Happy New Year

This is Aubrey celebrating New Year's BEFORE her bottle...



This is Aubrey celebrating New Year's AFTER her bottle...



HA! Poor kid! The dogs are glad I am no longer messing with them though!!!
Happy New Year Everyone! Much love from the Williams!

Christmas 2008 recap

What a great week we had with the family! It was so much fun to be off all week and just be able to enjoy Aubrey! Last week we experienced a lot of firsts... first plane ride, first time in Texas, first time meeting Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and great-grandmas, first time eating formula, first Christmas, and first time flying first class! Boy, this week was exciting.
Well, I already updated you on how good she was on the flight to Texas. As far as being fussy, she got a little better by the end of the week and allowed others to hold her (which was a nice break for mom & dad). I realized once I got to Texas that I was not producing enough breastmilk so we started supplementing with formula. She took to it really well and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I am sad that I am not producing enough... but on the other hand, it is a little relief to know there is a good substitute. It has been really hard keeping up with pumping while I have been on the road with work. I get really busy, don't realize the time, and then am in a parking lot or rest stop trying to pump without flashing the world and getting it all over my clothes!!! I am still feeding at night but I honestly don't think I am going to keep much of a supply with how I am going about all this. So, for now, I hope I do not regret my decisions!
Texas was hot so it was weird to have Aubrey in short sleeve outfits during Christmas! We had a great reunion with my dad's side of the family so it was fun to show off the newest addition!
On the flight home, mom & Aubrey got to ride first class. The plane was a little delayed but Aubrey fell asleep in the terminal and did not wake up till we landed in Atlanta! The perfect little angel!!! All the other passengers were once again happy! When we landed, I took Aubrey to the bathroom to change and then fed her and got our luggage. Steve went and got the car and picked up our precious 4-legged kids at the park-n-bark where they stayed during the holidays. Steve picked Aubrey & I up curbside and we drove home. I loved being with family but it was SO nice to come home! Aubrey was up for a little while and then went to bed early. She woke up once around 1am and then slept until 8am. We were all very tired and looking forward to getting back in the swing of things around here!


Today we had another first! We sat in our bumbo for the first time and did GREAT! I have been a little worried about her neck strength because she HATES tummy time and was sick for the last 3 weeks, but her neck strength seems to be doing good and she did great sitting up! It was a little sad because I knew this was the first step to being a toddler!!!


We hope everyone had a great Christmas and we are looking forward to an exciting new year of more firsts!!!!

aubrey's first flight

It has been an exciting weekend... Aubrey flew to Texas to visit our family. I dared to take her alone since Steve is coming on Christmas Eve to Texas. We went through security, no problem ( we even got asked by 2 different groups if we needed help)! Getting mom's shoes back on and dressed again was interesting but we figured it out! we got to the gate after stopping to pick up a bananna and water, no problem. Sat at the gate for a while and mom heard a noise coming from Aubrey's bottom... went to the bathroom to change and figured out that we needed to to a whole wardrobe change! After we got all nice and clean we went back to the gate where there were no seats left. Aubrey and I sat on the floor when a nice gentleman offered his seat, we were nice and comfortable so we passed but thanked him very much! She did good waiting until the last little bit and she started to get fussy so I had to get her bottle out to start feeding her. Her bottle was still cold and she did NOT like that. I could feel some people glaring as they watched a crying baby waiting to get on THEIR flight. She didn't eat much and then it was time to board. ALL ZONES at one time... yeah!!! I was trying to get all my stuff together when a nice Columbian lady asked if I needed help. Clearly, I DID!!! She helped me with my bags and I got Aubrey clamed down. We got on the flight and Aubrey was just an angel from then on! I was able to warm up her bottle with my hands and she eat while we started in the air. She slept a little on the plane and sucked on her passy as we decended. She was taking the whole experience in with her big eyes. She was smiling at people as they walked off the plane and told her what a good job she did!
Now that we are in Texas, she hasn't been as good! She only seems to want her mommy and throws a fit when anyone else holds her. She is still sick with a cold and I think she just isn't feeling good. Today seemed to be a little better so we hope she gets used to her new environment and everyone will be able to enjoy the sweet little angel we all know!
We have an exciting week filled with family to visit. We look forward to Aubrey's first Christmas.

