AUBREY LYNN WILLIAMS

Catching up

2009-11-29T20:47:00.011-05:00

Aubrey is about to turn 14 months old, and I am a little behind on my updates!!! After much grief from my aunt Debbie, I am finally getting the blog updated! Ok, since her birthday we have had her dedication, halloween, aubrey learning to walk, her first mississippi state football game, and thanksgiving! The weekend of her dedication, we got family pictures taken (the WHOLE FAMILY). Steve parents, my mom and aunt Judy were in town and of course the DOGS!!! the dogs at the park was a whole story in itself!!! I do not have any pictures yet of the dedication, but it was amazing. It really meant a lot to have some of our family there and a few of our neighbors. Steve and I will always cherish that day and have dedicated raising Aubrey in a God loving home. Steve is a wonderful husband and we are so blessed in so many ways. I love that I can give Aubrey what my parents gave to me! Halloween was also fun this year. We started off the morning with a 5K in Flowery Branch called the Boo Run. This was Steve's first run and Aubrey and I walked. Steve did a really good job and this is his first of many runs! I had a total of three costumes for Aubrey (yeah, a little excessive, I know) but they are just so cute!!! She had a 50's poodle skirt, a flower and a lady bug. Let's just say the dogs are glad they did not get dressed up this year!!! We had a wonderful time with our neighbors. We all get together on Halloween and give our candy to the trick-or-treaters. It was too cold for us to take Aubrey out, and mom and dad didn't need the extra candy, so we just spent the night eating with friends! Mid-November Aubrey and I go to Dallas, Texas to see my family. We had such a wonderful time and were so blessed to have Tyler there too! Janice, mom, all the girls and I spent time together at Sharilon's house. Here are Zoe and Ashleigh all grown up and were such wonderful cousins to Aubrey! My only wish is we could see them all more often! The following weekend the family made the trip to Starkville, Mississippi so Aubrey could see her first football game. She had her cheerleading outfit that Kieu-Ahn gave her and she did so well. I put ear plugs in her ears, because this is the loudest stadium because everyone rings their cowbells, and she actually FELL ASLEEP in the first quarter. Not because it was boring :) it was actually a great first half, she just had so much excitement that day and was having such a great time, she finally got her nap. Aubrey and I left at half time because it was a night game and I was able to tuck her in bed at a reasonable time. We all had such a good time seeing our friends, it was worth the 12 hours in the car!!! Now I forgot to mention that Aubrey started walking before she turned 13 months, but I do not have a video of it until this last weekend when she is almost 14 months old. She is now really good at walking and such a joy. She says Thank You, apple, ball, and UP. She is also signing for milk and food when she wants it. She is way to funny to express in writing, but Steve and I are so thankful to have such a wonderful child. She brings a smile to our face multiple times a day and sleeps well... what more could a parent ask for??? :)

Aubrey's Birthday Party, Oct 7, 2009

2009-10-13T08:50:00.008-04:00

Wednesday was a big day for the entire family! We celebrated Aubrey's first birthday with a few friends and neighbors. We had cake, ice cream, all types of animal crakers, candy galore, and punch! The kids had a game room, bowling alley and art studio set up in the basement for entertainment. Aubrey did such a wonderful job. She played and played and played and had the best night sleep :)
It is hard to believe she is one, but I cherish every moment. As she gets older and more interactive, she is a true delight! She is really a good little girl and her dad and I are so happy!

Aubrey checking out the cake and just not sure what to do! Very delicately she tastes the cake... Mom smashes her hand into the cake to break it up so she can get to it!

At the end of the night, we realized we hadn't taken a family picture!

On Thursday we went to the doctor to get her one year shots. She weighed in at 20lbs, 11oz so she is still in the 50%. She is 28-3/4" tall (50%) and her head is 17-7/8" (55%). She did really good with her shots but could not get the flu shot and the MMR shot because she is allergic to eggs. We have to go to the allergist for him to give her the shots in case there is an allergic reaction. But the NP was very happy and just loved on Aubrey. She did really good but now understands pain so the shots were a litle emotional for us both!!! Overall she did really well and calmed down quickly.
Now that she is one, we have cut down to one or two bottles a day. Mom is working at removing them completely so we will see how this goes. Over the weekend she pooped in her toilet twice so that was big (I have pictures but thought she would kill me one day if I posted them)! She isn't walking yet but I feel that she is close. She stands up really well and we are having her walk with us more to get her used to doing it. We aren't rushing her, just giving her confidence!!!
To everyone who has been so wonderful to us, THANK YOU! It takes a village to raise a child and I am so happy to say that we have such a wonderful group of friends and family :)

Aubrey Turns 1 Today!

2009-10-07T07:02:00.004-04:00

As I reflect on the past year (and nine months), I am still amazed on what a precious little girl we have. The support of our friends and family has been irreplaceable. Every day I feel blessed, but today I am taking the time to give extra thanks God for all our blessings. The love I feel for Aubrey is unmeasurable, and the love for Steve has grown even more by watching him be SUCH a good father! I cherish the last year and look forward to watching our little girl grow up!
We went to the pumpkin patch last weekend...

We have her birthday party tonight so I will post the pictures as soon as I get organized!!!

