Ride the Rails

The day before I went into labor, we took Oliver to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.  It was free (praise hands!) and the attendees could see trains, toys, collectibles, and all things railway.  I was sold.

These trains are still used! They didn't go out on this particular day, though.  We just got to go inside and take a look. In September, Thomas and Friends comes to town at this location.  One employee said it's a madhouse and he's already dreading it.  Haha!  

This one had a sitting area above the train and it was all windows!  So cool.  And of course, I put O in a Thomas the Train shirt.  Duh.

The museum was small and a bit over Oliver's head, but still neat.

This was a great set-up!  Oliver was amazed.  Also, it was so cute to see all the old men with their trains.  I had a vision of Oliver maybe doing that one day.  Ha!

 It was a chilly day but a fun one.  And little did we know...in less than 48 hours, we'd meet our little girl.

Amelia is 1 MONTH!

Dearest Amelia,

My, oh my.  Words cannot express how you make us feel.  You are the perfect addition to our family and we could not be more in love with you.  You, my dear, are something special.  I pray you always believe that.

You make all kinds of noises...the loudest one is grunting.  Just like your brother did.  But, I know it will end so I'm not worried =)

Your brother loves you.  He loves to kiss you, touch your head, and yell to scare you -- which he gets in trouble for.  He cannot wait until you can play and talk!  If he walks into a room and you're not there, he asks, "Mena go?"  Yes, my girl...your nickname is Mena.  We think it's pretty cute.  

Your other nicknames are Little, Sweet Girl, Sister, Girlfriend.  =)

You are a pretty chill baby.  You don't fuss much -- except when you're tired, hungry, or want to be held and you love to be held.  And you eat all the time, it seems.  We are getting to know you and you are getting to know us!  In the early morning, when you're squirming and trying to figure out if you want to eat, sleep, or get up, all it takes is a hand on your tummy and you'll calm down and drift back to sleep.  (Usually.)

I have no idea how long you are or how much you weigh but I KNOW you are growing.  We went to the doctor when you were a week old and you were given the all clear to wait until the big 2 months.

You're in size 1 diapers, which occurred pretty quickly, and pretty much all 3 month clothes.  Holding your head up by yourself is getting easier and easier despite not much tummy time.  You're just held (and worn) so much that it's happening naturally.  

You're not taking a paci which means I'm your paci.  I've tried a couple different types but you just gag.  So, there's that and that's ok.  You do suck on your hands and wrists so maybe you'll be a thumb sucker...who knows?

You love to hear Daddy play guitar and sing to you.  You instantly calm down.  It's pretty precious.

We told the hospital to only wipe you down (I'm a little granola, you'll soon see) and so it was a little over a week before water hit your body. You didn't like your first bath.  Now you do...most of the time.  We keep the space heater on and you love the sound and the heat.  I'll be honest, though.  You're not bathed a whole lot.  I'm sorry and you're welcome =) 

This first month has gone by so quickly but at the same time it feels like you've always been here.  Such a weird thing to explain. While I look forward to sleeping again, I can't help but hold you a little longer.  I look back at when your brother was a baby and I wish I had, so you're my chance.   

We're soaking up every second of every minute with you, sweet one.  May the stars always align for you...

(That's from your daddy.)

I love you so big, Amelia.

Love,
Mama