Just Chillin...

When I was registering for baby items, I was overwhelmed by how many things you could buy for a new baby. I tried to be most practical in my selections since I knew Cannon could only experience so much in a little amount of time plus Kathi was so kind to give us some things that Abby wasn't using anymore. The one selection I did make was to get a bouncer and as you can see Cannon enjoys hanging out and looking at the monkey. He will be so surprised one day when he realizes that there is actually a lion and hippo too for his viewing pleasure but for some reason every time we put him in it he gravitates to that monkey!

Aaron and I already talk of how exciting it will be to take him up to Atlanta to visit the zoo and aquarium one day but until then, enjoy that monkey sweet Cannon!

Bath Time!

Yesterday's bath again became apparent just how much Cannon is growing. He was much more relaxed and seemed to enjoy the warm water a lot more this time than in the past. BUT, he still doesn't like getting his hair wet so daddy had to be fast with the camera.

And thank you Nannie & Papa for sending Cannon his cozy and warm hooded bath towel. I love wrapping him up all in it and just seeing his sweet face poke out of the hood.

Let me sleep Mom!

Last Friday we spent a couple hours in the afternoon out visiting with my coworkers and having a going away get together for Cristin. Cannon had been so good but was long overdue for his nap.

Grandma sent Cannon this cute outfit that actually fit him! He is still on the smaller side so a lot of his clothes are nice and neatly folded in his dresser. Before I changed him I wanted to get a picture of him in his outfit (and without the paci) and as you can see he wanted nothing to do with the paparazzi.....he just wanted to sleep!

I agree with you Cannon, afternoon naps are the best and I'm going to miss having them with you when I go back to work! Sweet dreams sweet boy!

First Month of Life!

As I was up in the middle of the night feeding, the clocked revealed Cannon was now a month old. Already?? How could this be?? I look at him and say to myself that everyone who told me the time would fly by....... was RIGHT!! For nine months I was told from friends, family, and total strangers that the life of your children will flash before you so take in every moment. That is by far the most true statement anyone has ever said to me.

This morning I captured some photos and as I look at them I do see so many changes in Cannon. The biggest change and most exciting is when those big blue eyes (verdict is still out if they will stay blue?) look my way, they are really looking at me, Cannon's mom. And when he hears Aaron's voice, his head turns towards that direction. This is when my heart melts!

Yes we are first time parents but this is our time and we are soaking it all up moment by moment. We are so grateful for Cannon's life and still thanking God for this wonderful blessing in our lives. My prayer today is that God will continue to bless not only Aaron and I as parents but all parents!

Let March Madness begin!

Go Texas Longhorns!!

Go Maryland Terrapins!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Cannon sported his green today in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

May this Irish Blessing be upon you today and everyday....

May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home

And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

Formula really does do a body good!!

After six doctors visits and a ½ of can of formula, I'm happy to report that Cannon has gained 12 ounces in one week.

I was committed not to use formula until Cannon went to daycare but when you see your child not gaining weight doctor visit after doctor visit, my commitment had to change.

Cannon is becoming more aware of his surroundings and enjoying longer hours of sleep at night (so is mommy!) since we starting supplementing with formula.

I'm so grateful for all the wonderful staff at the doctor's office and to Heidi who had become our biggest "weight gain" fan!

A Father & His Son

Being home with Cannon brings us a lot of moments together to bond but when I see Aaron having those moments, it melts my heart.

To Aaron, I say this....

When we married, I saw you as perfect,
The ideal husband and more;
I thought I knew all about you,
All the things to love and adore.

But when you became a father,
I saw new qualities to treasure.
You enrich all our lives in fresh ways;
As a dad, you bring so much pleasure.

Our child is forever blessed to have a father like you,
And I love you more than ever,
You’re the best man I ever knew.

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

Yes, I got to add another digit to my age. This birthday wasn't a big deal to me but my early birthday gift was.....the birth of my sweet baby boy!

Aaron brought home lots of gifts and flowers from him & Cannon which was a total surprise. I got a lot of wonderful emails, calls & Facebook messages from family & friends which put a smile on my face but the best part of my birthday was enjoying our very first family dinner out.

Aaron and I had agreed that it was something we were going to try and if Cannon had other plans for us to stay at home then we would accept that; however, Cannon was a saint and didn't make a peep the entire time.

It's a nice day for a walk

On Sunday we couldn't help but dust off our shoes and go for a walk. Aaron put together the jogging stroller accessory that held the baby seat and we were off!

