Hello.  Let me introduce you to our "chunky monkey," Millie Janalee.  When Millie Janalee was born, she weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces.  At her two week checkup she weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces...25th percentile.  She now weighs a whopping 9 pounds 6 ounces.  Still smaller than some babies at birth, according to my mother who birthed my sister at 9 pounds 10 ounces I think.  I'm looking at Millie Janalee, and I can't imagine birthing this girl!  Ha!  I know she's still pretty small...only 33rd percentile actually.  But, given just the right angle and she is quite the chunky monkey.

For example, her little "milk belly" plops right over her diapers...just like her Mama's.  Ha!  She can suck down a bottle in no time.  And, in fact, she finished every drop of 5 ounces today.  She could've eaten more probably, but I thought that was enough for now.  Yep.  Our baby girl is growing and will soon be in the double digits.

No "rubber band wrists" as my father-in-law calls those fat rolls.  But we are close.  I'm lovin' this chunky monkey!

Six Weeks

Today Miss Millie Janalee turned six weeks old!  Once again, it's hard to believe that it was six weeks ago...42 days...when I received the call from Karen that "It's time!"  Her birthmother was in labor for a very short time before Millie Janalee was born at 8:58 a.m.  My life would never be the same.  My nerves were shot.  My anxiety was at its max.  And, my heart was overwhelmed!  Who could've guessed that six weeks later, God would bless us with such beauty...

"God makes all things beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

 

Six weeks ago, Russ and I had a daughter we had yet to meet.  We would spend the next 30 hours in prayer for our daughter and her birthparents.  Six weeks ago, we began to daydream about what Millie Janalee might look like.  We took flowers to the agency for the birthparents, and we were greeted with the pregnancy counselor's smile saying, "You have a beautiful daughter."

Daughter...Wow!  Six weeks ago, our life became richer, fuller, and God showed Himself more than we could have ever imagined.  Six weeks ago, I became a mother.

 

Millie Janalee,

In these short six weeks, you have made me happier than I've ever been.  You are such a happy and content baby!  You have traveled more than any other six week old I know, and you do it so well.  I was told that my "fly by the seat of my pants" lifestyle would never work with a baby.  But so far, you seem to have the same "fly by the seat of your diapers" attitude.  It's been so fun!  In fact, Tuesday, Susu called to let us know that my cousin was coming to our hometown.  I hadn't seen him in a few years, and he was just waiting to meet you.  He called us the day we brought you home and told us how excited he was.  So, I grabbed the diaper bag, you, and the car seat...and hit the road!  No blanket.  Only one bottle.  And no socks.  I figured whatever we needed, I could just buy it when we got to town.  You slept past your regular feeding time, and waited until we arrived and got settled to get hungry.  Success!

You are getting used to my camera obsession, and you usually accommodate me very well by looking at me while I pose you and take hundreds of shots just trying to get the expression I want.  Ha!  Well, usually you do...

Today you became a little "over it" during our photo session.  Ha!  Actually, we think you may be going through a growth spurt right now, because you are a little fussier than normal and you eat much more often the last day or so.  By the way, when I say fussier than normal...it's still not very fussy.  You just can't seem to get too comfortable.  So I'm watching you like a mother hawk.  I don't want to miss a thing if you are in fact growing.

Right now, you are still taking four ounces each feeding.  But your daddy and I think we may need to invest in 8 ounce bottles very soon.  You can chow down on your bottle drinking every last drop.  Sometimes you act like you may want more, but you never fuss.  So we just stopped at 4 ounces.  Soon...I have a feeling we will need a little more.

Your sleeping has always been better than I ever expected.  You only wake up once or twice at night.  Sometimes you even sleep nearly six hours at a time...waking up at around 3 a.m. and 6:45 a.m.  Last night, I felt like you were up all night because you are eating more frequently.  Ha!  I've gotta get used to what most other mothers do with bitty babies!  I love our time at night, though.  You and I sit in the living room in the quiet darkness.  We stare at each other while you eat.  Until your eyes start rolling back in your head.  At that point, I just stare while you snooze.  You always give a grand finale by spitting up all over me and you both.  Thank you for that!  I've waited many years for moments like that.  Thank you, God, for baby spit up and late night feedings and fussy days and all the rest!

Baby girl, these six weeks have gone by so fast!  I have loved watching every second of your little life.  I love you more than you know, and I cannot wait to watch you discover your little world and grow more!  Wait.  Yes I can wait!  Please don't grow up too fast!

Happy six weeks, sweet girl!

I love you,
Mama

Wordless Wednesday

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:14

"Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

Daddy's Little Girl

Millie Janalee may look to me when she's hungry or hurting or crying.  She may calm down when she hears my voice.  She may spend all her waking hours with me.  She may know exactly when I fall asleep to get hungry.  She may travel with me all over town and make last minute trips "home."  We may have a pretty awesome mother/daughter bond already.  But, one thing is for sure.  She is Daddy's little girl!

