Friday, February 06, 2009

Home

Hello world. It's me, Pamela. I mean Amanda. I have no idea why I would accidentally call myself Pamela. Maybe I'm just tired. Or maybe I saw myself in a mirror today. Who knows.

Annabeth and I were discharged from the hospital yesterday at about 2 p.m. I was afraid to leave my nurses who so mercifully dispensed painkillers at my request, but we were ready to get on with it. Today was our first full day at home together as a family of four. It was a good day. We had to take our baby girl to the doctor bright and early to get her bilirubin levels checked. She and I have different blood types, which apparently makes her more susceptible to jaundice. I felt like a zombie and I was exhibiting that just-gave-birth way of walking and sitting which are not really meant for public viewing, but it wasn't too bad. We have another appointment tomorrow for the same thing. Hopefully this will be the last one until her two week check-up.

Basically, we sat around the house and I nursed the baby as much as humanly possible to help a little postpartum issue that I'm having. I took a nice two hour nap while Annabeth slept. I'm planning to be good this time and sleep while she sleeps as much as possible. Which means I need to go to bed and not be blogging!

I have so much to say about this baby girl. She is amazing. We have already bonded so much. Today I held her while she was bundled up and sleeping and I filed her nails with an emery board. It occurred to me that I was giving my daughter her first manicure. What a sweet thought it was. And last night I did a huge load of pink laundry. How strange and wonderful to have pink as a category of laundry in our house!

I could seriously keep writing for the next three hours, but I really need to go to sleep. I just want you to know that Hubs got me a cherry limeade and a big bag of ice from Sonic tonight. About twenty minutes ago I discovered a whole new reason to love Sonic ice. I'm sitting here shivering, but maybe tomorrow I can stop mistaking myself for some woman named Pamela.

The night Annabeth was born, after everyone had left and it was just me and her and Curtis, I was compelled to dress her up. And of course I had to take pictures. Here she is in her first outfit.

107 comments:

creative gal said...

Congrats again!! Beautiful!

Rachel www.jackandcoledesigns.com said...

Her first photoshoot!! How precious.. pray for me. I have 2 boys (which I love more than life by the way) but I have major baby fever and want a little girl so badly.. I would obviously love any child God gave me but I am such a girlie girl, I have a boutique.. I love girl items!

She is so beautiful.. Congrats! We can't wait to hear the birth details! Was she born c-section?
I had 2 c-sections..no fun.

Big Mama said...

She is so precious!

Glad y'all are home and hope that Sonic ice works some miracles.

JayCee said...

How incredibly cute...love the bow!

Take care of yourself!!

Amanda said...

she's beautiful!! congrats!

Laurie said...

She is a beautiful little girl! I KNOW you are enjoying her.

A Little Water said...

Amanda, the pink outfit and bow is TOO Cute! hope you are doing well at home!

Holly said...

She's beautiful!!

Enjoy this time, friend. Savor it and write it to your long term memory...it's so special to think back on. You know.. later, after Pamela is gone and your memory has returned.

katie said...

She is lovely and precious. How fun to have pink laundry! Praises be to God for your new little one!

su said...

Amanda, If this is a repeat, sorry. My computer hiccuped.

She is so dear. I know that she is such a joy to you both. Let us know about how your water broke, we'll probably all waiting to hear about that part. I've been thinking about you so much in the last few days.

How is Jackson doing? What does he think?

Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy.

Stephanie Kay said...

My baby is 3 months. I know well your sleeplessness and "postpartum issue." Three words: hot shower, pump. :) You will make it through the next 6 weeks. Life will return to a new normal. You will sleep again. Babies are the most wonderful thing ever! Those are all the things I keep telling myself. I thought I'd mention it just in case you need to hear them also.

Beth said...

What a precious baby! I had a boy and would have had more but I had my hands full being a stepmother also. So when I see babies I just melt. Even though my baby boy is now 17. I pray rest for Pamela's weary soul.
I do love cherry limeades!

lavonda said...

I agree with Holly... you will look back on this time you are in RIGHT now with such sweet memories. Pain and all. I'm so happy for your family of four. Just reading your words takes me back to my own days like this that you're in right now.
soooooooo sweet.

you and pamela take good care of each other :)

Unknown said...

