Madelyn Weekly Photos

So I am a little behind on my blog....thus the life of a mommy. I am currently typing with one hand because she is occupying the other.

Madelyn is growing so fast! At her 3 week appointment she was 8 lbs. I am guessing she is about 8.5 lbs now. I am going to have her weighed at the doctor on Monday. She is starting to be a little bit more interactive and has cracked a few smiles on occasion. Mostly though she looks very serious as she studies the world around her. She sleeps pretty good at night. Normally goes down for good about 9 and sleeps until about 7 (waking up every 2-4 hours). We go on a walk every day and she loves it! Here are some weekly pictures of her in descending order (1 week-5 weeks)

Grammies Visit to Japan

Grammie came to see us when Madelyn was one week old. She immediately took to Grammie! It is like she knew right away who it was and found comfort in her arms. Grammie helped us out so much! She gave Madelyn baths, cooked and cleaned for us, and even did some night time feedings so I could sleep more than just 2 or 3 hours at a time. While she was here we went and had sushi and ramen. We also ventured into Tokyo for two days. It was quite interesting trying to use the subway stations in Tokyo with a stroller and luggage and no escalator or elevator! We hung out at the New Sanno hotel and had a wonderful dinner at the Japanese restaurant inside. The next day we visited Asakusa and ate Thai food. On the way back to base we were definitely in Tokyo rush hour on the train. Crazy! We were very sad for Grammie to leave. We can't wait to head back to Texas in December to be with family!

Madelyn's First Few Days at Home

Madelyn loves listening to A&M football with Daddy, going on walks, sitting in her swing, being held, eating, and reading with Mom and Dad.

Madelyn at the Hospital

Here are some pictures of Madelyn during her first 48 hours of life (time spent at the hospital). We love staring at her and holding her. Having Madelyn is a true testament to how amazing God is. Every little detail about her, from her fingers to her toes, shows how wonderful God is and how creatively we are made.

Madelyn has Arrived!

Madelyn Grace Sharp was born on her due date, September 24th, 2009 at 4:50 am in Yokosuka, Japan. She is such a perfect baby! She's very content, loves to eat, sleep, and explore the world around her.

The day I went into labor I had gone for a long walk with my friend Jill May and her baby Lilia. Shortly after that I started feeling what I wasn't quite sure were contractions or not. I also went to the gym and rode the elliptical, but noticed the contractions were starting to get a bit more uncomfortable, so decided to not do the elliptical but about 20 minutes. By 4:00 I sat down to watch Oprah, as usual, and noticed the contractions were now regular (about 8-10 min apart). By 5:00, they were about 5-8 minutes apart. I had plans to make dinner for neighbors that night. I was in denial that this was really labor....I kept thinking that maybe it was nothing. Greg insisted I call the hospital and let them know what was happening. They said wait until my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart for 1-2 hours. So while I was cooking, they were increasing in intensity and growing closer and closer together. My stubborn self insisted on finishing dinner and not canceling plans. Once we sat down for dinner (around 5:30), they were definitely 3 minutes apart. So after 2 hours of 3 minute apart contractions we left for Yokosuka Hospital. Once in the car they were 1-2 minutes apart and getting very uncomfortable. We arrived at the hospital at 8:30 and I was definitely close. The doctor had us walk around for an hour and a half and admitted me around 10:00. I took the epidural at 11:00 and it was all good from there! I had to be on an antibiotic for at least 4 hours before pushing. At 4:15 am I began pushing and Madelyn arrived at 4:50 am. She was immediately placed in my arms and had no problems with feeding right away. I couldn't imagine the overwhelming feeling of love that I immediately had for her! We still can't quit starring at her! She is the most beautiful baby we have ever seen! (I am sure most parents think the same thing, but we really believe it)

We stayed at the hospital for 48 hours. Daddy and I were exhausted, and we couldn't wait to get her home and show her her nursery! She has a fairy nursery full of pink! Definitely a girly girl. She is sleeping and eating every 2-3 hours, just like babies are suppose to do! We couldn't have asked for a more easy going baby.