Three weeks old...

Lunch with "The Noodles" at Flip Burger

Dinner (and play dates) with friends at the Gray's House

Nona's Retirement Party

Lots of playtime with Mommy and Daddy

Tons of feedings with Mommy and Daddy

Several "photo shoots"

Nap times

Kisses

Meeting Important and Special People like Mama Jan

Little bit of whining here and there

First Bath

Visits from all the grandparents

Tons of time with Poppy on his shoulder

Sweet Baby,

You have been here (outside of my tummy) for three weeks and two days! You have already grown so much. I tried to weigh you on your third week birthday to see how much you weighed.. 8.3 lbs is what my scale said. Who knows if it is correct but as much as you eat, I believe it! You are a champ eater and sleep between 3.5 and 4 hours at night. You go to bed about 9 PM and wake up about 6, but you go back to bed about 8 and sleep till 11. We only feed you once from 9 to 6! This means every other night Mommy gets a full nights rest- Daddy gets up with you every other night. You love Mommy and Daddy's voices and will follow us with your head if we are walking through the room while talking. You have spent the night with Nona and Poppy four times now. This helps Mommy stay sane and makes me an even better Mommy when you get back. You had your first Courington Family Gathering on Memorial Day this week! You were the hit of the show. You are SO very loved, sweet angel. I hope you always know how much joy you bring to everyone's life. However, Poppy takes the cake for being infatuated with you. He always asks me, "Is this what heaven is going to be like?" when he's holding you! Here are a few highlights since we came home from the hospital.

Love you always,

Mommy

Hallie's Birth Announcement

Spring Branch Girl Baby Announcements

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HK Hospital Day 1

Hello World!

Meeting the family for the first time!

Wednesday night after church Hallie had her first youth group experience!

Hallie Kate's Birthstory

On Monday, May 9, 2011, (one of my two due dates- the other was May 10) I had my 40 week appointment with Dr. Damrich. He was going out of town the following weekend, so we decided to be induced on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

We got to the hospital at 4:55 and got all settled in to get ready for HKs big day! They started my IV.

Right after they started my IV- before the pain started :)

Soon after they started my IV, I asked about a nurse's husband I work with. I had heard she was super sweet, and I wanted to introduce myself- that was all. However, they let her take care of me that day. At first I was like wait, I WORK with her husband everyday and have her son in Math, and will have her other 2 kids in the next few years! However, I decided to go with the flow. This was the best decision I made besides having Dr. Damrich deliver her. I am beyond thankful she was a part of this special day.

Shay, our fabulous nurse after delivery

Shay and Hallie the day we left to come home

Shay, Hallie, and I as we were getting ready to head home

I was dilated to a 3 when we arrived and quickly progressed to a 4. I was given some pain medicine and then given an epidural about an hour later. We started pushing about 12:35, but she was turned on her side while holding her ear. So, she took a little longer to make her appearance. About 1:30 the doctor came in and helped make it possible for Hallie to get here. He mentioned something about a C-section, and I might or might not have slightly panicked. With a little medical intervention (episiotomy and forcepts), the C-section was avoided and HK made her debut at 2:03 PM weighing 6 lb 12 oz and measuring 20.25 inches long!

Hallie after delivery when they were weighing her

Daniel updated facebook to keep everyone up to date and I want to include those updates for sentimental reasons. So, please excuse any repeated information.

6:10 am Baby update #1- All is going well. Nurse says she is "contracting beautifully". She is having no pain through contractions. Her dilation had already went from 1.5cm to 3cm since Monday. Mandi Bradford Courington (tag on facebook)

6:37 am My daughter will share a birthday with Cameron Newton. Make that a check mark on the old bucket list.

9:23 am Baby update #2 - Mandi is doing well. Epidural is in and she is at 4cm.

10:14 am The Red Wings have 8 players over 35. Always wondered why Hockey players last so much longer than athletes in other sports.

11:07 am Update #3. We are at 7cm and 100% effaced. Won't be too long now.

11:43 am Update #4 We're at 9 cm now! That's really close to 10 by the way

12:36 pm Update #5- We are about to start pushing.

1:34 pm Update #6... didn't want the last update to be #6 so we are still pushing. Hopefully #7 will be the last update.

2:52 pm Update #7 HK- 6pd 12oz. 20"

Everyone is well!

Everyone who waited patiently on HK's arrival (others not pictured: Bob Swain and Tiffany Hall)

An elder and fellow minister from Roebuck, Leroy Owens

Proud Grandfathers laughing at a video about the April 27th storm stealing a guy's hamburger (no lie)

Granna, Nona, and Aunt Kim enjoying each other's company

Weekly Collage

I added this collage back in January!

Here is a photo collage of all my weekly photos. I didn't take one each week but didn't miss too many weeks at a time!

Nursery Reveal

The finished product as you walk in the door! My favorite part is the pom poms over her crib!

Two sweet teddy bears with a lot of sentimental value!

Immeadiately in front as you walk in her room is a vanity turned changing table and her rocker which I am in love it. It is part of the Story Time series. It was the only item we actually ordered specifically for the nursery. Everything else was already owned, a gift, or purchased used.

The mirror we've had for several years. I was tickled to find a purpose for it finally! I can imagine many mornings of making silly faces with HK in this mirror! The changing table is a matching piece to her dresser- it also has been in the family for many years. It was a gift from my parents!

If you come in the room and turn 180 degrees.

A special shelf to hang her coming home dress. It was hand smocked by a dear family friend, Aunt Rouge. Also, a bear that Daniel had growing up, Carrie. The blue and white striped bear is made from one of my dad's dad's dress shirts.

The pom poms above her crib! I adore these!

The oh-so-comfy rocker that I know will get much use during those 3 AM feedings!

Immeadiately to the right as you come in the door of her room. I got the clock for my birthday from my Mom intentionally for the nursery. The wicker box houses all her toys- for now. The piggy bank is from Sarah Ridinger for her FHU fund! The big teddy bear was given to me by Daniel on our first date when I was 15. Yes, I still have it. It is one of my most prized possessions probably. The smaller bear was a gift from Kim and Kara Gott when I was a teenager. The dresser is furniture that has been in my Mom's family for years and years. The white monogrammed "C" is from a friend from Roebuck, Samantha Hudson.

Finished nursery at 36 weeks and 6 days pregnant!

Roebuck Shower for Miss Hallie

On March 27th we were given a very generous shower at Roebuck. Here are a few of the highlights!

The fellowship hall decorated and ready for the party!

The gorgeous cake made by Ms. Kitty Lewis!

The very generous gifts waiting to be opened.

The sign in table as you came in the fellowship hall.

The yummy food and beautiful centerpiece.

Two of our wonderful hostesses, Jill and Amy

Opening gifts...

Daniel being Daniel... I wouldn't have it any other way!

I loved the Christmas box!

Both sets of Hallie's grandparents were able to be with us!

My beautiful sister-in-law, Katie, and I

Jenn (Noodle) and myself!