8 months

I missed 7 and I am so sad! I am going to try and keep my monthly updates current for a few more months (at least until she is a year old). I wish I had a whole lot too say, but not too much has changed. She is finally eating three meals a day and she loves food. I thought the day may never come. Oh and the best thing is for the last few weeks she has been sleeping 9 hours. Life is good and we are rested! I have so much to say and so little time. I will try to update on our family next week.

Lily Grace 8 months
15 lbs 13 ounces in the 5%
Blue eyes
redish blond hair
loves to cuddle
cute as a button
loved by many

Family pics 2010

Just a few pics from our sneak peak

I can't wait to see the rest!

6 months Half a year

Half a year are you kidding me? Where did it go? I blinked and I swear 6 months went by! There is so much going on in our house, but first let me tell you about sweet Lily Grace. I guess maybe I should let everyone know her name is Lily Grace, not Lily lol! Apparently I did not tell everyone (not even my Dad)! He just found out last week. She has no middle name. I really hope Lily Grace sticks because I LOVE the double name (though we often say Lily). My little pea nut is getting big. She is still exclusively breast feeding. Yep that means nothing else, no food yet. She is so content and I feel NO need to rush anything. I wish I could keep her just like this forever! My Dr is okay with it too so double bonus (plus she has no teeth so we are good)! He said to try an introduce food by 7.5 months and it does not matter how often or how much. She is a happy baby who LOVES to be held! I am truly blessed to have been called to be this precious baby girl’s Mommy! I can remember like it was yesterday when I found out I was pregnant. Even though I did not fully embrace it from the beginning, I can’t not imagine my life with out her.

If you have not heard I also have started back college (and full time)! At the end of the summer I will have all 60 hours of pre requisite classes to go into the RN nursing program for my BS. Hopefully I can get in as it is pretty competitive! So I have 3 kids under 4 years old, nursing a baby, in school full time, room Mom, and training to run the half marathon in January (and I have lost all my weight from Lily Grace). This season in my life is VERY busy, but it is where I choose and want to be. I have never taken the easy route in life and I am always up for a challenge.

Jackson and Ava are loving school! Jackson is in pre k and going 5 days a week until noon. Ava is in the same pre school going two days a week. Jackson is like a sponge soaking in everything and thriving in school, I could not be happier with where they both are at! Jackson has played tball the last two years, but decided to play soccer this season. He is really enjoying it and I am proud of him for trying something new. Ava is back at Little Gym and she is like a hamster set free in a cage of toys.

It feels like it has been a long time since an update! I love reflecting each month. I am complete ah of my life, God has blessed me, God is good!

Lily Grace 6 month Stats
13 lbs 14 ounces 15%
25 inches 50%

Jackson 6 month Stats
20lbs
26.5 inches

Ava 6 month Stats
15lbs 13ounces 50%
25 3/4 inches 50%



hamiltonhomeof4.blogspot.com
I will post more pics this week end

5 months

Sweet Lily Grace is 5 months old. At our 4 month check up our Dr was concerned that she had not met any of the developmental milestone's. He wanted me to contact ECI (Early Childhood Intervention). I decided to give her until 6 months to see if she would catch up. The week after her 4 months appt she started doing everything she was "suppose" to. I do believe God has blessed with with these children who I have for a short time. To love unconditionally is a gift and I am glad I have it. I pray I forever have this amazing bond with my children..

Lily Grace at 5 months
is 14 pounds
still has blue eyes (very blue)
redish hair
smiles
grabs for things
rolls from tummy to back
hold her head up while on her tummy
has moved into some 3-6 month clothes

You are such a blessing to this family.

Pre School 2010

This week we started Ava's first year of pre school and Jackson's last. Gasp I think I have decided to put Jackson in the Dual program next year. The school we are zone too is one of few that offers this program in KISD. One day is in Spanish and one day is in English. You must start at Kindergarten because they build on it each year. So this will be his last year at Cross Point Christian School. He is going 5 days a week until noon. It still gives us time to eat lunch, have rest time, and have our together time. He is writing is full name and I am so proud! He has quite a long name and he can write all the letters, but now he can successfully put them all together.
Ava oh Ava. She knows every words of at least 5 of the Vacation Bible School songs. Jackson attended so we have the CD and she loves it! When we walked into the first day of school and they were playing a VBS song she was SO excited. She got on stage with rest of the kids who had summer bdays and she loved it. She lead her class back to the class room and never looked back. She is only going Tuesdays and Thursdays. When we walked in today to take Jackson she went straight on stage to help sing the VBS song and she was not happy about not staying. She said, "bye Mommy" and tried to go with a class. Everyone she see's she says, Hi I'm Ava". I think we are going to have a great year! Ava already can count to 12 and knows her ABC's. She says 5 word sentences!

