Our Princess

I just thought I would post a picture of Ramona in her really cute princess hooded towel. I have been thinking about how much our life has changed lately. About a year ago when we moved into our new project I mean house, Nick and I went to home depot to get keys made. I jokingly asked him if I could get the key that said princess. He rolled his eyes. I said very sarcastically well don't you think I'm a princess. He said no you are not if you have any doubt about it then I should go look up princess in the dictionary. The guy who worked at home depot overheard our conversation and told Nick that he had the wrong answer. We laughed about it and bought normal keys instead. (Honestly I would never carry a princess key anyway, but I love the opportunity to playfully annoy Nick.) Funny thing is here we are a year later gushing over Ramona calling her the little princess.

To that I say well technically one definition of princess is "a women considered to have qualities or characteristics of a princess," so Ramona mets that standard. She is also the daughter of the King. I am contemplating submitting an alternate definition to Webster to expand the word princess to also include daughters of CEOs. Then we just need to hold our breath that Nick makes it there one day!

Baby's First Christmas

Wow this Christmas really snuck up on us, but we are so grateful that it is here. I could not sleep last night. I was really excited for Ramona's first Christmas. I know that's weird because it's not like she knew what was happening, but I was so excited to see Christmas arrive knowing that from now on we have so much to look forward to during the holidays. I finally got up after laying there sleepless at 5 to get things packed and ready to go to my parents.

We drove out to Aledo on the still icy roads early. We opened presents with the Snowdens and Brunsons. I brought Ramona's presents that we got her over. I wrapped them and figured she couldn't unwrap them, so Bryson could do it for her. He was such a good cousin helping her out! Macie was a little more curious about her cousin today. Maybe because she got a baby doll for Christmas. I don't know but I bet next Christmas the girls will be running the show. Ramona got lots of toys and teething accessories. I can't wait to see her play with them. She got some really cool bath toys. She loves baths, so I'm interested in how she will react to the toys.

We ate Christmas lunch with my family. Then we headed to see Nick's family for another round of eating. We enjoyed time with his Nenaw and Papa and Aunt Cynthia and Darrell. We watched some more Heros before going over to great-Mimi and Papaw's house. The entire Wills family came to celebrate Christmas over there after we cancelled on Christmas Eve due to the weather. It was wonderful and loud with all of the family. Ramona was so tired. I put her in her car seat where she slept through the noise.

What a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed with amazing family. I am looking forward to many more holidays with our precious daughter.

Christmas Eve

What an amazing day. It snowed pretty much the whole day. It didn't stick at first, but it began to accumulate. It was beautiful. The pictures are of the golf course that our house backs up to. I can't believe that Ramona's first Christmas will be a white Christmas. We had plans to go out to great-Mimi and Papaw's house with the Wills family, but with the snow/ice everyone decided to cancel and go Christmas night instead. Nick and I usually spend the night at my parent's house on Christmas eve, but my mom didn't want us driving out there in the snow. Neither one of us wanted to stay at home on Ramona's first Christmas eve, so we went to Nick's parents.

We opened presents and watched some episodes of Heros from season 1. Ramona is too young for any big toys, but she got some toys she'll be playing with in no time. Lolli and Pops also got her a Gerber grow up plan. She can borrow against it at 18 and can cash it out at 25. I know she will be so grateful when she understands what she got! Nick and I got a pizza stone that you can use on the grill. Nick has been wanting to make homemade pizza. He has attempted it once very unsuccessfully, so we are both excited to make some homemade pizza!

It was a beautiful snowy night. I am glad we got to spend it with family.

Talking

Ramona has been talking up a storm for a few weeks. I told Nick we need to record her talking it up. We used the flip to record her talking and trying to decide if she was happy or upset.

50th Wedding Anniversary

Nick worked from home today, so we could attend his Neenaw and Papa 50th wedding anniversary party. We celebrated at their church in Newark. It was a wonderful celebration. Nick's mom did a fabulous job planning for and putting together the party. She had Ana Mia's Mexican restaurant cater. It was delicious. The Wills family sang which of course got the same reaction from Ramona as it did the night after Thanksgiving. I spent the majority of the party in the kitchen with Ramona. She took a quick nap then she was her happy self again.

