Two Weeks! One Week Late.

Eventually we may catch up to current photos on the blog... I assume that will come when we get sleep. So never. We have decided to try to take pictures once a week so that we can see Anna Kate grow! Today, she is three weeks old, but we will share her two week photos and leave you guessing how much an infant changes in one week... plus we don't want to ruin the surprise of her adorable Easter outfit!

Anna at the Doctor

We are still catching all of you up on photos, so this is from Anna's first doctors visit at age 6 days. She is perfectly in the 50th percentile for weight, length, and head size. She and I are not looking forward to her one month appointment because, not only does it mean that she is already one month, but she has to get shots. Let's just hope she doesn't pass out when she sees needles like her Daddy!

We Love Daddy!

Starting Friday, Mark has three days off from work (yes, including the weekend). Those of you who know us well know that this is amazing, as Mark works long hours and most Saturdays. Anna Kate and I are so excited, so here are some precious Daddy-Daughter pictures! We love you, Mark!

Bella Baby Photos

In the hospital we delivered in, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, they offer complimentary photography sessions while you are in the hospital. There is no charge to take the pictures, and then you have the option of purchasing afterwards. During the photos, Anna Kate was not a happy camper, so we did not expect to get many good photos. Luckily, these photographers work with babies every day, and we got some shots that we really love!

All images below were taken by Bella Baby Photography, and we purchased the CD of images with rights to the photos.

Here are our favorites!

Precious Sleep

Precious sleep... for Anna Kate, not for us! There is nothing cuter than a sleeping baby, and I am finding that most of my photos revolve around Anna's naps! She has been slowly increasing her awake time, and I don't want to forget these days when she will sleep for hours.

Anna's First Bath

The first week home, we gave Anna Kate her first bath. Being new parents, we obviously are not baby bath experts, and Anna hated her first bath! We think she was too cold, and since then have been giving her sponge baths that are cozy and warm!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Yes, we know we are over a week late. We at least took the pictures on St. Paddy's Day. And there is nothing cuter than a festive baby. We are going to have to work on her Easter attire...

Great Grandparents!

Anna Kate is very lucky to have great grandparents in her life who love her so! Her great grandparents on my (Sara's) side of the family live very close by, and were able to stop in over the past week to meet Miss Anna which was very special for us all. We look forward to introducing her to her Michigan great grandparents soon!

Meeting Nanny and Paw!

Meeting Grandma Marshall!

Baby Anna!

Due to rules at the hospital, our niece Avery wasn't able to come back to Labor and Delivery to meet her new cousin. She was very excited about "Baby Anna", and even named one of her dolls at home Baby Anna. On Sunday, the day after Avery's second birthday, Robert and Laura drove Avery up to Statesville so that she could meet her cousin and so that Uncle Robert and Aunt Laura could hold their niece for the first time. Although Avery spent all week talking about baby Anna, it took her most of the evening to warm up to even touching Anna Kate. Must be something about her mommy and daddy holding a new baby..

Uncle Robert and his favorite niece Anna Kate

Aunt Laura and miss Anna

Avery showing her indifference towards Baby Anna. The big chair was perfect for lounging instead.

We attempted to get Avery interested. Milk was more important.

At last! Avery checking out baby Anna's tiny toes. There were moments of awe throughout the evening, but the attention span of a toddler didn't allow for many photos.

Proud Grandparents!

Both Mark and I are very lucky to have wonderful parents who are and are going to be amazing grandparents. Anna Kate is going to be one spoiled little girl, as none of her grandparents can keep their hands off of her!

Spending time with her Gigi last week- somehow in all of the snuggles that she and Gigi shared, this is the only photo proof!

Aunt Lisa and Nana came to visit and love on Miss Anna Kate.

Being held for the first time by her Ru.

Playtime with her Rotman grandparents!

Thank you to our amazing parents, not only for helping us with Anna Kate over the past week, but for being great examples! We love you!

Meeting Bailey & Emma

When we got home, we had two very excited dogs who had missed us while we were in the hospital. Mark's mom dropped them off before we got home so they could meet Anna in the house.

Emma and Bailey, right before we rocked their world.

Bailey, checking out her new sister.

Emma needed some encouragement, and then some restraint...

Taking it all in, she is here to stay!

Coming Home!

On Monday, March 11, my due date, we brought Anna home to stay.

Anna Kate wore home one of her Mommy's outfits from when she was a baby. It was way too big!

Getting ready to go!

Anna's first ride in the van...

We made it!

Love for Miss Anna Kate

Of course everyone loves to hold a new baby, and Anna Kate has already been stealing some hearts since her arrival... She can't wait for the rest of her family to spoil her!

Aunt Lisa couldn't wait to get her hands on Anna!

With her Rotman grandparents

Being spoiled by Gigi

Her Appalachian Aunts- Julie & Elyse

She has had Daddy's heart for a very long time.. he never even had a chance!