College Game Day

This weekend was a big game for the Hogs as they took on Ole Miss...so of course Stella sported her Razorback gear. But in an effort to support her Grandpa's team, she also supported the Beavers.
It was a great time..although the Hogs lost...we had a lot of visitors. Tom's buddy and former roommate, Jon, was in town for the game and loved holding Stella. She was a fan of his too.
Then on game day, the Woods (minus Chandler), met us for lunch at Red Robin. It was Stella's first restaurant trip and we had a blast. It was so good to catch up with them and laugh like crazy. We hope next time Stella and Chandler can meet.

One Month Old

All stretched out...it wont be long before she's too big for her cradle.
Stella loves her play time with daddy.
Snoozing away...I know I look tired, but I thought I'd show a picture proving we hang out alot.
Stella is just like her mommy...it takes awhile to really wake up.
Look at those cheeks.
Pretty blue eyes.
I thought she looked BIG here.

Well 4 weeks have come and gone...I know I'm late posting this!

Things Stella is doing this week..

Smiling..especially at familiar faces and voices.
Enjoying bath time.
Trying to roll over to one side.
Fighting tummy time..she only likes tummy time if she is on Mommy or Daddy's chest.
Learning a more routine schedule...we're slowly catching on.
Sometimes sleeping 5 hours in a ROW!
Trying to hold our head up..then getting frustrated!

Thanks for all the calls, emails, visits, etc...we're blessed by all the prayers and support!

Eliana is HOME!

Eliana helping Linds open her presents.
Eliana enjoying the toys with other kids at the party.
Stella taking it all in with Annie. I was amazed. There were a lot of women and it was loud, but Stella just sat with Annie and watched the crowds come and go.
Stella and Eliana are friends just like their mommies.
Brooke and her youngest, Will. It was so great to see everyone!
We did it!
Tom and I ventured out of town with Stella for the first time. Our dear friends, Chris and Lindsey Wheeler, adopted a precious little girl from Guatemala and there was a shower for her in Little Rock Sunday. So we packed up the car and braved the road with a 3 week old. Stella did GREAT. She slept the entire way there..we were there for two hours tops...then back in the car and she slept the whole way back. It was great to see some faces I haven't seen in forever. I know there are several friends we would love to have seen, but it was a quick trip and our goal was to meet Eliana.
Welcome Home Eliana...you are beautiful and we can't wait to see you again.

First Real Bath & Stella Time

Here are some new pictures. I know Stella looks mad during her bath, but I promise she ended up liking it and best of all fell asleep early that night and slept great! We might take a bath every night if that trend continues. The other pictures are Stella enjoying her alone time. It usually only lasts about ten minutes max, but it's a good chance for her to look around and take in her surroundings and allow me to pick up a couple things around the house!

3 Weeks!

Time flies when you're having fun. It's hard to believe Stella is 3 weeks. Overall, it's been great. Neither one of us feel extremely exhausted...we have our moments, but very few. I think she's going through a mini-growth spurt this week because she is eating like a champ, so that means a lot of mommy and Stella time. Also, she likes to play, talk, fuss, etc from about 6 to 10 every night. But then around 10:15 to 10:45 she is out for a couple hours (my time to catch a few zzz's). As you can see by the pictures, now that Tom is back at work she likes to get his fix when he's relaxing at night. The picture of her sleeping amazes me because she just looks so long. Don't worry I didn't leave her there..it was just while I took a picture before swaddling her tight.
As for what she's been up to...she very much likes to use her neck and move around. I know it's premature, but when she is on her play mat it really does seem like she's trying to roll over. I think Tom and I might have a strong personality on our hands that wants to do everything on her own and early!
Things are a bit busier now that she's awake more, so I will try to update at least once a week!

A New Toy & the LEGEND!

I know I just posted pictures of Stella on her other play mat, but I found this one in her closest (the girl has a ton of stuff) so I decided to put it out today. It is very cool. It plays Mozart music, toys dangle, there's a mirror where she can check herself out, and several other cool features.
A little Stella time also gives mommy a break to pick things up around the house!
She likes that the elephant vibrates...I have to pull it for her, but I enjoy playing with her as well.
And this the Legend...also known as Cecillea, but Legend is more fun. She was in town this weekend and stopped by to meet Miss Stella. Tom and I worked with Cecillea in Little Rock at KARK. Her and Tom have the same sense of humor and are always cracking each other up...not to mention the girl knows how to throw a party! It was great to see her. We love you Cecillea and thanks for the princess socks!

2 Weeks!

After eating Stella usually ends up like this...her arms crossed under her cute cheeks. It reminds me of posing for a senior picture. I know this picture doesn't show it the greatest, but it is so cute!

First walk. She slept for the majority of the stroll around the neighborhood, but got hot towards the end...thank goodness home was close.

It's hard to believe 2 weeks have already passed since we were blessed with our sweet Stella. And she truly is sweet and precious all wrapped up in one. Besides a couple late night feedings she is sleeping great at night. It's easy to get up in the wee hours knowing after a full belly and a diaper change Stella will go right back down. And this girl loves to eat. We had a quick check up at the doctor today to make sure her weight was on track..and after losing a bit after birth she is back to 9 pounds 8 ounces...get this...she is 98 percentile for her weight and 50 percentile for her height. CRAZY! The doctor says she'll catch up but I always imagined having a long baby since I'm no shorty and Tom is a decent height.
Anyway, our little butterball is trying to use her neck more, loves her swing, likes walks (if it's not too hot) and loves for her mommy and daddy to tell her stories. I tend to read from books to her...Tom on the other hand always has something interesting to tell her.
We get a kick out of all the faces she makes...especially as she's waking up or finished eating. The doctor said we can start doing tummy time so that should help strengthen her neck muscles more.
We are so blessed and thankful for all your prayers!

Stella's Best Friend & Boyfriend?

The Carters with Little Miss Stella...Amy & Kyle are expecting their first, Owen, in December.



I promise they aren't mad in this picture...Deacon is just rubbing his eyes and Stella is yawning.

Some of our dearest friends from Little Rock, the Carters & Barnards, packed up their car and made a day trip to Fayetteville Saturday to meet Stella. We are so blessed and humbled by their friendship. We had a blast. Plus it was Tom & I's first chance to meet Deacon Barnard. He's 5 weeks older than Stella. You see there are plans that maybe Deacon and Stella will date in 30 years, but by looking at the pictures we're not so sure. Maybe Stella is waiting for Owen.


And one of my best friends for college, Heather, was able to make the trip for Harrison for a quick visit. We know Reese and Stella will be best friends in the future. Heather is a year older than me...last year she had Reese, so we're assuming that Reese and Stella will follow in their mommy's footsteps. We've already planned on them living in the Kappa house together (just kidding)! However, I'm sure Stella will be Reese's number one fan during the Miss Arkansas Pageant (like I was for Heather) and Reese will cheer for Stella at her basketball games! Either way their mommy's are praying they find friends like we did in eachother!!! Love ya Heath!!!!