2 month checkup

Well, it has been a hard week for Aubrey (and mom & dad). She still has the cold. We went to the doctors on Tuesday and Thursday (yes, I might be a little obsessive)! I was just worried about how long she has been sick but the doctors keep confirming that she has the common cold, nothing more. I think she is getting better everyday, but to make things worse, she got her first round of shots on thursday! She actually did really good. We gave her a little tylenol before they started and right afterwards I was feeding her. She slept from noon to 7 so I know she was worn out! That night she had fever so she was up a lot. Steve was able to stay at home with her on Friday while I had to work in town so it was nice for her to have some daddy time!
As of Thursday, Aubrey weighed 10lbs 9-1/2oz; 21-3/4" in height; her head was 15"
Comparing her to other kids her exact age, she is in the 50% for weight and head size; and 25% for height. She might not be the tallest volleyball player, but maybe she will be fast!!!!!
Even though she has been sick all week, she really has been a sweet girl. A lot of coughing, sneezing, throwing up, and fever doesn't stop my little angel from smiling every now and then!
We head to Texas next week so I pray that she gets all cleared up this week so the plane ride is easy on us all!

Keystone Holiday Party

Last night we had Steve's work holiday party. Aubrey got to go to dinner with us and she slept all the way until dessert! She was an angel! Santa was there and he just was so sweet to her! She still has a little cold so I am home with her today, she needs a little "babying" so I am up for the job!

Our first cold

Well, Aubrey has her first cold. We went to the doctor today because she is in the beginning stages of a cold and I didn't want it to get worse in the night. No medication can be given, just saline nose spray (which she hates). Even though she isn't feeling good, a croupy cough and a running nose, she is still smiling and a joy to be with! My child is probably the only one who loves the nose plunger (or whatever it is called). She almost laughs out loud when you suck her boogies out!!! It is the small things that make me laugh too!!

Santa at the Flowery Branch Depot

Aubrey got to meet Santa this weekend! In our small town of Flowery Branch, Santa took the time to ask Aubrey what she wanted for Christmas! The line was pretty short but by the time we were next in line... Aubrey had a blow out!!! She was in such a cute outfit but it was now "decorated" on the leg! I wrapped the burp cloth around her leg and just had to apologize to Santa! After the picture we were in the other room doing a wardrobe change on the floor... life is so much more exciting with child!!! Needless to say, we had a great time!

it's friday!

This morning Aubrey looked so cute (again) I just had to share! Laurin Lucas, a highschool classmate, made this hat for her and I just think she looks so precious! We are going to try and see Santa this weekend so we hope to have a few good pictures to share soon!

Holiday Cheer

NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL A VENTI CUP OF HOLIDAY CHEER!!!!

A Great weekend

We had a great weekend in Mississippi, but as always, it is so nice to be home! Aubrey was such a joy this weekend. She has started smiling so much more and even the sounds of a laugh are coming through!! This week she will be 8 weeks old and we look forward to more milestones :)
Over the weekend we received a lot of books from her MawMaw. Tonight we took a bath and she fell asleep while I read to her. I think we have a new routine!!! It is the little things!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had an exciting day with the Williams family. Aubrey did a great job getting passed around so everyone could get a little love! Aubrey and I had a great nap this afternoon too!
Every year I am thankful for such a wonderful year, but this year was an extra special thanksgiving. Aubrey has added so much love to our life that it gives us even more to celebrate. God has blessed us and that is something to be extra thankful for!

the casual look

Here is Aubrey hanging out in her comfy clothes on a lazy Sunday!
After a long weekend with Dad sick we are glad to have everyone back to normal :)

the williams update!

