Photo Fun and One Month update

One month has flown by and we documented our new family by getting some professional photos done. It was so fun to see Elyse smile and pose for photos! She is getting so big-at her first month check up she now weighs 9.3 pounds and is 21.5 inches long. We continue to be very lucky that she is still sleeping an average of 7 hours a night and eating well.

Ben and I are adjusting to parenthood with ease and enjoy going for walks and having tummy time with Elyse. I think we have narrowed down what each cry means whether it is hungry, tired, or wants attention. She loves to cuddle with us and continues to smile, play, and coo. Everyday we learn something new about her and continue to feel blessed that we have such a perfect daughter!

4 weeks old

We can't believe that Elyse is a month old already (well in a few days)....time really has flown way too fast. Elyse is doing great and so are Mommy and Daddy. She is getting big so fast and starting to develop a little personality. Elyse loves to play and smile and she is definitely a Daddy's girl already. Here are some fun pictures to enjoy of the past few weeks.

Daddy and Elyse
We dressed Elyse as a little kitten...this is before Mommy and Daddy's first night out.

Our precious pumpkin

A BIG SMILE and her first giggle.

Play time :)

We had a little photo shoot...this is one of my favorites and I think I caught a smile.

So cute!

She already poses for the camera.

Monumental Moments and Memories

Elyse came home on October 11 and it has been such a blessing to have her here. Life with baby has been an adjustment but (dare I say it!?) semi-easy for Ben and I. We were so fortunate to have so much help from my mom and Ben's parents the first week, and now on our own, we are having fun being parents.

There have been so many monumental moments and special memories already. We took Elyse to her first doctor appointment and she weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces, and is healthy and happy. She loves to play and has gotten really good at tummy time, and she continues to sleep and eat well.

Everyday we continue to be reminded by her presence of how lucky we are to have her in our life and can't wait for more memories to share.

Posing with our pumpkins
Family photo at the pumpkin patch

Mommy and Elyse

Safe and cuddly in Daddy's hands

Tummy time with Mommy...she holds her head up so well already!

Her first bath time...Elyse did so well.

Our perfect angel, already posing cute for the cameras

The first family photo at the hospital

Happy Birthday Elyse!

Ben and I are so happy to announce that our baby girl has finally arrived! After a total of 41 weeks and 3 days that included 7 days of contractions, 14 hours of labor and finally a c-section, our little angel made her entrance.

Elyse Matilda entered the world at 12:02 am on 10/9/2010. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and measured 21 inches long.

She is the most beautiful most precious little angel and still can't believe that our little baby is finally here for us to hold in her arms. We spent 4 days in the hospital and all the nurses and staff were so wonderful and took care of us beautifully. It was nice to get some much needed practice changing diapers, breast feeding, and general care. We returned home on Monday and Elyse continues to eat and sleep very well...6-7 hours straight at night giving Mom and Dad some much needed rest!

Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes, thoughts, and prayers from all of her family and friends. We are so lucky that everyone loves her so much. Ben and I look forward to the next chapter of our lives.

Proud Dad
Her first picture...so alert already.

Her first bath.

All bundled up and ready for some cuddles

Elyse and Mommy

Our precious baby

Her going home outfit.

Her first car ride home.

30th Birthday Celebration!

This past labor day weekend, I celebrated my 30th birthday! I can't believe 3 decades have gone by so fast and I can honestly say turning 30 is a blessing. There is so much the next chapter of life that I look forward to...spending time with Ben and my family, all the new adventures with friends, and of course, becoming a Mom to Baby Girl Belyea.

My birthday was very special, especially because Tara and Nick came in from Colorado and it was so fun to be able to celebrate with Tara! Ben and Nick made a yummy dinner on Friday night and then we celebrated a friend's wedding out at Fountain Point on Saturday. Being there with Tara and Nick brought back so many good memories of our wedding day 5 years ago, and it seemed only fitting we were able to spend time there on such a monumental birthday.

Thank you to all my Ben, my family, and friends who have made the last 30 years so amazing! I can't wait to see what the next 30 has to bring.....

Figured I need to post the latest baby bumy picture...37 weeks and counting!
My wonderful husband and all all dressed up for the wedding. My gift from him is a spa day to use after Baby Belyea is born. I can't wait for some pampering.
Thank you, Ben...I LOVE YOU!

Tara and I on our 30th birthday

The 4 of us in front of the fountain

Tara and Nick

Ben and I

Tara and I re-creating one of our favorite wedding pictures in front of the fountain

Playing on the swings... Fountain Point...Our tent was set up right in front of the water

The Fountain...such a beautiful day

Cruising on the Bay

Last week our friends Laura and Mike invited everyone for a sunset cruise on the Amara. It was such a beautiful night and only reminds us of how lucky we are to live in Traverse City right on the water.

Some of the ladies enjoying the evening.
Ben and the boys

The group picture...Thanks Laura and Mike and Mr. and Mrs. Nichols for a wonderful evening.

A weekend of Family, Fun, and Celebrating

This past weekend we were blessed to have so many of our friends and family come to Traverse City to enjoy the beautiful weather and celebrate the impending arrival of Baby Belyea! We were very busy spending time on the boat, the beach, and having fun at the baby shower. Luckily the weather held out so that everyone could enjoy the bay.

The shower was absolutely beautiful. We received so many wonderful gifts and can't thank you enough for everyone's thoughtfulness. I forgot to take a picture of everything but here is some of the stuff we received: bouncy seat, swing, toys, cloths, Steeler outfits, blankets, books, bath time set, diapers, and more!

Thanks to everyone who traveled near and far to visit. We feel so fortunate to have so many people who love us and Baby Belyea. The countdown has officially begun....just 6 more weeks away until we get to meet our daughter!

Here I am at 34 weeks pregnant...Baby Belyea just had her appointment and the doctor said she is probably about 4-5 pounds. Her heart beat is 153 and she is so active, keeping me up at night...not sure if that is a good sign or not ;).
Ben, Nick and Jeremy relaxing before dinner.

The boat near the beach....such a wonderful day spent sun bathing and in the 70 degree water. The weather man had called for rain on Saturday but God heard our prays and gave us a wonderful day on the beach. It was so calm and beautiful!

Brad, Nick and Ben taking a dip in the warm water.

Meg, Tara, and I after a yummy dinner at Scott's.

My family...this is the first time in 2 years we have all been in the same room! I miss you all already!

At the shower, Sophie with all of her Aunties. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful friends in TC!

The Philips Famiy-thank you everyone for coming to celebrate!

The drink table was a hit with Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's.

The prize table.

All set up for the shower at my mother-in-law's house. Meg-Thank you so much for opening your home and making it so beautiful. It means the world to me!

My favorite part-the desert table with cupcakes, cookies, and cream puffs.

My sister's and future Aunts. I LOVE YOU!

Me with the Grandma's. Baby Belyea can't wait to meet you!

All my wonderful girlfriends! She can't wait to meet all her Aunties!