Ramona had on a beautiful dress that we saw a the Gap about a month ago. We thought it was precious and wanted to get it for her to wear on Christmas. We went to get it at the Parks and Northeast mall and neither one had it, so I gave up and figured I would need to find something else. Monday night we went to the Gap in Southlake where they had the dress in 0-3 and 3-6 months. We bought the 0-3 since she has some Gap outfits that are still too big for her in 0-3. Well the dress fit but it was difficult to get on, so we went back the following day to exchange it. We came back home with barely enough time to wash it and get ready. She looked adorable. We bought a bow to match at the Brownstones which of course completed the outfit to perfection. We figured the dress would be more fitting for the anniversary party than for Christmas.

We went to Nick's cousin Aaron and his wife Lydia's house afterwards. Ramona was really good, but she let us know when she was ready to go home. As soon as we had her in her carseat, she was calm and after about 5 minutes in the car Ramona was out.

It was a wonderful night. We are so blessed to celebrate 50 years with Neenaw and Papa.

Lunch

Ramona and I traveled to Las Colinas today to eat lunch with Nick and his coworkers Ricki and Sabrina. Most of Nick's team is on vacation for the holidays, but we went anyway. Ramona loved seeing her daddy. Nick was making her smile the entire time. She was extremely happy and just adores Nick. I'm beginning to see her transition into being a daddy's girl. It's heart breaking, but I knew it was inevitable. Ramona may prefer me when it comes to calming her down, but when she wants to play it's hands down daddy time.

Shop Shop Shopping

Nick and I did some Christmas shopping today. We have been putting it off. We aren't buying for a lot of people this year anyway, so it won't take us very long anyway. We shopping for 4 hours. Ramona was perfect. She woke up once. I fed her and she was happy and playful for a while before she was out again. She's a natural shopper. She braved the Parks Mall at Christmas time without a single blink. It won't be long before she's batting her eyes at daddy asking for the keys and a credit card. I have a feeling he will oblige.

Cowboys

We were planning on going to our friend's Bryan and Amanda's tonight to watch the Cowboys play the Saints. However since the whole chicken pox thing, we decided it would be the best decision. Bryan and Amanda have a son that's 11 months. I would just fill terrible if anything happened. Nick decided to make crawfish etouffee in honor of playing the Saints. I think mostly because he's been on a cooking kick and likes crawfish etouffee. Anyway he invited his brother Allen over to watch the game. Then Chase came over too because he had to bring the PA back by Tuesday.

We were treated to etouffee and after half time Nick's hot chocolate from scratch...delicious. I didn't care for the etouffee because I don't like crawfish. After we watched the Cowboys beat the undefeated Saints, we watched Funny People. Ramona was awake the whole time. She knew there was a party going on, and she didn't want to miss a minute. I laid down with her before the end of the movie, and she was out for the rest of the night.

We had a great time hanging out with Allen and Chase. I'm glad the Cowboys won because everyone was in a good mood. Funny People was ok...not really that funny just more disgusting than anything. Ramona was kicking and playing in her play gym happy to be up past her bedtime! It was a great night.

Chicken Pox

Well last night Ramona and I went to my team's Christmas party. We had a great time hanging out with my team at my coworker Julie's house. Ramona was so cute. She went to her Lolli's Bible study party that morning, so she had a full day.

Julie's daughters Annie and Megan got to see Ramona again. They had decorated pumpkins for her around Halloween - too cute. Anyway this morning Julie came into my room to tell me that Annie, her oldest daughter (5th grade), had the chicken pox. It took a while for the reality to set in, but then I was really freaking out. I called the doctor and was trying to figure out how exactly this would effected Ramona.

There are a couple things on our side. 1. Ramona is so young that she will still have some immunity from me since I've had the chicken pox. 2. I'm nursing so she'll be getting my antibodies from my exposure to the pox.

I am just praying she doesn't get them. I would feel just awful. Plus she would have been during her 1st Christmas which is so terrible and it would also mean that we can' t spend it with Bryson and Macie since they are both too young to be fully vaccinated against chicken pox. Let's just pray for her health and protection against the disease.

Coffee N Cream

Nick and Chase played at Coffee N Cream in downtown McKinney. The last time they played there Ramona was still in my stomach. She was pretty fussy the whole day, so I was really nervous about taking her out especially since she didn't do so well at the family singing after Thanksgiving. She did amazing though. Ramona loves to hear her daddy sing and play the Rhodes.

Nick and Chase sounded as good as I've ever heard them. They sang "Silent Night" a cappella which was a huge hit. We had a great time. Ramona was awake for the majority of the set. She was happy the entire time to my surprise and delight.

