Yea Sleep!

Lyla "may" be figuring out that nighttime is for sleeping. (Only time will tell) She has slept 11ishpm-5am the past three nights! I am thinking she is storing it up so that when her Mimi, DDaddy and Great-Grandmother come visit this weekend, she can keep them up all night just for fun. Don't you think?

This picture represents another form of glorious sleep (and check out those cheeks!). From day one Lyla has more than resisted her carseat. Just putting her in the thing causes her eyes to get big and she screams and carries on as if she is in pain. Many say, "really? my child always LOVED riding in the car--I even used it to PUT them to sleep sometimes." I am much less bitter with those of you that can say this now that my good friend, Dana gave me "the key to the mint." That's right--I said it. She had loaned us some swaddlers they used for her daughter but these swaddlers were not tight enough for our little Houdini so they hadn't gotten much use. THEN she told me they have a nice little slit in the seat designed specifically for the carseat buckle. Who knew? So, while Lyla still squirms and looks terrified as you strap her in, she calms down and sleeps like a rock once you swaddle her nice and tight. Riding in the car is now a beautiful thing. Thanks again, Dana.

Finally Outside!

It has been so hot since Lyla's arrival that she hasn't been outside that much but we are finally starting to try getting her out. She seems to like it!

Enjoying a walk in the neighborhood
(see the cows over her shoulder?)


Relaxing on the front porch
(No comments on the white legs, please)

Lane lounging with the family

(sorry it's so small)

Playing Catch-up!

Sorry for being m.i.a. but we just got our internet back up and running after over a week without service! It just about killed me...it's amazing how dependent we are. Anyway, enough about that.

First of all, Lyla's last dr appt went well. He feels like she is gaining weight like a champ and won't need to see her until her two-month check-up. Unfortunately, she has her first round of shots to look forward to. Her six-week growth spurt sure threw us for a loop so I can't wait to see how much she has grown.

Lyla's Aunt Alison visited last weekend from New York. The two of them bonded right away and were hard to separate when the time came. Seth and I also enjoyed Alison's visit, not only her company but also because she was kind enough to take care of Lyla Sunday night so we could get some much-needed sleep. Can't wait to see her again in a couple short months!

I suppose that's about it for now. We are all doing really well. Seth and I make a good team and have a lot of fun taking care of Lyla together. I am so enjoying being home with Lyla. I can't imagine having to return to work now after just six weeks. She is changing every day and I am thankful to get to witness it.

Thank You

Sorry it's been so long since that last post...it hasn't been the smoothest of weeks but things are looking up. I think the medicine is helping and Lyla is starting to be a little more consistent in her sleeping. 5 hours last night...we'll see how tonight goes.

Anyway, I wanted to take some time to thank EVERYONE who has supported us. We are so grateful for the encouraging notes, emails & phonecalls. Just today I told my mom how much it means to me that every time we talk she tells me what a great job Seth and I are doing. With all the struggles we have had, that is so important for me to hear. Also, many of you may not know this but meals were organized for us--we were fed every other day for over a month with 15 people contributing! Thank you to those who organized the meals and all of you who made the long trip south to deliver your delicious food. We had everything from lasagna to tacos to roasts to Zaxby's and we have loved every bit of it! We feel so blessed to have all of you in our lives and are thankful that Lyla has started life with such loving people surrounding her.

Also, we have recently found a new church home at Centerpointe Christian Church. Even though we have only been going there 3 or 4 months, they have welcomed us and celebrated with us as though we have been going there all our lives. Just this week, Lyla received a welcome basket from the nursery that included this stylish bib. It's a little big for her but I am certain that once she grows into it, it will never be this clean again.

So, THANKS to all of you; friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and fellow worshippers for being a part of our lives and going through this with us. Lyla truly is one blessed little girl.

Happy One Month Birthday, Lyla!!

Lyla went for her one-month check-up yesterday morning. She is healthy and gaining weight but unfortunately is just a little underweight. If you can believe it, she has been diagnosed with acid reflux and is on Zantac! Who knew a newborn could be on Zantac? She just started taking it yesterday and promptly spit up her first dose (hence the need for the stuff). She was up all night last night with an upset tummy so I guess it hadn't quite kicked in. Poor thing--you can see it in her face and the way she squirms that she just doesn't feel good. I think the dose she took this morning is helping, though because she seems to be much more content today. Please say a little prayer that the medicine works and it is just a temporary thing until her little digestive system gets the hang of things. Her numbers: 7 lb 12 oz and 21.5 inches...still growing like a weed in length! We go back again next week to check her progress.

I have been trying to post the following all week but the website has had issues. Sorry for the delay. Hope you have a great weekend!

WARNING: This story is not for the weak of stomach or those of you who have never changed a diaper. Many of you may have similar stories...feel free to share.
I heard & felt Lyla poop while I was feeding her Tuesday (feedings are going so well, by the way!) so I went straight in to change her. I had taken the diaper off & had her little bottom in the air as I reached for the wipes when BAM! an unpleasant substance shot straight out of her and up the sleeve of my bathrobe! My instinct was to yell "HELP!" which sent Seth racing through the house to what he thought was an emergency (oops). Lyla had a very innocent look on her face that said "I feel much better." Needless to say there was an immediate trip to the laundry room. On a similar note, Seth was the recipient of a sizeable gift from Lyla's other end just days earlier...he leaned down and whispered to Lyla, "I'll take spit-up over poop any day." I am convinced that he will have his chance, too, though.

And now for something completely different...Lyla was so active this past Saturday that I grabbed the camera and just started shooting. I love how she seems to just look right at the camera! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Jamie

Lyla's cousin, Jamie, turned 4 Thursday and the whole Martin clan got together for a delicious home-cooked steak dinner. Yum!

Beautiful Cousins: Jamie, Maisie & Lyla

Jamie helping her Unc feed Lyla

Lyla & I hanging out before heading home