Love the bow, love the outfit...love everything about her!!

Jessica said...

Aww! She looks like a porcelin baby doll! : )

Missy said...

Precious girl.

Go to sleep.

Marla Taviano said...

I love her so much!! Praying for your little girl tonight--and your BIG girls too! ;)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to think about us :-) Since my little girl was born almost 11 years ago, we've always had a pink/red load of laundry :-) Enjoy her pinkness!

Eliza said...

She is just beautiful!

~ Laurie said...

I love playing dress-up with a real baby! So much more fun! Enjoy that sweet girl!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I don't think I'll ever get over being giddy when a friend has a new baby, especially the girl kind. After having three boys, I know firsthand the joy of the pink loads of laundry. I loved it so much I didn't even mind buying the $10 bottle of Dreft.

Rest up girlfriend! Can't wait to hear how Jackson is taking this all in..:)

Immeasurably More Mama said...

This is such a special time for your family. Enjoy every second! I know you are completely captivated by this GORGEOUS baby girl!

The Wootens said...

water, water, water

ice, ice, ice

Motrin, Motrin, Motrin

are your friends! Oh--and about a million "targeted" hot showers! Like those are easy to come by with a preschooler running around. :)

Get that pump out and freeze you some "Have fun with Bibby while Daddy and I have a sanity break/date" miracle juice!

Praying that Pamela leaves your house soon. Daisy the Dairy Cow is bad enough... :) I remember!

Barr Family said...

Oh, she is just beautiful. I hope you are getting a little bit of rest. It's hard to find with two kiddos. Keep the pictures coming!! :)

Rhonda said...

Best advice I ever got - sleep when the baby sleeps. She is gorgeous. Congrats again!

Lisa said...

What a blessing you've been given! Cherish the moments.
Blessings - Lisa

Heather said...

She is just beautiful! Congrats to you guys!

Oh and I must know where you got the headband bow from! I am only finding small ones around here and Kennedy cannot grow hair it seems so she needs some!

Anonymous said...

Amanda,

How sweet she is!!! And she is rockin' that chocolate bow!

Congratulations! Thank you for letting us have a peek into this special time!

Blessings,
Dori

Beverly Wooley said...

Amanda - I have been so overjoyed by the announcement of the incredibly beautiful little Miss Annabeth Jones that I have prayed only God's blessings on you all week. Forgive me. I will be praying for your physical needs and all the postpartum issues that giving birth brings with it.

You're being very wise in resting when you can. We who love your blog will understand and patiently wait for new pictures. This is the time to accept any and all help that's offered (laundry, cooking, etc). You can be superwoman after you've healed. GRIN

Amy said...

Girls are just so cute and special. I might be biased though. Have fun dressing her up. Praying for your postpartumn issue...hope the transition from 3 to 4 is smooth and blessed!

Keely said...

She is gorgeous. I love her little outfit and her bow. Congratulations!

Fran said...

Oh Amanda...she IS beautiful and you can keep calling yourself Pamela for as long as you need to.
We completely understand. ;)

Enjoy the weekend. How is Jackson?
Praying for you always.
Love,
Fran

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

I love your "pink" load of laundry. What a gift!

Praying for you, Amanda! And Pamela too.

Joanne

Rachel said...

oh, how darling!! How could you resist? take care of yourself and thank you so much for "sharing" her with us - Sleep well Siestas!

J said...

precious!! glad you're getting to nap. i remember that "postpartum issue" to which you're referring...that was almost as bad as childbirth i think! hope it gets better for you soon!

Kiki said...

Love the bow. Love that she had a bow on so early in her life.

Pamela... funny.

Robyn said...

Congratulations Amanda and Family! You have a beautiful daughter and she will bring you so much joy! And I am loving the precious outfit! I am cracking up (outloud, seriously, my hubby had to come see what was wrong with me - tears in my eyes)at the Pamela remarks! Only because I have been there three times and honestly, if you have drugs during delivery then I seriously consider the day your milk arrives one of the best and worst days of post partum. So glad it is here to nourish that baby but Holy Cow! Those babies get huge! Remember sister, scarves are so in this season. Even in Houston you can pull them off. Just get some light weight ones! And in honor of that baby girl - get a pink one! Hot pink. Because Pamela would have it no other way!