Cannon sometimes got the sun in his eyes which made us pull down all the shades on him. Then when the sun wasn't taking a direct hit on him, we opened up the shades and let him take in the breeze and nice weather.

It won't be long until the weather takes us to the beach.....I can't wait!!

Formula is good stuff!!

From the last post you can see that Cannon was given strict instructions from the doctor to gain weight which made for formula to become part of his feedings.

I'm happy to report a 7 ounce weight gain for Mr. Cannon!! YEAH!!!

We can't completely celebrate just yet as it only gets him up to 6lbs 2oz so we are still using formula to get back up to his birth weigh which was 6lbs 5oz.

As you can see from the photo, Cannon is digging the formula. It makes him "chill out" enough to hangout with us for a while and take in the sights around him.......then it totally puts him to sleep for HOURS! We both have been getting some good long periods of sleep since formula came into our lives.

I'm not getting fat!!

As adults, we don't like to hear anyone suggest us to get fatter; however, Cannon got just that news today from the doctor. As with most babies, they lose weight when they are first born and it's us moms who feed, feed, feed to try and get the weight put back on. Well, the weight gain for Cannon is going at a snail's pace so I was told to supplement with formula a couple times a day.

Tonight was his first bottle and Aaron took the honors. He, both Aaron & Cannon, did great!

I'm very proud of the boys I have. Aaron has been so supportive in my new role as mommy and Cannon has made me just as proud to call him my son. There is a lot of love flowing in our house and the blessings seem to keep on coming.

Tired?

Well, Cannon might be tired and sound asleep but I can't get enough of going to the edge of his crib and looking at this sweet baby boy of mine. He looks so peaceful and when he sleeps in my arms, I get to see his facial expressions. Cannon is starting to smile a lot in his dreams and I believe it is when he finds that place where Sadie Mae is and they then get to hang out. Sadie would have loved this child and keep watch over him if she was still with us.

So, sleep tight my precious son and if you are in that place with Sadie Mae, have fun!

Priceless!

Need I say more?

Little Baby Goes Poop......all night long!

It's not the favorite part of being a new mom but it is what it is.......poop!

All newborns need to have those nice poopy diapers to kick start their system. Well, I think Cannon's system is in first gear now. Aaron experienced the very first poopy diaper at the hospital and surrendered his rights to change him and it seems he got another free pass when he was at work and Cannon decided to have his first BLOWOUT!

With this blowout came the discovery of just how good a set of lungs can be on a week old baby. I'm sure if Cannon could speak he would ask what took so damn long for me to change him and get him redressed. I'm still perfecting the changing of clothes on a newborn, it seriously does take me forever because I'm afraid I'm going to break his arms trying to get them in his clothes.

Once again, it's these very small things in my new son's life that I will come to miss when I have to look back in the years to come.

To all parents around the world who have come before me in changing poopy diapers.....I am now officially part of your elite group!

Welcome to the World!

Cannon arrived Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 3:36am

STATS:

Weight - 6lbs 5oz

Length - 20½

Ten fingers

Ten toes

Hair that is already overdue for a cut

Lungs that will wake you up

Eyes as big as Texas!

I must give God all credit in the birth of our new son. He gave us the perfect love in Cannon. We never imagined how much joy this little one would bring to two people, as well as to so many others who have prayed for this blessing in our lives.

From the bottom our mine and Aaron's heart, we thank our family and friends who have truly prayed for Cannon, then supported us while we awaited for his arrival.

Until my next posting I send out this advice......stop and thank God for the blessings in your life, large and small, they are what makes life worth the ride!

Proud Mommy!

Proud Daddy!

Only hours old

Signs of whats to come.....LOTS of sleep

See...I told you!

Leaving the hospital.....as a family!!

My first car ride

Awww....my crib!

Hanging out in my pack & play and enjoying the sunshine

Thank you Town of Bluffton, Grandma Wheat

and Laura & Alexa!

FEET!

Going to my first doctors appointment

It's getting close to "B" day

That would be BIRTH day for sweet baby Cannon! Only 3 more weeks.

We feel as if we are ready. The crib is done, diapers are bought, bags are packed and I feel as if I couldn't get any larger at this point.....but they tell me I can!!

Cannon, you are so very loved by so many people. Last week, the Planning Department threw mommy another shower and they gave you so many great things. Cristin is really getting into making sure mommy has just the right things for you so she has been a GREAT help in preparing for your arrival. Even today mommy got a cute outfit from Kim at work and I can't wait to put it on you and hold you.

THANK YOU Town of Bluffton for loving & supporting me and Cannon. I can't wait for everyone to meet my baby boy!

