Lily's Firsts

It is overwhelming to try to play blog 'catch up'. And though you, my few readers, have missed out on quite a bit these first few weeks, I'm going to skip over most of it and give you some quick highlights. This way, I can begin blogging about our day-to-day life (which, unfortunately, consists mostly of work and school work with a few play breaks).

So, here we go.....

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Lily's Work Day.... keeping Mommy company

First shopping trip with Grandma... of course the first trip had to be to a consignment sale. Lily has to learn early!
Then we hit up the mall, where she got her first public diaper change.

Lily's first tennis match at our alma mater. Go Chargers!

First Family Walk!

A nap with Daddy...

First bridal shower

Playing on her activity mat!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


BONUS! Here are 2 videos of my precious little girl.... growing every day!


Talking and Smiling....




Enjoying her swing...



It really is amazing how fast she is growing. I'm looking forward to sharing it all with you!

Forgiveness

I've been extremely horrible about updating since Lily came into our lives. For that I sincerely apologize. As it turns out, taking care of a newborn, continuing to work full time (albeit from home), and working on my MBA (not to mention house work, being a good wife, visiting family and friends with the little one, and another minor health scare with my granddaddy) are quite difficult to juggle while maintaining a good blog regimen. Let me repeat this: I will do better. I will do better. I will do better. Okay - it is written, so it shall be done.

To make up for my absence, I give you photos of the most beautiful baby girl you have ever seen:


Not enough cuteness for you? Don't worry. There's more!

Sneak Peek

Look at my beautiful baby girl!!!


She is so precious. Really, I can't even put into words how beautiful she is. But Melissa did a great job of capturing it during Lily Ann's newborn photo shoot. I'll be sharing many more of these amazing photographs soon... but first I have lots of work (school, house, work, etc.) to get done along with taking care of this beautiful girl.

The rest of our stay at the hospital....

Her first bath...
And daddy proudly showing her off...
The first diaper change. I didn't change a diaper until about day 3. Good daddy!
Getting ready to put on her very first outfit (you know, besides the little hospital shirts)...Playing dress-up with my beautiful baby girl...
And more dress-up...

(American and Colombian Flag Onesie. Love it!)

The happy family...
With lots of visitors...
Including her future husband and in-laws...This one is for the save the dates....

Now time to go home....

Stay tuned for more photos.... including her unbelievable newborn photographs!

Lily Ann's BIRTHday!

Hi, my name is Ashley and I am a MOTHER!

I've taken a blogging break to enjoy my first week at home with my baby girl. But now I am ready to get back to blogging and share all of the wonderful moments and photos I have of Lily Ann. But first..... the birth story:

Lucas and I arrived at the hospital at about 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4th. We were shown to our room and I was given my beautiful hospital gown to dawn for the birth.


I was excited and thrilled.... ready to have our baby! But my stomach started churning as I put on the gown and got into bed. It was all really happening! I went from excited to anxious to scared. But my nerves were put to ease since I figured I had until later that evening when the real action would start taking place. And then the doctor came in....

She examined me and told us I was already dilated 5 cm and to be ready to have this baby before noon. BEFORE NOON? I definitely wasn't ready! I had already mentally prepared for an evening birth. Thankfully, Lucas was there to settle my nerves and reassure me that I was indeed ready for this moment. They broke my water, gave me the epidural, and started the pitocin. Apparently I didn't really need it. The nurse later told me that they can go up to 30 on the pitocin level and they stopped me at 2. 2! This girl was coming... scheduled or not!



Nurses were in and out, adjusting cords and monitors, and getting the room prepared for delivery. By 11:00 a.m., I was fully dilated and began 'laboring down'. The doctor later arrived and I pushed for about 15 or 20 minutes..... and beautiful Lily Ann was born.

first glimpse

Delivery was easy and - thanks to Lucas - even fun! He put on the medical gloves to be ready 'in case the doctor didn't arrive in time'; he counted to ten in Spanish and English, forward and backward; he smiled and laughed and held my head and hand. Along with Lucas, my mom and best friend were in the room to experience Lily's birth and give me support.


My grandparents and Uncle Rookie came in soon after to see the new arrival. Dad was stuck out of town and unable to make it to the hospital so soon. But he came later that evening to visit.

Lily Ann
Thursday, February 4th
12:59 p.m.
7 lb. 8 oz.
20"

Thank you all for your kind words and support! We have been enjoying our time with Lily Ann and taking lots of pictures. So get ready for a parade of baby photos!