Happy 1 month old Birthday Lyla!!!

WOW - it has already been 1 month!! Lyla is so alert and loves to stare and focus on her surroundings. We often wonder what the heck she is staring at...the ceiling, walls, and space are some of her favorites...Well of course that is besides looking at her mommy and daddy which we of course think are her ultimate favorites:):)

This outfit just cracks me up. It is 0-3 months...her first time wearing it. It looked so big on the hanger...yeah not the case on. The girl definitely has long skinny legs so I fear pants may be a problem - I am still new at this but I don't think they make LONG lengths in baby clothes - haha. You'll soon see Lyla in lots of dresses...ha I love it - great excuse to dress her up:):):)

What we thought were smiles in the past are definitely smiles now. Lyla loves when I stick my tongue out at her and really loves when Daddy gives her kisses. But most of all Lyla loves eating. A picture of her smiling while eating would be a tad inappropriate (breastfeeding) so you'll have to take my word for it :)

There's a 1st time for everything!!!!

First on the list is Lyla got to experience voting for the 1st time. Even more exciting is that I will be able to tell Lyla that she helped mommy vote for Barack Obama..the next president elect :):):):) It amazed me how important voting felt now that I have a daughter - of course it's always gratifying to place your vote but knowing my vote will help shape the world for my daughter made it feel so much more rewarding!!!!!!

Next up....Lyla's 1st Spartan game! Much to our surprise we spent most of the time staring at Lyla instead of concentrating on the game ;) We decided recording the games would be best for the future!

Onto Lyla's 1st bath time experience. I decided it would be too sad to post pics from her 1st experience...it did not go so well. We were so scared of the water temperature that we bathed her in "cool" water...not a good idea...the poor girl started to shiver:(:( Below are pictures from her 3rd bath experience with much much warmer water. Lyla now loves bath time which makes it fun for all.

The best part of bath time is when we wrap her in a warm towel! Awww that clean baby smell coupled with a happy baby that looks up at you with those big brown eyes - could you ask for more?!?!?!?!

And finally I had to include the below photos so everyone could end with an "Awwwwwww" moment! Is this just not the most precious thing you have ever seen. This is Lyla's....and daddy's favorite position! They could....well they have...laid in this position for hours!!!!

What a Treat!!!

Guess Whoooooooo's 1st Halloween!!

Lyla very quickly expressed her thoughts about playing dress up....

Now she is really starting to enjoy herself....what a hoot!!!!

Awww - isn't she just so precious!!!!

Photo shoot lasted a little too long ;)

Many many THANKS!

Thank you Grandma!!!

Thank you for taking care of me, mommy and daddy for a week! Mommy and daddy very much miss your company, home cooked meals, laundry services, cleaning services, your willingness to help with anything, and much much more! I very much miss seeing you everyday and your hugs and kisses. Mommy talks about you and grand-daddy all the time...I know I am one lucky little girl to have such loving grandparents.

I love you...MORE!!!!!

Love,

Lyla Anne

Thank you Grand-daddy!

Thank you for making the drive to Chicago to pick up Grandma. It was a short visit but worth all the hugs and kisses I received. I love you grand-daddy!

Love,

Lyla Anne

And thank you Aunt Carri!

Your company made the long drive to Chicago so much easier for Grand-daddy! Mommy also talks about you all the time...The Schneider family sounds like one rockin' cool family....I look forward to lots of Austin/Schneider family gatherings:):) Tell Josie I can't wait to meet her!!!!

Love,

Lyla Anne

We all knew it would happen....

It didn't take long...we've got a Daddy's Little Girl on our hands!! Everyday Lyla looks forward to daddy coming home so she can get some of his eskimo kisses! It is the cutest thing in the world to see. She just stares in his eyes - she is SO smitten with daddy! And can it get any better than cuddling with daddy! After a long day of work for daddy - and a long day of missing daddy for Lyla...cuddling is the perfect recipe to make it all better:):):)

Oh and I have to mention - I got a real hug from daddy a couple of days ago. The belly was in the way for so many months...it's a shame that I forgot how good a hug could feel. I just know Lyla feels so protected and secure in daddy's arms...what a lucky little lady to have such an awesome daddy!

1st Stroller outing!

Our first stroller outing:) I have never checked and re-checked traffic so much before crossing the street. Yep a tad paranoid but do you trust Chicago drivers...yep that's my excuse!!! Lyla caught some Zzzzzz while I got some much needed fresh air and exercise. Hopefully Chicago winter doesn't strike soon so we can both enjoy more stroller outings!

