Bath time

Yesterday we gave Madelyn her first real bath.  She seemed a little skeptical at first, but ended up looking quite content in the warm water.

All clean!

Day Trip

Last week, we experienced a surprisingly warm, 65-degree November day in New England, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and took a day trip to Portsmouth, NH.  It was our first extended outing with Miss Madelyn, and she did a great job.  She spent most of the afternoon in the stroller in this position...






Portsmouth was settled in 1623 near the mouth of the Piscataqua river, which flows along the border between New Hampshire and Maine.  The port city is considered the third oldest city in the United States.  It is a quaint, lovely juxtaposition of historical sites and modern restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

After having lunch at the Portsmouth Brewery, we took a leisurely stroll through Strawbery Banke, an outdoor history museum that traces four decades of life in Portsmouth.

 
We had a great time enjoying the warm, fresh air and some time together as a family.

Madelyn's Room

Here are a few photos of Madelyn's sunny nursery.  Although she does not spend a lot of time in her room yet, we hope she will enjoy living and growing in her cozy space.

Madelyn's crib with bumpers, quilt, and wall hanging created by Grandma Renee

The changing table, i.e. the area of the room used most often these days

A line from a beloved children's book, calligraphy done by our friend, Sarah

A precious pillow stitched by Tyler's Nannie

Happy Halloween from the Holleys

Our little pumpkin

Our happy family

I'm ready for my close up!

  

Homecoming

Thursday, October 20, we headed home from the hospital as a family of three.

Madelyn slept the entire ride home, with her teddy by her side.

 Grandma greeted us with a welcome sign, a balloon, and a single pink rose in honor of our sweet baby girl.

We were so glad to get home and start getting settled

as a family.

First Days

Here are just a few snapshots from Madelyn's first days in the hospital.

With the proud Daddy 

Hearing Test

With Mama

Big Yawn!

With Grandma

Welcome to our World!

After months of waiting and preparing, Baby Holley finally decided to make her move.  We awoke on Monday morning at 4:30 a.m. to Amanda's water breaking.  After calling the doctor's office, we made our way to the hospital, with Amanda's mom excitedly accompanying us.  Not much else happened during the course of the morning and early afternoon, so we passed the time by watching TV and playing cards.

Finally, after some help from pitocin, an epidural, and three hours of pushing, our little girl entered the world.  Madelyn Amanda Holley was born at 1:29 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.  She weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz., measured 21 inches, and surprised us with a head full of dark, curly hair.  We are overjoyed to welcome her into our family.

Welcome to our world, Baby Madelyn!