Since the first day Russ laid eyes on this bitty baby, he was wrapped.  Wrapped about as tight as you can around that itty bitty pinky finger.  I've never seen him quite like this before.  All she has to do is look at him, and Russ pretty much melts.  Thankfully, Russ has been on a wonderful rotation this month that allows him to be home pretty much whenever he wants to.  And he has taken advantage of his time. 

Dr. Millie Janalee is in the house!

But sometimes he has to leave these big eyes to do what radiologists do.  Millie Janalee just looks at him like, "What?  Can I go?  Do you need any help?"  Before he leaves, he always puts his hand on her head, smiles, and kisses her goodbye.  Then, he kisses me...probably so I won't feel left out.  Ha!  And multiple times during the day or night, he asks for picture updates.

That's when our silly girl time starts!  We cross our eyes and show our muscles.

We fist pump.  Or give each other knuckles.  I'm not sure which one the above picture looks most like.  Ha!

We play with our hands by watching them go up and down and near and far.  We swing and play and sing and dance.

And, sometimes, Mama gets so carried away taking pictures of our silly girl time...that she burns her food. 

Yep.  Life is different.  Life is fun.  Life is good!

SMILE!

 "A glad heart makes a cheerful face..." Proverbs 15:13

Russ and I have been working with Millie Janalee on smiling at us when we play.  I'm not sure if we are there yet, but we are getting close!  It is so fun watching her find her little place in this world.  I love seeing her discover new things and make new sounds.  I already know that her smile is going to be one of my all time favorite things to see.  As I looked back at Millie Janalee's expressions from our "smile practice," I couldn't help but laugh at what I imagine her thinking.  Then, I began to think about how we must look when God asks us to be JOYFUL in all circumstances.  As we waited to become parents, we certainly felt the full range of emotions.  We didn't always feel like being joyful, and to be honest...we weren't always joyful.  Or at least I wasn't.  It wasn't until years of God working on me that I really began to make a conscious effort to be joyful no matter what.

Not the camera!  Really?!

There were days when I looked at God like, "Are you kidding me?! Really?!"  I wasn't feeling it, and I was frustrated about all the time, effort, and disappointment.  I wanted it my way, and He knew better.  He loved me so much that He made us wait for this perfect one.  This sweet girl who has touched so many, and even in the midst of teaching her to smile...she led me to reflect on my own joy.

"Now, how do I do it again?"

There were days when I pleaded with God.  "Do I really have to be joyful right now?  Please don't make me!"  I knew what God's Word said.  I knew He says to "be joyful always," but I remember looking up with pleading eyes and wondering how I was supposed to be joyful in the midst of negative tests, all these shots, disappointments, and watching others enjoy something I had wanted so badly.  "How do I do this?"

What if I just stick out my tongue?  Will that do?

There were many days I felt like just sticking my tongue out at God and throwing a temper tantrum.  I wasn't getting my way, and I wanted to lay on the floor and kick and scream until I did.   Thank you, God, that He didn't give in to my childish ways!

Oh, wait a minute!  Let me play with my hands!

 Of course, there were days I became distracted.  Distracted with making appointments, taking my temperature, checking the calendar, and later checking placements online.  I became distracted with what all I was missing instead of being JOYFUL where God had me then.

I'm trying!

Finally, the day came when I realized what I was missing by focusing on what I was missing.  Hmmm...does that make sense?  I can make a concerted effort to be joyful in so many blessings.  I can be JOYFUL because God sent His only Son for my sins so that I can live forever with Him.  I can be JOYFUL because I am blessed with amazing family and friends.  I can be JOYFUL because He is using me to reach others in similar situations.  I can be JOYFUL because I have an amazing husband...my best friend...who I love!  I can be JOYFUL simply because God is enough.  That's it.  He is enough.  Yes, it is hard.  I think God gives us these trials to strengthen our faith and test us.  And sometimes I think He gives us trials to touch others.  To show them that we can have joy in the midst of failures, disappointment, and sadness.  Can we really follow Him even when things are tough?  Can we really follow His commands cheerfully when we don't get our way?  Sometimes...a lot of times...we certainly don't feel like it.  And most times I felt like I failed.  But God tells us to be joyful...

So smile!

"Be JOYFUL always..." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

To Granmomma and Pop's House We Go

Millie Janalee has crammed so much into her short little 5 1/2 weeks of life!  But, one thing we had not done...until now was visit Granmomma and Pop's house for a weekend.  Russ and I have been working on updating our life insurance since Millie Janalee's arrival, and we made an appointment with a lawyer Friday morning to make a will.  I feel so "together" right now.  Even if that feeling doesn't last long.  Ha!  We went ahead and named the executors, trustees, and guardians if something were to happen to both of us.  Then, we also went ahead and did a Power of Attorney for each other.  It was so easy to do and took less than 20 minutes.  We will go back on Friday to sign the final draft.  We joked that we would try not to walk in front of a car until it was signed.  Obviously, we are not looking to use any of that paperwork...but it's there if we need it.