2009-09-29T19:13:00.006-04:00

Trying to catch everyone up on the month of September... Aubrey acting like Marlyn Monroe!!! She stands over the vent and just GRINS!!!! Aubrey playing in her toy box. She just turned 11 months in this picture. Mid September we went to Rosemary Beach and had a wonderful time. It was raining most of the time Aubrey was there, but we made the best of it. Andrea & Mike McKenzie were with us and we found out that Ashley, Brad & Logan Glover were in Panama City at the same time so we got to hang out with them too! Mom took Aubrey home after a few days at the beach while mom & dad had some friend time at the beach. It was wonderful and hard all at the same time!

It is the end of September and we are getting ready for Aubrey's 1 year birthday. Hard to believe this time last year we were waiting for her to arrive!!! She isn't walking on her own and is just now getting tooth number 3 & 4. They just started cutting through the gums, but not showing yet! Here she is with one of her favorite toys trying to catch mommy!
h

catching up with Aubrey, she is now 10 months old

2009-08-13T20:05:00.012-04:00

Aubrey has given us an exciting last month. Turning 9 months old was so exciting -- perfecting crawling, two bottom teeth, and now at 10 months, her first bruise!

At the end of July we got to spend some time at MeMaw's house in Alabama. MeMaw introduced her to the pinwheel!
I am trying to get a picture of her two bottom teeth that she has. I took about 10 pictures and this is the only one I got of her looking at me! She like to turn right as I push for a picture!!! This was from Aug 1st, road trip to Mississippi Today Aubrey got her first (of many) bruises. When she was at the sitters, she tried to tackle the bookcase! She is pulling up on everything now and just so curious! She likes her toys, but LOVES shoes, electrical outlets, the blinds, and cords!!! She is a handful but so much fun to watch!

video of Aubrey crawling from July 13, first moments

2009-07-25T20:41:00.003-04:00

aubrey, 9 months and crawling

2009-07-18T11:23:00.006-04:00

Aubrey is 9 months old

2009-07-13T08:45:00.006-04:00

Aubrey had her 9 month check up and is doing wonderful! Dr. Gros was very happy with her developments. Aubrey weighs 18lbs. 15oz and since mom was so busy catching up with the doctor, we forgot to get her height! We found out that our favorite pediatrician is moving to Isreal and mom was so sad.
Over the last 2 months, Aubrey has said her first word... MAMA!, started scooting backwards and in circles, goes from crawling to sitting position, and is pulling up on furniture. No teeth, not crawling forwards, but just overall doing well! She has been given the green light to eat tablefood so we are starting slowly. So far, so good! Banannas are easy but we can't have too many of those!!!

Daddy is still waiting for her to say his name... he is waiting patiently though!!!

Aubrey LOVES the paper at the doc office..

Aubrey has 2 new best friends now that she is eating snacks. She tried this snack holder for the first time and was just shaking the PUFFS GRADUATES all over the place. The dogs love her even more now!!!

July 4th weekend

2009-07-07T08:46:00.014-04:00

The fourth of July weekend was spent on the boat most of the time! We had so many good friends come over, it was a real treat for us all!

Aubrey's first beer... JUST KIDDING MOM! She is teething and she loved the cold (unopened) can against her gums! Thank you Mrs. Kim for her first beer!

She had such a good time with Mrs. Lori this weekend. Mrs. Lori was so silly and made Aubrey laugh so much. Aubrey even took a nap on the boat while Mrs. Lori was holding her!

Sunday was a little harder for me. It was the 1 year anniversary of my dad's death. It is hard to believe it has been a year. My mom came up with the idea for everyone to send balloons in the air to remember our father this day. Aubrey held the balloons and sent them off to her Papaw in heaven.

We finished the weekend off with a pedicure. Aubrey got her toes painted for the first time and she is just too cute!

videos from our visit in Texas, posted a little late!

2009-06-29T21:27:00.006-04:00

Aubrey trying to copy her cousin Tyler now...

Aubrey, 8-1/2 months

2009-06-22T07:05:00.007-04:00

June is flying by and Aubrey has had so many little developments... saying "momma" as her first word (can we say Steve is so jealous but I am SO happy), holding the bottle to feed herself, turning over like crazy, and getting the crawl position (not crawling yet though). My grandmother passed away last week so Aubrey took her first 14 hour car ride to Texas... she did AMAZING! She was the best in the car!!! :) Although it was a funeral, it was great to see so much family while there. Here is a little recap of the time before we left for Texas (Tyler was in town) and during our visit... Aubrey in her first pair of birkenstocks... Aubrey cruising on the boat with memaw... Aubrey with her cousins, Tyler and Ashleigh Some of the family at MeMee's funeral
I have 2 videos that I will upload when I get back from Nashville!

2009-06-08T08:20:00.010-04:00

Laurin Lucas made the cutest sweater vest for Aubrey. Just had to share how talented she is!!! May 24th Our Titti Issy comes to visit. Byron is craving attention and just cannot bear to not get a belly rub! Aubrey hanging out with the boys on May 26th Aubrey on the boat memorial day weekend (sporting her cute bathing suit Laura & Steph got her)!!!! Aubrey swim lessons in June.

