Bowden and Laney

Bowden is beginning to accept the fact that the baby is not leaving. He is starting to share the couch with his baby sister. Bowden really likes when Laney is having her tummy time. He lays next to her and watches her intently. When she cries he whines and it is too funny.

Daddy & Laney

David is an awesome daddy! I love watching him interact with Laney. Last week he was asking Laney questions and she woul blink once for yes and twice for no. It was too cute. Laney is starting to coo and respond to David. She is going to be a "Daddy's Girl" I can already tell. He loves to put her in the carrier and dance around.

PawPaw, Grammy, and MeeMaw Visit

The Bell Family came to Georgia and met their new granddaughter. It was a wonderful visit. MeeMaw made a delicious dinner on Sunday and we all played games. PawPaw and Grammy snuggled with Laney. Laney loved laying on PawPaw's legs and looking all around. MeeMaw has not lost her touch, she was able to soothe Laney and put her right to sleep. It was great to have the Bells here!

Question and Answer

So for my first post since we have been home I will answer most of the questions I have been asked.

Q: Why haven't you been blogging?

A: Being a new mom and keeping up with home has kept me busy. I will try and keep up with blogging now that I am in a bit of a routine.

Q: How is Delaney doing?

A: She is "thriving". She weighs 7.6 pounds! She sleeps about 3 hours at a time and eats about 3 ounces a feeding! She gets fussy when she is hungry, needs her diaper changed, and is being dressed.

Q: What are her favorite things to do?

A: She loves to play on her floor mat and go for walks in her stroller.

Q: What size is she wearing?

A: She is still in her newborn clothes, but she is filling them out.

Q: What formula and diapers are you using?

A: Similac Advanced and Pampers.

Q: How are the dogs adjusting?

A: They just want to smell her. Bowden is a little put out that he can not have his mommy all to himself, but he is adjusting. Luna is protective and is always near Laney and mommy.

Q: What are you calling Delaney?

A: We are calling her Laney or Laney Bug.

Q: How are you and David adjusting to being parents?

A: It is AWESOME!!! David is an amazing dad (did you have any doubt?) and I love being a mom. Being Laney's mom is wonderful.

Q: Have you heard from the birth mom?

A: I have talked to her three times since we have been home. She is doing well and is back at work. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

Q: Are you ready for visitors?

A: YES!!! I love company as long as you are healthy.

A Visit to the Pediatrician

Delaney went to the pediatrician on Wednesday and got a clean bill of health! She gained 3 oz. and grew an inch! We will go to her pediatrician in Atlanta on Monday.

Christmas Miracle

We were on our way home from the pediatrician when we got the call that we would be able to go home for Christmas. We got clearance to leave Oklahoma on Wednesday around 4:00. We feverishly packed the car and started driving. We wanted to stay ahead of the winter storm that was heading toward Oklahoma. We made it past Little Rock and had to stop because the rain was terrible and David could hardly see. We drove the rest of the way on Thursday, again in the rain. Today when David checked the news we found out that Oklahoma City got 14 inches of snow (an all time record) and the highways were closed down.

Merry Christmas

All our Christmas wishes came true...we have our baby girl and we were able to celebrate the holiday with our families at home! When my mom found out my mom and Elizabeth picked up our canine companions and set the table with my Christmas dishes. Then when we got home our families brought dinner and came over to celebrate Christmas Eve. It was wonderful!!! Then Christmas afternoon my family came back over and brought lunch. We decorated our tree with all of Delaney's "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments. This has been the best Christmas ever!

She's Ours!

We just got word that it is official...Delaney Elizabeth is a Bell. We couldn't be happier. We are now waiting for the interstate compact to be complete. We will continue to keep you updated. For now we are just delighted to be a family!

Reindeer Games

Daddy and Delaney played games while I went to Target to get baby supplies. Sidenote... I now understand why you need receiving blankets (I would call them tortilla blankets because Delaney looks like a baby burrito when we swaddle her). David and Delaney watched the Falcons beat the Jets. David is an awesome Daddy! And yes that is a reindeer on her little bottom.