We went to Cafe Brazil afterwards where Ramona was over being out. She started to fuss. It wasn't screaming, but to the childless 17 year old patrons it was annoying. I went to the car as soon as possible while Nick and Chase finished up. Oh well I wouldn't have traded it. I'm glad we got out and Ramona and I enjoyed listening to daddy and Uncle Chase.

Here she is playing the piano with her daddy the night before while Nick and Chase were practicing.

2 Month Checkup

One of the good things about Nick's job is the flexibility. It is rare, if not nearly impossible, to have a job you love, pays well, and is also super flexible. Nick is lucky to have one especially since my job has no room from flexibility. You have to be there during your contract hours because the kids can't watch/teach themselves. Anyway Nick took Ramona to her 2 month checkup today.

She is 23 1/4 inches long and exactly 11 lbs. She is in the above average for height and slightly below average for weight. The doctor said she looks good and there really isn't anything to worry about except making sure she hold her on her left side. Ramona favors her right side (probably because that is the side she has to lay on to face me in bed), so she has a bit of flat head going on.

She had 5 vaccines - 2 shots in both legs and the other 3 were administered orally. She was not a happy camper. Nick took her to his mom's afterwards. She was really worried about Ramona because she was upset that afternoon. Nick called the doctor and he said to bring her in because he didn't want us to give her Tylenol without looking at her first. Ramona was fine. He gave her some Tylenol. I got home about the time that Nick returned with her from the doctor. She was screaming crying, but once I held her and started rocking her she calmed down. She was fine for the rest of the night. Nick thinks she just wanted me after they stuck her. When she got her shot with me at her 1 month checkup, she cried when they stuck her but was fine the rest of the day. I don't know what it was, but I was glad that she was fine and perfect the rest of the night.

Back to Work

I went back to my 20 first graders today. Nick's mom is watching Ramona for the 2 weeks that I work in December. Nick takes her in the morning, and I pick her up after work. I almost broke down when he left this morning. I was on the verge, but told myself to wait until I got in the car then I'd let myself cry the whole way to Ellis. Nick called me as soon as I got in the car, so I didn't get a chance to bawl my eyes out. If you know about teaching 1st grade, you know there isn't much time to slow down once your day starts. I called to check on her. She was doing great.

We both did really great for our first time apart. I knew she was in capable, loving hands and that I'd be out of there as soon as all my kids were picked up. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I just had to remind myself that it was quality of time that I spent with her not the quantity. It also helps that I work with incredible women and have a really good class this year. I kissed all over her once I got to Lolli's and loved up on her all night. Good thing we have a 2 week break coming up in 9 days!

2 Months

Well I can't believe it's been 2 months since our little Ms. Ramona entered the world and changed our lives forever. She smiles and talks a little. She wears size 1 diapers. I'm pretty sure she has the most sensitive skin ever. She will have a rash on her bottom then it will be gone then it's back again.

Ramona gets bigger right before our eyes. Every day we just marvel at how fast she is growing and how long she is getting. Her eyes are still blue but they are dark. I am not sure if they'll stay or how much longer they will be blue. Either way we will still think she is the most beautiful thing ever.

She holds her head up pretty well, but she hates being on her stomach. She still sleeps in our bed, so I am not anxious for her to start rolling over. I know it will be happening soon enough. She has always been a great sleeper and makes it through the night very well. I wake her up to nurse for my benefit most nights. I could just get up and pump but it's hard to talk yourself into getting up in the middle of the night when she is right there. I wanted to have her in the nursery by the time I went back to work (I go back tomorrow), but I'm having a difficult time separating myself from her. I like to wake up and check her throughout the night.

We feel so blessed to have her and look forward to the upcoming holidays.

Christmas Tyme in Aledo

Nick made it back from Houston in time for us to go to Christmas Tyme in Aledo. My parents had Santa at their Realty World office. Ramona got to sit on Santa's lap for the first time. We tried twice because she just wasn't sure what was going on and wanted me. She was happy and ready then Santa went on break. She was asleep by the time he came back. She was a little upset at being woken up, but she was more startled than anything. I wish we would have videoed the moment. She was making hilarious faces. It was so precious. It won't be long before she is talking Santa's ear off with all Christmas wishes if she is anything like her momma!

