LETS CELEBrate

Our family just returned home from the thumb area as we were celebrating with the Anthony's. Taylor turned ONE on the 16th and the girls exchanged Christmas gifts during our visit. The girls took their sweet time opening their Christmas gifts. They would rip some paper, eat some paper, rip some paper...then we finally decided to help.
After Taylor went to bed Carys decided she need to help Christine with preparing for the party. I was so surprised that she would wear the birthday hat. She wore it for so long she had marks on her cheeks and the top of her head. Taylor's party was a lot of fun. She really got into eating her cake. What a mess!! I hope Carys' first birthday party goes off as smoothly as Taylor's.
Before we left on Sunday the girls played with Taylor's new toys. They played so hard, Taylor's hair stood on end.

Family Tree/Princess Tree

Greetings...We are so excited to celebrate Christmas with our little princess. The house is decorated with our tree, greens, lights and candles. Carys even has a tree in her room that is fit for a princess. We like to lay on the floor at night and look at the lights. She touches her tree and the family tree with such care.

Our Christmas shopping is pretty much finished. I'm sure we will have some last minute items to purchase as usual. We still need to hang our stockings to get them ready for Santa to fill. We have a Santa pillow that Carys loves to lay on. She also likes to rub Santa's beard.

There is another special day in our family to celebrate this month. Carys turns ONE on December 29. We have been planning her party since mid-November. She is very excited about it I must say. Taylor is celebrating her 1st birthday on December 16 and we are heading to Ubly to celebrate with her.

1st Thanksgiving

The Davis family has been so busy over the Thanksgiving holiday. On Thursday we spent the day with Carys' dad's side of the family. All of Carys' little girl cousins were occupied by her. Carys had some sweet and mashed potatoes for her Thanksgiving meal. There isn't much she can eat with one tooth.

Friday was an adventurous day. I started out at 5:00 am shopping with my sister-in-laws and my mother-in-law. The plan was for Tim and Carys to come pick me up at 10:00 am. I got too into shopping with all of the deals and ended up calling Tim and had him bring Carys to me in Toledo. Carys shopped with us until 6:30 pm and then she and I drove home. She was such a good shopper. She would look all around, babble, scream if very excited and accept compliments from strangers. It is a good thing that we had her dad and grandpa come down, because my in-laws purchased so much there is no way that anything bought after 10:00 am would have fit in the vehicle.

Saturday we had Thanksgiving dinner with my mom and Greg. My cousin Maureen and her three sons also joined us. It was a nice dinner. I love having holiday meals at my mom's because she always uses my grandma's china. I made my grandma's peanut butter pie recipe. Yum! Yum! There is never any leftovers to eat the next day. I really should make that pie more often. After getting home that night, we started decorating our home for Christmas. Carys watched with excitement. This holiday season is extra special because of our little girl!!
We had yet another family gathering to attend before the end of the weekend. My mother-in-laws side of the family had their annual holiday party. Carys met relatives that she has never met. She loved watching all the little kids. Relatives kept commenting on her little cheeks. Santa even came to get photos with all the kids and to take their letters back to the North Pole. Carys sat on Santa's lap and got her very first picture with him. He didn't scare her one bit.

Overall, this Thanksgiving weekend was long but enjoyable. December will be another busy month as Carys turns ONE, her friend Taylor turns ONE and Christmas too!! OH, before I forget, Carys has learned how to drink from a cup all on her own...not a sippy cup either...a big girl cup. She is getting up on all 4's so I think she'll be crawling soon!!

Daddy's Girl

On Sunday Carys went with me to her very first jewelry party. She was interested in everything she saw. There was this silver bracelet that I tried on and as soon as I put it on Carys just laughed and laughed. Her aunts were there and they finally got to hear her big belly laugh.

Tonight Carys and Daddy were playing. He gave her a piggyback ride and she just loved it. She giggled and giggled. Carys is such a happy baby. We are truly blessed. Food is also something that has been getting her excited the past several days. Each day new things just tickle her and her Dad and I are so surprised.

Today Carys and I went to a craft store to get some ideas for her 1st birthday party. We found some pretty neat ideas. I am going to make her cake and figured out what exactly I needed to decorate it. While walking though the store she wanted to touch all the Christmas decorations that were displayed. She tried to pull shiny, pink garland out of another shoppers cart. It was very cute. Several people would stop and comment how cute she is and they would ask about her. Carys would smile or do one of her many raspberry sounds. One lady said that Carys' smile is so cute that it melted her heart. I thought that was sweet coming from a stranger.

