Momma is A EKU Alumni!

Just yesterday 12/19/09 I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University! I now have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. It's feels really nice to be done for now, I plan on taking the next semester off to spend time with my daughter and then apply for the Masters Program in the fall! Yay Me!

Just A few Cute Pictures!

She's growing so fast! She smile so sweetly all the time now! Daddy is trying to convience her she is a "little tarheel" lol! LOVE HER!

Christmas RuSh!

Just a few thoughts about Christmas and how crazy we tend to get in order to prepare for it. It all starts on black Friday, people literally run in order to get good deals and save a little money. They are constantly thinking of what to buy one another and most are browsing the web to shop even while they are supposed to be working. I know, because I'm guilty of it all. But the thought has occurred to me that we are too wrapped up in the wrong reasons for Celebrating the Christmas holiday. We all think of it, but do we really celebrate it or just the other definition of it which seems to be Santa bringing gifts to all the little kiddos? It's just been on my heart and a bit of a burden lately that I want to be able to teach my little innocent Alyssa the real meaning of Christmas and have her think of and celebrate Jesus Christ first rather than worry about what Santa's bringing this year. If only we were as innocent as the little babies and children, would we see the real reason for Christmas more clear? Jesus is worth celebrating 365 days a year, not just on December the 25th! I strive to live a better life, doing as he would have me to do. Although I do fail daily, he seems to pick me up and keep me going. He answers prayers daily and makes life worth living, he's blessed me with my baby girl and forever I will be Thankful. She is a true gift, hand made just from him. That's special! I just hope everyone including me, strives to put the true meaning of Christmas first this year! Making Jesus Christ the reason for the Season, not just on Christmas but everyday of our lives. Wishing everyone a Wonderful Christmas!
From Josh, Amanda & Alyssa!!!!!!!!!!

Is that you Momma?

So I was feeding Alyssa earlier and sit her up to burp on my knee like I usually do and instead of falling dead asleep, she was looking around and finally fixed her eyes on ME! She kept looking at me and SmIlInG so BiG! It was like she finally seen me and realized it was her Mommy! I say it was like she was saying "Momma, is that you...it is its mommy!" Hi Mommy! So adorable! I have started back to work recently and it's breaking my heart to be away from her! I think about her constantly and text my mother who is watching her to see what she's doing and how she is feeling. I miss her terribly but it makes the time with her seem so much more special and I find myself spending more time with her and really enjoying it! Sweet little moments~

2 Month Check Up

Glad to say that on Dec 2nd my little girl was officially 2 months old and checked out perfectly at the doctors appt. She now weighs 9lbs and 1 oz and is currently 21.5 inches long. Her weight gain in now in the 10th percentile instead of the 5th..yay! Sadly, it was time for those horrible things that they must have..shots..! I wasn't sure how to feel about it at first when going to the doctor but figured she would be fine as well as myself. Major misconception, it was the Worst thing I've ever experienced! She cried, face red, lip pouched out and Momma cried too~ Horrible horrible! She did well though, sleeping the rest of the day and night only waking to eat! She did get fussy a bit, and even the next day. She didn't eat very well, but all are normal side effects from the shots! She seems to be over it now and sweet as ever, but my heart broke for her that day! Alyssa is smiling so much now, it's the cutest thing in the world! Nothing like my little Alyssa!

tHaNkSgIvInG 2009

So today we had our First Thanksgiving with Alyssa~ We went to Granny n Pa Cornelius' and Granny Hursts! We had a wonderful time with Family and Alyssa actually stayed awake a lot! We missed seeing Granny & Poppy Gray but thought of them and wished they could have been here! It's so nice to experience these holidays with our new love, Alyssa! I just cant wait for her to be able to experience them herself! She is absolutely worn out and is in bed now, but seems to be WIDE awake! We have one more supper to attend on Saturday with my dad's side of the family! I just love getting together with our families, it's so nice to see everyone! Family is so important and I don't think people realize that, but I do enjoy and love those who we are close to! Looking forward to spending Christmas with our families as well as experiencing Alyssa's first Christmas!

GrUmPy GiRl

I continue to fall more in LoVe with Alyssa Grace every single day, those sweet mornings she wakes me up wiggling around in the bed grunting~ Alyssa sleeps with me in the "Big Bed" and it's so funny how she falls asleep. I put her down and of course give her pacifier...she sucks on it until she finally falls asleep and then...insists on wiggling her way down until she is laying vertically in the bed and then she's ready to go Nite Nite! I'll post pictures of her as soon as I can figure out how to get them from my cell to the computer! This morning she woke me up wiggling around so I got up and fed her, then put her in her swing for a bit to get some things done and looked over and she was giving me that hateful little frown! Someone wasn't a happy camper! I just love her little facial expressions & they just get cuter everyday! Alyssa, Papaw and I went to church on Sunday and she was simply adorable! She wasnt to happy when I woke her up to get her ready seeing she fell asleep twice while I was trying to dress her! She makes everyday worth while and it just keeps getting better!