It's a new car

We finally bought a car on Wednesday. I had been driving Nick's parent's Tahoe for far too long. It was only going to be a temporary thing, but we've been very indecisive about our next car purchase and the financing on the remodel took way longer than expected. We had very strict criteria which some of which might have been a bit unrealistic. We both love the Prius but didn't want to buy 2 of them. It would just be too nerdy for us to swallow. Nick drives far to work, so we figured either one of us could get the new car. Before the remodel we almost bought a new Volvo XC90 for me. We decided at the last minute to back out and get the house stuff worked out first. Good things because oh how priorities have changed!

So we've been looking and test driving and contemplating. Basically exhausting very option trying to figure out what car will work best with our needs as far as price and practicality. We wanted an SUV but of course it's difficult to find one that is reasonably priced. I found a Volvo XC90 on ebay that we both liked, so we bought it. It is a 2006 and is exactly what I hoped we would find. I think God aligned everything perfectly so we would get this car and in just right time since I need one by Monday (my first day back). We now own 2 cars that were purchased from ebay. (We bought the Prius from a private seller in 2006). The Volvo was in Houston, so Nick took off Friday to fly down there and drive it back. Well Houston got an inch of snow, so the airport was closed. Nick is trying again in the morning which is going to be a little crazy because we have Christmas Tyme in Aledo tomorrow night. Let's hope it all goes smoothly and he makes it in time, but the most important thing is we have a car that works with our growing family. Here it is...

Wills Family After Thanksgiving Singing Extraordinaire

Well it has been many years since Nick and I sat out on the Black Friday craziness, but if there was ever a year to forgo the chaos this was it. I still don't want to be away from Ramona for any length of time and who is crazy enough to take a newborn out on Black Friday? Definitely not this couple.

Two days and two firsts for the precious Ramona. The annual Wills Family singing at First Baptist Church Fort Worth was today. Nick's family always has a Southern Gospel concert the Friday after Thanksgiving. We discovered that Ramona does not so much like Southern Gospel. I think it was just too loud for her. There was something about the pitch and ringing in the rafters that just had her all out of sorts. I'm sure she'll grow to love it but she wasn't having any of it tonight. Some of Nick's extended family got to meet her and gush over her. The Bob Wills Senior family doesn't have girls very often (3 out of 16 in the last 3 generations). Ramona did get to hear her Pops and great-Mimi sing.

Since she was a little fussy, we decided to skip out on the tradition of chatting it up at IHOP afterwards. She got some love from her Pops and great-Mimi and we were out.

Baby's 1st Thanksgiving

We celebrated our first Thanksgiving as a family of 3 this year. Of course Ramona didn't get to eat Thanksgiving dinner except via breastmilk later, but it was her 1st Thanksgiving nonetheless. We went my parents house the night before Thanksgiving to make pillowcase dresses for Ramona and Macie since we were having a family picture for our Christmas cards. Alicia and I wanted the girls to match. My mom sewed them while we watched into the wee morning hours. They turned out better than we could have imagined. They matched right down to the bows on their head. So cute.

We had Thanksgiving lunch at Lolli and Pops (Nick's parents) with the majority of the Wills family - Uncle Geejaw (Nick's brother Taylor), Allen & Sara, Uncle Bobby, Annette & kids, Aunt Angel, Mimi and Papaw. Ramona was so good. She let Uncle Geejaw hold her and seemed to like him. We couldn't have asked for her to be any better than she was. Ramona was happy and playful (as playful as a baby at her age can be).

We headed to my parents to make it to Aledo before the 3:15 Cowboy kickoff. We ate again and watched the Cowboys win. We took our family picture during half time. We had a friend who celebrated Thanksgiving with us take the picture. We then watched the Longhorns beat Texas A&M. It was a football afternoon/evening. Ramona was good over there too. She didn't want to change clothes or pose of pictures, but other than that she was happy!

What a busy and blessed day we had. We are so thankful for our sweet little girl who is honestly a very good baby. We couldn't have asked for or expected the incredible gift we were given this year. Happy Thanksgiving! Can't wait for next year! She'll be able to sneak a few bites of the deliciousness.

Jammin'

Nick has been in the studio for 2 days playing bass for his friend Chase who is recording a couple of songs. Ramona and I decided to go up there on Saturday to see daddy and Uncle Chase finish up. We were going to Dallas anyway for etsy Dallas jingle bash. Ramona had been fussy that morning, so it took me forever to just get out of the door. She was really good in the studio. She did jump when they started the music, so we stayed in the lounge area to avoid a meltdown!

