A Month of Firsts

It's been a little over a month since baby Reagan arrived. And it's been a month of so many firsts for her and for us!

Born on July 17, 2007 at 7:27 pm, Reagan weighed 6 lbs 7.5 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long. We were immediately impressed with her head full of dark hair, her long fingers, and her sweet, tiny features. After being placed back in my arms, she pursed out her lips and smacked, almost like a kiss! Reagan got to meet her Granmommy, Grandma, and Grandpa for the first time when she was just a few hours old.

Peyton met his baby sister for the first time the following morning. His first comment about her was "baby sister have little hands." It was such a sweet meeting! He kissed her gently on the head, just like he automatically knew that he had to be very careful around his tiny little sister. He also got to hold her for the first time. We had a little "Happy Birthday Reagan" party in the hospital room with chocolate cupcakes. Peyton gave Reagan a pink "dots" blanket, just like his blue "dots" blanket that he always sleeps with. Reagan gave Peyton a "Big Bro" bear, who has since become a favorite "animal friend". Riding the elevator at was also a big hit with Peyton! On a trip to the gift shop with Grandma and Grandpa, Peyton picked out another gift for Reagan, a bear wearing pink that sings and angel song when you press it's hand.

Reagan also "met" her friend Caroline (who was born on 7/19) in the hospital just before we came home. Caroline's mommy Jennifer and I are friends from our teaching days, and we were so excited to be having our girls at the same time in the same hospital and delivered by same doctor!

After Reagan's first car ride home , she met Grandaddy for the first time at the door of our house. I wish I could remember more about Reagan's first day at home, but, unfortunately, my sleep-deprived memory of that day is a blur!

In the following days, Reagan got to meet Nona and Grandad, Gran Gran and PePa and many friends for the first time. By the time Reagan was a week old, she had already been out to eat at Dos Charros, Cafe Max, and Saltgrass. She is definitly an on-the-go baby! We've had fun on first trips to Target, Wal Mart, the mall, Chic-fil-a, and many other errands!

As a first-time big brother, Peyton has adjusted very well! From the beginning, he has seemed to accept that baby sister is here to stay. It's so sweet to watch him kiss her goodnight or give her a pacifier! For several weeks after coming home, Peyton would say "Ride elevator get baby sister".

One very special "first" was Reagan's first trip to church. On Sunday, August 12, Reagan's first day at church, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church celebrated our first Sunday in our brand new worship center, a very memorable day for our church family! Reagan attended her first worship service with Grandma, Grandpa, Daddy, and me. Peyton went to his classroom. For Reagan and I, it was a very short service - about 10 minutes. Then Reagan decided she was hungry. We spent the remainder of the service in the cry room and the lobby.

There have been so many special "first" moments these past few weeks that are engraved in our memories forever. One of my favorites is the image I have of Dustin holding his well-bundled, minutes old daughter for the first time in the Labor & Delivery room. Another is the look on Peyton's face as he saw Reagan for the first time. I'll especially cherish the memory of Reagan laying on my chest for the first time, just seconds old.

We are taking to heart the precious little characteristics of Reagan's newborn days. We love her soft, quiet coos and sighs. When she's sleeping and she smiles, her whole face seems to smile. Even the corners of her eyes seems to turn up! We love the sweet dimples on her hands where her knuckles will be. Her snores are especially adorable!

A month of so many firsts.... And so many firsts to look forward to this year!