Cutie Pie

How cute am I in my new hat!?!? I'm ready for snow!

Box Play

Carys and I have had a fun day today. I think it's because she slept all through the night last night. This little one began sleeping through the night her second month home. In the beginning of October she decided she wanted to wake up a few times during the night to cuddle, but to only cuddle with mom. I prayed and prayed that she would get back to sleeping through the night soon. God answered my prayers last night!!

We were invited to something amazing this morning. Carys' Grandma Barb has been taking care of this stray cat for a few months now. She called us this morning to say that this cat, named Katee, had kittens. Carys and I quickly got loaded up and drove to see the kittens. Carys fell asleep on the way so she didn't get to see them. I did. I haven't seen kittens this small since I was a little girl. This was very neat.

When we got back home I started to restock her changing table. This resulted in a box being emptied. While in her room she started playing with it, tasting it, and just looking at it. Later on when we were playing I saw her trying to get inside the box. She got frustrated because she couldn't figure how to get in it. So, mommy helped put her in it. She played in the box for about 30 minutes. She is too cute!! My mom just recently shared a storey with me that when I was little she and I use to play in a large box that a fridge came in. She said we would spend hours just playing and coloring the inside and outside of the box. This is something that I plan on doing with Carys.

Movin' UP

Carys' first car seat has been put away. She has graduated to

the convertible car seat. She looks as small in this

seat as she did initially in her infant carrier.

Books, Books, Books

Thank you Grandma Anthony for the book!! It's never too soon to start learning about using the big potty!! You were very thoughtful in getting this book for Carys and we appreciate it.

BOO!!

Reese, Jarren, Kaidyn and Carys

Carys with her cousins getting ready to go trick-or-treating

Halloween Eve

Happy Halloween Eve!! We have been looking forward to dressing Carys up in her Halloween costume. We bought it for her in August. Tonight we took photos of our little goblin and carved a pumpkin. All three of us had a blast. It is so fun being parents because it give you an excuse to get back into things you did as children.

I'm one cute chick

Each and Every

Each and every day this daughter of mine continues to amaze me. Our NICU friends came down for a short visit as Taylor had a doctor's appointment at U of M. Carys and I went to the doctor's visit in Ann Arbor with our friends. Taylor had her last eye exam, just like the eye exam Carys had, and her eyes are great! After the doctor's visit we did some snooping at some secondhand stores in Ann Arbor and here in Adrian. We found a lot of great things and saved a TON!! After the day at the doctor's and bargain hunting the four of us girls attended our weekly play group. It was a lot of fun taking our out-of-town guests with us. Carys rode and drove the little red car for the very first time. This was such a cute photo opp. We played on other big motor toys, played with bubbles, sang songs and played on swings. These girls of ours love to swing. Another big thing that Carys has done this week was discovered on our way home from Ann Arbor. CARYS' FIRST TOOTH HAS POPPED THROUGH!!!! It's on the bottom right. When I felt this I called her dad right away. We were all so excited. Christine, my NICU friend, and I had to pull over and investigate Carys' mouth when I felt the little tooth. Today we had our monthly visit from Early On. Our coordinator, Amy, said Carys is doing EXCELLENT!! She does almost everything that a full-term 10 month old does developmentally. She is amazing!! Today when we were playing I had to feel her new little tooth to make sure it didn't sneak back down and guess what...I could feel a SECOND tooth. This one is on the top left. CRAZY! Christine and Taylor left today. We miss them and look forward to our visit next week on Halloween. Please say a prayer for Taylor that she is 100% health as she gets an MRI next week. This is just a routine check, but I guess nothing is routine when you are dealing with a preemie.

Crib Time

This morning while I was getting Carys' clothes around to get her dressed, she was playing in her crib. When I turned around this is what I saw. It may be time to lower the mattress:( First she outgrows her bassinet and now her crib mattress is getting lowered...wow.

Soooooo BIG

This was Carys in April.
This is Carys now.

Nap Time

Moments like this are priceless. I thought you'd enjoy this photo Grandma Davis. We miss you and Grandpa Davis and look forward to seeing you both!

Butterfly Baby

When Grandma Beck came to watch Carys today she brought her this babydoll. Carys just loves it and eats the dolls little antennas. Her Grandma got her this doll because Carys had such a great time at the butterfly house on Mackinac Island. Thank You Grandma Beck!!!!