Ramona was so good at the jingle bash too. She got to meet Shelley Flores. I work with Shelley and her daughter has a shop on etsy, Cut Out and Collect. She made my diaper bag! We didn't buy anything, but we loved going and looking at all the awesome handmade stuff. I want to learn how to sew so bad. I bought a sewing machine years ago...it's still in the box. Shelley said she would teach me to sew. I think I'm going to hold her to that.

Work

I was scheduled to return to work on Monday. I woke up last Wednesday morning and was just overwhelmed with the idea of being apart from her. I called my long term sub, and she said she would stay as long as I needed her, but I would have to talk with my principal because they've contracted her for an intervention program beginning Monday.

It was a mess for a while especially when you throw in the fact report cards go home Friday. We have developmental report cards in first grade, so that's no easy feat. Fortunately, my principal is allowing my sub to remain in my room until I officially return on December 7th. I will have 2 weeks of work then 2 weeks of vacation.

I just wanted more time with Ramona. She is just so little. I was hoping to get her in more of a routine. Plus I'm hoping the transition of her will be easier. She will always have times when she cries just for me, but maybe these extra 3 weeks will help in that regard.

Smile

Ramona is usually pretty alert mid-morning, so Saturdays Nick takes advantage of this and plays with her. She gives us her curious face where her eyes just look like they are saying what the heck are you doing or she opens her mouth playfully like she wants to laugh. Today she was smiling - intentionally smiling! It was precious. I think we are seeing the beginning of a daddy's girl.

1 Month

I can't believe it's already been a month since little Miss Ramona burst onto the scene. She is a pretty good baby I must say. She rarely fusses just to fuss. She's typically trying to tell us something. Of course sometimes that something is just that she wants her momma.

She is very erratic in her sleeping and eating patterns still. This makes it very challenging to venture out because you just never know what can happen. She sleeps pretty well during the night. She refuses to sleep more than 5 minutes in her bassinet, so she sleeps with us. It's really just Nick and her sleeping while I watch because it freaks me out. During the day she wants to be held while she sleeps, so there really isn't much I get accomplished. I love holding her and watching her sleep, so I'm ok with her being high maintenance.

Her 1 month check up went great. She is healthy and growing. Ramona weighs 8 lbs 14 oz which puts her in the 40th percentile. She gains an average of 3/4 of an oz per day. The doctor said that's fine and isn't concerning unless she doesn't have enough poopie diapers which is definitely not a problem. She is 21.4 inches long which puts her slightly below the 60th percentile. Ramona has finally gotten rid of her cough and diaper rash!

Ramona got her 2nd shot for Hepatitis B. I felt so sorry for her. She can pout that lower lip with the best of them. She cries big alligator tears too which breaks our hearts.

She's absolutely perfect and the greatest blessing we've ever received.

Baby's First Halloween

We did not have anything planned for Halloween since it seemed ridiculous for us to trick or treat with a 3 week old when she obviously wouldn't be eating the candy. We started the morning trying to get out the door to make it to Bryson's last honk ball game. We made it for the last play, so we got to see Bryson bat. Technically we wouldn't have been able to see any play, but they played 1 more inning for us.

We went to the Brunson house to hang out for a while and have some delicious Taco Casa. The boys played with Bryson's nerf gun which provided Nick a nostalgic experience and me lots of laughs. Ramona was a very sleepy girl and dozed through the chaos. She slept for the majority of the night which makes 2 Friday nights in a row of good sleep. Unfortunately, her night of sleep was followed by a Halloween day of sleep and a long Saturday night/early Sunday morning. Thank goodness it was fall back!

Ramona took her first bottle without hesitation. Nick fed her since I wanted him to be able to have that bonding experience. She downed the 2 oz quickly and was ready for more. I don't think she was prepared for that much food in one setting because she spit up a lot afterwards.

We dressed up in our Halloween costume for the family. Nick found a picture of our Halloween costume when I was pregnant. We joked about actually doing it. I found her costume online at Target a few weeks before Halloween. Nick found it in the store, so he bought it. We threw our part together easily with the help of Ace Mart Restaurant Supply and the generous people at Steak 'N Shake. Thus, our perfect 1st Halloween costume was born!


We had to get all the cousins together for a picture. It was Macie Girl's 1st Halloween too! We had an adorable strawberry, a precious hot dog, and a brave fireman. Taking the picture was a bit of a whip but all in the name of capturing the moment to relive the memory. Oh how much we look forward to more Halloween's together.


We had a little photo shoot of her in her pumpkin onesie when we got home since she is just too precious!