Lazy Saturday

So...today I have kind of been in a weird mood but so enjoyed laying in the bed with Alyssa til 10:30 this morning! She is the sweetest little thing I've ever experienced, Life without her seems so unreal! She is sitting in her swing as of now, looking around so curiously! I cant wait to see her grow each and every day, doing new little things and learning! She seems to be sMilInG more each day which really lights up the room as well as my HeArT. She is also sleeping through the NiGhT, sometimes even 8 hours at a time! I scheduled her Christmas Pictures yesterday, I cant wait. I think we all may go broke on her pictures! She is 7 weeks old and I cant believe it's been almost 2 months already! She is gaining weight and her little fat roles are just too precious! Josh is watching NC football (of course), it's just one of those lazy Saturdays~ Christmas is rounding the corner and will be here very soon, I cant wait for Alyssa's first Christmas. I just hope Josh and I as parents can teach Alyssa the TRUE meaning of Christmas rather than that's it all about presents! I do pray that one day she will know and love God, Jesus will be her Best Friend for life! He so carefully created her so perfectly and allowed us to have her healthy, strong, and more beautiful than anything in this world, for that I'm so very Thankful! Of course she's too little to know, but big enough to enjoy looking at all those BrIgHt lights. She has her own little Christmas Tree in her room! On the other hand, I will be finishing up this semester very soon, graduating on Dec 19 which makes me very happy. It's been a long time now and it's finally going to be over for a while! I'm just going to go back to work and enjoy my little GiRl for the next 6 months or so! I will apply for the Graduate Program in the fall though, which makes me very sad! School seems to be essential these days but so not worth all the money and aggravation. All I know is that I will be saying "GooDbYe to EKU" and that's wonderful! Well I had better get to some house cleaning, just a few random thoughts for the day!

*ReAl TeArS*

November 18th 2009 Miss Alyssa Grace made real tears. I had been wondering at what age they cried real tears! She was sitting in her swing being a little fussy and I picked her and to hold her and then realized it was time to eat. So I laid her back down in her swing until I could get her bottle fixed, she was impatient as one could expect~ She began to cry and I talked to her like I always do to calm her down, except it didn't work this time. I finally finished her bottle, which felt like it took forever, and walked over to get her and there they were....real little tears~ It was so cute but so sad at the same time. Ah..I just love her~

*Thoughts*

My little Alyssa was 6 weeks old yesterday and attended her first birthday party; Miss Jacelyn turned one yesterday! We had a wonderful time at Jacelyns birthday party; I got to see some old friends and it was so much fun to see their kids as well. It's nice to reconnect with those old friends every now and then. I feel so blessed in this life to have such a sweet little healthy baby girl and a wonderful family. Alyssa couldn't have better grandparents; who simply adore her~ Poppy Gary and Granny Anna live in Frankfort so they don't get to see her as much; we miss them so much! They are too great! Mamaw and Pa Coffey visit daily since they live literally 5 seconds away; they cant get enough!!! We had Alyssa's pictures done at 3 weeks old by Lisa at ellephotography located in Berea. We got them back yesterday and I'm so pleased but so confused on what to get...they turned out amazingly well. Alyssa has officially learned how to cry; I experience this every morning when I'm trying to make her bottle. She is now sleeping with her momma in the "big bed." She sleeps wonderfully, waking about every four hours to eat and eats about every 3 hours throughout the day. She is now smiling when you talk to her; simply melts my heart even though she smiles a lot more at her stinky daddy! lol She's beginning to stare at different things, usually the ceiling fan or our wedding picture on the wall, especially when she eats. I enjoy every single minute of her and couldn't imagine life without her, I wonder what josh and I did before she came into our lives~! Most people say they use to have a life; I believe we didn't have one until now. :) Alyssa is scheduled for her two month checkup on Dec. 2, and that means "shots." ehhh I'm nervous for her and hoping the visit goes well. She's still taking 4 ozs at a time, but gets hungry quicker...then I try to give her 4.5 ozs...she will not take it all. So we stick with what she knows for now! I look forward to each and everyday with my little love bug; and cant wait to experience each and every milestone!

