Clara's first bath!

Thanks Aunt Brenda, Mee Maw and Georgianna for the bath stuff! We had fun with it today getting Clara all squeaky clean!

My little model :)

Clara didn't want any part in modeling for me today :) so, I took a few and then did what any mother would do... tortured her more by giving her her first bath... haha :)

Our Flowers and Clara's books.

When Kris and I found out we were having a baby, like most couples, we had a conversation of values, things we both thought that every child needed. Well, one of the things we both said was books. Childrens books are such an important part of a child's life. They need imagination, fiction and even just help learning to read. So, for the last few months of my pregnancy and everyday since she was born, Clara has had a book read to her. Before Kris left for deployment he recorded himself reading books and I play them for Clara as well. Today we received our first video from Daddy!!! It is through a program called United Through Reading where they allow the sailors a half hour to read a book on a video and then send the dvd out to their homes. It was so great to see him, and there were times when it felt like he was staring me right in the eyes. I can't wait for Clara to get to watch it when she is older! Kris recorded it on Clara's due date, even though she came 6 days later! :)

Kris also sent us flowers on Sunday. They were marked with a note "Pretty flowers for my Pretty Girls" Well, you're the best and Clara Luna and I enjoy looking at them and being reminded that somewhere ont he other side of the world is a sailor missing us as much as we miss him!

Gramma

While playing the waiting game awaiting Clara's arrival, my Mom came up once she found out I was dilated. Taking the 8 hour journey from Ga, she was so worried that I would deliver and not have anyone here, or that she might miss it herself. Had you told me at age 12 that I would, at 27, be living in the same home with my mother for over a month, I would have laughed so hard I peed myself and then looked at you like you were crazy.

I spent years not communicating with my mom, pushing her away and really treating her horribly, I started to really understand her when I was 21. My 21st birthday my mom and stepdad were my designated driver for half the day. They came to brunch and watched me at 1030 am act a fool with my friends and drink mimosas, mojitos and the occasional tequila shot.... it was after this that I realized she is not as judgmental as I once thought.

I have taught her a lot too... and tried my best to broaden her horizons teaching her the things I learn about life, food and just people in general. Through socialization I have learned so much about topics I never would have thought I would know anything about. I am truly a believer in learning through conversations. I have these conversations and then always come back to mom... talking things through with her and having her put her two cents in. These two cents I never really wanted nor did I appreciate them when I was younger. I know I'm not old and we have many many years to come, but I just wanted to let her and you know that we have come a long way.

This entry's for you, Mom. Thanks for not giving up on me over those years and years that I ignored the phone, deleted the emails and when I did answer snapped at everything you said. I've always said if anyone can push my buttons, it's you... and I guess this time around you've found the good button, the one that controls my heart.

While I lay here, Clara on my chest sound asleep, juggling my computer on my lap and multitasking I'm reminded of the way you raised me to be strong, independent and smart. Without your influence, I may not have learned these traits. Now, a college graduate (finally), married to the most wonderful man who ever stepped on the earth, and most recently becoming a mother myself, I just have to Thank You for your influence on me, and I will pass on these traits and qualities to Clara, your granddaughter.

I Love You Mom. You're already a great Gramma!

Clara Estelle Nichols... finally here!

So, the day finally came. Here are some pictures from her big debut! :) Twenty minutes after birth her Daddy called thinking we had been home and gotten a good night's rest. Boy, was he surprised! So, at 9:54 am, on March 15th the beautiful being came into the world. On her medical records it states that she was delivered "through summersault" and she was 8 lbs 10 oz. It was a great day that seems so surreal now, a week later. It's hard to believe. Sorry I didn't post sooner, but... i've been a little busy! (as you can imagine) But, I will be posting more here in a little bit.

And, on to the next day :)

(Excuse the way I look.... this was the very first 5 seconds of me realizing I was a Mom... it was a crazy 12 hours!)

Clara Estelle Day 2 and 3 :)

I finally (took 3 days) got out my camera :) I've been working on recovering instead of making artwork... the best piece of artwork was born on March 15h!! Welcome to the world.... we love you!

Baby Lexie Mackenna Eberwein's first of many shoots to come :)

I love these little girls :) Sara and I had fun taking photos... even though Lexie was a little cranky with me... figures, she slept for hours after she left the house... never fails :) But, I think we got a few that were fun :)

Busy busy.. learning new things.

So, I have been very busy learning new trades... here's what I've been learning.. :)

This is my very first quilt I made for Clara, it matches her stroller and is lined on the opposite side with minky.. :)

This Giraffe I knitted... it was my second attempt at making animals with needles. I made a rabbit for my niece who is due to be born in May... but, the giraffe I think I will keep for our house... the rocking chair he is sitting in is a chair I found next to a dumpster, gave it a good wash down and a new pad and wahhhh lahhhH!!! A brand new glider/rocker for the house! YAY...

originally I was going to give my giraffe boy away, but he likes his life here on hickory street... so, I think he's our newest addition to the family. :)