Care Pie & Tater Tot

Little princess and I went to the big town of Ubly to visit our NICU friends for a week. Carys and Taylor are just growing leaps and bounds. Christine, Taylor's mommy, and I love to watch the girls interact. During this visit we took photos of them in their Halloween costumes and taking their first bath together. The four of us girls went to Saginaw for one of the days. We shopped, ate and shopped some more. This trip was a blast. On the day that Carys and I arrived I videotaped the girls interacting. One would squeal and so would the other one. They are quite the talkers. Taylor rolls all over the place. It's so cool to see. Little miss Carys picks up everything large and small with her little hands. These little miracles have come so far since their months in the NICU. We are now back home and Carys has started the loud screaming talk. I love it. She is still showing signs of teething, but no teeth as of yet. She's going to town on the different types of baby food. Last night she tried mashed potatoes for the first time. The look on her face was priceless. I think they didn't have enough taste to them for her to enjoy. Grandma Beck continues to watch Carys on the days that I work. They play the entire time I'm gone. Grandma Beck lets Carys make a mess with all her toys and her bed. That's what a Grandma is for.

Out-n-About

Our sweet little girl had her first outing yesterday with all of her cousins on her dad's side of the family. Carys' Aunt Emily, Grandma Davis, along with all the cousins attended the Fall Foliage Festival at Hidden Lake Gardens. Carys was quite the trooper. She decorated a pumpkin, painted with an apple, went for her very first hayride, and watched and watched everyone. She remained pretty schedule oriented yesterday, taking her nap right on time while riding around in the frontpack. We are taking her to this festival next year. It will be more and more fun the older she gets.
Last week Carys also had her 9 month well-baby visit. Her doctor was very impressed with how well she is developing. Carys weighes 16 pounds 12 ounces and is 25 1/4 inches in height. Compared to the growth percentiles for a full term 9 month-old she is in the 14% for weight and the 1% for height. We were so excited as this is the first time she made the chart for her current age. For her corrected age of 6 months she is around the 50% for both weight and height.
Carys and I are leaving tomorrow to go and visit the Anthony family for a few days. We are planning on taking some photos of the girls in their halloween costumes. Christine and I love taking photos of the girls. It is so neat watching them grow up together. We've seen our girls grow starting around 3 pounds. Daddy is staying home this time and we will miss him!!

Island Living

Last week our family went for a stay on Mackinac Island. This was our first stay on this Island. Our hotel was right on the water and the views were breathtaking. Carys and I did a lot of walking around to see the sites while Tim was in a conference. Carys would usually fall asleep shortly after we got on our way. I'm not sure if this was because she was so bundled up or if this was because she didn't sleep well during the night. Ususally when we stay away from home, Carys sleeps fine, not on this trip. YUCK!! During our visit to Mackinac we visited the Butterfly House. The Butterfly House has many types of butterflies flying all around. Carys' head was moving so fast trying to take all the butterflies in. There were so many beautiful flowers at the Butterfly House. This was a neat place to visit. Next time we visit the island we will go to this tourist site first so that we can revisit as often as we'd like during our stay. When you visit Mackinac you must have fudge...and we did!! I have some new ideas now on items to add to my mom's homemade fudge. Joann's Fudge is the place to buy fudge. They are so customer friendly and the fudge is great!! It was so nice vacationing for a few days, but it is great being home.

Just Being Me

We just wanted to share some cute photos of Carys. We've just been enjoying our little family. Wednesday we will be traveling up to Mackinac Island for a few days. Our hotel is on the island and we are going to explore the sites. Hopefully we'll have some good photos to share with some fun updates. I just hope I'm prepared and have all that Carys needs!! She is actually pretty easy to entertain. Happy Fall to everyone!!

Toys

Carys has a new big girl toy. She should be able to play with this learning table for months. Look how big she is sitting on the bench all by herself.









Sometimes the best toys are free and right around the house. Carys giggled while she played with this plastic tray that held cookies. She loved the noise I think.

I Hear You

As many of you know Carys was diagnosed with a hearing imparement upon leaving the hospital in March. There have been numerous appointments to keep tabs on our little ones hearing. Well...today was one of those appointments. All along Carys has been hearing better and better. She had the hearing aids for two months and then it was obvious she could hear well without them. We now know that she is hearing sound better than what is expected for children her age!! We are so glad to get this news, even though we knew she was hearing. Please pray that her hearing stays on track for the remainder of her life. I was going to post a photo of her when she had her hearing aids in, but I can't find it on my computer.