I digress.

In preparation for our big debut at Granmomma and Pop's, Millie Janalee got all cleaned up and smelling fresh the night before.  I asked Russ to get the water ready, and he looked at me like..."Huh?"  I realized that I had always done the bathing, and he probably didn't know what to do.  I told him it was a good skill to learn in the event I wasn't here, and he agreed as long as I stood behind him to talk him through it.  Ha!

So, Daddy gave Millie Janalee a bath for the first time and he did a wonderful job!  I love watching Russ with our daughter.  He is always so gentle and sweet with her!  I always knew he would be a great daddy...and HE IS!

We had planned to introduce Millie Janalee to Russ's grandmother, but she has been in the hospital for (what they think may be) shingles.  Soooo...we opted out of that!  We spent Wednesday night just hanging around.  Russ's mom wasn't feeling well either, so she kept her distance and went to bed early.  Russ's dad was at the hospital with Munu until later.  So, we enjoyed a low key night waiting for Pop to get back.

A little "mommy and me" time

Sweet girl!

After visiting with Pop for a little while...and calming down our little fussy, gassy girl, we went upstairs to get settled in for the night.  I think Millie Janalee loves her room at Granmomma and Pop's house.  We laid on the bed to kick around a little while before putting our pajamas on.  I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of Millie Janalee in her little cradle.  I think all the children have used it, and it is so precious.  Millie Janalee slept very well in Granmomma's cradle.  I'll try to remember to take a picture next time.

Pre-bedtime play

Ready for bed!

Every morning, we woke up to Aunt Jenny waiting on us in the kitchen.  She told her gym partner that she just couldn't workout while Millie Janalee was here because she didn't want to get sweat on the baby.  Good excuse!  Ha!  Aunt Jenny couldn't wait to get her hands on Miss Millie Janalee each morning at the breakfast table.  She stayed most of the time we were in town.

Jenny, Russ, Millie Janalee, and I went to lunch Thursday at Island Chill, a newer restaurant downtown.  It was very good, the atmosphere was great, and it was perfect for a sleeping 5 week old.  Thursday night, I requested a special meal from Granmomma.  The Mansel clan joined us for baked ham, boiled okra, green beans, squash, peas, cornbread, fruit, and banana pudding!  I hope I didn't leave anything out!  It was A-MA-ZING!  We enjoyed the rest of the day and night playing with the newest cousin.  This is what our social life consists of now...staring at this pretty girl!  I LOVE IT!

Grace holding her newest baby cousin

Elle loves Millie Janalee!

Uncle Jeff hasn't seen her since the placement ceremony.

Hanging out with my little family

After supper, Millie Janalee got dressed for bed...and more playtime!

Elle, Millie Janalee, and Grace

Granmomma and Pop with Millie Janalee

The oldest cousin with the youngest cousin...Wow!

Millie Janalee just eats up all the attention!  She saves all her fussing for Russ and me.  And that's fine with me!  She is such a social baby.  Sweet girl!  We worked so hard to get her to smile at us while we played.  She's almost there!  She made a few new noises Friday, and I fully expect her to be smiling at us in no time!

It was certainly worth our trip...

"over the bridges and through the intersections...to Granmomma and Pop's we go!"

(my rendition of "Over the River and Through the Woods")

Happy 55!

Last weekend, Millie Janalee and I went to visit Susu and Paw Paw for Susu's birthday!  Kristin and Lee hosted a delicious cookout for the occasion with filets, strawberry feta salad, bowtie pasta, and a delicious strawberry cake!  We were accompanied by a few Yayas too.  It was a fun way to spend Susu's 55th birthday!  Unfortunately, my camera was acting up and I don't have many pictures from the night.  Poo!

After the Sip & See Saturday, we went back to Kristin and Lee's to visit.  Later on, Uncie Bucket and "Auntie Sheila" came over and spent some silly time with Millie Janalee.  Most of the time Dustin did the "Uncle Hank walk" which basically consisted of lunges and bouncing while walking around the room.  This is something he learned from a friend who recently had a baby.  Ha!  It was hilarious!  We have more video than pictures.  Once he started, Millie Janalee would NOT let him sit down.  After a while, Dustin told Millie Janalee he was cramping up.  She did not care.  He had to continue.

Dustin is anxiously waiting for the day Millie Janalee can talk and play back.  Right now, she pretty much just looks at him.  I have a feeling these two will get into lots of trouble together.  But, I can't wait to watch!

Millie Janalee, Uncie Bucket, and "Auntie Sheila"

We had a great weekend at "home."  It's very different going home to visit now...a good different.