1 mo anniversary

So today is Lorelei's 1 mo anniversary of coming home. In 12 days she will be 3 months old and on Monday she will be 2 weeks old (adjusted).

We went to the neonatologist toady for a follow up preemie appointment. She's doing great for being 2 weeks old! She is now weighing 8lbs which means she has gained 21.5 oz in 21 days... averaging just over 1oz per day... and that was her goal!

I will post more pictures when I put them up. I am also going to try and figure out how to post video.

I hope everyone has received their thank you cards, and if not then hopefully soon! I've been getting some sent back for random reasons... so please know that we are so thankful for everyone and everything we're been given. We wouldn't be able to get through without the help, prayers and love from all of you!

OH And NJ... Party at my place (in Brick) on June 27th at about 12pm. I'll get formal invites out within the month!

Easter 10' (11 photos), by Lorel Smith

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

First visit to Great Grandma's!

So this was our first visit to Great Grandma's and we were greeted by cousins Audrey and Hannah, Uncle Dan and Aunt Dee, Uncle Jerry, and of course, Great Grandma! She was held, loved, passed, enjoyed, fed, changed, slept, and cried. Pretty typical weekend, just with more people. Aunt Jessica, Grandpa Jeff, Grandma Ronda, and Uncle Luke came on Saturday. I was so happy everyone got to see her and spend positive time with her.

We've been working on our tummy time. She has been scooting with assistance. We put her on her tummy and tuck her legs in and her hands on the floor under her shoulders. We will put our hand against one foot and she will push off and how she moves is with the other foot pushing off the ground. She's slowly understanding that she needs to move her arms back to the start after each move. It's awesome to watch! I hope to get a video up here soon... but no promises. She also can roll over when I put her on her side (you're probably saying, duh! But she's almost on her tummy and she kicks off to roll over... she doesn't know she's doing it though)

Today we went to Bruners for the first time! (Lorelei's first trip). It's a family restaurant in Muncie that we all LOVE!!! Also today we went to visit Great Grandpa Ralph's grave site. We took video of Great Grandma holding Lorelei while we visited the site. On Tuesday it will be two years since Grandpa Ralph left this world... he was definitely a great man who will never be forgotten. Two years ago this month we lost my Uncle Terry who will never be forgotten... he was my Godfather... my heart goes out to my cousin and Aunt who are so terribly strong for living day by day. On a positive note, my cousin Corey was married to Sandy on the 19th (tomorrow). And birthday's... soooo many! But tomorrow is Jacque's and Josh's birthdays and Lorelei's due date!!! So as of right now Lorelei is -1 day old!!!

Well here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

Grandpa Jeff consoling Lorelei

Grandma Ronda taking over when she's calm

When Grandma got me I screamed bloody murder and mommy captured this face!

I love tummy time with Aunt Jess

Cousin Audrey is comfy!

ZzzzZZZZzzzz

So Lorelei has begun being fussy... I think it's because my parents left :-P We're enjoying everything and even how our limits are being tested! Thanks everyone for your support and tips on how to eliminate her fussiness or just cope!

So she is 2 months old tomorrow~ She was 8 weeks old on Friday. Time flies! She now weighs (as of Friday) 6lbs 10.5oz. She is supposed to gain .5-1oz/day She ultimately will weigh 7lbs by her due date, which is an average weight for a term baby. Now Connie is watching her throughout the week while we work.

Life is ultimately good!

Easter!

Lorelei's first easter!

NICU Graduate!

So on Wed around 1pm we left the hospital with our little girl! She graduated and made it home! We have been tired, scared, thrilled, worried, and amazed by God's love to give us this amazingly strong and well behaved baby girl. Our hearts go out to the nurses at the NICU for taking such good care of our baby girl, and teaching us how to do all the little things from changing a diaper to feeding, to consoling... they are very special and amazing people! My parents came out on Friday and we have been blessed to have had some time to sleep and get some well needed rest. I go back to work tomorrow :( but am going to try and do my best to make it all work. Lorelei is very strong and lifts her head, turns it, and does other fun stuff. She has an adorable cry and is a great eater.

Please send me by email your addresses (EVERYONE) so I can send out announcement cards. Even if you think I have your address, I don't! My harddrive died a few months ago and we lost everything... just a few days before it happened I thought I should write down the addresses and never got around to it in time! (lessen learned!)

Here are a few pictures, please check out snapfish and facebook for the rest! (only 6 upload on a blog entry and it takes forever, thus not all the photos are posted!)

PopPop telling many stories!

Lorelei talking to her friends... dirty puppy, red crab, and purple star fish

Lorelei's new trick!

Lorelei loves her boppy seat given by Jackie Salmon!

The outfit from Grammy Mennuti and the booties are made by Great Aunt Cathy!

The picture before she left the NICU!