Classic Pumpkin

Couture Pumpkin

This was also our first Halloween at the Washington house. I bought 3 big bags of candy thinking it would be plenty since I didn't figure people went door to door anymore with all the festivals and things now. Plus I didn't think people would trick or treat off a busy street. I was wrong. The kiddos came in droves. We were out of candy by 8 pm.

Bryson's Birthday Party

We celebrated my nephew Bryson's 3rd birthday today! I can't believe he's 3. It feels like just months ago when I was rushing to meet him in the hospital. He had his party at a park in Willow Park. It's right next to the fire station. They had the fire truck out and let the kids get in it and look at the firemen equipment. There were lots of little ones there! What a great age they are all at, but I'm not ready for Ramona to be there yet!

Ramona slept through the entire party after she slept pretty much the whole night last night. Plus yesterday she was awake for the majority of the day, but I guess she's mailing it in today. We got Bryson a Nerf gun that shoots ball which is slightly safer than the arrows (you're welcome Alicia) and the book Where the Wild Things Are.

Nick and I were talking about how Ramona and Macie are going to be causing all sorts of havoc for years to come! Oh the joys of family and having cousins close to your age! Nick and I both were fortunate to have that privilege. I am going to enjoy watching them grow up together.

Enjoy the Morning

Nick and I were enjoying Ramona this morning. We woke up and just watched her sleep and dream. She kept making hilarious faces. We knew we had to capture this moment, so we grabbed the flip. Here's our precious one sleeping.

Ramona makes funny faces from nickwills on Vimeo.

Family Fun Night

My sister Alicia came over tonight. She brought some of her delicious lasagna and of course the kiddos! I attempted to clean up certain areas of the house that aren't kid friendly. I got as far as moving Ramona's swing in the kitchen. Then with the doctor's appointment, time just got the best of me. Bryson was playing the the bottle brush. He started brushing the glider. I told him no. He was so upset that his Aunt Amber told him no. He started crying, so I cuddled with him and told him I wasn't mad at him. He calmed down, but it was traumatic enough to be reported to his daddy on his way home from our house.

We ate in the game room. Don't worry I had seconds and 3 pieces of bread. Don't judge me you're supposed to eat more when you're breastfeeding. Which speaking of I haven't been eating nearly enough because I wake up and have a late breakfast then have dinner when Nick gets home. I'm usually starving during the night (or technically the early morning), but too tired to do anything about it. Therefore I'm justified to eat like a pig when my sister brings over wonderful food.

We capped off the night by watching Rookie of the Year and eating Marie Callender's Banana Cream Pie. Bryson was cracking us up mimicking the pitcher in the movie. Macie was loving the pie. And Ramona...well she slept! We had a lot of fun. I wish I would have taken some pictures to share, but I guess I need a small camera that I can get out on a whim. **Hint, hint Santa**

Ok now it's just ridiculous

I went back to the doctor again today. Ugh I'm not crazy I promise. I've been told that when you go to the doctor for one thing as soon as you get home something else happens. Well that's pretty much what happened today. I was changing Ramona around 10 am and noticed a very red bump on her butt. She has been battling serious diaper rash for almost as long as she's been wearing diapers. This is the first time it has manifested into a bump which of course decided to appear the day after I took her to the doctor. I called to leave a message in the hopes I could deal with this without having to go in, but they said they'd need to see her. I was just thinking great these people are going to be so exasperated by me. In my defense it's Friday and I didn't want this situation to worsen over the weekend, so it's not like I had the luxury of giving this time to see how it played out. Again the doctor didn't think it was a big deal. He gave me some samples of some over the counter medicine. We will try it out. Nothing has worked well enough to clear her rash thusfar what can more over the counter junk hurt, right?

Nick came home and changed her diaper. He called me in there freaking out when he saw the bump. I just rolled my eyes at him and said well that's why I took her to the doctor again today. He thought I was over reacting when I called him this afternoon but when he saw how bad that one area was he knew I was justified in my panic.

Glider!!

We got the Monte in today!! Ramona loves it. I love it. It looks amazing. I am leaving it in the game room for now. I was debating on whether to put it in our room while she sleeps with us, but I figured I probably won't get out of bed anyway and if I do the game room is right outside our door, so I might as well leave it in there.

