Happy Birthday!

Julia is one month old today! We're going to head up to Stonebriar Mall in Frisco with Gran, Great Gran, Aunt Erin, and the 3 cousins. Maybe I'll stop by and get a cookie to celebrate on her behalf! :-)

Today's topic: Redefining success. One month ago, the definition of success meant something entirely different than it does today. Today, success is defined by re-learning how to do normal everyday activities with an infant. We have had many successes over the last couple weeks, and we're getting more and more comfortable being on-the-go with baby girl. Some firsts...

Friday June 20th (3 weeks old): First play date. I made it over to Karla's house where Chelsi and Andrea had also gathered along with each of their 2 kiddos. This was my first time getting out with her completely on my own. It was so fun getting together with other moms and their kids.

Jarret was taking a 1/2 day vacation that same day. Since Julia did so well at play date, I called Jarret to see if he wanted to go OUT to lunch. We went to Fuddruckers, and she did great. Lessons learned from that day: Feed the baby and then immediately get in the car. Between a food coma and a soothing car ride, she goes right to sleep!

Saturday June 21st: First dinner out. We went to Babe's for a late Father's Day celebration with my parents. This was a huge success because normally evenings are her fussy time, but again, she did great!

Friday June 27 (4 weeks old): First mall trip, and by myself no less! She loved being pushed around the mall in her stroller.

Sunday June 29: The biggie...What would be more successful in her daddy's eyes than her first trip to the lake!?! Yesterday we made a spontaneous decision to head to the lake since it was slightly cooler than normal. We called Jar's parents on the way and they decided to meet us out there.

Our little lake family!

At the Eubanks family/friends shower, the hostesses gave her an infant life jacket and a UV cape. She looks so funny in them, especially with her being so tiny. But hey, it kept the sun off her the entire time.

We tied up to the railroad bridge to hang out in the shade. Whether we were riding across the lake or stopped to relax, she slept the entire time without ever making a peep.

Her Gran & Poppy loving the lake with their granddaughter.

- Katie

Photo Session

Mommy finally got her own photo shoot with baby Julia this past weekend! We had to take periodic breaks to calm Jewels down, but for the most part she did very well. We love taking pictures of our sweet little girl!

-Jarret

Two weeks home

Julia is 2.5 weeks old and we have been home for two weeks now. The first week was unbelievably hard. Start with recovering from surgery, add in a massive dose of hormones, mix in constant feelings of being overwhelmed and confused, take away sleep and you're left with a very emotional new mommy. I would cry because my daughter was completely perfect and beautiful. I would cry because I was so elated and blessed. I would cry because I dreaded Jarret going back to work. I would cry because I was tired of my body not feeling normal. I would cry because I was tired. Jarret told me I would cry just thinking about crying! Though other moms have told me that my reaction was quite normal, I have SUCH a new appreciation for parents!

My what a difference each day makes though. Week 2 was certainly better! Julia still had her nights and days mixed up, which made for very long nights. Some nights she was up for 4 hours at a time, wanting to either feed or have play time. We tried everything those first few nights trying to figure out how to get the girl to go back to bed! She and I also were still struggling that week to figure out this nursing thing, but again, each day saw improvements.

By week 3, she is sleeping great at nights. After I feed her, she doesn't make a peep when I put her back down to sleep. It's amazing! Nursing continues to get easier, as does being at home with an infant by myself.

Jarret has been absolutely amazing as my nurse, comforter and friend and he is an incredible daddy...just as we all knew he would be! Our families have been unbelievably helpful in every way: spending the night, running errands, providing meals, doing dishes and laundry, etc. I truly don't know how we would have made it this far without all of their time and support! And our friends have been wonderful at checking in on us, providing endless encouragement, and offering helpful advice. We're so blessed and grateful for the loved ones God has put in our lives!

- Katie

A few photos from the hospital and first week home. Many more photos when you click 'Eubanks Photo Gallery' over on the left...