Aubrey scooting around, video from end of May

2009-06-06T07:32:00.002-04:00

2009-05-24T10:21:00.005-04:00

Aubrey sitting pretty outside! Aubrey at her first Gwinnett Braves Game last night. Glavin was the pitcher and it was really cool to see him up close! There was a rain delay so we didn't get to see as much of the game as we hoped. Aubrey did really good though and stayed up till 9:30 (2 hours past her normal time), so the best thing was mom & dad got to sleep in the next morning!!! Aubrey is starting to get mobile! She started on the blanket and scoots around on her belly! I guess this is the beginning on trying to keep up with her!!

May flowers

2009-05-17T17:55:00.005-04:00

April showers bring May flowers... that is the saying, correct? Well, we have had May showers too and the lake is looking so good! We are really excited about all this rain :) It has limited the boat outings for now, but we hope a little more rain will soon make our dock float and we can keep our boat in the water.
Now, the main reason I write is to brag on our little Aubrey!!! She is such a joy and has given Steve and I a new world of amusement!!!
As always, bath time is fun...

yes, we know, what big eyes she has!!! :)

A day at church is also fun...

Especially when service was held at the new Gwinnett Braves Stadium

Aubrey's 7 months old now

2009-05-11T10:18:00.007-04:00

Well, we are a little behind in keeping the blog updated! We have had a busy April and looking forward to May. April was a big month for the family... Aubrey went to Helen, Georgia with her nannie, there was Easter, a trip to Miami and Key West, Bailey had his knee surgery, and Aubrey had her 6 month doctors visit!

This is Aubrey at 6-1/2 months old for her check up. She is almost 26" tall, weighs 17.2oz and her head is 17". Her height is in 50th percentile while her weight and head have jumpted to the 75th percentile (so for those of you that don't have kids, she is about average in her height and a little chubby compared to other kids her age)!!! Doctor Gross was really happy with how she is doing. Very impressed with our smart child. She is sitting up but not crawling yet. No teeth. But very happy baby!

This weekend was Mother's Day, what a great weekend we had as a family! We were able to take the boat out for the first time this season, we love the water! Aubrey had a BLAST! The best mother's day gift was to see her smiling so much while we were riding. She loved the wind in her face :)

I feel so blessed to be a mother and wife.

Aubrey's trip to the beach

2009-04-19T21:38:00.003-04:00

We had a great vacation! We went to Miami to visit Steve's Cousin Randy, his wife Patricia, and their 4 kids. We had such a great time they decided to come to Key West so we could continue the visit!!! We got to Key West Friday and had a really great time. Our friends Jodi & Chris got married Saturday nights with the most beautiful sunset. It was wonderful!!! The whole trip was amazing. Aubrey played in the pool and on the beach for the first time and really enjoyed herself. She did AMAZING on the flight and was just a ham all weekend! She smiled so much and seemed to have a wonderful time. Her joy made our trip even better! We filled our camera up with great pictures but here are a few of them...

Aubrey at Miami Southbeach

Aubrey at Key West Beach, chilling with Dad!

Aubrey climbing the trees in key west!

The Williams all together in Key West

Easter weekend 2009

2009-04-12T22:37:00.006-04:00

Saturday we had to take Bailey to the vet since he had been limping for the last couple of days. Come to find out they think he has a torn "ACL" in the knee and it won't just heal, it needs surgery. He also had been diagnosed when we first got him with a knee cap that will not stay in the groove (same thing Byron had when he was a puppy). When they go to repair the torn tendon, they will also fix his knee groove. Poor Bay Bay. He is learning to manage well without using his back right leg but we have to do the surgery because he has a bad front leg (we think he got hit by a car before we got him). So needless to say, he is a train wreck! Aubrey had all her tools for the vet visit but just couldn't heal Bailey with anything but love this weekend!

Easter Sunday. Of all the pictures I take, we forgot to take a picture of Aubrey in her Sunday outfit!!! She really did look cute, her light pink dress, her white cross bib, pink tights (it was chilly this morning), bloomers and white shoes. She was all decked out but we needed to get out the door for church and forgot the photo shoot! After church I knew she would fall asleep on the way home so I changed her before we made our trip. Oh well! Another day I will get her all dressed up and take too many pictures! Here are the pictures from her first easter egg hunt at our friends house. She had a great time and the weather was perfect!

We are looking forward to this week. We will drop Bailey off on Wednesday for his surgery, drop Byron off at Jill's, and Steve, Aubrey & I will head to Miami and Key West for the rest of the week. We are really looking forward to it!

aubrey in bouncer

2009-04-02T18:42:00.003-04:00

It really is amazing what happens with an infant in a months time! Last month she could barely reach the floor in her bouncer. We had to put a dog bed at her feet so she could reach! This month she is jumping like crazy! She is so much fun and we really do enjoy each milestone. She has found a new tone in her voice and has been making a lot of new sounds. I think she likes to hear herself "talk." I wonder where she gets that from???!!!

She is officially sitting up now and read that this will be the month for her to start to crawl... wow!!! She is a little lazy at times so it could possibly be next month!

