Here are a couple pics of Jaylee sent from the Family's "Vacation"
Friday, June 25, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Why the name Jaylee Adolene?
We had a difficult time deciding on Jaylee's name. Jaylee has a long legacy of strong, independent, feisty, and fun women. I really wanted a name that would remind her of her heritage. All of her grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and great-great-grandmothers are amazing women and I feel lucky to have been given another woman to raise up to become like them. (This baby crib has history as well. Jaylee's Great-grandpa Waterbury was first put in it as a baby, then my mother, then me and my siblings, and now Jaylee.)
Jaylee
A few months ago Riley and I sent out an e-mail to family asking for name suggestions. My mom actually came up with the idea of Jaylee by combining my name with Riley's. I normally think combining names is a little silly, but somehow the name stuck out in my mind. When I said it out loud I immediately thought of my sister and myself. Both my sister's and my name start with a "J" and so the "Jay" part of her name made me think of my sister and the relationship she and I have. My sister and I are best friends and can always make each other laugh and feel better when we are having a bad day. We have had so many good times. I love that Jaylee's name can be a reminder of my sister and I at all times. My sister has three boys and no daughters so hopefully this niece can have a piece of her personality and heart as well.
Adolene
During our first year of marriage Riley and I took a trip to Canada to celebrate his great-grandmother Adolene's 100th birthday. I was really impressed with the spirit around her and the legacy that she had created. She also had a large part in helping to raise Riley's dad, who in turn raised Riley. Riley is a better husband and father than I ever even dreamed of having. Ever since then I knew that if we ever had a daughter that I wanted to name her Adolene. Adolene was an amazing woman and I feel like she is an all around representation of the qualities that I hope Jaylee takes from the many women in her family history.
First Family Photos
This morning we attempted to take a few photos with our new family! Riley and I have both noticed over these past few days that it just feels right to have Jaylee here with us. We knew when we had our little surprise last fall that she was meant to be here. Now that she has arrived we feel even more like that is true.
Here is the last picture taken of me (by easton, he is getting pretty good with the camera) before Jaylee's birth. I am 38 weeks pregnant in this picture. Jaylee arrived at 8lbs and 13 ozs. Had she waited until 40 weeks to arrive I think she would have been pushing to pass Brady's birth weight!
Random Shots from Jaylee's First Few Days
I have never considered myself much of a girlie - girl, but I am having a lot of fun dressing Jaylee up. I get so excited to pick out her clothes and accessories in the morning!
Easton has been a really sweet big brother.
Hanging out and looking at grandma.
Grandma took Easton to see Shrek 3-d in the movie theatre yesterday. He had a lot of fun and wanted to keep wearing his 3-d glasses.
Brady's Blue Eyes
As you can see, Jaylee has plenty of headbands. There is actually a good story to go along with all of the headbands. When I was younger I thought that babies in headbands seemed pretty stupid. One night during and institute class when we had been dating just a few months, I leaned over to Riley and said, "If we ever have a little girl we are not putting one of those stupid headbands on her." Well, he looked a little panicked and just said, "OK." He must have already known he wanted to marry me or I am sure he would have walked away right then. Anyway, I was wrong. Headbands are adorable and Jaylee has one in every color!
Easton checking out his little sister.
Going Home
Jaylee is all dressed up and ready to go home to see her two brothers and little puppy dog.
The boys were excited to see her and took her on a tour of our house! They both like to hold her and touch her, so we are working on how to be gentle...
Easton took this picture of Chewy. When Jaylee got here he just sniffed her for a minute and then remembered that he didn't need to worry about her for a year or so. When she starts walking and wanting to put bows in his hair he will worry. Chewy has been getting up with me at night to feed her, he moves from our bed to his pillow by the chair where I feed her while we are up.
Grandma is also at home with us to help out for awhile. Riley's mom even had to make an impromptu trip to Cincinnati to watch the boys while I was in the hospital. My mom was flying home from my sister's house during my induction, but she made it just in time for my delivery. Riley and I are lucky to have two moms who are willing to drop everything and help us out when needed.
More Hospital Photos
I know there are a ton of pictures on the blog, but Jaylee is just really cute!
Jaylee and Daddy
Jaylee and Mom
We were pretty worn out after our long and eventful day.
That looks like a lot of kids!
Easton and grandma checking Jaylee out.
When I found out I was pregnant 9 months ago Riley walked around with a look of nausea and terror for a month. I thought he was doing better until we found out that I was going to have to be induced two weeks earlier than planned. That look came back again! I love this picture because Riley has a twinkle in his eye and already loves this little girl who has motivated us to completely change our lives (i.e. a mini-van, moving to Indiana, starting a business, bows, and dresses).
Mommy and Jaylee are ready to go home.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Sprinklers at Pine Hill Lake Park
After a long walk in the woods the boys decided to cool down in the park's sprinklers. Brady was a little timid but Easton jumped right in!
Stop! Throw Rock! Water!
Riley loved playing sports all of his life. His parents have often told me that even when he could barely talk and walk he would love to throw a ball back and forth. He also enjoyed throwing rocks into creeks and streams. Anytime they were in the car and drove past a creek or river he would shout, "Stop! Throw Rock! Water!" Now he is teaching that trick to Easton and Brady.
I really do think that boys just look better with a little mud on them. It makes me feel like a good parent...
Easton looks like he is really working hard.
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