Vacation to Gulf Shores, AL

Most of you have already seen our pictures from our trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, but I thought that I would put it on the blog as well.  Our friends, Jessica and Evan, were planning on going there for vacation and asked if we wanted to join them.  We were a little hesitant at first considering Lana would be only 6 weeks old at the time, but we didn't want to pass up the opportunity with friends, having time off due to maternity leave, and Greg having more vacation to spare.  AND, it was going to be Lana's first vacation, plane ride, and trip to the beach!  

We did some research on bringing babies to the beach since Lana isn't old enough to wear sunscreen and babies can't regulate their temperature as well as adults.  We also learned that sand isn't supposed to touch babies skin because it can scratch the surface when you try to rub it off.  Jessica and Evan were driving down there, so they came to our rescue in packing the extra items for Lana.  They purchased a beach shelter from Walmart that would provide some shade and protection from the sand.  We also packed a cold pack that Greg had from his shoulder surgery that we laid her over.  Below is a picture that Evan took of Lana laying in her shelter.  Needless to say, she looked pretty miserable on the beach for the half hour that she was down there, so we went to the pool most days.

We would start off our days with breakfast at Jessica and Evan's condo and then feed Lana and head down to the beach or pool.  Then, we would go out to dinner or lunch at some pretty cool places.  We had a lot of seafood on the trip.  Greg ordered either shrimp or Mahi tacos everywhere we went, which is a nice change from his buffalo chicken wraps that he usually gets at every restaurant that we go to. :)

The trip was really nice catching up with Jessica and Evan, getting our fill of HGTV, and spending quality time with Lana, and just relaxing.  Jessica was good in suggesting that we get pictures on the beach one morning.  

Then, Lana started getting fussy, so we went back to our place, calmed her down, and took a ton more pictures in her adorable lobster swimming suit that Jessica gave her.

It was so nice to get away.  We have so many new memories and adorable pictures of Lana.  Greg helped out a ton with Lana, and it was so nice to have him home another week.  We're already talking about trips to New York and Brussels to visit family over the next couple of years.  I can't wait!

Welcome Lana Addison

This post is a little late, but this blog has been more so documentation for Greg and I and the things in our lives, and we love looking back at all the posts and seeing everything we have accomplished.  So, we introduce to you, our daughter, Lana Addison.  The birth of Lana is by far the most monumental experience that we have shared together.  I cannot put into words how much I love this little girl that we have created.  I knew I would love her before she was born, but from the moment she was put into my arms in the hospital, I could not stop telling her that I loved her, and I continue to fall in love with her everyday.

I don't want to go into my birth experience because I understand that all experiences are different, and how different they can be from child to child.  I read so many women's stories beforehand to prepare myself, and none of that knowledge was needed for when we were at the hospital.  I was thankful to have Greg there right by my side sharing in the experience and making the hospital room a calm atmosphere.  Greg is always so calming, and I'm lucky to have him as a husband.

So, we checked into the hospital at 9:30 AM, and Lana was born at 6:18 PM weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces and 19.5 inches long.  She was a little angel and perfectly healthy.  That's all I wanted.

Since then she has grown like crazy and constantly changes each week making more and more people fall in love with her.  Everyone says that I'll miss this stage of cuddling and quiet time before she talks, and I'm already realizing how fast people grow up.  She has such personality in her silence and the faces she makes just taking it all in.  

With only a few weeks left until I go back to work, we're making the most of our time together.  It's been an awesome 8 weeks, and we have been so blessed by all the visitors that we have had, dinners that have been made for us, and the time people have taken to share in our daughter's life.