Adoption Update

Delaney loves taking naps in her baby papasan chair with her blanket from Meemaw. Meemaw made the blanket! The state of Oklahoma allows birth mothers 72 hours to change their mind regarding their decision to place a child up for adoption. Being that the 72 hours falls on a Sunday, she will be going to court and giving up rights tomorrow. Her appointment is around 4:00 and we will hear soon after regarding her official decision. In the mean time keep praying. He hears our prayers!

Our First Bath

We gave Delaney her first bath this morning. My mom helped me and David videotaped and narrated. Delaney protested. After I washed her bottom she promptly pooped! It was perfect timing. Thank goodness we had a new diaper under her.

Free At Last! Free at Last!

Delaney was discharged from the hospital today around 4:00. It was a wonderful moment when we got to walk out with her and take her back to our hotel. She was outfitted in a very sweet sleeper sack with matching hat from her Aunt Kristin.

She cried a little on the way home, so I sang Christmas carols to her and she settled down. Finally someone who appreciates my singing voice.

Delaney's First Visitors

Nana, Grandpa J, Grandma J, and Uncle Mike came to Oklahoma to meet Delaney. It was wonderful to have family share our first days with our daughter.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

We had some down time today so we took the opportunity to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial. It is a beautiful memorial. The memorial stands where the Murrah Building was. The field of 168 chairs symbolize the lives lost. The chairs are arranged in nine rows, one for each floor of the building. The Gates of Time frame the reflecting pool that occupies what was once 5th Street. And the 90+ year old tree survived the bombing. The memorial really makes you stop and reflect on what a gift each day is.

Our Beautiful Baby Girl!

She is beautiful! She is eating well and making poopy diapers! She doesn't cry very much, but when she does it is a single cry that sounds like a cat. The birth mom is recovering fro the surgery nicely. I spent the night with the the birth mother and Delaney last night and we got a little sleep. The pediatrician came in today and said that Delaney is doing well and will most likely be discharged from the hospital tomorrow!

Delaney Elizabeth Bell Has Arrived!

Our bundle of joy has arrived. She weighed 5 pounds and 3 ounces. She is 17 and 1/4 inches long. We are both thrilled and will write more later! Everything is going well and everyone is doing fine!

We Made It

We are in Oklahoma! After 14 hours we made it! We are staying at the Residence Inn in Bricktown. (A shout out goes to Tina for the Friends and Family Rate!) The Hotel is very nice and has everything we need...a dishwasher, microwave, and full refridgerator. Yesterday we stopped in Memphis; we saw The Peabody and Graceland! We are having dinner with the birth mom tonight. And tomorrow our sweet baby girl will be born. I am very nervous; I think it is becoming a reality that I am about to be a mom!!!!! I will take LOTS of pictures and keep everyone (all seven of the followers) posted. Keep the prayers coming.

Showered with Love

David and I felt truly blessed by the generosity of our family and friends. We had three showers..one at my school, one at David's school, and one at my sister's home. We received everything we needed and wanted for the baby. After each shower we washed the clothes and put everything away. David had to put in a closet organizer to make room for all the clothes. We found ourselves just hanging out in the nursery looking at all the cute new things. We can't wait to try all the clothes on, read her all her new books, and playing with all the toys (we're even excited about trying out the diaper genie)! Thank you for everything!!!

Hamburger Helper

I heard David starting dinner, which I assumed was Hamburger Helper because the box was out on the counter when I came home from work. I was totally engrossed in selecting the perfect background and adding elements, like the adoption blinker. He interupted me once to ask if the bottle of Pinot Noir he selected was a "good one." I chuckled to myself about having a good bottle of wine while dining on Hamburger Helper. When he said dinner was ready, I was surprised to see he had grilled filet mingon, made homemade mashed potatoes, and prepared green beans. Needless to say, dinner was wonderful and a major improvement from Hamburger Helper.