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Congratulations!

Tara said...

Amanda,

I am so glad that you are home and enjoying your bonding time with Annabeth. She is just beautiful and I love that you have already started putting headbands on her! I did that with my daughter and she never once tried to take them off- I think she just grew so used to having them on her head!

And I will be praying that her jaundice subsides. I had "ABO incompatibility jaundice" too when I was little, but Mom said that it went away quickly. We'll pray the same thing for Ms. Annabeth.

Congratulations again! I am so happy for you and have prayed for you often these last few days!

Love,
Tara

Vicki said...

What a beautiful baby and I love how you dressed her up and took her pic. I love the outfit and bow. Enjoy these days!

barbara head said...

Well at least you called yourself by a normal name. It could have been ADNAMA which is Amanda backwards and sounds a little like adnauseum. You will do just fine and that little one is sooo precious.

Ashli said...

Okay Pamela, I just teared up over that post.

It brought up so many memories (good and bad) of my little one.

I always struggled with nursing, but was glad I stuck with it. It does really get better after a week or so!

There is just something about a daughter. It tickles the 'girlie bone' in a mother.

Blessings!

Patty said...

Amanda, (Pamela ;)

Annabeth is beautiful! I am praying for your sweet family.

Love,
Patty

petrii said...

Amanda,
She is just beautiful!!! I'm so glad you are bonding with her and have wonderful pink loads of laundry.

Congratulations!!

Have a Blessed and fun weekend with you family of four,
Dawn

The Allens said...

She's beautiful!

Terri_in_Alabama said...

She is just beautiful! Amanda, you will find yourself dressing her up a lot... or I did with my baby girl. Enjoy the time. There is something to be said for a load of pink laundry... there is no feeling like it. Glad you are up and about a little!

Mrs said...

Oh, that soft, soft skin! Pink compliments it so well!

I have a son and two daughters. Seeing your baby makes me wish . . . that ALL my friends would have babies! LOL

Good thing there's two due at my church this month and next!

(Actually, my son is 19 and my daughters are 16 and 12. My yearnings are becoming more GRANDmaternal than maternal. This is bliss!)

Anonymous said...

Beyond Precious... I had forgotten how much the love of a new babe overwhelms you... and then after having Sophia remembered... there is no better feeling in the world... praying for you all... or rather... praying for y'all...

Unknown said...

Congratulations Amanda & Curtis!

What a beautiful baby girl. Now you have two beautiful babies.

I'm bet Bibby is so excited!

Blessings!

Erica Wagner said...

Congratulations Amanda! She is beautiful.

As a mother of two girls (and no boys!) I sort my laundry by pinks all the time. I had a chuckle at that!

Melissa said...

Welcome home! She's just gorgeous ... love the outfit :)

God is SO good ...

Living Beyond said...

Amanda - I am so happy for you and Curtis - take care of yourself. Your Abba Father will help you in adjusting to taking care of your family.

Blessings
Shelley

Unknown said...

Sometimes it would be nice to be "Pamela" without having to "manage" it! I know what you're saying, Amanda. Good luck, and congrats on such a beautiful daughter! I have three boys, so I must live vicariously through those of you blessed with girls. :-)

ChaChaneen said...

Simply ad-or-ab-le! Congratulations!

Toknowhim said...

Welcome home... What an adorable picture, and that little outfit is so darling....

You are on track with trying to get as much sleep as you can... Blessings to you as you are recovering :)

Mary said...

Sonic ice is great for all things related to babies. I've found it helps with all body issues as well as making the caffeine-free drinks taste more like the real thing. She's beautiful!!

twinkle said...

Amanda...Pamela...a prayer..