Back Again

I took Ramona to the doctor again today. She is still congested, but she has started to spit up straight milk from her nose and mouth. I know babies spit up - that isn't the concerning part. It's how much is coming up and the fact that her breathing is already terrible right now. I want to make sure that her spit up is not being sucked into her lungs compounding the issue. While we were in the room waiting for the doctor, I read her Green Eggs and Ham. She calmed down and started to sleep. My mom always read Green Eggs and Ham to me while we waited at the doctor. Thus the tradition continues. I may or may not have gotten teary eyed while I read to her. The doctor didn't seem concerned with the spit up which wasn't technically the problem. When he checked her breathing, it sounded as it had before which is good and bad in this case.

Trust me I'm not trying to over analyze this or be a first time mom that freaks out about everything, but I am not taking any chances when it comes to her breathing especially when her spit up is causing her to choke. I would rather annoy my doctor that have a potentially greater problem on my hands.

Ramona weighs 8 lbs. 3 oz. She's gained 5 oz since her last visit on Monday.

Bucca

We celebrated great Mimi's birthday tonight at Bucca di Bepo in Southlake. It was a rainy day, so I bundled little Miss Ramona Christine up before we headed out. Our reservations were for 6:30, but everyone didn't show up until around 7:45. Ramona slept through the whole dinner but started to cry around 9. I knew she was hungry and need to be changed, so we had to jet back home to get her all situated and content again. Happy Birthday to great Mimi!

Poor Baby

Ramona's breathing sounded weird, almost labored really, so I called the answering service last night. Of course the doctor just seemed agitated and told me nothing of importance except make an appointment in the morning. I took Ramona to the doctor today. He said she has a cold. I should aspirate her nose (which hasn't been running), give her some Pedialyte to wash down the congestion in her throat, and use a vapouriser. Poor thing sounds terrible especially after she eats. I just don't want it to turn into something really bad. On a side note, her diaper rash is still pretty bad, but it's beginning to look better.

Newborn Photos

Ramona had her newborn photo shoot today with Carleen of Charm Me Photography. Ramona was really fussy. I am going to blame the diaper rash. Her poor bottom just keeps getting red. We switched to Desitin last night hoping that would make a difference. She also started having a runny nose. I hope she isn't getting sick.

Ramona looked so precious laying there. Nick and I are just amazed at how we can see her growing old right before our eyes. It's astonishing how much she's changed in only 10 days. Our hearts are just so full of love and admiration of this small child. We can't even begin to explain it. Enjoy these adorable pictures of our little princess.

Here is a behind the scenes look at the photos!

Ramona's Baby Photos from nickwills on Vimeo.

First Bath

Ramona's umbilical cord fell off today. We aren't sure where it went, but Nick was changing her diaper when he noticed it was gone. We also got our stats on her cord blood collection at birth. They look for a cell count in the 100 millions as a good sample. Ramona's collection is 1.1 billion! It's nice to know we have a good collect in case we need it.

Ramona had her first bath today! I was a little nervous about giving it to her since she's so small and fragile to me. I knew it needed to get done especially since her diaper rash is extremely terrible. She didn't do too bad. We didn't use soap because Nick read somewhere you should wait until they are 2 weeks old to use any products. We wrapped her body up and let her little bottom air dry for a while before putting a diaper back on her. She poops all the time which is why it's so difficult to keep her bottom dry. She was pretty content for a while being wrapped and warm with a naked butt! We couldn't stop staring at her and laughing at every face she made! She's just so precious we can't get over it.

First Doctor's Visit

I can't believe it's been a week since little Miss Ramona entered our world. Where does the time go? We took her to her first doctor's visit today. She weighs 8 lbs even, so she's gained some weight since her check on Friday which means she is getting something when I feed her! She has a diaper rash, and we got some ointment for it. Hopefully it will clear up soon.

Ramona looks healthy and everything checked out to be perfect. She's a keeper! We are so blessed to have a healthy baby. God is so amazing to give us such a beautiful little girl who is absolutely perfect in our eyes.

Brunson-Wills Connection

Cleve came over today to help Nick set the double oven, cut cans and wire for the new kitchen fixtures. They worked in the kitchen while I stayed in the game room with the kiddos. My younger brother and sister came over but weren't very helpful. Luckily my mother in law came over for a while to help out. The kids weren't bad, but I wanted to make sure they didn't get into anything and stayed in the game room. Ramona has been pretty good. I am trying to figure out a schedule for her. I decided that I didn't want to wake her up to make her eat. She does get fussy on you though and can really wail when she wants to. 

The kitchen looks so much better. We are so grateful that Cleve would spend his day helping us out.

