Philippians 4:6

Here it is 10:24pm and I'm up trying to get rid of my 3rd clogged duct - thank goodness it isn't thrush. Tonight will include waking up every 2 hours to ensure this clogged duct doesn't get worse. This day started so sweetly with Saylor but then our patience was tried from 1:30pm on as Saylor screamed all afternoon and evening. Brandon and I both felt helpless as we continued to make sure she was fed, warm, diaper changed, and rocking in our arms. We are exhausted! Finally, after she cried it out solo for almost 60 full minutes, she is asleep - its 1AM.

These are the days Phillipians 4:6 is our rock - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God."

Not sometimes, but in EVERY situation with THANKSGIVING!

Saylor girl we ARE thankful for you! - we are thankful you have a cry, 2 ears, 2 eyes, legs and arms that kick, abs that tighten when you have bad gas, sweet blue-grey eyes, and so much more!! We praise God for you even on tough days! God loves us MOST, sweet girl!

Farmington Memories!

 You slept 9 hours for the first time on Nov 26th - Thanksgiving night! That will be easy for us to remember.

Saylor's first Thanksgiving!

more Thanksgiving!

Your first time meeting Aunt Hannah and Uncle Klinton. For 9 months we, along with everyone else in our lives, called you "Grape" because Uncle Klinton said "Goodnight Grape" to Mom at 6 weeks pregnant. The nickname stuck! We sure love you, Grape!

Thanksgiving - First Road Trip!

And we are OFF for Evansville, Indiana to stay overnight and then to Farmington, MO the next day.

This is how we roll!

Your first bottle from Dad!

Mom successfully pumped a bottle and you took it like a champ from Dad. This was not surprising since you LOVE eating!

Meeting the McClains!

 We are so thankful for this sweet family! How surreal it was to place my little girl into the arms of the little ones I spent hours with as a nanny for the last 3 years. We talked daily about whether Grape would be a girl or boy for 9 months - the girls were thrilled to hear Saylor was born AND to hear her gender.

Gwyn looks so grown up holding Saylor. And I love how excited Charlotte is and was to meet you, Saylor. I hope this wonderful family is still in our lives for years to come! I was equally as excited to meet Ivy - the McClains newly adopted sweety from China!!

 Charlotte is proud and HAPPY to meet you!

Aunt Nikki visits and we decided to find out what your name means - we were not surprised to discover Saylor means "determined." How fitting! I'm not sure I've met other 3 week olds that hold up their necks quite like you do girl. 

Sweet naps and snuggles with the wubbanub.

Your first nap in the crib!

We love this blanket made with TLC by our friends the McBeaths.

Almost every morning, I slip you into bed to snuggle with Dad for a few minutes! 

Sleepy moments at 3AM feedings.

First Bath!

Saylor's initial reaction to the warm water. She was NOT a fan!

Shopping with Aunt Abby and Aunt Essie for bridesmaid dresses - Aunt Tirzah's wedding is only 6 weeks away!!

I love you sweet Saylor-girl!! We tell you every day - "Mom loves you...Dad loves you...but God loves you THE MOST!" We pray a day doesn't go by in your life where "neither the depth, the width, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38

 Meeting Mommy's friend - Laura and Ariella!

 3 weeks old!

Morning snuggles with Dad while he checks his email!

Date night! Grandma came to town and we headed out on a Friday night to Brandon's Grainger work party. We loved getting out, socializing, and spending time connecting. Dates are precious now!! I appreciate my best friend more than ever now -- he is my best teammate!!

Wow! Time is a strange phenomenon recently. Our days seem to creep by filled with many feedings, diaper changes, and burping sessions that include our made up "let your burps out" rap. Then somehow 3 weeks have flown by. We love you sweet Saylor! You're a determined little lady. Since the moment you were born and put on Mom's chest, you lifted your head to show us your strength. Ever since, you continue to reveal your personality - screaming because you're so tired but determined to stay awake a little longer, lifting your head to look around, and standing on our hands.

Week 2 & 3

We finally gave Saylor a paci at the 2 week mark - she loves it! And not to mention the giraffe makes her look tiny.

Morning kisses from Dad before he heads out on sales calls. We sure love this guy!

This is how Dad consoles you when you're fussy at night. We're not sure if its your thrush that is making you fussy or the foods that Mom is eating.

 Snuggles with Mom - we spend our days eating (both of us - I can't seem to eat enough), changing diapers, taking naps, snuggling, singing songs, and more.

 We take trips to the Mall at night so Mom can get out of the house!

Our Saylor-girl!

 Finally a picture with Mom - its hard to remind Dad to take photos.

Saylor's First Week

Dad is so sweet to Saylor-girl!! From snuggles, dancing in the dining room, changing diapers, rocking to sleep, silly songs, and so much more - he's a great Dad!!!

Best quote of the day from Brandon after kissing Saylor-girl..."nana, na, nana, I'm the first boy to kiss your lips!" followed by "I'll have to tell her that on her wedding day."

 

First toddler hold from our friend and buddy, Elijah.

 Morning moments with Mom.

 Grandpa drove 8 hours in one day to meet his 16th grandchild! We'll always cherish this photo.

And Grandpa brought along "Gi-Gi." She loved holding you and telling me all about her first birth experience back in the day.

Your Aunt Essie is already spoiling you with the cutest outfits! We are so thankful she still lives in Cincinnati.

Grandma loves you and us so much! She stayed with us for 10 days and was our amazing house fairy. She cleaned, cooked, straightened up our messes, organized your baby closet, snuggled you late at night and early in the morning so Mom could sleep, and so much more. We love you Grandma!!

Grandad adores you! He drove with Grandma Cheryl when we went into labor. He cried when he left you and sent us the sweetest note that was in the New Heights bulletin.