Father in heaven,
Thank You.
Be gentle to our sweet Amanda/Pamela.
Cushion her body and her physical needs as she adjusts to this phase of motherhood.
She is a treasure to us and we place her totally in Your Wise Care.
I pray for Curtis to be smarter than he is as he serves his family with skilz he never knew he had. Through Your Power.
Thank You for Jackson. Let him be a little Samuel in this family...serving You even in his young years.
And little Annabeth...let her just grow in grace surrounded by love and protection from above.
I just love You, Jesus, and know that You are welcome in this family. Bring a communion into their home that reflects Your love and strength. Like time standing still. Watching clouds float by. Picking daisies. Life is good!
A new soul has come into their home!
Bless them, Lord, bless them indeed!
In Jesus Name.
Amen.

Amanda May said...

Oh, she is beautiful...and that outfit is just precious!
I have to say though, I don't know where you mommies who have just given birth get the energy to dress up your baby girls. You are an inspiration to me!
I was so tired after having both of my babies that I was fine with jammies...for days (both of us)!! :)

Enjoy your sweet baby girl!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! After all the post-partum ("sundowners" as I like to call it) subsides and you get into a routine, I can't wait to hear your observations of all the little differences between the innate God-given roles of boys and girls. Fun! Thinking of you!
Amy

Kelly said...

Harper has the same outfit!!! Wish they could get together and be twinkies!!!!
And I have the same pamela issue - you and I could be twinkies. ha ha ha!

Wrinkled Shirts said...

ADORABLE! My youngest boy asked for a baby sister this week. That option is not possible. I'll just let him sit and enjoy Annabeth's pictures as I continue to live in this blue jean stained, baseball cap, mud and lizard loving world.
Paula G. <><

Emmy said...

Annabeth you are just precious! I love her name... I have an Anne-Elizabeth

Pamela... oh I am so sorry that is the worst feeling... feels like rocks... hopefully it will ease up soon... nurse away!

Been praying for you all! Know you will be thrilled to have your Mom back tonight!

Heather said...

Hi Pammie!!! I love that you are using the Sonic ice...may it bring some relief in Jesus' name!! :) I remember that time vividly from almost 4 years ago, and I am nervous about it coming again in 4 months or so!!! At least I can go back and read this post and get a good laugh!
Annabeth is GORGEOUS and I love her first outfit! Praying for you guys today!

Kari said...

Amanda,
I'm glad to hear you're attempting to sleep when she does-good girl! (Or should I say, "good girls?")

Thanks for the update-looking forward to more photos!

Jenna said...

She is just too precious! Glad ya'll are home and doing well!

Leslie said...

She is absolutely gorgeous! I also had a little boy before our daughter and loved having pink in my home! My son had jaundice and had to have phototherapy. Try not to worry about it, she will be just fine. Congrats on your sweet baby girl!

Michelle Johnson said...

I'm so happy that you have a little girl with manicures, pink loads of laundry and cute hair things. :) I have two girls, and I love girls! Annabeth is beautiful!

debra parker said...

praying the most precious moments over your family of four.

FitzandMolly said...

I may never address you as Amanda again...

Colored With Memories said...

she's precious!

here's to hoping your not reminded of pamela much longer!

and...i hope the joy of "pink" laundry lasts for a long time...maybe some "blue" laundry around here would make me joyful about doing it?!?

Nancy Mon said...

Dear Pamela,
Glad you are home and all nestled into life as a family of four. To be totally supportive of you, I too will take a nap when Annabeth sleeps. Just let me in on that kind of schedule... Maybe Amanda can get Pamela to sub sometime in Bunko.

Love you and been praying for y'all.

Love,
Cynthia (Nancy Mon)

OK a Pamela sounds like she would have a friend named Cynthia.

Moose Mama said...

OK, I have two very pretty daughters, so I know what I'm talking about...THAT is one beautiful baby!

As much as we love reading your blog, please get enough rest. We'll understand.

Melana

Taylor said...

She is absolutely beautiful! I've been reading your blog for a couple of months now and was so excited to hear the news of Miss Annabeth's arrival. I love the name to by the way!! Congrats and good luck on the rest!!

His Jules said...

Wow, Amanda she is even more beautiful all dolled up! I pray you have a restful weekend. Three cheers to hubby for going the sonic route!!! Sleep well.

