Mailee's First Snow Days

This past week we've been hit with a couple of snow storms! It is so beautiful... a true winter wonderland around here. They are calling for even more snow this weekend, so we are crossing our fingers it won't cause problems for our trip home for Christmas!
We've been staying warm in the house, but couldn't resist braving the cold to snap a couple of quick pictures with Mailee surrounded by the gorgeous white snow.

Christmas Card photos with Mailee's first tree

Last weekend John, Mailee and I went and got Mailee's first Christmas tree.
John and I laughed as it was the quickest decision we've ever made in picking out a tree... We had gone to Washington park to enjoy a pretty day and a walk with Mailee prior to going to get our tree... well, by the time we got there Mailee was hungry so we took the first tree they showed us. :) John laughed and made a comment that having a baby doesn't STOP you from doing things you used to do... it just CHANGES the way you go about doing those things!
Once home, we listened to Christmas music, argued about the tree being straight (John is a perfectionist) and then decorated... the next night was interesting trying to get a family shot in front of the tree.. didn't get a perfect one, but at least we got one!

Baby photo shoot

Here are some cute pictures I've taken of our little pumpkin recently.

Thankful for Mailee & a Loving Family!

Thanksgiving was extra special this year as we are so thankful for a little girl!
We were also very thankful for our wonderful family. Mailee felt very loved because she had so many visitors to celebrate the holiday with... Grandma and Grandpa R came from Virginia, Aunt Liz, Uncle Fred and cousin Liam came from Washington, D.C, Fred's parents came from PA and of course the Hilburn side of the family (Mimi, Papa, Jay, Deanne, Austin, Jack and honorary g-ma Louise (D's mom) joined too! The dinner was delicious and the company was the best!

A few days after Thanksgiving, Mailee got to meet her great grandma (my mom's mom)... so cool to have 4 generations together!

Mailee's first week at home

This week John and I have been adjusting to parenthood.... it has been wonderful, as well as trying... Our pumpkin seems so perfect everyday until the witching hour begins every night right when we are ready for some shut eye and turn the lights out ~ she decides she is ready to keep us up! Once we get through the 1 to 2 hour calming period all is perfect again... she sleeps well waking us up only once in the middle of the night.

Here are a few shots of her.. first bath, cuddle time w/ daddy etc. etc.

And a lot of you have asked if her hair is blonde... I think is some of the pictures it looks blonde, but it is light brown... although the dr. keeps saying she is a toe-head which is a blondie... so maybe i'm wrong. ;)

Our pumpkin at 1 week old

Mailee turned 1 week today! We have loved every minute of our first week with her although most were spent in the hospital. Auntie Liz and Mom H have been over this week to shower her with lots of hugs and kisses.
Today for her birthday we took her to Washington Park.. she was bundled up and you can hardly see her.. but she enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful scenery. Sahara also enjoyed finally getting a longer than 10 minute walk :)

I'm also posting one of my fav pictures of her... vote on the poll to the left on who you think she looks like.. I think it's pretty obvious.

Introducing Our Little Pumpkin, Mailee Elizabeth Hilburn!

We are so happy to share the news of our little baby girl joining the world on November 12th at 5:36 p.m.
We went through a rollercoaster of emotions as a couple weeks prior to her arrival we were concerned over low amounts of amniotic fluids which brought about a decision for an induced labor planned for Wed, November 12th. We had to go into the hospital the night before for a quick procedure to prepare me for induction and things took off from there... we never went home that night... I went into labor Tuesday evening and Wednesday after being pumped up for a natural birth, we were frightened as we learned for the need for an emergency c-section.
All of it doesn't matter now, as the end product was our HEALTHY precious baby girl - weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz and 19 inches long!

The three of us were in the hospital for 4 nights/5 days recovering from the c-section and finally came home as a family on Saturday.
We couldn't be happier and feel so blessed to have Mailee in our lives. We can't wait for everyone to meet her!
My sister and John's family were all able to be at the hospital to welcome our pumpkin into the world and we thank all of you for the love and support you have given us. May our family continue to grow :)

Halloween

So, this year's Halloween was pretty low-key... we finally got around to carving our pumpkins right before it got dark outside. Most of you know that John and I usually have a contest... but this year it really wouldn't be fair b/c he basically carved mine for me. Mine is the ghost one. I did come up with the idea.. but didn't have the patience to carve it b/c we are trying to get them done so quickly before it got dark.
Anyway... we only had a few trick or treaters... which of course means that john and I are stuck w/ VERY tempting candy :(

Mailee's Nursery

Mailee's nursery is ALMOST done and the timing is perfect. There is a possibility that she will be making her grand appearance earlier than expected IF the doctor decides to induce me next week.
I'll keep you all posted.
Anyway... I love that so many of my wonderful girlfriends pitched in to treat us to all the adorable nursery items! You guys are the best... and I am so glad that I will be able to think of each and every one of you as I spend my days AND nights in the special room. As I've said before... I feel so blessed to have you all in my life and I can only hope that Mailee will surround herself with friends as genuine as you all!

John should once again be proud of himself as he had a lot to do with designing the nursery. It was his idea to chairrail it, stripe the bottom and paint the top a different color. He also did it all himself!
Not only did he do that but he is working on the artwork in the room too... he painted the 4 little canvases pink and brown and plans to put Mailee's hand and footprints in each of them.
He is also working on a beautiful floral painting now the we will soon hang up when it is complete. He also bought the adorable crystal door knob clothes hanger on the closet door at an art fair in Anacortes when I was out of town - such good taste - def. going to be a great daddy to his little girl!
There is a very special monogrammed painting hanging in the room that my fab jax girls got Mailee and I just love it. A Navy friend paints them so let me know if anyone is interested in one and I'll pass on her info!
Mom & Liz - thanks so much for all the help in organizing when you came out to visit too! I love the diaper cake you made and it will be sad when I take it apart to change a dirty diaper.
OK... Here are some pictures. We are still awaiting the curtains that match (they are on backorder, we need to paint the brown book shelf still and John will finish the room w/ his painting soon... Enjoy the pics. Love you all!! Oh I will soon post renovation pictures too.. but I'm adding the new bathroom addition to the bottom of this blog posting b/c it is Mailee's bathroom so it matches her nursery... and yes, John thought was was ridiculous to have it match the room.. but I couldn't resist!

Cascade National Park Outting

Over the weekend John and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and go for a hike (an easy one that I could handle) at the Cascade National Park. It was so pretty there and we can't wait to get back this summer with Mailee! The pictures don't do it justice.

Happy Birthday Annee!!

Hope you are enjoying your birthday even though you are probably aching from running the Nike Marathon in San Francisco! Congrats on that too!

A last minute visit

My mom, sis and Liam decided to come visit me last minute since John was going to be gone for the weekend... it was a nice surprise and we had so much fun! Liam seems to like the pacific northwest and can't wai t to return next month for Thanksgiving!

Congratulations Colin & Christina!

Our good friends Colin & Christina tied the knot last Saturday in Chicago!

John was part of the wedding party and got to witness the two become Mr. & Mrs. Bernard... I however was not able to travelk due to the pregnancy :(

It sounds like I missed out on a wonderful time! I'm so happy for you two!