One Month

We just celebrated Addy's one month birthday. She is such a sweet baby and quickly settled into our family.

It is fun to get to know her a little better every day. Here are some of the things we know thus far...
- She weighs almost 10 pounds (according to our scale at home - we did not see the doctor for a 1 month appointment because she was thriving at her 2 week check) and can barely fit into newborn sized clothing.
- Her visual interests have moved beyond just watching lights to staring at toys, faces, and other things that come into her view.
- Addy really likes to suck and took a pacifier easily, which soothes her regularly.
- She is starting to enjoy "standing" on our laps for a little exercise.
- We try tummy time as much as possible - she will lay there for awhile, look around a bit, and lift her head a few times before getting fussy.
- Her tongue is really white, which Dr. Oie described as milk tongue. It doesn't bother her, but looks pretty funny.
- When Dax plays with Addy, she often moves her arms toward him and it seems like she's trying to interact with him. It may be coincidental, but he LOVES it when she gets him.
- We did a family photo session with our good friend Eric and we're pretty sure she actually is getting cuter every day.
- She has an active social life having already visited the zoo several times, an apple orchard, the library, the playground, several shopping trips, and playdates with Dax and his friends.
- Addy is really good at sleeping, eating, and pooping :)

Dax is a little stronger than she is now

She likes the Halloween decorations

Loves that pacifier

Milk tongue

"Playing" with a toy

We feel so lucky that we were chosen to be her parents and cannot wait to see how her personality develops as she grows.

Rainbow

Life is pretty amazing. Time flies by and it's easy to forget to savor the special moments and fail to notice the incredible things that happen every day. I am so blessed with the gift of time to enjoy all of those little things and feel insanely lucky for the life we are living.

One year ago, we were at one of our lowest. We excitedly headed to the doctor for a regular check and were preparing to spread the news of another pregnancy. Unfortunately, we learned that our little babe's heart was no longer beating and that we needed to prepare for surgery and healing instead. Our world was rocked a second time that night when we took Dax by ambulance to the ER for a severe case of croup. It was a scary, devastating, emotional weekend that we will never forget. In those moments we struggled to begin picking up the pieces, but tried to see a happier future.

A flower Jake gave me on Baby's due date in honor of our little one

Just 365 short days later, we are in a completely different place. I still regularly think of our little one in heaven, but it is less with sadness and more with anticipation of the day we will reunite. Until then, I know that baby is happy and well-cared-for in the arms of Jesus. Meanwhile, we got to experience the true miracle of a healthy pregnancy and birth.  I recently learned the term Rainbow Baby; a baby who is born following a miscarriage. Just as a rainbow follows a storm, a rainbow baby is something beautiful and amazing following the devastating "storm" of losing a baby. Addy is most definitely our lovely rainbow baby.

We are in awe of the joy that both Dax and Adelaide bring to our family and we are truly amazed that we were chosen to be their parents.

Dax shared some toys to cheer Addy up when she was crying

After reflecting upon the highs and lows of the past year, it is exciting to think about both the ups and downs that are in store for us in the future and we could not be happier. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your support and love. We are so grateful for everyone in our lives and sincerely hope that you can also find joy and happiness every day.

Addy's nursery

Awhile back I promised pictures of Adelaide's nursery once it was finished so here they are!

We all enjoy the cozy space :)

Applewood Orchard

One of our favorite fall traditions (is it a tradition if it's only the second year??) is going to the apple orchard. Dax was thrilled to ride out to the trees, pick apples, and, of course, play. It was a fun family outing and we were amazed with how smoothly it went with a 10 day old peanut. Adelaide slept through the whole experience, but the rest of us made some great memories!

Ready for a hay ride!

First apple

Independent little boy

Addy along for the ride

Yum!

Dax wanted to ride, too.

Our sweet family

Dax LOVES big vehicles and was thrilled to try this tractor

It was just as fun to try the little tractors

Entertaining himself while getting Addy buckled back in

Adelaide

We are loving life with sweet Addy. At her two week well check (which we did a little early), she was back to her birth weight and Dr. Oie confirmed that she is perfect. She measured in the 70th percentile for weight at 8 pounds 2 ounces, 50th percentile for height at 20 inches and 75th percentile for head circumference at 14 inches.

One week old

She has changed our world for the better and it is hard to remember our life before she was a part of it.

Brotherly Love

Dax is such a sweet big brother. He has been a little out of sorts with less Mommy and Daddy time, but is loving his time with Addy. He gives her kisses, snuggles, asks to hold her often, and likes to interact and play with her. One of the days I dropped him off at daycare there were a few tears - not because I was leaving, but because Addy couldn't stay. We are so thankful for the relationship they are already building and excited to see their bond continue as they grow.

Trying out her accessories

Helping with a diaper change

"Can I hold her?"

Tummy time is more fun together!

Loving on Addy

Super brother!

Family of 4

After surpassing the due date once again, I was finally starting to feel ready to not be pregnant anymore. I was enjoying Dax, loving every kick and movement, and savoring the final moments of pregnancy, yet was also getting pretty uncomfortable and anxious to meet our little lady. Luckily she didn't make us wait too long.

At 3:27 on Wednesday, September 17, Adelaide Harriet Schulz made her appearance! Weighing in at 8 pounds, 1 ounce and 20 inches long, she stole our hearts and continues to completely perfect our family.

Dax is taking this big change in stride and likes her more than he doesn't. Jake and I are a little sleep deprived, but could not be happier.

Here's a little peek at our journey thus far...

SO CLOSE to meeting our sweet little girl

And so thankful for all of the wonderful nurses who took care of all of us

Skin to skin with Addy

My two faves

Proud big brother, thrilled to have some new things that are only for big boys - note the big brother hospital bracelet!

Family snuggle time

Loving on his little sister

Daddy and Addy

Passed her hearing test with flying colors!

Sleeping beauty

So so so in love with this little peanut

Ready to go home and try to figure out our new life