The Schmidt Family said...

she's so beautiful sweet friend!

lori said...

so is precious, I will say a prayer about that postpartum

Mary H. said...

Oh how precious. She is beautiful. Thank you for sharing her little picture. I hope things are going good for you today. You have been in my thoughts and prayers today.

My little girl will be ten in four weeks. She has been a daddy's girl much of the time, but she let me take her shopping last Saturday. We had a blast trying on spring outfits!!! You have so much to look forward to.

God Bless your family!

Renee Swope said...

Oh ma gosh - SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I was so excited to hear she made it safely into the world last week. And that you were both doing so well. I've been praying for you and Annabeth, and your man cubs.

Your post took me back 14 years to when Joshua was born and I was walking around with cabbage leaves, tea bags, ice paks and a pump. My husband even had the audacity to drag his foot back and forth like a bull and moo at me, in a flattering sort of way! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I think I did both.

Sounds like you're having some amazing mommy bonding with your baby girl, and it's so precous. Makes me want some pink in my laundry basket! I pray your "girls" go down, you get lots of rest and you breathe deep - the sweetness of God's love as you rest in Him and each beautiful moment He gives to you.

Blessings and prayers,
Renee

Dionna said...

Mmm - I'm envisioning that Annabeth has what I call that "new baby smell" and I bet it's so heavenly. She is utterly adorable. Congatulations again, Amanda. Let yourself be pampered as you get back on your feet.

Susan B. said...

She is too sweet. How precious. You take care of yourself and get some rest. I know it feels good to be home,Pamela uh I mean Amanda!

Anonymous said...

Amanda, she is just beautiful. Congratulations. Oh what a precious but exhausting time in our lives as women. For what it's worth, I had a friend give me advice after the birth of my 2nd child.... it takes about 6 months to "get it". Not that it's 6 months of misery.... just that it is an adjustment going from one to two children. And that at the 6 month mark it would feel "normal". And for me, that was spot on. Congratulations again!! PS ~ What a man to bring the Sonic. And the ice? Well he just gets a gold star!

Yoli said...

Congrats Amanda and family! She is gorgeous!!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome home! Precious times! I hope you enjoy every moment...even the not-so-lovely sleep deprived ones. May Miss Annabeth bring an opportunity to be at ease in a way that none of us are with the first! Praying for you...and double praying for Jackson. God Bless the Joneses!

Anonymous said...

ps....remember to take your pain killers if you need them. Certainly one of God's more inspired creations for childbirth and postpartum.

ocean mommy said...

She is just precious Amanda! I know you are savoring each moment...it is a sweet sweet time.

I am so sorry you are having "Pamela issues"..I can so relate and refused to leave my house for several days when I went through that lovely time... (I also have NO PICTURES of me during those days...praise the Lord!)

Praying that everyone rests well tonight!!

hugs
stephanie

ocean mommy said...

She is just precious Amanda! I know you are savoring each moment...it is a sweet sweet time.

I am so sorry you are having "Pamela issues"..I can so relate and refused to leave my house for several days when I went through that lovely time... (I also have NO PICTURES of me during those days...praise the Lord!)

Praying that everyone rests well tonight!!

hugs
stephanie

Stephanie said...

Amanda,

Both my boys and I had incompatible blood types, and we had major jaundice issues. (Worse with the 2nd because of antibodies my body made from the 1st one) Days of phototherapy, etc. If hers gets worse, don't worry! They can easily resolve it, it just is inconvenient and a little stressful getting there.

Krystal said...

Hold on sister! You know, it's gets better! Don't forget about those lovely gel pads to soothe the ladies! They saved me!
Love you!

FaceforGrace said...

She is so precious! How sweet those little newborns are! Yes, I love the pink loads of clothes...I have a 5 year old and still have a pink load many weeks. Little girls are so much fun! Congratulations!

Julie Marler (Mammy) said...

After two little boys - our 3rd was a baby girl. I'll never forget that amazing "WoW" feeling the first time I saw pink in the laundry too! I LOVED it! I made sure my girl was a "girly-girl" with a bow in her hair! After 30yrs - she's still a girly-girl! Enjoy every minute of that sweet baby girl!
Mammy

Groovewoman said...

