One Month Old

On Wednesday, little Alice turned one month old.  It is hard to believe that we have had her so long, but it is also hard to imagine life before her.  We just love her so much.  I know that newborn infants don't have many accomplishments, but here are a few that her baised parents notice

• She loves to look around and study things visually.  
• She loves to cuddle.
• She can hold her head up when she wants to
• She will sleep about a 4 hour stretch at night
• She smiles after she eats - it is really cute but hard to photograph
• She doesn't mind too much when Bella steps on her, or lays next to Alice with the tail in her face
• Overall, she is a very content baby and we love her

At her Dr. Appt on Thursday, she weighed 8 pounds 2.5 ounces (19%) was 19.5 inches (4%) and her head was 14 inches (14%).   Here are some pictures of her at 1 month.

 

Sometimes after her bath her hair sticks straight out and she looks like an Asian baby.

 

Here is Alice's newest diaper cover.  It is wool and adorable.  Thanks Aunt Becky!

(Notice how Bella likes to be close to Alice.  I think they will be good friends eventually)

And one more picture.  She loves to have her hands and arms up 

Elliana's Blessing

My niece Elliana was blessed on Mother's Day.  She is only 13 days older than Alice, and we all very excited that our daughters have cousins so close.  We are certain that they will be best friends.  We were able to go down to Vancouver to enjoy time with family and attend the blessing.  She was beautiful and the blessing was also beautiful.

This was one of the few times that all my siblings were together, and most of the grandkids were there.  We missed Marcus Jr., but can't wait to get a picture with all of them.  Some of the kiddos were not very cooperative, but hey they are in there.

And the parents with the kids

And finally just my siblings

Beach Trip

Alice had her first excursion to the beach the day before Mother's Day.  We went with the Blake Family, Becky & Garrett, and David and Dad.  It was a very warm day.  I little bit of wind, but overall an enjoyable experience.  The boys had a great time playing in the sand, and I am sure Nigel ate the entire beach.  He was grabbing handfuls whenever he could. 

We all enjoyed the visiting and the outdoors.  Alice mostly slept under a blanket to keep the sand off her, but she did really well.

Hopefully we will go back soon.  The deli we ate at is most definitely a reason to return.  YUM!

Alice Sleeping - the hat is a bit big, but hopefully she will grow into it.

David playing with the boys - He is such a great uncle

Mother's Day

In the past, this day has always been a hard one.  There is nothing worse than having a holiday that you so badly want to be a part of, and can't.  It was filled with tears, flowers from church I didn't want to accept, and being told that even if you didn't have children, you were still a mother (just another phrase that does not bring comfort to those who desire motherhood). 

This year was finally different.  I will admit it was odd being able to stand in Sacrament meeting to accept my Mother's Day gift with a smile on my face as I got to hold my little Alice.  Tears were shed, not from sadness and despair, but of joy and amazement as I finally get to celebrate this wonderful holiday as a mother. 

This Mother's Day was extra special, because we spent it in Vancouver where my brother blessed my sweet niece Elliana.  We spent the day with family visiting, and I got to see many of the mothers and grandmothers I love.  It was a fabulous day, and I one I hope to never forget. 

I feel so privileged to be a mother, and I absolutely love it.  Yes, there are time when I don't want to get up in the middle of the night, but I am so grateful for the little girl that has been sent to our family.  It has brought us more joy that we ever could have imagined. 

As we were gone all day on Mother's Day, I received my gift yesterday.  I promised my husband I would not show pictures and be specific, but I will say that a well loved and very worn out treasure of his has finally been disposed of.  He figured that not only was it becoming a hazard due to it's well loved nature, but that he needed to be an example to his daughter, and sometimes things we are attached to just must go. 

When it went into the trash, I couldn't help but feel a little sadness for my husband, but I know how much he loves our family and it was time.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's, and hang in there to those still waiting.  