HaLlOwEeN 2009

So of course Alyssa got to experience her first Halloween but was to * little* to go trick or treating. The little rascal slept all the way through the night, but we got to see some very sweet little trick or treaters. I bought her the cutest outfit because they didnt make costumes small enough and we didnt want to bother her with one either. My little Alyssa is now 5 weeks old, 6lbs 12.5 ozs and I love every single minute with her. I dont know how to feel about returing to work although I know it's essential that I do so. She is doing so many new little things that make each day worth while~ She alone makes each day worth while~ I cant wait for her first Christmas! It's going to be too sweet! Josh has been sick and hasnt held her in two days, it's killing him & breaking his heart too! Hopefully he will be well enough soon and he can snuggle her up! Alyssa has now gotten use to sleeping with her mommy, so we sleep in the BIG BED and daddy sleeps on the couch sometimes~ I know people say it's a mistake...but I cant help it~ Atleast for now!!

*Alyssa's First Days Home & Her First Bath*

It was really different at first being home with this new little life God created~ But slowly we have learned to go without sleep or go with very few hours, and mostly importantly we have learned that our needs are no longer important and Alyssa's are met first. I find myself thinking back to what it was like with just me and josh and I wouldn't go back for it~ Alyssa makes every single moment worth while and life means so much more. I can only hope with God's guidance that I can be a wonderful mommy to Alyssa and raise her in a way in which he would see fit. If she only knew how much LoVe there was for her~

AlYsSa has ArRiVed~ October 02, 2009

Yes it's true...Ayssa Grace is finally here~ I wasnt feeling alyssa move very much on thursday october 01, 2009 so I called the doctor and was advised to come in to see what was going on. After what seemed like forever on the monitor and then an ultrasound it was revealed that the fluid was extremely low and it was essential that she be delivered. I was admitted to the hospital that evening and induced on friday morning at 6:30am. I was in labor until I had her at 8:33pm on friday night. It was the most wonderful experience I must say, words will never explain what it was like. It's something I'll never ever forget. Family and friends were there the whole time and Alyssa Grace was Welcomed into the World by many people. There were several experiences in the hospital that will forever remain in my memory, but made for a very sad time; not for me but others! It made me realize how truely blessed I am. My mom and josh were in the delivery room and I wouldnt have had it any other way. I am so happy with my life, it's so amazing how things change. Alyssa is now 1 month old and she is currently weighing in at 6lbs 12.5 ozs. Dr. says everything looks perfect~ I thank God daily for what he has blessed me with and couldnt be less worthy. Alyssa is a true blessing and she is My LiFe~

Alyssa's Ultrasound Pictures

Here are a few of Alyssa's Ultrasound Pictures, the last one at 33 weeks...she wouldnt show her face so we dont have any from then. We do have one confirming she was still a GiRl*

*LiFe*

Once again, I'm up early and seems I have a lot on my mind and no one to communicate with! Josh is gone to work, I'm glad it's Thursday and he's off for the next few days. I do miss him terribly since I'm home more. When I was going to school and working it seemed as if I kept my mind more occupied. I slept very well last night, I don't even remember what time I fell asleep but I did sleep through most of the am hours which is very rare for me. I didn't even wake up when Josh left for work, and I usually do! I've been very productive this morning doing some homework, trying to get ahead so that when Alyssa gets here I can take a break and not worry about school work.
I saw one of my Best friends mom at the store last night, Lisa! I just love her! She's the sweetest women ever and I adore her. She's an amazing woman and always blesses me no matter what. She told me some funny funny stories about Kennedy (Britts little girl) and Britt's very lucky to have such a comical little girl. I'm very lucky to know and have friends like Brittney and her mother! Very special people!
I'm missing my mom a little this morning, she called to check on me since she hadn't heard from me like always. I usually call her while she's at work. But this morning I was snoozing and didn't get to call her. She is my very best friend and without her...who knows what I would do. She is the most amazing woman and I couldn't be more blessed to say she is my Mother! She is so excited to be a "Nana!" I cant wait for her to get to finally experience it, her and dad have wanted grandchildren for a while now and God has truly blessed us. Miss.Alyssa is very lucky to have such wonderful grandparents.
Well it seems that the more I ramble, the more comes to mind and I have more homework to be doing, so I'd better get to it. I'm thinking I'll visit with Jess, Jenn and the baby this evening. I absolutely love little Kaydence Bug~

