to get them in her mouth, she would. I have a feeling it won't be long before that happens. She still can't quite figure out the thumb thing, but there's no question she prefers her thumb/hand over a pacifier.

Sip N See in BG

Trying to get caught up

We're trying to get some of these pictures caught up to date so we can start posting on a more regular basis and documenting what's going on. That way not every post has a slide show either.

Some of these photos include Holland's first family trip out to a restaurant. We went to Mellow Mushroom several weeks ago and sat out on the patio. The weather was great and Holland enjoyed it. She did not like sitting in her car seat the whole time but that's ok. We took turns holding her while we ate. There are also pictures of her first trip to Louisiana to see her Gigi and Paw along with Davey, Tracy, Sydney and Cameron. We left at 8:15 Monday night and drove throughout the night. She woke up a couple of times but overall she did an awesome job. She got fussy the last 20 minutes or so and we finally got to mom and dad at about 5:30 Tuesday morning. We thought better of it on the way back and stopped in Meridian, MS and spent the night. She got her first taste of a hotel that night.

Holland also celebrated her first Fourth of July weekend by rolling over for the first time. She's laughing all the time now and drooling everywhere. She must be cutting teeth but it hasn't affected her sleeping, yet (knock on wood).

That's all for now. More to come.

Holland's First Weeks

Holland Avery was born April 5, 2008 at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. She was born at 7:23 a.m., weighed 8 lbs., and was 20.5 inches long. Jennifer was in labor for around 12 hours and everything went very well. We know that most people know all of this, but we want to make sure everyone remembers!!! Over the last 3 months, Holland has changed dramatically and has been such a joy to be around. She must have her mom's personality, and her dad's digestive system!!! She has gotten to where she is sleeping around 10 hours during the night and wakes up in such a good mood. She is smiling, laughing a little, talking in code and has rolled over once already. Bella (our 3 year old boxer) has adjusted very well and we call her our little "nanny." Bella will go into Holland's room to check on her and make sure she can hear her and then is satisfied. She loves to smell and lick Holland and wags her tail when she is around her.

This blog is where we will be keeping everyone informed and up to date on events and happenings in our lives. That way, I don't have to keep sending pictures through e-mail all the time. Check back regularly for new photos and updates!!!!