Kodi and Addi...

David and I are dog people. We both had dogs growing up and consider our dog part of our family. We try and take Kodi just about every where we can...in the car, to the beach, on walks, to my parents' property, etc. So it was VERY important to us that we didn't just put him aside when Addi came home. After all,  he has been our only baby for almost 6 years now. 

We heard all the scary stories about how dogs have hurt newborns/children and how dogs can't be trusted alone with a new baby. We did our research, read articles, talked to friends with children and dogs, and did our best to integrate Kodi into our new lifestyle with Addison. 

For example, about 2 months before Addi was born, we moved her crib into our bedroom so Kodi could get use to the new arrangement. It just so happened that this new arrangement resulted in Kodi's bed being moved. So we knew it was important to make sure he was accustomed to this change before we brought our baby home.

We also heard that it was critical to have Kodi at our house when we came home with Addi...instead of us having Addi here first and then bring Kodi back home. I think it is a territorial thing. So although we boarded Kodi for the few days that we were in the hospital, we made sure that my parents picked him up and brought him home before we came home with our baby. We also had my parents give Kodi a few items that had Addi's scent on it...a burpcloth and a blanket.  This way, he would know her scent and be familiar with her before we ever stepped foot in the house with her.

Some friends told us that when we came home with Addi, David should be the one to carry her inside, while letting me walk in first to greet Kodi. I think this was so we could let him know how much we missed him while we were gone and to make sure he calmed down before walking in with Addi. 

I truly believe that all these things helped prepare Kodi for the arrival of his sister. When David sat Addi down in her carseat for Kodi to see her, this is how he greeted her...LOVE!!!

Don't get me wrong, we don't EVER leave Addi unattended or on the floor with Kodi is in the room, but after seeing how comfortable he is with her, it has definitely made us feel better. 

 We also are very careful when Kodi gets close to Addi because he's so big compared to her.  One little scratch of his claws could really hurt her, so we monitor and watch him when he tries to get close. 

 We don't want Kodi to be scared of Addi either, so we try and include him when we are watching TV or sitting out in the backyard. 

We've noticed that he has started to come in the room when he hears her crying and it seems as if he is checking on her to make sure she is okay.  He also tries to lick Addi's face after we've fed her. I'm sure he can't wait until she's big enough to eat in her high chair...so he can get all the goodies that fall on the floor!

Overall, we've had a pretty easy transition with Kodi and we think he's adjusted well to the new addition to our family. We can't wait until she's old enough to interact with Kodi...we think they are going to be best buddies one day!

Birthday Details...

I've had quite a few people ask where I purchased Addi's monthly birthday onesie and her birthday hat. So here are the details for both...

Her monthly birthday onesie isn't actually a onesie...I just put her in a solid white onesie and then had my friend Mary Kate make the birthday charms to attach to the onesie. You can find Mary Kate's Monograms by clicking on her name here, Mary Kate.

This is what the birthday charms look like...

They are GREAT quality and are so versatile. You just take a ribbon and thread it through the two holes on either side of the charm and you can either tie it around your baby, like I did, or you can tie it to a pillow or a stuffed animal or whatever you choose. Mary Kate can also make them in different fabrics too, but I wanted Addi's to match her nursery.

Addi's birthday hat is one of my favorite things!!! It fit her perfectly and was exactly what I wanted for her 1st monthly birthday :) I found the hat at an Etsy store called Buttons and Bows. The owner, Ginger, was GREAT to work with and even made Addi's hat smaller than her regular hats so it would fit her sweet little head. I've already placed my order for her 2nd month birthday hat and I can't wait to see how it looks.

Thanks for all the questions, comments, and emails about Addi's monthly birthday. I'm having so much fun showing off our little angel.

Addi Smiles...

Our baby girl has really started to smile...

And that smile brings us SO much joy it's indescribable!

Special Gifts...

