Chloe's New Hat

It's the time of year to play outside. So what does that mean for baby Chloe?? A nice summery play hat. At first, she didn't think it was so nice. But after a minute or two, she was just enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

It's a little big, but she will grow into it.

I promised in my last blog some pictures from our Florida trip. This was taken while we were still in St. Louis in the chilly temperatures. But soon enough we would be enjoying some warm weather.

This is what Chloe did for most of the plane ride. She did get a little fussy as the airplane was descending, but who can blame her.

These are some dear friends of ours, the McCraws. Jeremiah was just born in January.

This picture was taken right outside of our hotel. Isn't it beautiful? Doesn't it make you want to hop on a plane and visit Florida, even if just for a day?

Chloe definitely enjoyed being in Florida. It was the first time that she was really able to spend any time outside. Jeremy and I had a great time as well. It was nice to just get away for a few days and spend some time with friends in the ministry. Now we are busy in our household getting ready for Easter. I've already got Chloe's outfit picked out and can't wait to put her in it. She may not be as excited as I am. I'm also very occupied planning a retreat for our middle school girls that is coming up April 16th. We are talking to girls about guarding their hearts. It's going to be a great time; now if I can just finish putting all of the details together instead of blogging.....

Chloe Smiles

I absolutely love it when Chloe smiles. You can't help but smile right back at her. If this picture doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will. I really think she looks a lot like Jeremy in this picture as well.

This picture was taken right before we left for church. She's getting better and better about going to church (and sleeping through the preaching).

Chloe has actually had an eventful week so far. She rolled over and she picked up a toy. She is really starting to make progress. She's able to hold her head up very well now and is starting to push her body up with her arms. It won't be long before she'll be crawling all over the place, I'm sure. Next week she gets to take her first airplane ride to Orlando, FL. Jeremy is attending a youth conference there and we are going along for the ride (and the warm weather). Hopefully my next post will have pictures of palm trees in it!

The View From Where I Sit

The view from where I sit just keeps getting better and better. Here are few recent pictures of our dear daughter.

Chloe and Daddy taking a nap.

Cute pose! She looks like the thinker.

The first playdate didn't go so well. Oh well, the parents had a good time together.

Somehow she always manages to get at least one arm free from her swaddle.

We put her to work to earn her keep.

Chloe had just had a bath. I love the way she smells after her bath. She still doesn't like getting baths, but one day she will.

Chloe is doing so much better these days. She's sleeping a lot more and isn't nearly as fussy as before. I appreciate all the advice and the prayers. I still need both. Chloe is bringing so much joy to our lives. We are so thankful for our family and friends.

Chloe Lynn Shirley

Our little girl is finally here! Chloe Lynn Shirley was born on December 10, 2009 at 5:33pm. She weighed 4lbs 11oz and was 18.5 inches long.

This picture was taken right after she was born via C-section.

Jeremy holding our new daughter.

Chloe finally got to come home from the hospital on Christmas day!

Her sweet little feet!

Close-up!

This picture was taken on her one month birthday. She's growing fast and now weighs in at 7lbs 5oz. I honestly can't believe that she is already a month old. God has truly blessed us with a special little girl who has already won our hearts.

Family Ties

We were able to make a visit home over Labor Day weekend.

Micah really loved playing with "Juncle Jeremy". It was so cute!

We had a small photo shoot in my parents' backyard.

Me and my sisters.

The whole family. We had a great weekend seeing old friends and getting to hang out with family as well. We were also in town to attend Jenna's wedding reception. It was very beautiful! Congratulations, Jenna and Josiah!

We're Having a Girl!

We're having a little girl! We had an ultrasound on Monday. The technician assured us that this image meant that our baby was female. We are so excited!

This is the baby's head and body. You can see her spine in this picture. She was wiggling all around during the ultrasound. The technician was trying to get a profile picture for us, but she just wouldn't cooperate. This is as good as it gets for now.

A Time to Grow

These are just some pictures of my ever-growing baby belly.

12 weeks....not much of a bump at all.

17 weeks....just a little bump.

This is the most recent picture (taken last night) at 20 weeks. We are supposed to find out the gender of the baby on Monday. So I'm sure that will be my next blog entry. It's becoming a baby kind of world in our house.