Wow, what a week! I am enjoying being back at work. It is already crazy but it feels good too! We found out the nanny's grandson has Rotavirus (lots of diarea and vomiting) and lucky us, Steve now has the adult version! He has been sick since yesterday afternoon and cannot keep anything in him. We went to the doctor this morning and he gave him something for the nausea. He has been confined to the bedroom as I do not want him anywhere near me and Aubrey!

Aubrey has thrown up every night this week from her acid reflux but today she has already thrown up 3 times. I hope she is not getting sick. When she is awake she is still pleasant so many prayers that we make it through the weekend smoothly. I did take her to get her weight check and get this... she is 6-1/2 weeks old and weighs 9lbs, 15oz. ALMOST 10 POUNDS!!!! WOW! I guess she is getting enough food!

Yesterday I went to the doctor and found out that my high blood pressure is back so I am back on medicine. YUCK! The new meds she gave me should not be as strong so hopefully they will not make me as tired. I do not have time to get tired!!!

Keep us in your prayers. I am glad it is friday as I need some time to relax :)

I made it!!!

Today was a great day! I knew Aubrey was in great hands, I got so much done with work, all is good! It is almost 11pm and haven't gone to bed yet so I hope this isn't a new pattern :) I can't handle too many long days in a row!!! These old bones need some rest but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who called or emailed me to check on me! I think mom did a great job balancing today!!! I am thinking that I need to move to Europe for my next kid to get a year off because 6 weeks just isn't enough!!!
Much love to everyone, many kisses and sweet dreams :)

also, Aubrey has had 2 great nights in a row. I hope she keeps this up :) She has started throwing up every night though so I hope it isn't due to the bottle. If she keeps it up, I will have to figure out what is going on. I can only think it is due to the acid reflux since it is a symptom. The good thing is she wants to eat soon after and her weight seems to keep increasing. I will go get a weight check on her soon to confirm!!!

Aubrey's first day at school

Today is mommy's first day back to work (the paying job) and I dropped Aubrey off at Ruth Ann's. She is my next door neighbor who takes care of her gandkids so I am so happy that she has a loving home to go to during the day! I am back at the house working from home and this house is QUIET!!!! The dogs might even get to sleep without interuption!!! Well, off to work I go... wish me the best! No tears yet, but you just never know!!! :)

Aubrey

Mississippi State vs Alabama... sad, sad, sad!

Aubrey after last night's loss against Alabama. She is wondering why her daddy isn't a fan of a better team!!!! She was wearing all the right clothes for the occasion though :)

Our trip to visit MaMaw

Aubrey and I had a great time in Montgomery/Wetumpka this week. We were able to visit MeMaw for her birthday, some of her friends, and some of my friends! Everyone welcomed Aubrey with open arms and many kisses! This week has been interesting because we figured out that Aubrey has reflux. We called the pediatrician while in Montgomery since she was crying so much and they called in the prescription. So far I can tell it is helping some. She has stopped tightening up her body and crying a lot less. Poor little girl was hurting. She did really good in on the car ride, slept the whole trip, both ways! I am very proud of her and glad we are on our way to recovery!

going on a family walk

Aubrey is snug in her carrier while we take the dogs for a walk on a beautiful afternoon yesterday!

Aubrey turned 1 month

On Nov 7th, we celebrated 1 month with Aubrey! Needless to say, she has grown so much and is truly a joy. She is finally getting rid of her baby acne... thank goodness :)

My first Halloween

Here are the pictures from my first modeling assignment!

I am a Georgia Voter

Aubrey was a hit with all the volunteers when we went to go cast our vote today. Daddy carried her proudly while we did our part and voted! Aubrey tried to convince Steve into adding Barney as a candidate, but that didn't fly! Wishing the best for tonight but it looks like our candidate didn't win as of now.