Easter Pictures March 27, 2009

2009-03-28T12:08:00.011-04:00

We visited the bunny this morning to get Aubrey's Easter pictures. She turns 6 months in a week and a half. She did really good today and wasn't scared of Bunny!

another picture from the montgomery zoo

2009-03-28T12:04:00.002-04:00

front row -- left to right: random girl at the zoo, Taylor Watts is holding Talynn Watts, Tanner, Sandy holding Aubrey (who is sleeping), Zoe, my Aunt Judy
Back row - left to right: Sister Janice and my mom, Sharon!

Montgomery Zoo last week

2009-03-27T22:19:00.004-04:00

Last week was so great. My sister Janice and niece Zoe came to Montgomery to spend their spring break with us. I was able to do some work in Birmingham so it worked out perfectly! We met my sister's childhood friend and her 3 kids at the zoo and just had a blast. Ok, so I had a blast and Aubrey just enjoyed being outside and riding around!!!!
Aubrey is just so much fun these days. She has a runny nose and cough (again) but still seems to always be in a good mood! We are working with her on sign language the last 2 months. Milk was the main sign we were teaching her until recently we have added... eat, more, and good. Her hand-eye coordination is so cute! She has found her ears and it is funny to watch her play with them to try and understand them. Everyday is something new for not only Aubrey, but for me and Steve! The world is wonderful but even more amazing seeing it through a child's eye!

SEC basketball & Apricots!

2009-03-13T16:22:00.002-04:00

Aubrey is watching Mississippi State in the SEC basketball tournament with dad while eating dried Apricots. This is the first time she has held the mesh holder on her own. She sucks on it, pulls it out, looks at it, and then puts it back in her mouth! It is so cute!!

here is the video of byron & bailey playing in the snow

2009-03-01T19:02:00.002-05:00

Aubrey, Byron & Bailey in the snow!

2009-03-01T16:39:00.004-05:00

March 1, 2009

2009-03-01T13:22:00.002-05:00

Well, it is hard to believe it is March! I like to take a picture of Aubrey the first day of every month because it is amazing on how fast she is growing. I know all kids do, and I hear this from mom's all the time, but when it is your own child, these words mean so much more! Aubrey is so active. She laughs all the time and is just a joy to be around. Friday mom came down with the 24 hour stomach bug that had me in bed. Steve was great and took care of everyone! I am back to feeling normal and happy to be able to play with my little angel again. It is snowing right now so I will probably get Aubrey bundled up and allow her a little time in the snow!

Aubrey & Monkey

2009-02-22T16:56:00.003-05:00

I'm convinced the reason God created little girls is to melt their father's heart once they start smiling and laughing. Here is Aubrey playing with her dad and her favorite toy, Monkey.

we received our new camera

2009-02-19T19:15:00.004-05:00

Now we have a better way to show off our little angel!!!!

What we cooked up...

2009-02-16T12:57:00.003-05:00

Steve and I slaved in the kitchen last night and made all kinds of puree's for Aubrey. I was given the cook book called... Deceptively Delicious. It is a guide that shows you how to make all these purees and then use them to make breakfast meals, dinners and desserts. A way to get our veggies and fruits without even knowing it!!! I figured since we needed to make the puree's for Aubrey, we might as well all enjoy them!!! So last night we made.... broccoli, cauliflower, beets, sweet potato, carrots, berries, cherries, red peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, summer squash, and peas. I still need to make apples & banana purees. Steve was such a help, I couldn't have done it without him! All of this tasted so much better than the baby food Laura made us try and the baby shower!!! Hopefully Aubrey will enjoy eating this as the time comes for her to be able to eat the different things!

Valentine's Day/Weekend

2009-02-15T11:13:00.010-05:00

We had a great Valentine's weekend. We have a lot of news to share with everyone (NO, we are not pregnant again)!!!

Friday we went to the doctors for Aubrey's 4 month checkup and second round of shots. At 4 months and almost a week, Aubrey weighed in at 14lbs, 1-1/2oz (ranked in the 50%). She is now 24" long (in the 25%) and her head is 16-1/8" (in the 50%). Things are looking good with her development. Her neck is strong and Doc Gros said she was just "yummy." :) We got the green light to start feeding her Cereal/fruit/vegetables for the next month. Big milestone in little Aubrey's life!

Saturday was Valentine's Day and we took a trip to Auburn for the Mississippi State/Auburn basketball game. Aubrey wore her cheerleading outfit that Kieu-Ahn gave her and she seemed to enjoy it. Little startled at first, but it seemed like she didn't mind it too much since she took 2 naps! MeMaw met us in Auburn so it made the trip extra special.

Today is Sunday and we introduced Aubrey to Cereal! She was so darn cute! She did really good and actually eat a good bit. Both Steve and I took the opportunity to feed her and she seemed to love the attention! She is taking a nap now so I know she is full. We look forward to making our own puree's and seeing what she will like!

We hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day, we know we sure did!