Addi Kate received two packages in the mail this week from two VERY special ladies. I met both Chea and Lisa through blogging and made an instant connection with them as we shared our struggles with trying to get pregnant and/or adopt a baby. Both gifts are SO special and I know that Addi will love them just as much as I do.

The burp cloth, onesie, and bloomers came from Chea and I think they are SO girly :) Chea embroiders in her spare time (ha ha...she doesn't really have any spare time because she's a teacher) and I've loved all the items she's created for other children. I knew when I saw the package with Chea's name on it that it was probably something she made specifically for my baby girl. And I was right...I can't wait to see Addi wear these items!


This teddy bear came from Lisa and is made out of the same fabric as Addi Kate's crib bedding. Lisa had contacted me a few months ago and asked me where I got the bedding and what the name of each of the fabrics were. I had NO idea she was planning on getting Addi a matching snuggle buddy, so I was overjoyed when I opened the box and discovered this sweet gift. AND to have her monogram on the bear's heart made the gift even sweeter.

When I opened both packages from these ladies, I had an overwhelming and bitter-sweet feeling. I was SO thankful for their generosity and thoughtfulness, but at the same time, I know their hearts are hurting as they are still waiting on their miracle babies. If you have time, could you say a little prayer for my two friends still waiting to be blessed with children? I know that one day soon they both will be mommies and I can't wait until I am the one sending special gifts to their little babies.

Thank you ladies...these gifts mean more to me than I could ever write in a blog post.

Addi and the ABC's...

I've discovered that Addi LOVES it when I sing her the ABC's. Whenever I change her diaper or when  she gets a little fussy, I can sing her the ABC song and she immediately stops, listens, and even smiles. 

Here is a quick little video of Addi enjoying Mommy singing the ABC's...

I think it's safe to say she likes her ABC's :)

1 Month Birthday Hat...

Mommy bought you the cutest birthday hat to celebrate your special 1 month birthday. When Daddy came home, he said it looked like a clown hat and thought I had lost my mind. But I think it's the cutest thing and I couldn't wait to take your pictures wearing your 1 month birthday hat...

Those cheeks and lips are like HEAVEN to us! We can't give you enough kisses baby girl! 

Again, happy one month birthday sweet angel...you are the most precious gift EVER!

Happy Birthday Addison: 1 Month

Addison,

Today is March 2, 2013 and you are one month old. Although so many people warned us, your Daddy and I cannot believe how fast these past four weeks have gone. We are so sad that time is flying by so quickly, but we are enjoying every second of our time with you and we wake up each morning loving you even more...more than the world!

You have changed so much already in your short little life. Here are your stats from your one month Well Visit:

Weight:  10 pounds 6 ounces (Birth weight: 8 pounds 1 ounce)
Height:  21 3/4 inches (Birth height: 20 inches)

You are such a good baby and we couldn't feel more blessed. You eat well and are pretty much content most of the day. The only time you really get fussy is when you are hungry or need to have a diaper change. Daddy and I had prepared ourselves to have many sleepless nights, but you like your sleep just as much as Mommy does! At night, you normally sleep in two stretches...one 4 to 4.5 hour stretch and then after you eat, you fall immediately back to sleep for another 3 hour stretch. You sleep best in your Rock-n-Play, but now that you are 1 month old, we are going to try and move you to your crib in our bedroom.

You have achieved a few milestones quicker than expected. You enjoy tummy time on your boppy and can lift your head for quite a long time. We noticed that you like to lay on your side when you nap and we think you will probably turn over before we know it! You have started to recognize Mommy and Daddy's voices and our faces. You have even give us a few smirks and giggles. Addi, your little smile lights up our world!!!

When you get fussy, Daddy can soothe you immediately. He's noticed that you like your little chubby thighs and feet massaged. I think this means you and I have MANY spa days in our future...two pedicures please!

You have blessed us in so many ways little girl and we are so thankful that God chose us to be your parents. You have made our lives richer, our marriage stronger, our family closer, and our hearts happier.

We love you more than the world Addison Kate!

Happy One Month Birthday!