The Fanning Four

Well, we've hit the two month mark and I must say; I am so enjoying being a mom! I think I always knew I would but now that my dream has come true, it is confirmed. I love it! And my little girl that left the hospital weighing just over 6 pounds is now almost 12 pounds!! She is also heart murmur free!! Tom went back to work fulltime last week and we are all adjusting to the new normal schedule. Bethany just started sleeping through the night- between 6 and 8 hours at a stretch. We are all thankful for that! Her sleeping, makes mommy and daddy smile! And speaking of smiles.... Check this out: I know! It's adorable right? She is just a smiling little girl now! Esepcially in the morning just after breakfast and before morning nap. I eat it up!! The afternoon is a different story- she has quite the little attitude when it comes to taking her afternoon nap. I can tell she's tired but she will do anything she can to avoid falling asleep including flinging her paci across the room...

We went to the pediatrician on Tuesday for Bethany's check-up and I am happy to say that she is doing great! The pediatrician asked if I was feeding her pizza and chicken because, you ready for this?? She weighs..................10 pounds and 8.5 ounces!!!! Remember she was only 6lbs. 12oz. at birth. Holy moly- she's a growing girl! She is also up to 21 1/2 inches long. She is in the 75th percentile across the board which is good because her weight matches her length. The pediatrician said she looked perfect. Of course I already know this...but it's nice to have someone who's spent a whole lot of time in school and seen a whole lot of babies say that mine is perfect! In other Bethany news, she is now sleeping in her crib. She had been sleeping in the pack and play in our room. But my goal was that by six weeks she would be in her own room. So we made the move on Tuesday night. I think the move was harder on me than on her. Tuesday night, just for my own sanity, I had to...

It's hard to believe that September is upon us-Bethany has been in the outside world for one whole month now! And what a blessing to have her- I fall more and more in love every day. I try and cherish every snuggly moment- memorzing her facial expressions, grunts, coos, and all the uniquenesses that make her who she is. I know that some day, all too soon I fear, she will be on the go and I will no longer be able to hold her still to snuggle and gaze at. But for now, I will cherish her precious head laying against me. She's started to get a little more awake, a little more fun, a little more fussy, and is develpoing her own little personality. Sometimes that is a happy thing, sometimes a challenge. I've been digging deep into my undergrad days of child development classes trying to remember how to best raise her. But for some things we just make it up as we go! As for me, I continue to recover well and get stronger every day. I have driven a few times on my own but still can...

For as long as I can remember, my dad has started his morning with a cup of microwaved, instant coffee. To be honest, for most of my life I didn't really know there was anything different. In my little world, coffee came from a jar and was stirred in, a couple teaspoons at a time, to a microwaved mug of water. Just a minute and it's ready to go- kick starting my dad's morning. But then came Starbucks, and all of a sudden, I found out what "real" coffee was. Starbucks patrons are passionate about their coffee and would be appalled to know that my dad still drinks the instant stuff. Why in the world would someone settle for the instant stuff when they can have the heaven that is a cup of Starbucks coffee? Well, let me take a stab at that question. The instant stuff- it's quick, it's cheap and it's got caffeine. Starbucks on the other hand is expensive, time consuming, and just way more work. So, what's the point Katie? Well, let me tell you. First of...

Hey all!! We're doing very well over her in the Fanning household. Thanks to the help of Gramma, Grandpa, Nana, and Granddaddy, the first week was manageable. Cooking, laundry, yardwork, etc. were all taken care of. We couldn't be more grateful!! And because Bethany's mommy is not a homebody, we've already been out to eat, to the store, and to church. That's in addition to the pediatrician, cardiologist, and mommy's doctor visit. Are we crazy?!?! Maybe, but these outings are helping us all keep our sanity. Bethany is eating well and sleeping well....and of course pooping well! :) She couldn't be more perfect and we are totally in love with her. And even if it's just gas, we love her cute little smile. So, as promised, here's a link to the slew of pictures from the first week. http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=138101218405990621/l=410536712/g=40844521/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Well folks, she's here!!!! Tom and Katie proudly introduce Miss Bethany Grace Fanning! Born Thursday, July 31, 2008 weighing in at a petite 6lbs. 12 oz and 19 inches long. We went to the doctor on Wednesday and had another non stress test and ultrasound and Bethany looked great! But my blood pressure was pretty high so my doctor decided to send me to the hospital to be induced. We weren't too sure about that decision because my body still wasn't prepared enough for labor (still only 1cm dialated and 50-60% effaced). With that little progress, inductions are often unsuccessful. But the doctor said it was too risky to not induce so we headed on over to the hospital. Thank goodness I had already packed all of our stuff in the car so we were ready to go. Here's me at the entrance to the maternity wing. We settled in for the day and they gave me medicine to try and help my body progress to be ready for the induction. So we just hung out on Wednesday- ate Olive Garden and Fi...

I have a confession to make..... I am really over this whole pregnancy thing. What's funny is that for as long as I can remember I have looked forward to being pregnant. Most of my life I obviously wasn't ready to actually be pregnant; but I always looked at pregnant women with admiration. They're so beautiful and they get to experience something so special. And in the end they get a beautiful new baby! What could be better?!?! But as I grew up and learned more about pregnancy and the whole labor/delivery process I began to realize that I would probably not love pregnancy as much as I once thought I would. And that is oh so very, very true. Now, don't get me wrong. There are so many things I love about being pregnant (ask me in a few weeks and maybe I'll be able to remember what they are). But at this moment in time, being pregnant feels so overrated! I'm tired but can't sleep, uncomfortable, huge, bored, anxious and to top it all off my feet are swollen! No...