Valentine

2009-02-15T11:13:00.001-05:00

2009-02-10T05:49:00.008-05:00

Aubrey's 4 month pictures

2009-02-10T05:49:00.007-05:00

We took Aubrey's 4 month pictures yesterday and she did so well!!! If you want to view them, just visit this web page...

http://www.searsphotos.com/default.asp

e-mail address is: slwill06@yahoo.com
password is: Byron1

Aubrey is now 4 months old

2009-02-09T08:04:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that this weekend marked the 4 month anniversary of Aubrey's arrival. Her personality is starting to shine through and her laugh is contagious! It takes her a while to warm up to strangers, she has to check everyone out! I would say she is cautious yet full of life once she is used to you!!! She has a lot of Steve and I mixed together :) Her is a picture from the day she left the hospital and then this morning sleeping! We are about to have to take the head rest out of her car seat, she can barely fit in it now!

Yeah, Life is GOOD!

2009-02-03T22:07:00.003-05:00

Today Aubrey was sporting her "life is good" outfit that Andrea & Mike got her for Christmas. She just looked so cute I had to share!

Mommy is back!

2009-02-01T16:31:00.003-05:00

Well, I spent my first night without Aubrey and I did great!!! I left Saturday morning and Steve kept Aubrey until Sunday. He had his parents here for a little support so I wasn't too worried!!! I spent Saturday helping Stephanie shop for wedding dresses and then me, steph & Jill went to dinner and out for a night on the town! We had a really good time. Next time we will let everyone know that we are going out, but this trip was so fast I wasn't sure how to plan for the events! I came home to this precious face today...

How great it is to be home!! :)

Trip to Columbia & Charleston

2009-01-29T08:56:00.005-05:00

Whew, can I say TIRED!!! Aubrey, memaw & I headed to Charleston Tuesday morning. The first leg of the trip was 3 hours and then we stopped in Columbia to visit a few customers on the University of South Carolina Campus. MeMaw & Aubrey got out of the car and walked around campus a little. Can we say baby in a stroller on a college campus stood out a little??? :) We get back in the car and drive 2 more hours to Charleston where I had 2 Barnes & Nobles to visit before 4:30pm. Mom & Aubrey stayed in the car while I was doing my visits and Aubrey was able to stretch, eat & get changed each time. We headed to the hotel to freshen up and unpack a little and then went to dinner where we met up with Krissy & Jason Brooks. We were finally able to meet Ms. Syndey Brooks! It was so good to see them. The girls did great! Here they are... Aubrey is on the right and Syndey on the left!

We left Charleston the following afternoon after I visited a couple of customers in that area. We headed back to Columbia where I had a few more visits and got caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella! I got drenched!!! I don't even think an umbrella would have helped because the wind was so bad! We then drove 3 more hours to get home (I dried off an hour into the drive). Aubrey slept the whole way home so we didn't even stop because we didn't want to wake her up! My mom & I were so ready to get home :)
Needless to say, we are glad to be back! We had a great time and it was so good to have company on the road. I loved looking in my mirror to see Aubrey's smiling face! It was great to have my mom with us, as always, she is a great help!
Until our next adventure... I am leaving Steve home a night with Aubrey this weekend while I go to Montgomery! At least his parents will be here to help him out so he isn't flying completely solo!

Aubrey and the babysitter

2009-01-26T08:53:00.002-05:00

We had an exciting weekend where we took Aubrey to Jill's house on Saturday and mom & dad had some time with friends. Jill and her mom, Laura, were so kind to watch her and we got reports that Aubrey did really good (note the proud mom voice while reading)!!! Aubrey told me how much fun she had with Jill and Laura. I am not sure if we are more proud of Aubrey or ourselves!!!! Aubrey is 3-1/2 months and just so much fun. She is smiling so much and she has such a cute laugh. I think she has a loud laugh trying to break through but it hasn't happened yet!
We hope everyone had a great weekend. This week my mom is coming to visit and we are going to take a road trip with Aubrey to Charleston since I have some work there. Mom & Aubrey will be in-tow and I am looking forward to having great company. We are also going to have dinner with Krissy & Sydney so we are really excited about that too!

Aubrey's Doctor Appointment

2009-01-17T08:42:00.007-05:00

Aubrey still has a cold so Steve took her to the doctor yesterday. Even though there is RSV going around right now, Aubrey's lungs sound good. She really just has a runny nose right now, but we always look forward to the day she feels better! Well, at 3 months & 1 weeks, Aubrey weighed in at....... 12lbs 6oz. I think she is hitting a growth spurt because she is back to eating a lot and sleeping a lot! She wants to talk SO bad! She just makes all kinds of sounds and smiles a lot. She is a true joy! (she doesn't look like it in this picture because she just had a bath and was ready for her bottleso she could go to bed) (also, Bailey does not like pictures so he vanishes before we can get the shot)

Today is Saturday and Aubrey watched her first Saturday cartoons! It is bad, I know! We said we would never use the television as a babysitter... and look at us now! I was out walking the dogs and Steve was making breakfast so she stayed entertained for a little while with the TV!!!! Not long, but enough time for us to get our act together this morning!!!!

Aubrey is 3 months old

2009-01-10T18:49:00.005-05:00

Well, it has been a great January so far! Hard to believe that Aubrey is now 3 months old. She is so much fun to hang out with! She is smiling a lot, making all kinds of noises, and sometimes we even think we hear a laugh! I hope she continues to have a big smile throughout her life! Since the holidays, mom & dad have been very busy with work and Aubrey is doing great with her sitter during the day.

