Super Saver

I've been having fun this week learning the ins and outs of couponing. There are big bucks to be saved and I'm getting in on it. I've linked a few of my favorite sites that I've found so far (on the right). This past week I made french dip sandwiches and veggies for less than $5 - we ate it two nights. Our Gian Grocery store also has awesome "meal deals" each week. Last week I bought a bag of Tyson chicken strips for $5.99 (with coupon) and got FREE: large apple juice, quart of Edy's ice cream and bag of frozen crispy french fries! This week the deal is a rotisserie chicken (yum)at $6.99 and free 2-liter 7-up and free bag of Dole salad. I'll start keeping track for April and am excited to see how much I can save on groceries. Since my income is no longer coming in, I feel good about saving on the grocery bill.
Hannah is eating cereal now before bed - she seems to take it well and digests it fine (everything works its way out just perfectly) - and it gives us all a couple more hours of sleep - yippee!

Almost 11 weeks

Hannah will be 11 weeks old this week. She just weighed in at the Dr.'s office at 10 lbs 5 oz and measured 22 inches. She's such a sweet girl.

Hannah Video

Hannah's Baptism

It's been such a great week! What a blessing to have my 3 sisters come to visit and share in Hannah's baptism day. We also had Grandma Kathy and cousins and friends stay with us or visit just for the day. Hannah will be surrounded with love and prayers always. My oldest sister Kathy and cousin Jeremy are Hannah's godparents and it was so heartwarming to watch as each met her and held her and interacted with her - she loves them already! I think Hannah loves all her aunties and cousins and grandma. David and I got several nights of sleep as they all took the night feedings and insisted that we let them. We are so blessed! Hannah was a perfect little angel for her baptism - she didn't cry at all as our pastor poured the water over her head. She let out a little cry shortly after and the pastor joked that it was an "Alleluia" or a thank you for everyone's prayers. We praise God that not only has Hannah been adopted into our family, but now she is also a member of God's family. Grandma Kathy made her beautiful baptismal gown and cap and Auntie Kathy made her angel blanket. Hannah has stolen many hearts!

Like Father, Like Daughter

Too Cute!

Growing Girl...

Hannah is now 9 lbs 4 oz and over 20 inches according to our Drs. appt. Sorry I'm slacking on the picture uploads! I'm getting ready for lots of visitors coming this weekend for Hannah's baptism.

Happy Valentine's Day!

One Liners

Mo-om! Hannah's at my window!

Okay, I guess we can hang out at this window together.

Got Milk?

Hannah got some new toys!

Thanks to our friends at CMS (where Karen teaches) Hannah got some new toys - a swing and a play mat. The play mat has been very handy the last 2 nights between the hours of 1 and 3 when Hannah decided she wanted to play. We're working on being awake more during the day. :) I wish they made swings big enough for me - I think I would like rocking my day away!

4 weeks old tomorrow!

Wow! I can't believe Hannah will be 4 weeks tomorrow. She's growing so fast: the little knit hat we took her home in no longer fits her head, she's eating over 3 oz, sometimes 4 oz, each feeding, she's sleeping for longer periods at nighttime (yeah!), preemie clothes are way too small. This morning I began to smell a foul odor, so I set about to change her - not a moment to soon! Coming out of the diaper and on to her back - it was a mandatory emergency bath and another load of laundry. :) You'd think I'd be annoyed, but I'm loving all parts of being a mom. Hannah's outgrowing her little bed sleeper, so last night we moved her from our bed to a pack 'n play bassinet. It's still in our room, so it's easy to get up with her at night, but now she has a little more room to stretch. I bought a little sling carrier so I can carry her around during the day and still accomplish other chores. We both like it - nice and cozy!

More B/W

Here Jeannie - more black and white photos...Isn't she beautiful?

Hannah's Growing

Hannah had a Dr. check up and weighed in at 7lbs 3 oz, 20 1/8 inches long! Good Girl is gaining weight and growing like a weed. Dr. said she's doing great. I took some black and white pics yesterday - there's something so peaceful and beautiful when you look at a little baby. Love her!

Hannah and Dugan

I got this stuffed dog (Dugan) from "Santa" when I was in 2nd grade. He's been through a lot over the years. My brother Bob used to beat him up for fun and to make me cry. A couple times Bob beat Dugan's eyes off - but Dugan always came through the "surgeries" just fine. :0 Now Hannah gets to cuddle with Dugan - I think they both like it.

One week already!

I can't believe Hannah is already over a week old. We are doing great. David and I are calling each other "Hannah hogs" as we take turns holding her, feeding, and changing her. David was so bummed to have to go to work. Hannah gave us a treat last night - 3 hours between a feeding instead of 2. Ahh - a little extra sleep. This is a wonderful time for me and I'm cherishing every moment - asleep and awake.

Funny Hannah Hiccups

More Pictures of Hannah

Pictures of Hannah

Hannah is Here!

Well - surprise!!!! Baby Hannah came earlier - 4 weeks earlier - than planned. All is well - she was born on Wed, Jan 7th at 0659. She weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz and 18 3/4 inches. She is beautiful. Everything went very smoothly at hospital. We brought our Hannah home today (Friday). Enjoy these pictures!

Camoflage Diaper Bag

David's jaw dropped when he saw this camoflage diaper bag - "Finally something NOT pink!" While is SC for Christmas, my fabulous sisters gave us a little baby shower. The diaper bag was a big hit, but I really got emotional over the handmade items - Jeannie made a little hat, Kathy made a beautiful afghan, and they both passed on some items made by mom. So Blessed! J. had a Dr. appt. Tuesday and she said that it's unlikely the baby will wait until Feb due date. We should expect her sooner. J. is 1 1/2 cm dialated. It's really real now. 2009 really will be our baby year.

Merry Christmas! David and I are spending Christmas at Nini's (my sister's) house in SC. All my sisters and brothers are here and we're having a great time!