OH MY WORD SHE IS PRECIOUS!

I can't believe that she ALREADY looks like all of you "Moore" ladies!

Congratulations again Amanda. I am so happy for you. Family of 4, that makes me misty eyed.

valerie said...

Annabeth is beautiful. I can remember the fun of dressing a little girl.

Sonic ice is the best. Yay!!! that it comes in bags that you can purchase! I love good ice to chomp on.

Praying for your continued healing, Pamela.....I mean Amanda. ;)

~Jodi~ said...

Welcome home Amanda -i mean Pamela .. You are too cute even when I'm sure you don't feel like it at the moment ! Praying so much for you , Curtis, Jackson and for your sweet Annabeth. I hope you can get some rest and just relax and enjoy these moments even in the crazy new adjusting to a family of four. I pray God fills you with His peace and love and lil moments of girly joy and pink as well :)

katiegfromtennessee said...

Hey Pamela, I mean Little Momma:) I really like reading about your first few days with new baby. I'm sure your body is tired from all that stress. That's great, a pink load!:) In that pic, she looks like you, that's the coolest thing! Cuteness baby girl outfit:):)

katiegfromtennessee

Erica said...

She is absolutely precious!
I would love to bring dinner for you guys! Send me an e-mail when you get a free moment : )

Andreea said...

Congratulations again! She's so beautiful! I love that you gave her her first manicure. That is soo sweet!

Heather said...

ha ha, my mom's name is Pamela, I first thought you had a friend blogging for you! Your daughter is precious, so gorgeous!! Aren't girls so much fun!! Congrats again!

connorcolesmom said...

Welcome home sweet Annabeth!
I know she is going to be such a
JOY in your home
It will be so precious to see how protective Jackson is of her :)
He is going to be such a GREAT big brother
The pictures are wonderful - that cake looks so yummy!
and I love the picture of her all dressed up!!
Amanda - take care, enjoy, and cherish this sweet time with your daughter!
Blessings
Kim

Kelli said...

I love her looking all girly on her birthday! I hope the jaundice cleared up!!

Francine said...

oh my gosh that has got to be one of the most beautiful babies I have ever laid my eyes on!!! She is just beautiful!!

Grace said...

OK...that's the cutest outfit ever! She's so adorable. And you, my dear, looked absolutely amazing after giving birth! ;o)

Grace and I have different blood types as well so we spent an extra day in the hospital with her under the blue lights.

So happy for you!

Kimberly

Nesha said...

She is adorable in the outfit!!! Congrats again to the Jones family! Praying about the postpartum thing, no fun to have. Enjoy your new family of four.

I have 2 boys which ask me at times about their 'baby sister'. We have a girl dog and I tell them that is their sister. They don't know how dangerous it would be for me to get pregnant again- I will tell them when they are older.

My 7yr went over to play at a friend's house yesterday and his friend has a 3 yr sister. He came home and told me that he played with Lucy most of the time there. I asked 'Really?' His comment was, 'yes, that is the only way I get to play with a younger sister since you are not helping me get one.' HaHa. Mouths of Babes.

jen said...

Oh my heavens she is darling!

kari said...

i can't wait to see her first swimsuit photo shoot. she'll be so amazingly cute, it'll hurt. i promise!

Krista Sanders said...

Wow-- I have NEVER seen so many comments on a blog before and here I go leaving number 105! I couldn't help but want to say "Congratulations". She is darling. (And so were you, moments after you delivered her!) I have one of each as well and have had a ball tapping both sides of the "genderometer"....HARD. Blessings to you and your sweet family.

Kelly @ Love Well said...

By the way, if you find a solution to the Pamela Problem, will you let me know? It feels like the only real answer is to wean this baby.

Amanda said...

Annabeth is stunning. How did it feel to put the very first bow in her hair? I can just imagine! Too precious! I find out what we're having this Thursday. I think it's a boy, and I'm excited... but a part of me would love the chance to put a bow in my daughter's hair :-)