First Friend Birthday Party

Saige and Savannah had their first friend party to go to. One of my very good friends I used to cheer with at WSU lives just down the street from us. Her little girl, Lilyann invited Saige and Savannah to her birthday party! The girls had a blast playing with all her toys! They will be in the same grade when they start going to school, if neither one of our families move by then! Hint Hint...Nikki!

Ahhh, OOHHH, The Anticipation!

I thought this was way to cute to not post! The girls and I made chocolate chip cookies yesterday and OOOOO, the anticipation! The girls were way to excited and they sat by the oven and just waited and waited. They kept saying, "Cooo-kie, coooo-kie!" It was adorable and so much fun to be able to do this with them!

First Photo Shoot!

I finally was able to get Reagan's pictures back of her first photo shoot! I have been so anxious to see how they turned out. They turned out more adorable than I thought, thanks to my good friend, Becki (see her blog Memory Layne Photography)!

These pictures were taken when Reagan was 2 weeks old. I can definitely say she is a doll!

3 Weeks, ALREADY?

It is amazing how they grow so fast. Reagan is three weeks already, and it seems just like yesterday we were in the hospital. She is doing so great and is already sleeping 6 hours through the night. I am so blessed. I thought for sure this baby would be my problem child since Saige and Savannah were such good babies. However, I lucked out again. I'd better stop while I am ahead! LOL.

Reagan had her 2 week checkup last Friday and she is doing great. She weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz. (75th percentile), 22 inches long (90th percentile), and her small amount of Jaundice that she started with is slowly going away. She is completely healthy and is doing very well.

Friends, Buddies, and Pals!

I absolutely love this picture. It says a thousand words and nothing compares to the true friendship of sisterhood!

Some Garden Fun!

We were outside today and decided it was time to pick some tomatoes. We have plenty, so I suppose I aught to get ready to do some salsa! MMMMMMMMM, good! Never-the-less, the girls decided it was their duty and obligation to help Mom, and help is what I got. However, my definition of help must be completely different from theirs! I didn't get any pictures of this, but they probably ate a good handful of cherry tomatoes, rather than doing what I asked. All I asked of them was to put the tomatoes I picked into the bucket! Thats not to hard, is it????? :P

Life at the Park!

On a hot summer day, we decided to take the girls to the new Farr's Ice Cream store here in Clinton, and then to the Hooper Park. It was fun and the girls had a blast! Obviously, their favorite is the swings.

Brianna: My HERO!

My mind has been consumed with endless thoughts of Brianna. I have never met her, but feel so very close to her. Somehow, she has made her way into my life, which now I am forever changed. As I just finished a 4:00 AM feeding with my 2 week old baby, I am unable to sleep. I have been heartbroken over the last 3 days and have been tormented by her story. There are really no words to describe the remorse and sorrow I feel for Brianna, but I know there are definite words I feel for her abusers, but chose not to divulge. I have never felt so much hatred for anyone, until now.

This life altering story is eating at me in the pitt of my stomach and the back of my mind. I picture myself at the scene as the news reporters describe the brutal abuse and murder of this innocent 5-month old child. Somehow, I feel like I am responsible for her. I have constant thoughts of what I could have done to save her. Again, I have never met this child, but still, there must have been something I could have done. No, I guess I couldn't have, but there was family that could have and they chose not to protect her or defend her. Where was her voice?

This video clip is definitely life altering and very disturbing. I have been emotionally scared., however it is worth the pain I have felt. It has opened my eyes, softened my heart, and I know there are many more tears to come. Please watch this, only to help stop child abuse...it begins with you! (NO PUN intended).

Saige, Savannah, and Reagan, I love you. I am here for you and will do whatever I can to make sure you are happy, safe, appreciated, and loved. Perhaps my own children are the responsibility I feel in Brianna's behalf.

Introducing: Reagan Marie Venable

She is here! Little Reagan made her grand entrance to our world on Aug. 11 at 8:09 AM, weighing 8.6 lbs and 19 1/2 inches. She is very healthy and happy. She has taken a liking to the "binki," which I am not to fond of, but I would rather have her be addicted to that rather than her hands! My theory is I can chop or dispose of binki's, I kinda cant do that with hands! Anyway, she is fully aware of her surroundings and she loves to be held. She is a good baby and is a good eater! Looks like we will be able to come home tomorrow, which will be nice. I miss Saige and Savannah, although they were able to come to visit me in the hospital, it still isn't the same! Lets see, what else...Reagan developed a tinsee bit of jaundice, but looks like it isn't anything to worry about. My milk hasn't quite come in yet so she is getting slightly dehidrated, so I have had to supplement a little. Other than that, we are both doing very well. This recovery has been remarkable swell compared with the last one. I wasn't able to even lean forward let alone get out of bed and walk around at this point last time! It has been great! I am refusing any pain meds at the moment, as I feel as if I don't need them at this time! Yah!

Reporting on Saige and Savannah: They are doing very well, but obviously they are a little young to really know what is coming to them. They know who to look for when I ask them, "Where is baby Reagan?" They will turn to look for her and Saige will even point in her direction. Savannah is much more interested and does like to hold her. While Saige would rather play!

Papa, Saige, and Reagan

Savannah busily talking on the phone while she is recovering!

The proudest Daddy ever!

My little BINK girl!

Grandma AG

Grandma and Grandpa Venable

Cousin Braxton and Aunt Michele!

Braxton and Jaxon

Brooklyn loves babies!

MIMI and Grandpa Jim

Savannah with Papa

"Aunt" Kristin, "Uncle" Blake, Saige, Reagan!

38 Week Checkup

We are ready to roll next Tuesday with the C-section. Doctor Hartman anticipates her being 7.5 lbs. She is still healthy, my blood pressure is was 102/60 (which is a decrease from a steady 112/70), everything else looks good. I am not dialated at all!

Next week should be pretty interesting. I am excited to see how the girls will react to their new little baby sister. I caught Savannah trying to bite the fingers off one of her baby dolls, so I am hoping this behavior doesn't transfer to the new baby!