Up Early*

I've really taken to this blogger thing, it makes for an easy way to express what I'm feeling when no one else is around to talk to. Josh is already up and gone for work and I've been working on getting some homework done as usual. Alyssa and I usually stay up for a few hours after Josh leaves and then it's back to bed for the both of us. I wonder if that's how it will work when she finally gets here, because that's been our routine for a while now. I have a Dr.s appt on Friday, I cant wait to hear some kind of news~ It's a whole 28 days until Alyssa's due date now, and it's becoming more real each day that Josh and I are going to be parents. I want to meet her so badly. The days seem to be getting longer as I go and I seem to be getting less sleep, although I'm thankful for what I do get at this point. Heartburn has taken it's toll, I never experienced it until I became pregnant and now understand what my josh was talking about all those nights he couldn't sleep because of it. *It's horrid*
Jason's household shower is the 26th of Sept. and I'm so excited for him and Tara. They plan to marry on October the 24th 2009, they should since they have been together forever~ lol JK! Anyway, I wish them the best. It kind of makes me sad to think my J is getting married finally and moving off. He is the best big BRO ever! It seems like all of our lives have changed so much in this last year, mom and dad are becoming GRANDPARENTS, sending off another child..Jason who is getting married, Josh and I are becoming parents, both brothers are becoming uncles. Seems everyone is taking on a new role in life! We have had so many showers it's unreal, and seems like our schedules are still so busy.
I cant wait to start my family that God has given me. It makes me so happy to think about what it's going to be like, even though I'm sure it's not going to be easy. I cant wait to start little traditions with Alyssa and Josh for the Holidays~ Do all the girlie stuff with Alyssa and teach her things~! I hope I can be a Wonderful Mother to her! I have birthing classes this weekend, Mom and I are going to attend. Josh really wasn't up for the adventure. (ha ha) I'm really excited though, everyone says it's amazing and helps so much when the little one finally decides to make their appearance. I will let everyone know my opinion after this weekend!
Well I guess since Alyssa and I have been up for almost a hour now we will try to go back to bed now, I think she already has! :)

God Bless Everyone!

September 15 2009

First off, Thank You Lord for this day and allowing me and my family to wake up and live life~ I always find it amazing the blessing our LORD sends us, even when we least deserve them. I tend to slip and it never fails that he always comes through. I'm feeling better today than I have in a long while, I kind of got a little down and all from this pregnancy. I in no way mean with Alyssa, she is my little blessing and I cant wait to meet her! But my body seems to have went through so many changes I would have never expected. It's hard on a Girl~ But I've kept my faith and the lord has showed me that I can make it through anything, especially this pregnancy. I have learned in the last few days, I must take it day by day. I want to meet her so badly, but we must wait for her. I am enjoying' these last few weeks of being pregnant, swollen feet and all because soon I will gain a whole new responsibility and the being "lazy" will no longer be an option. I cant wait to start blogging about Alyssa and all the things she will be doing when she gets here, I already say I dint want her to get BIG! lol I cant wait for our family and friends to meet Alyssa as well, they are all just as excited as we are. I know she will have a wonderful family, God has truly blessed her in that way~ I couldn't ask for a more understanding, loving, caring, concerned bunch that we call our FAMILY! I'm going to visit Ashley and Jacelyn today, I've decided that getting out of this house makes me feel so much better~ So I'm gonna go for now, Hope everyone enjoys this wonderful day~

God Bless

Alyssa's Baby Showers

We had two different showers: One given by my MOM *Loretta* and another by Josh's MOM *Karen*

Alyssa's Room!

Here is a little look into Alyssa's bedroom we fixed for her* I hope she Loves it as much as I do* Josh and his dad worked a few saturdays on her room for several hours to get it finished before our showers. It's done in "Tropical Punch Cocalo" from Baby Depot. There's still some organization to be done because we have gotten so much at both baby showers, there's no room to put it all. We had to move Josh's clothes out of the closet just to put some of her's up.

Welcome!!

Hello All~ I'm Amanda! I'm married to Joshua and we are currently expecting our first child *Alyssa* in October. Alyssa is my reason for starting this blog, to allow people to see our lives and experience Alyssa growing up~ We are so excited to start our own little family. Alyssa was a blessing to us and we are so grateful for her~ We didn't expect her, but God does bless us unexpectedly and oh so greatly! We have her room all done and are now just awaiting her arrival in a short 4 weeks. I am currently attending EKU and finishing up my last semester to obtain my BS in Psychology. I plan on going back to work a few months after Alyssa makes her appearance and I get to spend some mommy time with her! Josh is a wonderful man, my love, my husband, and friend. I cant wait to see him become the Wonderful daddy I know he will be* Josh works at Wal-Mart D.C. and spends his past time watching "UNC Tar heels Basketball & Football." We enjoy spending time with one another, family and friends, and just being ourselves. We are nothing special, in no way perfect, but just enjoy living our normal everyday lives.