Daddy's first feeding

Aubrey turns 4 weeks tomorrow and since I go back to work in 2-1/2 weeks, we wanted to make sure Aubrey wouldn't have any problem eating out of the bottle while I am away. Steve was so excited to be able to feed her for the first time. Good Daddy time! Needless to say, my daughter had no problem as food is food to her!!!

busy halloween weekend!

We had a great halloween weekend. Aubrey got to meet so many new people!

First, Thursday afternoon we got our halloween pictures taken and Aubrey did such a good job! She was actually awake and didn't start crying until the 3rd outfit change and 7th pose! A little over the top but they turned out really good. I will get them on the blog when I get them next week.

Friday afternoon we went to the atlanta airport to meet our friends (who live in England) in the atrium while they had an hour and a half layover. Sharon and Dave have a 4 month old, named Sienna, who we got to meet for the first time. They were in the states for her christening in NY so it was so great to spend a little time with them since we will not be traveling to England for a while! It was so great to see them all.


Later on Friday afternoon Steve's parents arrived to meet their grandchild. We had a good visit and they were happy to finally meet our new addition to the family!


Friday night we had a halloween party in our col-de-sac where we got to meet so many new neighbors and hand out candy. Aubrey slept the whole time but everyone loved holding her and keeping her warm!

The rest of the weekend we spent time with family and relaxed!

3 weeks old, 8lbs 5oz

Yesterday Aubrey turned 3 weeks old (wow, time does fly). She now weighs 8lbs, 5oz. I think she is storing food in her checks for winter!!! Doctor is very happy with her progress and cannot believe that her weight is so good with breastfeeding. She is still a happy baby and does very well on road trips!

lazy sunday afternoon

saturday nap with mom

hanging out on my lilly pad

feeling better

these last few days have been interesting. I started my high blood pressure medicine on Friday and I have been tired ever since!!! While my body has been trying to get used to the medicine, I have been feeling sluggish and drugged up. I have been able to sleep every possible opportunity so that helped. Monday I came down with a 24 hour bug so i have been recovering from that too! Today is Wednesday and I am starting to feel normal again! My friend Laura was here for a few days and we were able to get out of the house this morning and take one of our dogs to the vet (big outing, I know)!!! I have been up all day and feel great so the outlook is good!
Aubrey on the other hand has been GREAT! She is an angel baby! I must have done something right in my life, because God is being very generous to me now! She is so pleasant and very alert. She just will lay in your arms and look around. My favorite thing is when she is sleeping she starts to smile really big... I believe she is talking to her pap paw :)

Well, she had a cute halloween outfit on today and I was going to take a picture. Just didn't do it in time because she spit up on it!!! Needed an outfit change so I will take pictures soon!!!
Sandy

What a day we have had

Today we got to spend all morning at doctors appointments. First, mommy had her appointment to check her blood pressure. Since it was still high, reading 130/110, Doc Payne decided to put her on medicine. She is still retaining water so with more fluids and these pills, she should be better in no time! Doc Payne took her off bed rest (which you will see ended up a busy day for me with all kinds of trips to the stores after our appointments)!!!
I had my appointment with my doctor and guess what I weigh... drumroll please... 7lbs, 14oz. The doctor was amazed! I am doing VERY well with breastfeeding and she is very happy!
Daddy was proud of both his girls today!!! After our appointments Daddy went to work and mom and I went to Office Max, PetsMart, Target and Rite Aide. I think mommy was so excited to be out of the house that we had to go everywhere!!! I slept the entire time so it didn't bother me! Once we were done, we went home and napped some more! Now we can enjoy our friday night and the rest of the weekend!
Much love to all my new friends,
Aubrey Lynn

Our Family

Husband, wife, 2 dogs and a baby! We are overjoyed!!!!

