First Photo Session With Daddy

As many of you already know, Hays is the photographer in our household and a very talented one if I do say so myself. Ever since we found out we were pregnant Hays knew he wanted to take the newborn pictures. So we searched the internet and stores for the appropriate props. My parents were in town this weekend and were able to help us take the pictures (this is no two man job). I think they turned out great and Hays did a fabulous job. Enjoy!!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Living in the South, it's not very often you wake up to a snow covered yard and house. Well, today we woke up to 4 inches of pretty white snow on the ground. It was such a big deal the news was calling it THE Snow Storm of 2010. Too bad Olivia isn't old enough to get outside and play in the snow and build a snowman. We did get her bundled up nice and warm to take some pictures to remember her very first snow. Everything has a new meaning now that we have a little one to share them with.

One Week Old....Already?

Our sweet baby girl is already over a week old. Where does time go? I think Hays and I are so sleep deprived at the moment that we don't know what day or time it is. We are so enjoying our sweet little girl. I don't think either of us were prepared for how hard this period of time in our lives would be but we also didn't realize how much we would receive back from this precious gift. God is sooo good to us! He never gives us more than we can handle and is always sharing with us more than we ever have deserved.

Olivia actually had her two week doctor's appointment today and has gained 13 ounces and has grown an inch. Wow, so much can happen in one week in the life of a little baby.

Who Dat Say They Gonna Beat Those Saints!!??

As many of you already know from past posts, Hays' family has season tickets to the Saints (koodos to Matt) and we were able to attend several of the season games as well as the playoffs and championship game. I have never really gotten into pro football much but figured I would try to follow this season as close as possible since we were going to some of the games and getting to see many of the teams play. We quickly were attracted by the New Orleans fans and really enjoyed ourselves as well as pulling for the team. Never in our wildest dreams did we really think that at the end of this season they would WIN the SUPER BOWL. What a magical night that was for the people of New Orleans and for the players.

Obviously, this year we were not able to go to a Super Bowl party so we had one of our own. My mom cooked a great meal for us and we dressed up in our Saints attire to root for our team. We had to take a picture to remember Olivia's first Super Bowl and of course, the Saints winning their first Super Bowl! Geaux Saints!! Can't wait til next season.

Just Some Pic's....

Olivia and her daddy taking their first nap together. I think they are going to be two little peas in a pod! Hays just has no clue what he is in store for.

I know I am partial because, after all, I am her mother but she really is the cutest most beautiful baby I have ever seen!

Lilly (the BIG sister) meeting Olivia for the first time. They will have so much fun together.

Olivia Sue Collins Has Arrived!!

Miss Olivia had different plans than we and the doctor did on what day should be her birthday. She wanted to be a January Baby. Olivia was born January 29, 2010 at 11:46 am. She weighed 6 pounds and 5 ounces and 19.5 inches long. She is an absolute doll and we have fallen madly in love with her from the first second we saw her.

My water broke at about 2:30 am. We arrived at the hospital around 4 am to begin the greatest adventure of our life after being pulled over by the police for going 15 over the speed limit. Thank goodness he believed that we were on our way to the hospital and didn't give us a ticket. Things moved quickly once we got to the hospital. In about two hours I went from 2 cm to 5 cm. Around 7am I got my epidural, while being in the middle of receiving it Hays started feeling a little queasy and passed out right then and there. Boy, I thought, this is going to be a loonnnggg day. Things progressed quickly after that, Hays started feeling better, my mom arrived FINALLY and we started pushing around 11:00.

We will never forget January 29, 2010 as being one of the best days of our lives. Olivia is such a blessing and great gift from our Lord. We rejoice in His blessings and ask for His protection and guidance over this precious gift He has given to me and Hays.

First picture of Olivia and many to come

First family photo op

She's a daddy's little girl

Going home in our cute little outfit

First bathtime

BIG News....

So our life into parenthood is creeping up faster than we had anticipated. Hays and I went to the doctor for our weekly check-up yesterday to find out that we will be parents next tuesday (2-2-10) if not sooner. Everything is fine with me and the baby. He does want to go ahead and induce because of my hypothyroidism. I am 1.5 centimeters dilated, 50% effaced and she is head down and ready to go. Hopefully, she will come on her own before next Tuesday but if not we will arrive at the hospital that day at 5:30 in the morning. All prayers and thoughts are greatly needed and appreciated!

Hays and I left the doctor's office yesterday not really knowing what to think about the whole situation. We just cannot believe that our little girl will be here. We know that this is God's plan and we have to trust Him and know that He will be with us and watching after us during this whole process. Hays will post pictures and an update and soon as he has a minute. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for us and baby Olivia.