Exploring around the house

Alice is getting used to her surroundings at home as well.  We are also getting used to having baby stuff all around the house.  Bella is also adjusting.  She doesn't like it when Alice cries and will usually come to see what is going on.  She will also lay at the foot of our bed staring in to the cradle when Alice is sleeping.  She is learning that she can't stand on Alice, lick her face, and that the pacifiers are off limits.  Overall, we are all adjusting well.  Below are some pictures of around the house.

This is a cradle that I think my Grandfather slept in.  We have had it in our garage for the last 6 years or so waiting to be filled.  We are so excited to put it to use.

We are using cloth diapers for Alice, and so far I love it.  Below is a prefold diaper with pins.

This is a Bummis Super Brite cover

Little Alice sleeping - Isn't she just precious?

Alice napping in her crib.  More pictures of the nursery to come.

Busy couple weeks

Since Alice was born, we have been very busy.  We weren't exactly ready for her arrival, so our house was a mess, and we didn't have some of the things we needed, but we have been making due.  Since we brought Alice home, we have

had our first bath - Thanks Mom for helping

Dr. Appointments

 cousin Nigel's first birthday party

 where she met new cousin Elliana

and was adored by many

including Grandpa

and Daddy

We have also been to Church

childbirth class, Ikea, Newborn Photos, 

and a baby shower from the Lybbert Family

Where she met her Great Grandmothers

Grandma Blomgren even made Alice her first Tortilla

We think she shows off her Mexican well and fits right in

Two Weeks Ago...

Our lives changed dramatically forever.  After 6 years of not so patiently waiting, Alice Patricia Lybbert joined our family.  Alice was born almost 3 weeks early on April 19, 2010 at 8:45 pm and weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces and 18 inches long.  She is beautiful and has lots of dark hair. 

It all began the Thursday before when I went into the Dr. and they informed me I was about 3-4 cm dilated.  They put me on bedrest to prolong the pregnancy.  They said that if I went into labor they wouldn't stop it since I was so close to 37 weeks, but it would be best to wait as long as possible.

On Friday, I called my boss and told him the news, and he informed me they had planned a surprise baby shower for that day.  I broke the bedrest policy and went.  The shower was great, and they gave us some really great gifts. 

Dusty's work also had a shower that day, so I went to that as well.  Afterward, I was quite tired and gladly accepted bed rest. 

Saturday I took it easy, but did attend a potluck in our neighborhood.  I sat the whole time, but was glad to lay down when I got home.

Sunday I went to Sacrament meeting, and went home. 

Monday I stayed in bed all day.  I had some mild contractions throughout the day no closer than 10-11 minutes apart.  Nothing unusual from what I was experiencing the past few days or weeks.  Dusty came home around 7:00 with KFC which I requested.  I got up to go to the restroom before dinner and while I was going, I felt my water break.  I immediately panicked and we started gathering stuff for the hospital.  I talked to my sister who told me to relax and call the Dr.  I obeyed and just when I was about to talk to the hospital, my contractions changed and they got really close together and extremely painful.  They told us to come in.  We immediately left for the hospital, and I labored in the car on the way to the hospital. 

We had prepared ourselves for labor and childbirth through Bradley classes, but they didn't seem to be helping.  We finally arrived at the hospital around 8:00ish.  I had another contraction at the admission desk, and they bypassed the registration and took me straight to the labor and delivery room.  I finally got dressed and the nurses decided to check to see where I was, and they said "Oh, that is hair!".  They informed me that I was ready to push and I did.  The Dr. made it about 10-15 minutes before Alice was born. 

I successfully gave birth to Alice naturally at 8:45 with no drugs.  It was what I wanted, but it happened a little faster than I expected.  I was in shock after the birth, but with the help of an IV, which they started after she was born, and some food, I began to feel much better, 

My sister arrived about 7 minutes after the birth, and my mom and aunt arrived about 15 minutes later.  We were going to video the birth, but I told Dusty he could come back and get it after they checked me in.  As a result, we only have snap shots.

It was definitely a day I will always remember and cherish.  We are so happy that Alice has joined our family and we feel so blessed.  She is an amazing baby and we love her so much.  Here are some pictures of her birthday.

First Picture - Dr. just caught her

Time to be weighed 6lb 6oz - 18 in

First Family Photo