scenes from my Christmas

I look like death.... totally blaming it on the newborn!

Christmas was definitely different this year, thanks to my angel baby! Instead of going out for Christmas eve breakfast, Eric and I took Mia to her first doctor's appointment. Instead of spending the holiday at my parents house, my family stayed at mine. We didn't open presents until after noon. Mia had more Christmas gifts than Eric and I did (but they were just as fun to open, ha!) And there was the sweetest feeling around the house because we were celebrating Christmas with a brand new baby, my daughter! Eric and I have never been more blessed.... we are so grateful for our perfect Mia. And we are also extremely grateful to my family for all of their help, and for being patient enough to let Mia run the show :) 
I'm definitely looking forward to celebrating this special season next year. Teaching Mia about the birth of our Savior, playing Santa, having my life together again (this mom thing is quite the adjustment, ha) to start new traditions and continue with old ones, etc... I'm so excited to experience all of it with my growing Mia!

one week

She loves to play the kissy game with Daddy...

...and hates taking pictures with Mommy :)

How is my baby a week old already?!

This has been the fastest week of my life!

Also the most exhausting, rewarding, happiest, and craziest week of my life :)

It's so easy to get flustered and feel like a failure as a mom. But Eric and I could not feel more blessed to be Mia's parents! We're slowly catching on to this parenting thing and loving every second of it.

We could not be more in love with baby Mia!!

Merry Christmas

Mia wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas :)

SHES'S HERE!!

Mia Marie Brinkerhoff

12-20-2012

5:21 PM

7 lbs 19 1/2 inches

We are in such incredible awe that this bundle of perfection is our daughter!

We love baby Mia!!

40 weeks

picture taken at 40 weeks 2 days

- Baby Girl has missed her due date! It was Sunday, December 16th :( I'm so ready for her to be here!!

- Still no stretch marks! I hope my belly can hold out until she comes, ha ha.

- I haven't talked about my weight gain because I think it's silly. Every body and baby is different, so I don't like the comparing of weight gain. And I'm not even sure the exact amount I've gained (I don't remember what my start weight was and I don't care to ask my Dr) but it's at least 30-35 pounds. One of my clients about had a heart attack when I told her that.... "REALLY?? THAT MUCH?!" she asked me, so shocked. "You don't look like you've gained that much!" Did I want to shave her hair off? Yes. Did I? No, unfortunately.

-  Other than needing a serious foot massage (ha!) I am feeling really good! Squished, but good :)

- I'm still a walkin' fool! Don't ask me why.... I'm convinced this baby won't come until she's good and ready (or I get induced) regardless of the amount of walking I do each day!

- As excited as I am to finally be able to hold my baby, I'm still super nervous for labor and delivery. Eric and I would appreciate any and all prayers for the safe arrival of our baby!! We can't wait to introduce her to you guys :)