Today was interesting

Well, today I had an appointment with the doctor as a follow up for my blood pressure since it was high in the hospital after delivery. The doctor took my blood pressure again today and since it was high, he ordered the red carpet treatment (wheelchair) to get me over to the hospital right away. After waiting another hour to get registered in the hospital, they put me in a room, had me lay down, and monitered my blood pressure and took blood to do tests. After an hour of this, I was cleared and able to go home. My origional doc appointment was at 11am, we left at 3pm... fun day with baby and gandma :) Aubrey was amazing though. I think it got her off her schedule as she basically slept all day, so we will see how much she is up tonight!
So for the next week I am on moderate bed rest at home. I can only get up to take care of Aubrey and need to be resting otherwise. So what am i doing now... sitting up on the computer?? Well, just keeping everyone posted as I will be a little lazy this week and hopefully we get better results on Friday... or I will have to be admitted to the hospital and given medicine. I pray this doesn't happen!
Take care all!
Sandy

Go Dawgs!

Picture of Aubrey (fourth generation bulldog fan) posing with her proud poppa after an MSU victory! Her great-grandfather Aubrey Sigrest graduated from State in 1927, 100 years before she'll go to classes in Starkville.

First Doc Appointment - Oct 10th

Since Aubrey was a little yellow at the hospital, we needed to go to our doctor on Friday to get looked at. The doctor was not concerned and she got gold stars on her weight, heart and her strength! Proud parents I must say!!! Breastfeeding is going great and she is gaining weight easily!

Going Home - Oct 9th

On Thursday Oct 9th we were able to go home from the hospital. We were kept an extra night since I am having high blood pressure. I go back to the doctor on monday to follow up, but they let me go home... thank goodness!!! The journey to get us out the door was pretty funny. First, our outfit was very big but we managed to make it work! You should have seen me and Steve trying to figure out car seat. Even though Steve had read all the directions and played with it enough that he told me not to worry... he had it under control! Well, trying to put a live baby in it was a little different! The latches were hard to close and then she says with her knees bent that it made the procedure a little tough! Then trying to get it out of the car was also fun!!!
In the end we managed to leave the hospital, drive home without geting in a wreck, and introduced the dogs to their new sister. They are taking to her great but Byron is struggling a little with being lower in the ranks around the house! Here are some pictures of our precious angel!

What a day!

Or should I say what a couple of days. On Monday morning Sandy's doctors agreed to go ahead and schedule induction for Tuesday morning which means we checked into the delivery room Monday evening around 5:30. The nurses gave her a regimen which finished thinning her cervix out so the induction on Tuesday morning would go more smoothly. Easy night, huh?

Little did we know that our brain dead neighbor in the adjoining room was going through her induction that evening and doing so "naturally" . The blood curdling screams heard through the walls began at around 1:30am followed by an ever so pleasant "request" for an epidural. Unfortunately the nurse informed her that the anesthesiologist would not be available for another hour and on top of that the treatment would take an additional 30 minutes to kick in. This left me curled up in the fetal position sucking my thumb wondering what in the world I would be in store for tomorrow until about three in the morning.

At least I got around 3-4 hours of sleep. Poor Sandy was going on around 45 minutes by the time the induction began. Our experience was exactly the opposite as the screecher next door. The induction started around 9:30am with a complimentary water bursting (kudos Dr. Evans), and the epidural was promptly administered at around 10:30 so Sandy only had to truly experience 45 minutes or so of discomfort before the I.V. goodness kicked in. She was never truly in pain from then on she diolated 4 centimeters over the next several hours. The last 6 centimeters of diolation only took around an hour to progress so around 3:00 pm Sandy had her knees in the air and after 10 minutes of pushing, out popped little Aubrey.

A huge thanks goes out to Dr. Payne, even though she is a freaking LSU fan, Mariete our nurse and especially to Izzy and Sandy's mom. Izzy's infectious laughter probably knocked a couple of hours off of Sandy's labor and her mom was the steady guiding hand helping us through the whole day.

Now begins the real journey. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I can't wait for you all to meet Aubrey share in our happiness.

Dr. Payne (Yes, that's her real name), Sandy & Steve

Aubrey all bundled up.

The apple of her father's eye