Train Up a Child...

Train up a child in the way she should go ... and when she is older she will not be influenced by her Missisippi heritage!

Sorry to all my Ole Miss and State fans (and one lone Bama fan). Couldn't resist! Just know that Gabe is doing all he can to instill a little Mississippi SEC blood in her as well, which is fine as long as the opponent is not the LSU Tigers. (And, yes, hats off to the Rebs for beating Florida!! I couldn't have been happier!!)

Even Sophie got in on the Tigers celebration party at our house.

Just remember, GRITS stands for Girls Raised in Tiger Stadium!

Notice: Don't bother replying trash talk to this post. All hate mail will be labeled as SPAM.

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

The first picture is me, June 1978.

The second and third pictures are Kendall, September 2008.

Mom sent me the picture of me. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Looks like Kendall will keep the generational look-alike streak going four-fold.

10 Pounds of Sugar and Spice

Kendall's two week pediatrician check-up was Thursday. She received a clean bill of health! What a relief to Mom and Dad. When the nurse took Kendall to weigh her Gabe and I guessed what we thought out precious princess would be. Adoringly wer vastly underestimated our growing little squirt. Gabe said 8-2. I went out on a limb so I thought and dared to voice 8-4. We were shocked when the nurse said she was an even 10 pounds! My baby is double digits! We should have figured as much considering the greedy little thing never turns down one drop of food. We have had to increase her formula several times and she still doesn't always make it the full three hours before the next feeding. The nurse said she had to weigh her twice because she didn't look like a 10 pound baby. She hides her weight well like her mother. The doctor examined her and deemed her perfect just as we already suspected.

Thoughts From a New Mother

Today was the family's first venture out: Kendall's two week pediatrician appointment. I think I know now why we were told to arrive at 9:30 for a 10:00 appointment. All parents of newborns are told that to ensure they arrive on time! Now those of you who know me are aware of my obsessive compulsive tendnecies when it comes to cleanliness and housework. I went against all I believe in when I walked (flew) out the door with husband and baby in tow with my house in this condition. I have two golden rules of housework: Always make the bed, and never leave dishes in the sink or on the counter. But my biggest pet peeve of arriving late won out. I'm so proud I could post my house in this condition onto the world wide web.

I was determined to impress all the office personnel by breezing through the door at the scheduled time. (We did make it there at 9:40 by the way). Now, I am by no means bragging about my immaculate housekeeping skills (my spelling skills don't quite stack up - thank goodness for spell check). I don't quite view it as an endearing quality. (AMEN from Gabe) I am working diligently on my issues of control and letting go of things. I must say I am surprised how it's been a little easier than I had thought. Now I am so consumed with my precious daughter that the dirt undertoe doesn't quite bother me (I put on socks) and I can overlook, somewhat, the mess around. (Leslie, my dear friend, cousin and fellow housekeeping queen, if you are reading this, get prepared when the time comes! And don't be offended because I hold you an a pedestal above all others in that department. You are my measuring stick, girlfriend!)

I must say how wonderful of a job my dad did in helping me get the house back in order. He leaves a trail of cleanliness behind him. No sooner do I set an empty bottle down and it is whisked away to the sink. My mom says that apple never falls far from the tree. Dad, I think I'm just like you! And my mom stocked my freezer full of dinners that will last us a long while. She endlessly cooked for four days. Thanks, Mom, you are a great cook!

Well, I guess I have written my first "pod cast" as Gabe calls it. He is usually my daily audience about what's on my mind. I'm sure there will be more to come.

Status update: I did clean up when we got home from our appointment and Kendall was sleeping. Baby steps.

Bathing Beauty

Kendall got her first bath last night and seemed to really like it. She laughed at her parents as they tried to figure everything out from the water temperature to all towels and soaps. She just smiled and cooed. She wasn't as thrilled, though, with getting her hair washed. Afterwards Kendall snuggled with Daddy all wrapped up cozy in her towel.

Family Photos

What a precious miracle God has brought into our lives! This photo is true to my life the past week and a half. I could just hold Kendall and stare at her all day. Kendall has a problem with her little finger, though. There is something wrapped around it. Actually, several somethings: Mom, Dad and all her grandparents. Kendall Lauren means "Royal Conquerer". If she lives up to her name, lets hope she doesn't royally bulldoze her adoring and doting parents.

Baby Portraits of Kendall

Mommy took about 100 pictures of Kendall, hoping to get the "perfect" shot. Kendall was very cooperative until about picture 99, or Mommy probably would have taken more. One of these will be used for her birth announcement. I can't decide which one. Help me out! (I apologize for the sideways picture. I'm still learning this whole blog thing. Danielle, help!)

Our Little Republican

Kendall is wearing her republican outfit. Gabe knew it was fitting because he said she has been "raising McCain" since she has been home!

Homecoming

Princess Kendall arrived home today to much fanfare and celebration. "Big Sister" Sophie greeted her with a wagging tail, kisses, and many curious sniffs. She is settled in her "The Princess Has Arrived" onesie and is storing up sleep for the party in her crib tonight at 2am which is sure to come.

More Pics of Kendall

Welcome to the world Baby Girl!!

Kendall Lauren Goza
born at 1:37 pm on September 11, 2008
7 lbs. 15 oz.
21 1/2 inches long
"For this child I have prayed, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him" 1 Samuel 1:27

Mom, Dad and Kendall are doing great!!

First Feeding by Mom

Sorry this video is sideways!! You'll just have to hold your head to the left :)

Hiccups