Happy Friday!

Briley Kate is almost 5 months old, and I can't believe it!  She has just recently started trying to eat rice cereal out of a spoon.  Its amazing how alert she is becoming.  I just get tickled every time I see her trying to laugh.  She's absolutely the love of our lives and we hope to share a little of our growing girl with you!  I've been trying to capture a big ole smile on camera but I haven't been successful yet, maybe soon.  Happy Friday!

Birthday Boy

Last wednesday was Brian's 26th birthday.  We took the weekend to celebrate with our families in Vicksburg.  It was the first birthday part we've had with our daughter, and she brings a whole new life to the party.  I stopped for a moment that day and marveled at all the people who shaped my amazing husband into the man he is today.  I'm so blessed to have him in my life.  I love to watch him with his daughter, and I enjoy him in the quite when it is just the two of us.  From the moment God blessed Martha and Joe with their first born son, He was already preparing him for what was to come.  A journey it has been for both of us...and I could not ask for someone more supportive, loving, and caring as Brian.  Thank you for being my rock.  Happy Birthday Daddy!

Lil Snuggle Bunny

                                                   Momma and Little Bitty

                                                   Grandpa Joe and BK

Yes...I am the mother who put a huge bow on my child's head...and I love it!

                                                BK checkin out how pretty she is.

                                                 Snoozin with Daddy!

Briley Kate is officially 3 months old!  According to our scales she weighs 8 pounds...whoa!  I've loved watching her grow over the past few weeks.  She's really started to interact with us and develop her own personality.  She even knows how to squeeze out a few extra tears when she wants to snuggle...and snuggle she does.  She now knows she has hands.  She likes to look at them even if they make her go cross-eyed.  Those tiny, sweet little hands are dangerous weapons as well.  When she is hungry and mad she just loves to grab hold of my hair and pull...she really grabs whatever is in her reach (skin, hair, eyes...whatever).  She's probably thinking, "I didn't get to be 8 pounds by just lying around never making a sound!"  Gotta love her!  Happy 3 month birthday Little!

I Will Carry You

Briley Kate Pettway 2 pounds 2 onces 15 inches

Layla Grace Pettway 2 pounds 1.5 ounces 14 inches

Precious Layla

It's hard to believe that TODAY was the original due date for our two little girls. I just can't imagine what it would be like to erase the past...to have our two babies here healthy and on time. But life gave us a different path, and God is helping us find the good in it. Words escape me today. There's a big hole in my heart, and sometimes all you can do is cry. I'm reminded of a song by casting crowns:

I was sure by now

That you would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen" and its still raining.

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear you whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I'll praise you in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For you are who you are

No matter where I am

And every tear I cry, you hold in your hands

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I'll praise you in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry

You raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find you?

And as the thunder rolls

I barely hear you whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills...where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The maker of heaven and earth.

I love you both, more than words can express. I'm so blessed that God allowed me to be your mommy!

Summertime

Summer is officially here in the good ole south.  Temperatures of up to 100 already, so we're hiding inside!  We weighed Briley Kate about a week ago and she had cleared 6 pounds...I think she's inching towards 7 right now!  People ask me if she's a good baby...and she really has been.  However, this past weekend she found her voice.  Brian was out of town for about 4 days, so sleep deprived and cranky BK and I made our way through her tirades.  She's not that bad, but for a baby that has done nothing but eat and sleep (no crying at all) a few crying spells in the middle of the night has just seemed impossible to me!  My due date is just 3 days away, so BK will officially be a newborn...i think this may be the cause for her newfound fussiness.  Here are some updated pictures that are long overdue.

Growing Like a Weed!

Sleeping Beauty

Snoozin in the swing...her new favorite place.

BK enjoying some good tummy time.

Well we went to our pediatrician on monday.  It was basically a weight check.  At discharge last monday she weighed 4 pounds and 8 ounces, just one week later she weighed 5 pounds and 5 ounces!!!  What are we feeding her?!  She's an eater...definitely her parents daughter!  We have just been enjoying every moment with her.  While it can be tough sometimes, we just can't get enough!  At the rate she's growing, she'll be a grown up before we know it.   

Life has been good this past week.  I went back to work on tuesday (yes...i cried).  It took me a few hours to get readjusted to the fast paced hospital life, my coworkers lovingly called it "baby brain".  The hours passed quickly, but I knew she was in the good hands of both my husband and Grandma Ju Ju.  So today we are just enjoying each other.  Basking in the glory of what God has entrusted me with...a tiny life that holds our hearts and embodies what Love truly is.  Since it has been so warm outside, we have taken her on a few walks and the other day, Aunt Kate came over and snapped a few shots of Briley Kate outside.  It was fun and BK was a good sport about it.  Gotta capture these sweet moments before they are gone! 

Love to All,

Leanne and Brian  

Sweet Pea