Madelyn is 24 weeks today. We decided to give her a taste of rice cereal today while Daddy is home to be a part of the experience. She loved it! We had so much fun watching her enjoy this new experience. It's amazing how exciting it is as a parent to watch your child learn and discover new things.

She is really getting to be quite the busy little girl. Pretty soon she will start getting into everything. She grabs and tries to eat everything in sight. She is so much fun to play and interact with! So full of grins and giggles!

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year

For Valentine's day this year we decided to venture out with some good friends into China Town in Yokohama, Japan. We stopped for lunch at a fabulous Brazilian BBQ place. All you can eat and drink for 2 hours. Needless to say, we left stuffed! We left the restaurant just in time to catch the 4:00 Chinese New Year parade. It was unbelievably crowded! We could not move an inch. The parade featured a dragon that would approach buildings where people had food hanging from a string to lour the dragon in. The dragon would then jump up to get the food. Madelyn was such a trooper the entire trip. I think she was too fascinated with all the people and interesting things to look at to think about anything else!

Tama Hills Camping

Two weekends ago Madelyn, Greg, the dogs and I headed to Tama Hills for some "camping". It was definitely luxurious camping! We had an awesome cabin tucked in the woods with a hot tub out back! It was great. Tama Hills is a resort area owned by the US Air Force. Military can go there as an escape. They have horseback riding, archery, golf, putt putt, hiking, etc...

Last week I set up Madelyn's jumperoo bouncer. She can't quite reach the floor, but she will get there soon!

Madelyn is growing up so fast! I can't believe she is 18 weeks old now! Today I was watching video footage of her right after she was born and was amazed at how much she has grown and developed in such a short time. She can hold her head up really high during tummy time now and can almost roll from her back to her stomach (she gets stuck on her side). She is also starting to laugh! The video shows her laughing at me while I give her rasberries on her tummy. She thinks it's hilarious! She is interacting so much more and trying really hard to talk.

We just finished up our infant massage class last week. We went once a week for four weeks. We learned how to massage her legs, then her tummy and chest, then her arms, and finally her face and back. Now as part of her nightly bed time routine, I bathe her then give her a massage. She loves it! She gets super excited and kicks her legs happily! She isn't a fan of having her arms and face massaged yet, but she will grow into it.

We also go to infant play group once a week. The babies lay on a mat and play with toys and look at each other and sometimes grab at one another. It's pretty cute to see the little one's interact with other babies and the adults. We also have craft time! Madelyn helps me pat the glue down on the paper.

Christmas 2009 and New Years 2010

So once again I fell way behind in my blogging. I really need to get better about this! So much has happened in just a few weeks!

We went home to Texas this year for Madelyn's first Christmas. We had such a great and special time. The trip to the states was easy. Madelyn fell asleep on the plane shortly after we took off and slept most of the flight. After the first 2 nights, Madelyn did amazing with the jet lag and moving around from place to place and person to person. We loved taking pictures of her for the first time with different people.

She was totally spoiled at Christmas with all the new toys and clothes! It took A LOT of luggage to get everything back, but we made it work!

When we got back from Texas we had a few days to unpack before heading to Tokyo for a long weekend celebration for the New Year. Greg and I went to a New Year's party at the New Sanno Hotel while Madelyn stayed with a sitter upstairs. We had a wonderful time bringing in the New Year with friends. The rest of the weekend we relaxed and visited an aquarium in Tokyo. Madelyn loved watching the colorful fish swim around. She also went for her own first swim! She liked the water the first day we put her in the pool. Well, actually I don't know what she was thinking. She looked very confused and had a very serious expression, like she wasn't quite sure what to think. The next day when we tried to put her in the water, she wasn't happy. She definitely liked sitting on the side of the hot tub better while mommy and daddy splashed her with warm water. I totally don't blame her!

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.

Waiting on Baby

Well, I am now 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant! It is just a waiting game now. It is so hard to be patient the closer it gets. So far, there isn't much action going on. I am getting Braxton Hicks a bit more frequently, and she has moved a bit further down in my belly. I am still working out, doing my normal routine, and feeling great! I just move a bit slower with a lovely pregnancy waddle. Our bags are packed and the car seat is ready to go!

Babymoon in Singapore

I met the George Washington Aircraft Carrier in Singapore this summer so I could see my wonderful husband. Singapore is amazing! It was beautiful, clean, and full of culture. We stayed at the Rasa Sentosa Resort on Sentosa Island. It was perfect for what we needed, a place to lay out and relax by the water! At night we would venture into the city for some site seeing and great food.

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Maternity Photos 34 1/2 weeks

My wonderful friend took the time to do some maternity photos for me! I had so much fun! I can't believe I only have 5 weeks to go until the due date. Every day I am getting more and more anxious for the big day! Madelyn is too! She is moving around a lot!

This is my mom and I at FAO Schwarz on 5th Avenue in NY this summer.  I was about 28 weeks along in this photo.  Mom bought the book Guess How Much I Love You and a stuffed bunny puppet to go with it for the baby.  We are going to put this picture of us in the front of the book.  

Greg and I are expecting our first baby on September 24th, 2009.  We are so excited to meet our little girl!  This is a picture of her at 19 weeks and 4 days!  She is currently 31 weeks and 4 days old.  Only a little stretch to go.  Pregnancy is truly a miracle. Changes happen so quickly! How can you believe that anything but God is responsible for life!  It is amazing how fast they grow and I love feeling her kick around inside me!  

Stay tuned for updates!