One more time

http://ambershalfmarathon.blogspot.com/

Come by, check out my new blog, and donate! Even a $1 helps!

Ava is 2

Two years old!! I can not believe we brought this baby girl home 2 yrs ago. It has gone way too fast! She is a pistol, our little ball of fire, and tough as nails. She is so smart! She can count to 10, say her ABC'S, and speak in 4-5 word sentences. We are on day 5 of potty raining with no accidents. Ava will start pre school two days a week the first week of Sept. We will never ever have to worry about her being the left out middle child. She is the center of attention at all times and she makes sure of it!
Ava 2yr Stats
28. 12 lbs 75%
36 inches 97%

4 months

Aug 8th Lily Grace turned 4 months old. I remember when I had Jackson I could not wait to get to the next mild stone. I was making sure he was holding his head up, rolling over, eating solids right at 4 months, I couldn't wait for him to crawl, walk, then talk. I was in such a hurry. Now sweet Lily Grace I would to savor every minute of every thing. I want to keep her in the moment and just enjoy where we are today.

4 month Stats
Jackson
16.9 lbs
26.5 inches

Ava
13.4 lbs
25 1/4 inches

Lily Grace
12.12 lbs (25%)
24.5 inches (50%)

This past month
Lily had her first pumped bottle (3 total so far)
smile's all the time
LOVE'S to beheld
starting to try and hold her head up
trying to roll from tummy to back
still wearing 0-3 month clothes

Half way

I am about half way there in my fund raising!! Thank you Dad, Suzie, and 5 great friends!

http://ambershalfmarathon.blogspot.com/

Mommy/Lily Grace (3.5 months)

Our Little's at 3 months

3 months old

Happy 3 month Birthday to our sweet baby girl!!
12.4 lbs
22.5 inches long
You still have blue eyes
Your hair has such a red tint when the sun hits it
You smile all the time
You are trying to talk so bad, but nothing comes out
You still wear 0-3 months clothes and half of them swallow you
You LOVE to snuggle
You are so loved and such a blessing
xoxo

2 months

My sweet Lily Grace you have brought so much joy to my life. God works through people and he has worked through you. You have taught me so many things! My faith has been tested, I have become so much more patient, much more laid back, I am okay if everything does not get done today, and so much more! We simply love you to pieces and you are a true gift from God. You are two months old today.
This past week you started smiling and smiling a lot!
You were baptized this past week end. Yout your ears peirced today!
You still sleep most of the time.
You LOVE to be held and we hold you a lot.
I love to cuddle with you and you love your Mommy!
Ava Bear has finally excepted the fact that you are here to stay and when no one is looking she gives you a sweet rub or kisses.
Jackson is smitten and adores you.
Your Mommy and Daddy could not be more in love.
Thank you for blessing me and once again making me realize God's plan was WAY better than my plan. I love you my sweet Lily Grace.
2 months stats
23 inches 75%
9 lbs 10 ounces 25%

Just for FUN

Mommy's girl

Me

The Glory

There is something every single day that reminds me of her. I mean every single day. What an impact she had on my life. Tomorrow she will have been gone one full year. I have heard so many people say time makes it easier. Time has made it harder for me. I think because I only saw her 3 to 4 times a year. For a long time it felt like I just had not been back to visit in awhile. The more time that passes the more real it is. Every Sunday I wish I could talk to her like I used to. Just one more time hear her voice. Sometimes just dialing her number makes me feel better. I miss her to so much it hurts, it makes me feel sick to my stomach, and it makes me angry. I guess this is human nature.. so many things I wish I would have done. BUT I know she knew how much I loved her. I know she knew she was so special to me. I wish I could have told her the impact she had on my life, but she knows now right.
When I struggle I always look up bible verses, it is so much easier than opening a bible. I came across this verse, how perfect. I can not imagine losing her before I developed a stronger faith.
(Romans 8:18) 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.

1 month

Can you believe it has been a month??!! I sure can't! We are so in love with Lily Grace (Ava just does not know it yet)! She is the sweetest thing ever!!

