Tribute to Mama Oakes

When Eugene and I were in New Orleans a couple years ago, the mother of a student came along to cook. Other than provide us with the best Southern cooking ever, "Mama Oakes" was a true encourager and giver of wisdom. If someone said they were too full for desert she would ask them, "How are your thighs ever gonna to rub together if you don't eat up?" She also continually reminded us to "Don't miss God in the little things." So here is my list of little, some not so little, blessings from God: Abby slept for 7 hours straight last night; Eugene did the laundry last night; I found time for a walk today; Abby started grinning and interacting a lot yesterday; it hasn't rained in 19 days (that's good for Oregon!); I have a husband that loves me and our baby girl and a Saviour who died for me!

Abby loves bath time now!

Raise your hand if you're one moth old today!

Abby reached her first mile stone today! She weighed in at the nursing clinic at a healthy 8 lbs 6 oz. However, we also discovered at the clinic that we both probably have thrush. We will be seeing the doctor tomorrow to confirm. Although thrush will be annoying to try to get rid of, it is comforting to know there is probably a treatable cause to her fussy sleeping so hopefully she will get better rest soon. Another mile stone today - Abby stayed content long enough for me to shave my legs - life is good!

Abby giving Brent a smile - or was she gearing up to give him a bigger "gift"?

Becoming Aware

Abby is becoming increasingly aware of things around her (other than the wall!). She now enjoys looking at her mobile and stuffed animals and she loves going for walks in her stroller. She is also increasingly discovering her voice. I just love listening to her cute little cooing sounds she makes when "playing". This past week she enjoyed a visit from Great Grandma and Grandpa Glenn. Eugene and I also enjoyed the visit. Grandma Dorothy even spoiled us by making Tom Thumb Bars - yum!

Looking at her mobile

"Talking" to her stuffed giraffe

I like to think she was reaching for the giraffe, but I think she was just stretching and fell asleep that way :)

Hanging out with Great Grandparents

Sleeping with Great Grandpa Glenn

Trees

Last fall our oak tree in the front yard fell over. Eugene has been hard at work removing the stump and roots. Now we have to decide what to replace it with. If anyone has that green thumb touch, we would love some ideas. Here is what we want - mature height under 40 ft, deciduous, green leaves, no feathery leaves, flowering optional, spreading branches (more rounded look than tall and slender). And because a post would not be complete without a picture - here is our little precious one!

She got to wear the dress!

When we found out we were having a girl, I went shopping and purchased a special outfit for Abby. The rest of the pregnancy I hoped that she would be born small enough to be able to wear the dress. Yesterday Eugene and I made it to a Father's day brunch at church and brought Abby in her special outfit. Here are some pictures of her.

Hats off to new Dad

I just want to take this opportunity to brag about and thank my husband. I am so impressed with the way he has taken on his new role as Dad. Eugene spent countless hours with me in the middle of the night helping feed Abby when she needed supplements, he changes diapers, does laundry, washes dishes and many other things. No one can comfort Abby when she is upset like Dad. Eugene will often watch Abby solo so I can get some rest. I enjoy seeing him hold her because love and pride radiate from his face. It is a comfort knowing that our daughter will be reared by a loving, nurturing, godly man who will be an example for her of her heavenly Father's love. Happy Father's Day, Eugene!
Christie
Eugene comforting Abby after her first tub bath - very traumatic!

I LOVE my sleep.

Just like her mommy and daddy she loves to sleep. We have the joy of watching her wake up. It takes so long for her to muster the desire to open those little eye-lids. Its literally an hour long process. If it isn't 2 A.M. in the morning, we get our daily laughs in. And if you have ever watched Christie or I wake up, it is just like mommy and daddy. We take forever, especially Christie...

Here is a picture of her sleeping, since this is what she spends the majority of her time doing.

OK Grandma(s) and great ones too,,,,here you go!!!

And in other news...

I know, I know, most of you really just want baby pictures, but allow me this opportunity to brag about my friend Andrew.
Andrew graduated high school this week and I am so proud of him.

I had the joy of working with Andrew from 4th grade until his freshmen year in high school. There is noone I know who works harder, with greater integrity then Andrew. While he has autism, he has not allowed that to stop him.

I can recall the first class I helped him in. It was fourth grade math. He was having the roughest time with the standard clock. He got frustrated and needed a break. He stepped outside, composed himself, came back, and dominated it. Now, I am floored by the math problems he solves.
By his freshman year, he had moved well beyond clocks and into algebra. Looking at everybody papers, I knew that he was near the head of his class. Why? Because he would take a deep breath and work until he knew that he had solved his problem right. That was 3 years ago, I can only imagine how he has improved his math skills since.

So, congratulations, Andrew. You worked so hard and accomplished so much. I am so proud of your dedication, your perseverance, and your unwavering will!

Your proud friend,
Mr. Edwards

more pics

17 days

Wow - when people tell you the time goes by fast, they aren't kidding! Abby will be 17 days old today. She weighed in at a healthy 7lbs 9oz at the doc today. She is starting to develop a bit of a routine which is very nice for mom and dad :) So far she has met several of her relatives. Grandma Sharon and Aunt Tara were able to come up from Sacramento and spend some time with her. She also got to meet Great Grandma Cook and Great Aunt Ellie. Last week she had her first bath in the baby tub and her first ride in the big swing which she loves!
Eugene is fervently working on re-landscaping the yard at our house in Keizer with the help of his Dad. This past weekend he had the privilege of going to the high school graduation of Andrew Russell, one of the autistic boys he had worked with from Andrew's 4th to 9th grade. Abby was also able to make a brief appearance at the grad party on Sunday - her first social outing. Well she is waking up so got to go.
Christie

Weight gain!

We are relieved to announce that Abby had gained weight at her last doc visit. We no longer have to force her awake for feedings, but we still keep a close eye on the clock - we have become a little paranoid :) We are so grateful for all the support we have received. Thank you to everyone at church who has brought us meals - I don't know how we would have eaten without them! Thanks to all our friends and family who have helped out this first week. You are all a blessing from God. And because we think our daughter is just the cutest thing ever, here are some more pics!
Christie