5 years

Today is our 5 year anniversary! Brock and I were married at sunset on Makena Secret Surf Beach in Maui, Hawaii. We dated for 5 years before we got married. During that time we were in several weddings and decided that a big production was not for us. So to Maui we went! It was beautiful and was the trip of a lifetime! Now, if I could only convince Brock that we have to go back (he's not much of a traveler).

Photography by Sawyer

Sawyer loves taking pictures with my camera. Usually I just delete them because they're typically really close-up pictures of the remote, couch cushion, toys, etc. The other night he had my old camera and managed to take a few decent pictures. I'll have to be sure to let Santa know that Sawyer might want his very own kid camera for Christmas.

Sissy Roo--the only picture out of 10 that her head wasn't cut off

Daddy looking a little crazy

 self portait--and close up view of boogers (sorry, he has a cold)

I've been thinking that I want a new camera for Christmas. I have a Fugi FinePix that I got for Christmas when Sawyer was a baby. If any of you have a awesome camera, I'd love to hear about it.

Pretty Face and Ponies

Here's a look at Riley's beautiful, unobstructed face! Her Logan's Bow fell off Saturday night thanks in part to tons of drool and Riley pulling on it every chance she could get when her restraints were off. Man, she's fast! I took the opportunity to take a few pictures after I changed her steristrip last night. Dr. M says that there are two "dots" on the right scar line that we need to keep an eye on. They are dissovable sutures that are just under the skin. I'm praying that they resolve on their own and we don't have to make any unscheduled trips to Boston! But we couldn't be more thrilled with Riley's result. And are so proud of her dimple!

Sawyer went to Lottie and Pop's (Brock's parents) house Saturday afternoon and came home with a pony! They took Sawyer to the local horse show and came back with this little prize. He was already named Little Joe, but Sawyer insists that his name is Joe Dexter (that's Brock's daddy's name). I think it's hilarious. I've suggested every name I can think of to change it to, but Sawyer wants him to be Joe Dexter. Sawyer is so excited about him!

I fully intend on posting more about Riley's surgery, but I just haven't had time. Naps have been hard to come-by (Riley wants to be held and wakes up the second her body touches her bed). I'm hoping I have time to post more this week! Happy Labor Day!

Back at the Hotel

post-op day 3--swelling and bruising almost gone

out to eat

a tub full of baby...gotta love it!

We got discharged this morning and are enjoying some down time at the hotel. Riley is doing great. Eating 5-6 ounces every 3 hours during the day and Tylenol is controlling her pain. She only woke up once last night (to eat) and I'm hoping she'll repeat that tonight. She's talking (cooing) and playing and trying to get her new smile figured out. I'm amazed at how great (and how different) she looks!

New Face

Here's a look a Riley's new face! She's very swollen, but you get the idea. She's doing good...resting pretty well but not eating much. We are SO very fortunate to have a private room and that makes things so much easier. I'm going to post later about our trip in more detail, but just wanted to give a little peek at my angel...

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Our flight leaves today for Boston. We will be there for 9 days for Riley's final lip repair. I'm dreading it so badly. I wasn't this anxious with her lip adhesion. I guess because it was a much shorter procedure and we were only gone for 5 days. I know that this has to be done and that it's what's best for Riley, but for some reason it's not making it any easier. The nurse in me is not nervous at all, but the mama in me is! Please join me in praying for safe travel, wisdom and a steady hand for Dr. Mulliken, and a quick and as painless as possible recovery for Riley.

We went to my brother and sister-in-law's house yesterday to celebrate Adam's 25th birthday a few days early. His birthday is Tuesday (Riley's surgery date). It was great to be able to have time with our family and allow them to see Riley's "first face" one last time. My grandparents from Mississippi were here and they hadn't seen Riley since she was 2 weeks old and were amazed with how much she's grown.

Riley and Adam

Riley and my mama, aka Biggie

Riley thought my sister, Brandi, was so funny


Riley and Brandi

Riley and her great-grandparents

Me, Riley, Lilah and Heather

Oh, how I'm going to miss Sawyer! Maybe that has a part in my dread. Nine days without him is going to be tough! He will be thoroughly spoiled in my absence, though. He will spend time with Brock's parent's, my mom and my aunt. My aunt is taking him to the Georgia Aquarium so I know he'll have lots of fun.

Check-ups

I took the kids for their check-ups on Thursday--Sawyer for his 3 year and Riley for her 4 month. Sawyer was 31.14 lbs and 37.25 inches and Riley was 15 lbs 2 oz and 25.25 inches. Wow! Riley has grown...a lot! She was in the 75% for all measurements. Just as a comparison, Sawyer was 16 lbs at 6 months. I'm glad Riley's on the chunky side, especially for her up coming lip reconstruction. I tried her with some baby rice cereal, but she's not ready--lots of bad faces and even some gagging. Sawyer wasn't ready either until around 5 months, so I'm just going to wait to try again after Riley's totally recovered.


I then took them to have portraits made on Friday. I cannot wait to see the proofs. The photographer said they should be up by this Friday. Later Friday afternoon, Riley rolled over from stomach to back. She is trying really hard to roll over from back to stomach, but can only manage to get on her side.

before

mid-roll

tada!

I just love this face! I'm having really mixed emotions about her surgery. We leave a week from today for Boston. This is my Riley. She is beautiful. I love her just the way she is. But I am also excited to see how she will look after her lip repair is done. I feel so much more reluctant, anxious, nervous this time. But I know she is in great hands (God's and Dr. M's) and that she will be beautiful.