Lily Grace

Height 21 inches 50%

Weight 7lbs 9 oz 20%

Lily Grace April 8, 2010

To view it visit – http://www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com/Slideshows/lilygrace2

It will probably ask you to allow add-on. Only thing is people with a Mac can’t see it.

Thank you Eliza for doing this for us!
Glimpse of Soul Photography
"More than just photography, it's a Glimpse of Soul"
www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com
www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com/blog

Lily Grace Hamilton

Two weeks ago today I went into the Dr and he told me I was at 2cms dilated. We knew our little angel would be here soon. It was one long week and a lot of discomfort, but thankfully I have a lot to keep me busy! I went to labor and delivery twice thinking it was time. Both times I was sent home since my contractions were not strong enough to make me dilate any further. I had to be at 3cms to be considered in active labor, my Dr said get to walking. Tuesday April 6th-I went to Body Attack an aerobic class. Wednesday- I walked two miles at the gym and then pushed Ava up to watch Jackson’s Tball practice. That night at about 1:45am I woke up with contractions they were strong and pretty regular. I knew it was time, but I had an 8:00am appt with my Dr so I was determined to hold out. I did not want to go to the hospital until it was really time. I figured I would rather be uncomfortable at home than at the hospital. I never went back to sleep. Ava woke up twice that night wanting to be rocked so I enjoyed the last night with her being the baby of the family. I was at the Dr’s office at 7:30 and when they hooked me up to the monitor my contractions were very regular and strong. My Dr said I had a bulging bag of water and I was at 3cms so off to have Miss Lily Grace I went.

I think I should have stayed on my feet a little longer because as soon as I got in the hospital bed things took a long pause. I was not progressing for awhile. My Dr was supposed to come break my water on his lunch break, but he never got one. My Dr said if I would have stayed out my feet I could have ended up having the baby in the parking lot. Once my water broke we had her in 30 mins!

My epidural wow! This is a story! When the anestiologist put it in he told me he hit the spinal area and I may have a head ache the next day. I thought nothing of it as long as he got the epi was working! When he came in to top me off with a little more meds things took a turn. I was so numb it scared me. I felt so nauseous and my Mom said I went white. Next thing I knew the nurse was there kicking everyone out and she called for back up. We had 4 or 5 nurses turning me from side to side. Lily’s heart rate had dropped way down. The put some oxygen on me and after about 20 mins which seemed like an hour Lily was stable. I how ever was not. My blood pressure dropped to 70 something over 38. So they gave me a couple doses of ephedrine to get it back up. My Dr had arrived, but would not break my water until we were both stable. The ephedrine gave me the shakes and I could not control them. It was really scary for me. I just closed my eyes and went somewhere else. I prayed and I put out my hands and I could feel my Granny and Grandma on each side of me holding my hands. It was a feeling I will never forget.
Okay we were both stable and my Dr came in to break my water and I was 6cms. Well not even 30 mins later I told the nurse I think it may be time. She checked me and I was fully dilated. She said give Lily 5 more mins to come down some more and we will try and push. She was going to go call the Dr and tell him to come back (he had walked to his office in the same building). That nurse did not even make it down the hall and I told Greg go get her now! Greg walked out of the room and I did not think I would make it until they came back. I pushed the call button and told the nurse I was ready to push, he said um excuse me, I said I have to push, you know get the baby out! In the blink of an eye my team was there and Dr John’s walked in. I sure was happy to see him! I was holding my eyes closed trying to concentrate on keeping the baby in until they were ready. I told them I have to push and he said okay give it a try. I pushed once and her head came out. The nurse and Dr J said, whoa, whoa, whoa hold on don’t do anything! The cord was around her neck and once he got it off I pushed once more and she was out!

