Overwhelmed by Love

I'm overwhelmed by the love and support that has been shown to me during my pregnancy, but also toward the little one that has joined our family. I have received cards with well wishes from people I really didn't expect to receive, gifts from so many friends, family and clients. Neighbors who have helped out when we are in need. She is truly one blessed little girl. And so are we.

And, when I returned to work I received this zebra plant from my co-workers with a note in it that quaintly said, "Welcome Home!" I have the best co-workers in the world.

Easter 2009

Giselle experienced her first Easter with a beautiful dress given to her by Alane. She even smiled for me for a few pictures. Gabriel enjoyed it with friends with an egg hunt in our front yard. Patrick found the most eggs and won the big chocolate easter bunny. They all had a good time with the highlight being one of the balloons that was accidentally let go up into the sky. Lydia said, "it went up, up all the way to God. And he is going to have a birthday party." Gabriel replied, "No, he only has birthdays at Christmas."

We Miss You Grampa!

My dad passed away July 11, 2001 and I can honestly say not a day goes by where I don't think of him or miss him. Whether I'm reminded of him by a funny country song, his signature pancakes, how genius he was with numbers or just what a down to earth, honest, hard-working, caring, self-less, lovable man he was. I don't know whether it's the hormones, but lately I've cried myself to sleep missing him thinking of how much he would absolutely love to hold, kiss and love on his grand kids.

I miss him so much these days. I look around at restaurants and see Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents with their families and wish that Jim's folks were a little younger or my mom lived closer. And since I'm wishing, I wish my dad were here to see his granddaughter. I know he would love her so much. I know he must be looking down from heaven, but it's just not the same without one of his hugs. So back to reality -- He will forever live on in my memory. He may have thought his prized pancakes with his secret bacon grease recipe were special, but it was his hugs and his infectious personality that should have been award-winning. He always knew how to make everyone smile and feel a little better. I love you Dad!

Here we are together when I was alittle older than Gabriel's age.

What's up with the new Pett family?

Giselle smiles occasionally, still has hiccups once a day and is starting to sleep about 5 hours straight at night. She really enjoys her bath and tummy time, and is generally a good baby with her only crying and fussiness with having gas. We pull her legs up to her chest in order to relieve some of the umm...pressure. It looks a little like churning butter so Jim started calling it churning for baby butter. It's kind of stuck so now when she farts or poops we all yell out "Baby Butter!"

Gabriel is Mr. Chatterbox these days. I allow him to call Grandma to talk her ear off which is a win, win, win. Frees up some time for us, he loves talking to her and she loves listening. He definitely hasn't been lost among all the newborn hub-bub. He had a special "mommy and me" day at the Georgia Aquarium. He's played at his friends Sean and Patrick's homes, had a park day with his friend Lydia as well as park days with each of us, Aunt Shawna, me and daddy. Meanwhile, we've had a blast reading and dancing. Take a look at his (and Giselle's) latest dance moves (see video).




As for me, I'm getting over mastitis and a clogged duct in my breast. It was very painful and I had flu-like symptoms -- a fever of 104, chills and body aches. I feel like I've lost a week being laid up in bed for four days. The antibiotics are finally working and am trying to rest up in order to prepare going back to work next Tuesday.

Jim has been busy working around the house and final tax prep. Busy, busy, busy.