Yesterday I needed to go to a vascular doctor and he was concerned about my high blood pressure (yes, still seem to have it). He ran all kinds of tests... EKG, ECO, blood work, urinalysis, and check x-ray. My EKG looked normal so that was a good sign. He doesn't think there is any damage of the heart since I have had high blood pressure for 3 months but he is taken all measures to be cautious! I am thankful to have such great doctors and hope that I am not on these pills for forever, but at least it is a fix for now!
Not too much has changed for Steve. He is currently not sick (but I am not holding my breath)!!! We laugh because his immune system has been out of wack since we have had Aubrey.
We had a photo shoot today and Aubrey did GREAT! She has a little cold but you couldn't tell. Our nights seem to be really rough since she wakes up so many times coughing and she gets frustrated. The day she sleeps to try and naturally get better. This morning she slept a lot so she was ready for her time in the spot light! Steve was real excited to get all dressed up for a photo shoot, but I told him he would thank me later!!!!

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T23:31:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-29T16:48:00.009-05:00

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

2008-12-23T12:20:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-13T10:05:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-10T14:16:00.006-05:00

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

2008-12-09T16:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-08T19:00:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-12-05T21:33:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-02T22:20:00.001-05:00

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

A Great weekend

2008-11-30T23:06:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-27T20:59:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-24T21:07:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-11-21T16:46:00.002-05:00

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!!!

2008-11-19T22:51:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-19T08:22:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-19T08:22:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-16T13:06:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-15T11:24:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-12T08:34:00.001-05:00

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

Aubrey turned 1 month

2008-11-09T22:26:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-09T17:43:00.001-05:00

Here are the pictures from my first modeling assignment!

I am a Georgia Voter

2008-11-04T22:23:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-03T19:47:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-11-03T19:32:00.005-05:00

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

2008-10-29T13:33:00.005-04:00

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

2008-10-29T13:29:00.004-04:00

saturday nap with mom

2008-10-26T19:42:00.002-04:00

hanging out on my lilly pad

2008-10-26T19:39:00.003-04:00

feeling better

2008-10-22T14:05:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-17T16:55:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-16T09:22:00.004-04:00

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

Today was interesting

2008-10-13T22:07:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-10-12T21:48:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-12T21:21:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-12T21:10:00.006-04:00

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!

2008-10-07T21:15:00.005-04:00

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

Aubrey Lynn Williams is Here!

2008-10-07T15:31:00.003-04:00

She's here! 7 lbs and 6 oz of cuteness!. I'll update the blog later but here's some quick pictures.

Oct 5th, what WOULD have been Aubrey's birthday

2008-10-05T21:31:00.005-04:00

Nothing! Today we went to a pumpkin patch, walked around the outlet malls, had a big lunch and dinner... but no baby!!!! Aubrey is taking her time I guess. Tomorrow morning we have an appointment and will get an ultrasound to check on her since she will be past her due date. Let's just hope she has great plans for tonight!!!

Sandy, Mom, and our little corn on the cob!!!

1 day until due date

2008-10-04T11:09:00.004-04:00

My first lesson in being a parent... it is no longer my schedule!!!! Aubrey is due tomorrow and it is looking like we might go past her due date. I am 100% efface but have not started contractions or broken my water. We will continue to try all the old wise tales to help her along! If we do not have her this weekend, I know we will definitely be scheduled to arrive at the hospital Wednesday night for Thursday induction. Everyone has been so sweet to keep up with us on how things are going! Thanks again!!!
Sandy

Oct 1st, Doc appointment update

2008-10-01T13:48:00.003-04:00

Well, we have made it 39.5 weeks and Aubrey is staying nice and warm in my belly. She hasn't progressed any from last week so it is not looking like we will have her this weekend... never know, but I am planning for next week instead! Tonight I am going to have eggplant lasagna, walk a lot these next few days, and take any advise on how I can get her to progress sooner than later! I have another doc appointment on friday to try and see if we are any closer so we can have her this weekend so I will keep everyone posted!
thanks for all the sweet notes :) We are going to let her "bake" for now!
Sandy

38.5 weeks pregnant

2008-09-24T11:33:00.002-04:00

Hello Dear Friends!
I have been so impressed with how many of you are actually reading this thing :) I just got back from the doctor and had a GREAT visit! Today is Sept 24th and my cervix has thinned significantly since last week. I have not dialated yet, but she is measuring perfect and has a great heartbeat. I will go back on Wednesday and meet with the same doctor. At that point, if I haven't gone into labor by then, I will schedule to be induced on Saturday, Oct 4th. That doctor will be on call that weekend and we would love for her to deliver Aubrey. Good news is my cervix is now in the perfect conditions for inducing so we shouldn't have to worry about too much!
Steve went with me to the appointment and I can tell he is getting excited about seeing her. We both are and will enjoy the quiet around the house for the next week!

Much love
Sandy

2 weeks left!