New Things - Zoo, Food, Library

The past few days have been full of new things for Carys. On Friday we went to story time at the library. Carys did very well and sat through all of the reading. She was the youngest child there. The theme for the story time was a birthday party. Saturday we had dinner with my in-laws. Tim's parents were home from KY so we all got together and had tacos. Carys became pretty fussy while we were visiting with family. I know that she has been working on cutting teeth for sometime now. I felt a lump on her gums, however, no teeth as of yet. Sunday was the really big day. Carys started off with eathing pears...which she gobbled up. We then took her to the zoo for the very first time. It was a lot of fun! The neatest experience was watching her watch the giraffe walk right in front of her. She watched it until she couldn't see it anymore. On the way home from the zoo she ate her very first teething biscuit. She loved it. She was a mess, but what can you expect when an 8 1/2 month old feeds herself?!?!?! It is so much fun watching her experience new things everyday. She is such a wonderful gift.

Play Time

Wednesday we went to a play group. Carys played and played and played. I'm so glad they clean the toys because she put EVERYTHING in her mouth. The group was one hour long and full of music, singing and playing. This little girl fell asleep as soon as I got her in the car. She has been so funny this week. I was folding laundry yesterday and she just thought it was the funniest thing ever. She had the deep belly laughs. It was so sweet. I called her Grandma Davis so that she could hear her. We couldn't call daddy because he was in the UP at a conference and we couldn't call Grandma Beck because she was at the hospital visiting a friend. Last night she started to play with a pan and a wooden spoon. You only have to show her two or three times how to do something and she can do it. She's amazing!!

Off To Work

I had a meeting today at the office and Carys went along. She was very well behaved. So well that we even went to lunch with my co-workers and to Target. This was also her first time wearing jeans. I think she looks soooo cute!!

Yum! Yum!

Our little one is becoming more and more independent. Not only does she want to feed herself but also wants to clean herself at bath time. She has a unique way of cleaning her feet...as you can see. She splashes and splashes so much that there isn't much water left to drain out. She started loving her bath way back in the hospital. That's when she got her baths in a pink little basin. She is so FUN!!!!

Hands & Feet

In February we began doing hand and foot molds of Carys. We have done four months worth now. Wow...she has grown so much!! The top two were done while she was in the hospital and the ones at the very bottom are the ones we did last night.

Orange Week

Over the past few days Carys has been eating sweet potatoes for her first time. This picture is the very first day of her eating the them. She continues to insist upon feeding herself so feeding time is also no clothes time. It's so fun watching her try to feed herself with the spoon. She actually does a pretty good job. Today is the last day for the sweet potatoes. We will be moving onto bananas tomorrow. Friday will be a day of outings for us. In the morning we are going to the libraray for Carys' first story time. I hope she likes it. Tomorrow evening we are going to Ann Arbor to do some shopping. We are also planning a trip to Babies R' Us to get a mesh feeder. This way we can put a fresh banana in the mesh for her to feed herself. We are also going to have dinner. Tonight Tim comes home. He had to go to Indy, IN for work. We missed him!! Carys clearly misses her dad. Today she was saying da,da,da,da over and over and over. I tried calling him so he could hear her, but he was in a meeting:(

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to all. This has been a pretty relaxing weekend for us. Friday night we went over to some friends house and got caught up for the Nip/Tuck season. We became friends with these neighbors and hang out every now and then. Saturday we stayed in as I saw some clients earlier in the day. It is so weird being back to work, but also refreshing. I only have 3 families that I see one time a week in Jackson. Sunday my Mom and Greg came over for bar-b-que ribs that Tim made on the gill. It was nice having a small family dinner. Today we did work around the house. Tim mowed the yard and worked more on the ceiling in the basement. Carys and I played and played and played. Luckily I was also able to get some much needed housework done. Carys has had quite the first Labor Day weekend. This teething stage is very long for her. She has been extra cranky yesterday and today. Poor thing. There is only so much that we can do for her. We provide her with all differnt things for her to chew on to massage those gums. She also has to wear bibs to catch the drool. I hope that after these first teeth come in the rest will be much easier for her.

Good News

Yesterday Carys had an eye appointment at the Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor. The doctor said that she has wonderful vision!! We were so glad to hear this as it is very common for preemies to have problems with their vision. It was very educational to see how they perform and eye exam on such a small person. Carys did a great job. When we got home it was time for me to make dinner. Well, where I go, Carys wants to go. So, she was watching me make dinner while playing in her exersaucer in the kitchen. She sure likes to take everything in. This was also bath night. She was so full of smiles afterwards. She's such a ham. Today has been another fun day with our little girl. She just keep blowing and blowing rasberries. Tonight her daddy fed her applesauce for the very first time. She LOVED it!! I'm so glad she let him feed her as all week long she's been having to feed herself. I don't understand why she is trying to grow up so fast.?.?