We went out to Aledo to bring Pappasitos to the Brunson's as a thank you and a happy birthday since my sister Alicia turned 29 today! We had some delicious fajitas with the whole family. My parents came over to join the celebration. Cleve managed to find time to bake a carrot cake! It was wonderful end to a productive day.

We're Home

We have officially moved back home. There is still construction going on. The kitchen isn't quite functional, but it's not like we'll be cooking any time soon! The main thing is the dusty stuff has pretty much cleared and won't return. They are coming to grout the backsplash and the fireplaces tomorrow, so Ramona and I will just stay out of the way. My parents have come over for 2 nights to help us get things in order. We've taken the old appliances to the dump, put contact paper in the kitchen, and unpacked a few boxes. We're also having a work day with my brother in law to help getting the kitchen appliances and lighting done.

It's good to be home, but it was really nice to stay with my parents and not have to worry about what was happening around us especially since I've been walking like an old women and have been in lots of pain and pretty much worthless. It's been such a wonderful experience enjoying my family and our new little one. We can't thank both of our families enough for all they've done for us. We love you guys.

Weight Check

We took Ramona to the pediatrician today for her weight check. We had to make the drive all the way from Aledo to Arlington to be there at 9:00. We didn't get there until 9:15. The nurse was not very nice about it either which is ridiculous because the weight check has nothing to do with the doctor so it's not like we were causing them to run behind schedule. Ramona weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz at birth. She now weighs 7 lbs. 9 oz. It's normal for infants to lose weight after birth. I'm sure she'll pick it back up soon. Nick and I were both chubby babies, so Ramona will probably be a chunk as well - a very precious and perfect chubby baby!

Going Home-ish

We left the hospital today around 5:30. We decided that instead of going to our house we would go to my parent's house. Our house isn't fume ridden like it was, but it still is a long way from truly functioning. I figured we didn't need to be surrounded by the stress and constant reminder that it isn't quite finished yet. Our families have been so amazing and helpful throughout my pregnancy and delivery. I don't know how we could have survived without them. They are so wonderful.

As we leave the hospital, I want to thank all of you who came to visit us. Of course our family - Mimi & Papa Snowden, Lolli & Pops Wills, the whole Brunson crew, Mimi and Papaw Wills, Annette Wills, Angel Wills, Trista Wills, Don & Brenda Wills, Cody & Apryle. Our friends - Kristina & Jack Sheaffer, Ashley Hamilton.

What an experience...can't wait to spend the days with my amazing husband and beautiful daughter.

Beautiful Girl

Today is the 3rd day of Baby Ramona. I have really had a hard time getting a picture of her during those fleeting moments when she has her eyes open. Finally this morning I was able to capture this gem:

Childbirth

The whole child birth experience was great. I was so fortunate to have an easy delivery and no pain really. I was really scared going into the hospital not knowing what to expect but knowing that this was it after 40 weeks of build up. For those of you who don't know, I'm terrified of needles. I cried when they placed the IV. Nick held my hand and tried to calm me down. I was told I could have an epidural as soon as I wanted it. After the first contraction, I requested it. There was really no reason for me not to since it was inevitable and there's no point in having pain when I don't have to. The numbing part of the epidural was the worst. All in all things were not as big of a deal as I expected. At 3:30 I began pushing and Ramona arrived at 4:12. It would have been sooner, but we had to wait for Dr. Robbins to show up.

When Dr. Robbins held Ramona out, everyone in the room dropped their jaw. (And by everyone I mean everyone - 3 NICU nurses, Dr. Robbins and the 2 nurses helping her, Nick, my mom, his mom, and my sister Alicia) Not only was she probably the cutest baby they'd ever seen :) but no one expected to see such a big baby! She was 8 lbs 8 oz and completely beautiful. Since she had meconium in utero, the NICU had to clean and suction her up immediately. I didn't get to hold her for what seemed like forever but was probably somewhere around 20 minutes. I was glad they didn't take her out of the room, so I was still able to see her. It is amazing to finally have her here and in my arms. I didn't want to give her back to the nurses for her bath!

I am finding out the downside of childbirth and that's the recovery. Since there is no longer that amazing thing referred to as an epidural, I am in lots of pain. It's difficult to get up and down and well just around even just pulling myself up in bed. I am walking like an old women. However I can say it is totally worth it a million times over.

Ramona has blue eyes (for now) and a full head of dark hair which come as a surprise to both of us. We can't even put into words how much we love this precious little girl.

Ramona Pics

I will give more of an update later, but for now, here are some pics from the last couple of days.