2008-09-20T09:38:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow I will officially be 38 weeks. Steve and i are getting very excited! I have enjoyed my vacation this last week and look forward to more until she comes! This week I went to the chiropractor 3 times, got a prego massage, and my nails done! I think I pampered myself some!!!! My lower back is the only thing that is making me uncomfortable, but if I stay off my feet, no problems at all!!!
It is all starting to feel real. I have started her scrapbook and so far very happy with it! Need to spend some more time on it next week and hopefully get it up to date!
I will go to the doctor this Wednesday and possibly talk to the doctor about scheduling the delivery. I would love to not plan and just go with the flow, but it would also be nice to know when to expect her! I will wait to hear from the doctor! Either way, it will be sooner than later! All our prepartation is about to pay off!!!
much love,
sandy

more pictures from Montgomery shower

2008-09-16T16:02:00.007-04:00

Laura was nice enough to email me tons of pictures from the Montgomery shower. There were a few I could not resist and have to share!!!

37 weeks

2008-09-15T09:53:00.003-04:00

Making it to 37 weeks is so exciting. If Aubrey comes today, they would consider her full term and she would still be healthy. Very happy about this milestone! Went to the doctor on Thursday and he confirmed that her head was down and she was starting to make her way. I am not close to delivery and they think we will go a couple more weeks. I measured my belly with the toilet paper again... I am up to 11 squares. Not but one more than my Birmingham shower, but boy does my belly look big! I don't even want to know how many inches each square is!!!

Here is a picture from my Zeta Legacy shower in Montgomery, AL. Laura Upton & Stephaine Horne hosted the shower and I had such a great time. Aubrey got plenty of clothes and many Zeta items. Everything was just too cute!

we are getting closer!

2008-09-08T19:46:00.002-04:00

It is hard to believe that we have less than 4 weeks until her due date. That means she could be here in 2 to 6 weeks!!!! Very exciting stuff :) It has been a while since I have updated the blog, and I am sorry!!! We have had a couple of showers since the last update and have finished her room. I do not have any pictures from the showers as I did not bring my camera, but I hope to have to pictures from the hostesses soon! (hint, hint)!!! The overflow of love has been so appreciated. Aubrey Lynn has so many great toys, clothes, equipment, etc! Everything is washed and organized. I have packed her diaper bag and have everything she will need to come home with us when she arrives! I think all I have left is to pack my bag and I plan to do that soon... just in case!!!! Her room is perfect and I enjoy just walking by it. The dogs love the Greek furry rug that is in her room... a little present from her memaw and papaw so she will always have their loving comfort in her room! I think Byron knows something is coming, he has been a big momma's boy lately. Bailey is even becoming my shadow too! My walks with the dogs are getting harder but I am trying not to let them suffer too much :) The chiropractor is keeping my hips in check as they keep shifting to make room for her departure!!! Sleep is impossible without my sleeping pills prescribed by the doctor :)

Thursday is my next doctors appointment. I will start going every thursday until Aubrey arrives. Friday the 12th is my last day of work as I am taking vacation until she comes. My energy level is low and I am looking forward to some down time before she gets here!

Steve is getting excited too. It has been such a great experience for the both of us and I feel even closer to him through this adventure! Maybe he will update the blog soon... we shall see, he is the one who started this blog and you see who is somewhat keeping up with it!!!

sending out lots of love!
Sandy

Sandy's Belly at 32.5 weeks along

2008-08-15T15:04:00.002-04:00

I forgot to add the picture of how big I have gotten. When they measured Aubrey on the 4D scan, they said she was 4lbs and 14oz... wow! 7 more weeks to go and we are already close to 5lbs!!! Wow, she might be a big baby like her mom was!!!

32 week ultrasound - 4D

2008-08-14T20:53:00.004-04:00

Today we were able to get the 4D scan of Aubrey. Unfortunantly she was almost too old to get a good picture and when we did have an opportunity, she had her hands around her face. We did get to see her sucking on her wrist (which was very cute)!!! I think she has my chubby checks so I can't wait to kiss them! Besides her checks, it was really hard to see who she looks like. I guess we just have to wait and see :)

Her little feet are below:

Aug 2nd baby shower

2008-08-14T20:26:00.007-04:00

My dear, dear neighbors threw a shower for Aubrey on Aug 2nd. We had such a great time. All the details were just amazing! The girl clothes and blankets are just toooo cute! The games were a lot of fun and just a joy to have a time to celebrate her arrival!

Nursery in progress

2008-08-03T19:28:00.004-04:00

We have slowly been putting the finishing touches on the nursery. All we have left is for our friend to come and paint a tree and few extra bugs on the wall!!! We are getting really excited and counting down the weeks for her arrival... only 9 weeks left as of today!

Birmingham Baby Shower

2008-07-22T15:39:00.008-04:00

This weekend was a great celebration to Aubrey's upcoming arrival. We were able to get together with our dear friends and eat baby food... YES! Baby food! Laura Gilbert and Britt Seals hosted the shower and put together a few games for everyone to play. If you want to know how big my belly was this weekend (it seems to get bigger everyday), you can take 10-1/2 squares of toilet paper and put it around your belly!!!! Here are a few pictures with everyone!

Thanks to all our friends! We had a great time and cannot wait to introduce Aubrey to such a wonderful extended family! Especially TR(great photo girl)!!!!

3rd trimester is here!

2008-07-14T19:34:00.007-04:00

Well, I have made it to week 28 and still feeling good. Heartburn is creaping up a little and when I eat too much, Aubrey shows me how little room that leaves her! I am stil loving her kicks though. It was a tough week on her since daddy passed away this week, but I know he is looking down and wanting me to stay healthy for our little one! Here are some great pictures of the family before the memorial.

