Mardi Gras and playing with Annabelle

We had a good time this morning. Jackson was trying on his Mardi Gras gear. Then he played with baby sis (who happens to be 3 weeks old today).

Bringing home Annabelle was an adjustment for Jackson but everyday gets better and better. Although he wants our undivided attention, he has been protective of Annabelle since the day we brought her home. He loves to check on "baby" and he will gently pat her. He is working on saying her name but it is a little tough. We can say "Anna" and "Beya" but not together. He likes to point out her hair, eyes, nose and mouth. He does not like it when she cries so diaper changes and bath time can be a challenge. Last week, when Mimi was changing Annabelle's diaper, Annabelle was crying. Jackson did not like it. I guess he thought Mimi was the cause of her crying so he smacked her on the leg. I thought it was a fluke until I got smacked earlier this week during an unhappy diaper change. Can't fault him for being a good big brother!

Sweet baby girl

More fun pics of Jackson

Jackson having good times

Jackson has been having a blast with the grandparents. Poor Cee was here the week we had freezing temps so we couldn't go outside. One day, Cee and Jackson had a little parade with a homemade float of stuffed animals riding on one of Jackson's toys. It was pretty funny. Jackson also learned to drink out of a straw which was very exciting for him. I think he drank 5 gallons of liquid the day he learned how. Since Mimi and Poppy have been here we have had really warm temps. So, Jackson has gotten lots of time outside walking the pups, playing with his toys and blowing bubbles. He is a happy boy. Russell and I are in trouble when all the help and "attention" leaves!

More pics of our babies

Jackson still has a bit of a runny nose so I haven't tried to get the babies together for another pic. So, for now, I chase Jackson around for individual pics. As for Annabelle, I just try to catch her awake. As you can see, it isn't too easy!

Chugga chugga choo choo

Jackson is enjoying his Valentine.

2 week check up

Yesterday, Annabelle went to the doctor for her two week check up. She now weighs 8.4 pounds which is in the 49th percentile. She is in the 78th percentile for length. She is a healthy little girl!

Happy Valentine's Day

Lazy Sunday

Every day is lazy for this little girl! Don't you love the bow. Baby girl has an assortment of hair accessories and I even ordered more last week before we went to the hospital. Jackson is fascinated by them so we let him pick out her hair accessory today. Good job! Too bad, after he picked it out he wanted to put it on and take it off of her over and over again. He just wanted to make sure it was perfect for his baby sister!

Our babies!

We are doing great! Annabelle sleeps far more than Jackson ever did (and Mommy and Daddy are SO grateful for that). So far, she is such an easy baby. It also helps to have great grandparents. Cee stayed with us for the last 9 days. She helped so much. She took care of Jackson and helped with cooking and cleaning. Unfortunately, she flew back to Mississippi today. Good thing, Mimi and Poppy will be flying in tomorrow morning. I have taken lots of pics lately and will post more soon.

One week old

More pics to come soon . . .

Annabelle's debut

The hospital were Annabelle was born was filming a commercial. They asked us if Annabelle could be in it. The commercial is supposed to tell the story of another baby that was delivered there a few months ago. Of course, we were super flattered that they wanted Annabelle to be in the commercial. Apparently, some of the nurses told the administrator about her - how beautiful she was, of course! So, Friday night, Russell, Annabelle and I headed back to the hospital for her debut. It was super easy. Everyone was very accomodating to us. They shot Annabelle's scenes as soon as we got there so we didn't have to stay on set for long. Annabelle didn't say a peep the entire time. She pretty much slept through the whole thing. We didn't mind all the cooing over her while we were there. When her scenes were over, the photographer and the videographer asked me to sit on the bed with her so they could get extra footage for us to have. They are going to send us a video and e-mail us all the pictures that were taken. At first, Russell was a little hesitant but I wanted to do it. When filming got started, he was making sure to get lots of videos and pictures with our camera and he was grinning from ear to ear the whole time. Needless to say, we are very proud parents!

Bringing Annabelle home

Hanging out at the hospital

Here are a few pics from our time at the hospital. We got the approval to leave on Thursday but we decided to stay an extra day. So glad we did. The extra day gave us time to really unwind from the delivery and to take advantage of the nurses and lactation consultants. The extra time provided us with lots of extra tips and advice. We also managed to have a little fun when Jackson came to visit!

Annabelle's Birthday

Baby girl arrived today at 11:53 am. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces. She is just as amazing and beautiful as we thought she would be. Believe it or not, we did not take nearly as many pictures as we normally would. We really just spent time with our family and two babies and soaked it all in.

Jackson was a little unsure at first. He didn't want her to cry, luckily she doesn't much. He really perked up when he got a big gift from the "baby." It really helps to have Mimi and Poppy here. There is enough attention to go around! As for the pics, tomorrow, I'll be sure to get many more.