One week already!!!!

Wow how things change in one short week. Lyla is becoming more alert and has started exploring the world. She is a perfect angel - of course I have to say that right:) She sleeps 3 to 4 hours stretches through the night...she loves mamma's milk...and is already spoiled rotten by daddy! Week 1 - the scariest but most amazing week!!!

Introducing Lyla Anne Austin

Finally right:) Here are some pictures to get things started! I will post more details in the next few days. We are very much enjoying these precious early days with Lyla.

You can see more photos taken at the hospital by visiting: http://www.bellababyphotography.com/ click on: website click on: client enter password: 0556austin

Update:)

I had a doc appt yesterday. I am:

80% effaced

1 cm dilated

-1 Station

For some that may sound like a foreign language:) So in short things are happening and Baby Austin is definitely getting ready to make an arrival. The doc explained that it's great that I am almost 100% effaced. Reason being...because I am almost 100% effaced (thinned out) it will make dilating that much easier/faster. An analogy - hope it's not too graphic. Think of pulling a piece of rubber - is it easy to pull when it is thicker or thinner? I'll go with thinner:)

Now I hate when doctor's say this - they just shouldn't be allowed to get your hopes up - but he said, "I don't have a crystal ball but I don't think you will make it to your due date - you've already done a lot of work." But he is a doctor and knows what he is talking about - so I choose to believe him:):):) My hopes are exteremely high - I hope Baby Austin comes tonight!!!

Stay tuned!!!!!!

October 3rd - Our Real Anniversary!!

October 3rd marks a very exciting day for Michael and I. This is the day we consider our "Real Anniversary". This day goes back....way back...back into time! It's funny - every year Michael and I have to count the years...and every year we find ourselves in awe. Last night as we were laying in bed we found ourselves counting again. I found myself having deja vu as Michael asked again, "Are you sure you were 14 years old?" For those of you counting yes that makes 16 years. 16 years ago Michael and I started along our path together - 9th graders at Central Junior High School in Xenia, Ohio. I wouldn't change one thing about our adventures and path that has lead us to this very day. I have spent so many days thinking about this day that it's so hard to believe that it is actually here. I find myself saying and still convincing myself that I am FINALLY getting ready to have - MICHAEL LEE AUSTIN'S BABY!!!! I repeat it over and over in my head - there is nothing in this world that makes me happier. I love you Micheal Lee!!!

And the winner is.....The Elephant:)

Less than 3 weeks...

This past weekend was very interesting. I will spare you all some of the details...there are some things that are not meant for a public blog:):) Let's just say that I spent the entire weekend curled up in a blanket on the couch! The times spent off the couch were filled with pain. There's a pregnancy term called "lightening" and I can not think of a better word. Walking has become a fear of mine because I do not know when "lightening" will strike...and when it does all I can do it scream or yelp! So what's "lightening"? Lightening during pregnancy actually refers to the term used to describe the babies head engaging in the pelvis before vaginal birth. For me this comes with much discomfort. I get the biggest - intense - deep - shock wave of pain in my hips...it stops me dead in my tracks...there is no point trying to walk thru the pain as it only last for about 10 seconds...10 seconds too long:) So all in all - Baby Austin is making his way down the pelvis and is getting mommy geared up for labor! I spoke with my doctor...if the intense shock wave of pain continues they want me to come in before my next appointment to get an internal exam. NOW...I kept telling myself to not jump the gun...I didn't want to convince myself that I will deliver before 40 weeks...but you know what....I am not going to be naive and in denial. My body is definitely telling me something and I am going to listen close:) This baby could come any day...this past weekend definitely prepared me that any day really means any day!!! Oh and lastly now I know what a "real" contraction feels like...yep...I definitely had some contractions over the weekend. Braxton-Hicks no more - these are contractions! Just as everyone has said "You'll know when you are having a contraction" man are those people right:) So let's just say I am showing all those pre-labor signs. It could be days or weeks...but one thing is for sure...Baby Austin is getting prepared to make an entrance into the world!!! SO EXCITING!!!!!

September 18th....1 more month!!!!

WOW....I can hardly believe we are one month away from our estimated due date!!! I say estimated due date because I have convinced myself that I am going to have Baby Austin 2 weeks late so if Baby A comes sooner....what a pleasant surprise:)

So how am I feeling?

ACHY.....very very ACHY! My lower back....but the HIPS are really where it's at....OUCH! I honestly feel like they are going to split in two and fall off. I know - I know - they are making room for that baby but really until you've had a baby you truly have no idea what is in store at this point! Thank you to those mommies that have told me that I will not remember these aches and pains once the baby is born and moreso how quickly all the aches and pains, swollen body parts, heartburn, etc....all disappear.