My heart skipped a beat when I saw her. She was here and she looked healthy!! She was born April 8, 2010, 6:44 pm, 5 lbs 15 ounces, and 19.25 inches long (My original due date was April 28th). She was simply perfect! She wanted to eat right away and is a natural at nursing.
The next day that head ache came and that was an under statement! I could not sit up or stand it was so bad! The only thing that helped was to lie flat. I had spinal fluid leaking from were he messed up my epidural. They did what is called a blood patch. They went back in and did another epi and at the same time took blood from my arm to inject into the hole. The blood clots and the spinal fluid stops leaking. In an instant I was 100% better! Okay that was not so bad! I felt great, had a great birth, and was happy to go home! The only thing I was sad about was the thought of not seeing my Dr and his nurses anymore. The over exceeded any expectations I could have ever ever had in a practice. And well you all know me I can be a little high maintenance. I seriously could not find one negative thing to say about the office. He is a phenomenal Dr and I feel like God placed me with him. I can not imagine going through the pregnancy I had with anyone else.
Once we got home I went to the Er twice and ended up with having to get another blood patch. Today it has been one week since my sweet girl was born and I feel like I blinked and a week went by. I had a hard pregnancy and a hard (really hard) first week recovery, but an amazing labor. I had an amazing Dr and staff to take care of me and we have an amazing perfect angel. This was in no way my plan, but it happened. God’s plan was way better than mine because this little girl is pretty dang perfect!
I was also blessed to have my friend Eliza there with us! She gave us the gift of a life time so please if you have ever considered this check her out! I can not wait to see the rest of what she captured for us.
http://www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com/blog/

4 years old and 18 months

We are running little behind, but hey we have an excuse!

Jackson turned 4 last month and Ava is almost 20 months, but we had their well checks today. Ava got one shot and did not shed a tear. She is a little pistol! She has had a runny nose for over 5 months and I am happy he put her on some allergy meds. She also has her third ear infection, most likely from all the drainage. I was so happy she had only been on antibiotics once at a year, but we have been hit with two more ear infections the last few months. She is way advanced on her vocabulary putting two and three words together which is a 2 year old skill. She has quite the personality and she is just fun to be around! You will most likely she her with night night aka her little blanket these days. I am afraid she is her Mothers daughter ;). My family will so get that!

Ava stats

34 inches tall and in the 97%

26 pounds and in the 75%

her big head was in the 97th :(

Jackson bless his heart got 4 shots today. I had prepared him against Greg's wishes. He thought we should not say anything, but I have been preparing him for about a month. I am so glad I went with my Mommy gut! When it was time and he said what are you guys doing to me, I replied it is time for shots like we talked about. He did not freak because he knew what was going on. He did cry, but it was not to bad over all. He is a healthy little boy and doing great! The Dr did not hear his heart murmur, but that does not mean it is gone. We are supposed to go in for a follow up echo this month so I need to get that scheduled!

Jackson's stats

42 inches 75%

39 lbs 75%

BMI 16 (wouldn't that be nice)!!

Lily Grace is still cooking!! I am praying she waits for my AMAZING Dr to get back in town Monday! I am 2cms dilated and quite uncomfortable. I am going to rest this week end and stay bust next week. She will be here before we know it so I am enjoying this time. We are having 15 family members here for Easter so it should be tons of fun (and tons of eating)! Happy Easter!!

Jackson is 4

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?albumId=833192471310&ownerId=11712819110

We are blessed with amazing family and friends! Jackson had a birthday party with about 25 kids last week end followed by a family dinner. Today we went to the park, McD's, and Toys R Us for his actual birthday. He is lucky to be surrounded by so many who love him! The best part was having our family here to celebrate with us. Four years ago today God blessed me with the greatest gift of life, my first child.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward."
Psalm 127:3

Update

Everything from my ultra sound looks great! I am super excited to also say Lily Grace is head down!! Now let's just pray she stays this way! Only 5-7 more weeks and we will be meeting our precious baby girl!!

Jackson is going to be 4 years old this month. Can you believe that? Where did the time go?!

32 weeks

I have not updated in a quite a while for me :). I went in for an ultra sound today for several reasons. I had to go to the hospital since they were looking at several things. The tech really can't tell you anything so I won't find out anything until maybe Monday or Tuesday. We did find out that Lily is in breech position. Please pray with us that she turns and I won't need a c section. I don't care how many people say it is not that bad, I DO NOT want one! I know I should not worry about how they get her out as long as she is healthy. At this point we still have a lot unknown about that as well. I just want this to be over. I am so grateful my life is so full and keeps me busy so I don't have time to really worry! I will update soon. Oh and Lily Grace is weighing in at 4 lbs!

Amber

Happy Birthday!

I will one day print and make this book into a blog for our kids. I want them to know how special my Grandma was and how much she meant to me. She had such a huge impact in my life. She was the only person I have ever trusted 100% and the only person I ever will. January 11th is her birthday. I know in my heart tomorrow will be the best birthday of her life..rejoicing in his kingdom! Happy Birthday Grandma!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him