It has been an absolute joy being home with her, David, and the kids this week. Jonathan, Abby, and Joshua each dote on her lovingly and have welcomed her with tenderness and enthusiasm. I've lost track of how many times I've heard, "Mommy, she's just so CUTE!" from all 3 of her older siblings.
Joshua sharing his blanket and toys with his sister.
We certainly tried to take it easy for the first week following her birth. But the resting life quickly resumed normal pace, and before long Annabelle simply joined in all the usual family activities. In her first 8 days, she made it through two shopping trips to Target, dinner out at the local Italian restaurant, two trips to the neighborhood park, two sibling soccer games, Sunday morning church, and a half a day in Galveston for Dickens on the Strand! So far, she's a pretty happy, sleepy newborn who has been content to nap through most of that and nurse and cuddle happily wherever!
Jonathan and Abby wrapped up a wonderful soccer season. As Abby received her trophy from the coach of her team, the Light Blue Cheetahs, he acknowledged Abby as the player with the best attitude :). We couldn't ask for more than that! Jonathan was delighted to finish an undefeated season with the Black Ninjas. He has done very well as goalie and blocked a few goals again this Sunday.
Joshua has enjoyed David's extra time at home immensely and has kept his Daddy busy playing "werewolf" and hide and seek. He's a 2 1/2 year old bundle of energy, totally obsessed with Spider-Man, and still at that adorable stage where he doesn't mind that you see where he hides, nor can he wait for you to find him before popping out from excitement.
Now 10 days old, Annabelle is spending more time awake during the day -- 30 minutes to an hour after a few feeds a day. It's so fun to watch her look around, and she's taken to gazing right into my eyes the past two days. I love those totally in love moments of just studying her face as she looks at mine. She's also begun smiling in her sleep or while nursing the past 3 days or so, but then this evening she smiles right at her Daddy as we prayed together tonight. I can't wait to see more of her smile!