July 4th Celebration

2008-07-14T18:26:00.002-04:00

My 14 year old nephew, Tyler, spent a week with us and we had a great time. Steve and I even considered adopting a 14 year old since he was so much help!!!

pictures of belly

2008-06-06T20:44:00.002-04:00

This picture is most recent with Aubrey around 23 weeks. The belly is GROWING!!!!!

This picture is me and Steve in Huntsville celebrating my 30th birthday. I am around 20 weeks here.

18.5 week ultrasound

2008-06-06T20:32:00.002-04:00

Tonight I am catching up on posting pictures since my husband has been so lazy!!! Here was the last ultrasound where we found out that the baby is a girl. She woke up and opened her mouth and possibly her eyes... seeing that mouth open was the moment I knew she was definitely my child!!!! If you turn your head to the right, you will see her head and her body is all scrunched up underneath her!

Aubrey's Nursery

2008-06-06T19:55:00.003-04:00

Well, we have the nursery started and have a lot of finishing touches to add, but it is so great to pass by it everyday awaiting her arrival. Makes it a little more real!

Aubrey's first kick -- May 17, 2008

2008-05-20T14:56:00.002-04:00

This weekend we had a great time on our "Babymoon" in Destin, Fl. Stephanie, Ronald, Laura, and Keeley meet us down there and we eat, they drank, and we all layed out! After a big lunch on Saturday, we went back to the beach to lay out some more. I dug a hole in the sand and put my belly inside so I could lay on my stomach and not be uncomfortable. The music was playing and I was about to take a snooze when all of a sudden I felt something in my belly (no, it was not gas but I thought it was at first)!!! Aubrey started kicking for me! WOW, can I say this is cool! I feel her all the time now but she is still gentle with her kicks! She was most active on the beach so we know she will be a sun baby!
What a great way to top off a great trip. Shame on us, we did not take any pictures. We did get the nursery 90% done, now we just need to decorate (my favorite part)!!! I will take a picture soon so you can see the room and how big my belly is getting. I officially feel pregnant :)
cheers!
Sandy

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-12T07:39:00.002-04:00

Dearest Aubrey
You have already shown me what a joy it is going to be to have you in our lives! I had my first mother's day/weekend and I couldn't have asked for a better celebration of your arrival! Your dad and I spent the whole weekend "nesting." The guest bedroom is officially cleaned out and ready to become your nursery. The workers will come this week, the furniture will be delivered on Thursday, and by Thursday night, your room will be pretty much finished... we will just have to add decor!
Your dad was extra sweet this weekend. He is so much fun to plan with! Your friends, family, and neighbors were thinking about you too this weekend. We received cards and Melody gave you your first bunny!

I know we still have 4 months and will not rush anything, but we are all anticipating your arrival!
love, mom

It's A Girl!

2008-05-10T09:02:00.004-04:00

We found out the news this Thursday morning that we are going to be blessed with a baby girl. As you can imagine this is going to be quite a change for me since I have a brother and no sisters (and two male dogs). Although Sandy is extremely patient with me, I still don't understand women at all. That's probably a sentiment shared by about 95% of the rest of the male population. That's okay, because I couldn't be happier about having a daughter.

Due to scanner issues, I don't have the picture ready to post and due to my computer ignorance, I don't know how to post the DVD of the ultrasound so y'all will just have to wait.

I will say this, Sandy and I got to share the most special moment in our lives in the ultrasound room. When the technician was taking measurements of the baby's head, baby Williams looked up at us and gave us the biggest smile. Sandy immediatley turned into a water fountain and I have to admit that my eyes even got a little bit moist. The bad news is that moment is not captured on the DVD. The good news is the technician was able to catch a picture of it.

That's enough for today. I should have the pictures posted on here by Monday so you can all get you first glimpse at the smile that is going to melt her father's heart for years to come.

Pregnancy: Month 4
-Steve

16 weeks and showing

2008-04-22T20:40:00.005-04:00

Yep, Barefoot AND pregnant :)

Getting hard to believe we only have about 23 weeks left!!! My belly feels like it is growing everyday. I am starting to rub my hands over it occasionally (which is something I had never understood before I became pregnant). Steve now is saying I look pregnant instead of saying that it looked like I just ate a BURRITO!!!

14 week appointment

2008-04-10T21:34:00.002-04:00

Today I got to hear the heartbeat... what an amazing sound! The nurses were really great so it made the experience even better! I am still loosing weight and I am not sure why except that I have stopped eating so much junk food that my body doesn't know what to think!!! They did find protein in my urine so they will be doing more tests to make sure it is nothing serious. I am going to keep an eye on my blood pressure over the next month to see if I am developing high blood pressure. So far no signs, but just being cautious!!!
The next appointment is in 4 weeks and we will definitely get to have an ultrasound and find out the gender!!! Very exciting to think about!
I am still feeling good except my allergies are killing me. Creating a few headaches and pressure around the eyes. Although it is normal to be conjested during pregnany, it is not normal for me!!!! This little one is preparing me to be tough, and I am ready for the challange!!!
much love, sandy