Nostalgia

Today we went back to visit the place and some of the people that forever changed our lives almost 4 months ago. Talk about being nostalgic.

On our way to the hospital, Kevin turned to me and said, “Last time we were driving here, you were straddling towels and leaking everywhere”. (Thanks babe… That is EXACTLY the image I wanted to remember 😂) But then, I looked back in the backseat and saw our sweet but sassy girl looking around. We started talking to her telling her where we were going and how last time we drove there, she was getting ready to make her debut. That then led to the conversation of how she came early (before her scheduled C-section date) and we realized just how “Annalise” that was. We were reminiscing about how all during the pregnancy, it was always her way or no way. How fitting it was that she said “no way am I waiting until the day THEY have planned. This is about me!” and came 3 days before the planned day. Typical Annalise.

Walking into the birthing center, all the memories and emotions flooded in…. the anxiousness, the fear of the unknown, the worry, the excitement, all the overwhelming feelings, and the happiness of finally meeting our daughter AND being able to take her home.

We were greeted by one of our favorite people we have had the pleasure of walking alongside with on this journey. (We are forever grateful for all you have done for us, Tricia.) We then went up to see some of the nurses that took such good care of us while we stayed there. We even ran into my OB while we were there. As we were getting into the elevator, Kevin said “Hey! That was our room!” It took everything in me not to run right back into that room and reminisce over every little thing. Every little detail.

We never thought that we would be where we are now. We never could have imagined how far we would get… How much time we would have with her. We are so thankful that we serve such a loving, sovereign God. We are so blessed!

This last week, Annalise started doing a few new things! One of the biggest accomplishments so far is that she figured out how to roll from her side to her tummy!!! We were so incredibly proud the first night she did it! (And every time she does ;p). She figured out how to smack her lips- cutest thing ever. She found her hair for the first time. And now she is always pulling so hard that she gets mad. Also the spot where she pulls, right behind her shunt, is always sticking straight out now. 😂 The last major first is she is starting to teeth! Oh boy. No wonder she has been a little more… Feisty… this last week!

On June 10th, we went and saw her pediatrician. Annalise weighed 10lbs 15 oz and was 24 inches long! We are slowly but surely getting back on track with her weight! She got her 4 month shots (so add that on top of getting her first tooth and that explains why she has been extra cuddly and cranky) that day and took them like a champ!

Unfortunately, the car seat test did not happen because the car seat we bought her had “too much padding” which doesn’t allow “for her head to grow”. So we have to buy a different one and get that tested out later. So until then she will still have to use her car bed.

We are getting so excited to take a couple road trips at the end of the month to visit our families! It’s so exciting to be able to “show” our little girl where we grew up or where our family lives now! Who woulda thought???

To end this post, I want y’all to know how thankful we are for each and every one of you. All your thoughts and prayers have been so greatly appreciated and felt. We are so thankful and excited that we even get to share this journey with y’all. We pray that somehow this story touches you in a way to grow deeper in your faith, to remember to glorify God in every situation or circumstance, and to remember to anchor your hope to the One who has already scripted the perfect ending.

We love y’all! We pray that you have a blessed weekend and a summer full of cherished moments!

(And no- I did not forget to post the most recent pictures! Here ya go!!! :))

 

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