almost three week mark

Sofia is now two weeks old and five days old. It's amazing how her features have begun to change and her personality has started to come out. She has definitely inherited the "Mata" cheeks...which I LOVE! It's funny, each day Nick and I laugh at one of her new facial expressions or a new sound she comes up with.

Nick has really taken to his "daddy" role. He is becoming a pro at holding her, feeding her and changing those diapers.






This is one of my favorite pictures. This is what they do best!
























Sofie is still a big fan of sleeping.















Sofie celebrated her first Easter over her Nonnie and Nonno's house.
And as you can see in the picture below, they really enjoy spoiling her with gifts.

Becoming a mother has been an interesting journey so far. I am enjoying it but, must admit it has taken some getting use to.

I am EXTREMELY tired but can't wait to get up and hold her in the middle of the night.

My body is trying to get back to some what of a normal shape. My "normal" closthes don't fit but my "prego" clothes are too big! And don't even get me started on my hormones! They are nowhere near balanced! Poor Nick, he is trying to keep up with me as much as he can.

I know this stage will pass but in the meantime, all I can do is look into Sofia's eyes and thank God for her! I worked so hard and each smile I see on her face is a blessing!

She is Wonderful!

Sofie is a week and five days old today and adjusting wonderfully. She has got into some sort of a routine...well, mainly one of eating, sleeping, peeing more eating and more sleeping and pooping.

Bringing her home was such a joy and a bit nerve wrecking. Nick and I, like all parents do...drove about 20 miles under the speed limit coming home from the hospital. When we finally made it home we were welcomed by family anxious to kiss her and hug her.

Nick and I met them with hand sanitizer.

Once everyone left I found myself staring at her in amazement. I was PROUD at what we had created and what we have to look forward to in the future. All these images popped into my head. All of her "first". First step, first day of school, first cooking lesson...I just got a huge smile on my face.

Nick really enjoys feeding her. He loves to watch all the little faces she makes. It really makes my heart happy to see him hold her and love her so much.

I am so grateful to have had Sofie's Nina and cousin come and help out with getting settled in. She gave me support and advice and it felt good coming from a mother with some wisdom to me...a newbie.

Alicia is great with kids. She was able to remind me of all those home remedies that Mama Chana used on the newborn babies and showed me the things Mama Chana showed her when she was taking care of her newborn.

Trinity (a.k.a. Puddin') got to meet her cousin. These two are gonna be the way Alicia and I was growing up. Puddin' in going to me Sofie's little protector. She was already looking out for her. I have a feeling she is going to have a lot of people looking over her.

Here is Sofie and her Auntie Kalani. It's so cute, Kalani loves her so much.

SOFIE MADE IT!!!

Well, after a much anticipated arrival, she made it! Sofie really put me through a work out. After a good three and half hours of pushing and about 19 hours of "labor" I was thrilled when she finally made it to my arms.

Sofia Addison Allen-

born March 5, 2008 11:17 am

8 lbs. 1 oz

20" long and cute as can be!

Words cannot describe the feeling of giving birth. I had all of these emotions rushing through my body...and then the final pay off! I worked so hard and being able to get over the pain and see this warm little body was amazing!

Here is Sofia getting her very first sponge bath.

Here is daddy and his little pumpkin.

While in the hospital, Sofia developed a case of Jaundice. She was taken to the nursery and put under UV lights and Nick and I were only allowed in every three hours for her feeding.

In this picture you can see that her complexion turned very yellowish. The two dots on the side of here head are velcro and were used to hold in place protective eye glasses. While she was under the lights.

Nick loved getting the chance to sit and feed her, even if it was just for half an hour.

After three days in the hospital, Nick and I were able to take our little baby girl home.

Here is Sofia coming home!