Mmmm...yum

Today Aubrey and I took advantage of the fall-ish weather and took a walk to Starbucks. I got a pumpkin spice latte, I am so happy they are back for the fall. Actually I got a grande, decaf, skim, no whip, three pump pumpkin spice latte. Does that indicate that I am high maintenance? ;)

Six weeks old--and cuter by the day!

We have been going through the process at our church to have Aubrey dedicated to the Lord. This involves an application, class, and Bible study before the actual dedication ceremony. The reason behind all this preparation is that you as parents are making six vows to God before the church community to raise your child in a Christian home to love, honor and respect the Lord. The church rightly wants parents to take this very seriously and fully understand the importance of these vows.

Bill and I are excited about this opportunity that we have to "train up a child," even though it is also a scary prospect. This process of learning the vows that we will take is really helping to fan the flames of our passion to have a Christ honoring family. Good thing we aren't doing it alone--we have God to guide us and our parents to look to as Godly examples. We are very blessed to have all four of Aubrey's grandparents to be examples in this way.

Okay, so I confess, I have not been following what has been going on with the government and politics lately. Something about having a baby has kept me otherwise occupied... Occasionally I will have a few precious minutes and I will read some news headlines and think what in the world is going on? What a mess lately, no? Rove, Snowe, and Gonzales stepping down, and now this Senator Craig business! While many would turn from politics with disgust, it actually makes me wish I was back on the Hill, I am sure things are really buzzing. :) I am looking forward to seeing some of my old work friends next weekend; they will be sure to have some good stories. It is sad though that it is the mess-ups that make all the headlines and not the people who manage to do their jobs and remain above reproach. That's the news media for you I suppose.

and because I am a mommy and I can't resist--Aubrey started smiling this week. I tried to get a picture, but because she was so close to me and moving it came out a bit blurry.

Three Weeks Old

Aubrey is now three weeks old, and things are going well. Having a newborn takes some adjusting, but things are starting to fall into place. I still am only getting about four hours (non-consecutive) of sleep a night, but I think my body is acclimating to being a sleep deprived mommy. :)

We had a visit from her uncle John and aunt Alisa and they brought her the very cute frog in the picture. :) The five of us went to church for Aubrey's first time and she did very well. Of course it helps that MBC has a nursing mothers room and a soundproof family seating area in the sanctuary.

I can't believe she will be one month old at the end of this week! We are back to the pediatrician to see how much weight she has gained. I can tell she is starting to fill out because she has dimples on her knuckles and creases around her knees and elbows. Baby fat--so cute!

She has arrived!

Aubrey Abigail Crane was born at 7:52 am on Sunday, July 29, 2007.

Bill and I went for about an hour long walk Saturday morning in Manassas National Battlefield Park with Dexter. Contractions started rather irregularly in the middle of the day so I guess what they say about walking really is true! As we were watching a movie after dinner I started timing contractions but didn't really think it was the real thing because they weren't painful yet. They were coming every three minutes for about 2 hours when we headed to the hospital around 8:30pm. Twelve hours of active labor including two hours of pushing later she arrived! We recovered in the hospital until Tuesday afternoon and then headed home. We are all a little tired, but are loving every minute of being a family.

Still Waiting....

Due date is today, that date we have been fixated on since we first learned that we were expecting back in November. However it seems our little girl has other ideas and will not be arriving on her due date. She has been sent an eviction notice--if she doesn't come on her own by August 1st I will have an induction. Keep us in your prayers as we head into this last week before the birth!

While I Wait...

Only two weeks and two days left until the baby's due date. I am happy to say we are pretty much ready for her arrival. I'll keep busy with freezing meals and cleaning until she comes, but at least if she does come sooner than her due date we won't be caught without something we need (I hope!).

I have slacked off on blogging lately, and haven't mentioned the wonderful baby shower that Laura threw for me. I had such a great time--yummy food, fun games, cute favors and decorations, and lots of presents.... Catching up with many of my friends (Jen came all the way from NJ!) was a definite highlight.

Celebration Cake