I am getting SO anxious to meet Baby Austin I really can hardly stand it! Michelle - thanks for the Christmas Eve comparison - It is SO true! There is such excitement, anticipation, and an element of surprise as to "What will we get - in this case will it be a boy or a girl?" I have a month of Christmas Eve nights ahead of me...I know it will be so worth the wait:):)

Got Milk?

Finally I can answer "yes" to the question.....

"Do you have any cravings?"

Katie - I am sorry to report...it's nothing crazy...you will be disappointed - haha!!!

I am craving - MILK!!!! Yep good ole' milk. I can not get enough of it. I wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts of milk and can't help but make my way to the kitchen. It takes some effort since I do not have feeling in my fingers and I can not bend my fingers (pregnancy carpal tunnel) but last night I managed to pick up a gallon a milk and take a sip - it was SO worth it!!! Oh thought...I should pour milk into a glass and leave it in the fridge before I go to bed so all I have to do it reach for the glass instead of the entire gallon - brilliant idea:):)

And Michael - I very much still love when you bring me apple juice in bed before you go to work - please continue:)

So with all this happening in the middle of the night....milk cravings...4 to 5 restroom trips....tossing and turning.....the sleepless nights have arrived. Hmmm....light bulb....I think these type of nights are exactly what's in my future for some time to come.

Milk cravings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights - oh my!!

Awwww - but MILK makes it all better!!! I hope Baby Austin loves milk as much as I:)

Yuuuuuummmmmm....I wish I had some milk right now!!! Anyone - Got Milk?

What a weekend....

Labor Day Weekend 2008...my how things can change in a year. In past years, the tradition has always been to go back to Ohio and pretty much "party" with family and friends. This past Labor Day I am happy to say we have started a new tradition that makes me very happy. That is to spend "quality" time with friends and family. Times...they are a changin' and I could not be happier!!!!!!

The weekend started off with my Baby Shower. I was surprised...well actually I take that back...of course my sister came up with the best phrase for the Cake:)

Written on the cake:

What will Baby Austin be?

A Bearcat Cheerleader like her mom at UC?

Or will Baby Austin be a "he" and play Spartan football like his dad on TV?

Oh and did you notice the scoreboard - 50/50...as in a 50/50 chance it will be a girl or boy - ha how clever!!!!!

And to complete it my mom came up with the idea to dress up my old cabbage patch dolls:) To no surprise - Baby Austin was completely spoiled and received so many thoughtful gifts. It was so great to be surrounded by such loving family and friends and see their excitement for Baby Austin's arrival. I look forward to seeing Baby Austin in each of your arms and seeing you be there for Baby Austin as all of you have been there for me. I love each and everyone of you - THANK YOU so much for everything!!!!!

Next up - some serious Sisterly Bonding Time. I had never heard of a Belly Cast until Carri did one with Josie. I knew right then I would want my sister to do my Belly Cast once I was pregnant. I had been looking forward to doing this for so long - and I was not disappointed - this is an experience every prego women should have. My experience was extra special because it was just my sister and I. Well okay - take that back. The Master Plaster (daddy-o) set up the perfect work station and was there to provide his expert advice.

The end result - the perfect Belly Cast! A masterpiece that I will have forever and can't wait to share with Baby Austin.

And lastly, my 30th birthday celebration! Those of you that know me well know that I do not like a lot of hoopla. I would be happy going to I-hop on my birthday and eating my favorite omelette:):) I was a little nervous since the weekend was "all about me." I survived but only because those closest to me knew how to make it the perfect b-day celebration! We all went to the best hot wing joint - Fricker's. PERFECT! And even more perfect I got to share my big day with my daddy-o who turned 6-0 and Debbie who turned 50 something:) We all shared a cake and enjoyed some really tasty hot wings! Yum Yum. The night ended in "Johnson" fashion. We all went home - got in our comfy clothes - watched TV - and crashed!!!

And I had to save my favorite photos for last. That Josie...check her out. We were explaining to her that her cousin would be arriving soon.

She definitely understood what we were saying. I think she is a little excited to meet her cousin:):) Awww...they are going to be the best of friends!! I can NOT wait!!!!

I have no idea why I can't get the slideshow option to work - click or cut in paste the below link into your browser for more fun filled pictures from the weekend:

http://picasaweb.google.com/AustinAlbum/LaborDayWeekend83108#