Look at you grow!

Cannon is taking full advantage of these last weeks to grow big and strong. It truly feels like he is practicing for a soccer match or is it his left hand winding up to pitch at his baseball game......that's what daddy wants to believe atleast.

Only 5 more weeks until we meet face to face with you Cannon. So many prayers have been said for you and in just a short while, they will all come true!

Until we see you, sleep tight and keep warm! We love you!!!

Your new sleeping quarters

As much as mommy loves to have you tucked away in her belly where you are safe and sound, you are going to need a bigger place very soon to grow more and stretch out. Well.....daddy finished your crib today and we can't wait for you to be here and enjoy your new sleeping quarters.

You were showered

Today mommy went to a baby shower in your honor Cannon!

So many of mommy's friends came and gave you wonderful gifts. From toys to cute outfits and even a Radio Flyer wagon. You are so loved and everyone can't wait to meet you!

Thank you Danielle, Gina, Melissa, Reilly and Isabella for all you did for Cannon!

Cannon doesn't like late night meetings!

Tonight as I sat in a meeting until 8:00pm at work, Cannon continuously let me know just how much he didn't want me sitting there but wanted me home. I honestly think with the cold weather he was making snow angels in my belly. My coworker sitting beside me kept laughing because she could see Cannon having so much fun.

This might have been uncomfortable at times but it brings a smile to my face everytime I think about the day my son will be in my arms instead of in my belly.

Only 7 more weeks to go!

Christmas with your cousin Kayden!

This Christmas was spent talking about how excited we are as parents to be and to have Cannon be with us next Christmas....opening gifts, playing with toys and watching him enjoy life as our son.

The Wheat's came to our house this year and it made me even more excited to watch Kayden bring so much joy to the Christmas season.

I can't wait for Cannon to meet his cousin Kayden and have "cousin time" with him. And what's even more exciting is there are lots and lots of second and third cousins in Texas, Maryland & Florida waiting to meet Cannon as well.

Kayden had fun playing with Sadie Mae and enjoying a movie with his Uncle Aaron. Grandma got to spend a lot of time watching Kayden have fun with all his cars and just being a sweet little boy.

I believe this is what Christmas is all about........being with the one's you love and getting to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

These joys of my life, Aaron's life and soon to be the life of our son bring so much happiness to my heart. Family is truly a gift God has blessed us with!!

Did you hear that Cannon??

Tonight as I was sitting at home waiting for Aaron to arrive from work I heard sirens getting closer and closer to our house. Knowing Aaron was on the road I called to make sure he was okay and while on the phone I saw in the window flashing lights coming down our street. I made it outside just in time to see a beautiful sight.....Santa Clause with his Mrs. atop the Bluffton fire truck waving to all the houses.

Anyone who knows me will laugh at how much I considered this a sentimental moment while being pregnant with my son. I started crying! All I could think about is how Cannon is going to love growing up in a small town where they take the time to give children a reason to smile.

Even as I type this, I can't wait to teach Cannon the reason for why we celebrate this time of year and how the birth Jesus is so important to our lives.

Christmas Parade......Bluffton Style!

It's become a tradition for us to attend the annual Christmas parade in downtown Bluffton. The parade is one of the largest events we have here and it confirms just what a small town we live in when Calhoun Street is lined with Blufftonians. It gets us in the spirit of the season by watching all the kids get so excited by the marching bands and floats.....and especially when Santa comes on the fire truck at the end. The people in the parade hand out candy to the kids so they are always engaged.

For the past five years we have been attending, we always sit in the same place which is where all the Pinckney family is as well. I can't wait for Cannon to become a part of this tradition with us and experience the excitement shared by all kids young and old.....even his mommy & daddy.

Cannon was there with us this year, just tucked away in a warm place. I think the hot chocolate I drank the entire time might have helped in keeping him warm too!

Unexpected Tour

On a routine doctors appointment yesterday, a sudden change of events landed mommy and Cannon in the hospital for the day....

Seems I got a little too dehydrated upon having the glucose testing done and before I knew it, I was fainting, not once but twice. The first time made the doctor nervous and within 30 minutes when it happened again, I found myself being loaded into the ambulance and driven to the hospital.

Cannon and I were monitored for hours while daddy sat patiently beside us.

So....this was not the way I had planned to tour the hospital but I'm thankful all is well and grateful to my doctor that she made Cannon's safety a priority!

Things to be thankful for

Waking up to sunshine through the windows. A warm cup of coffee while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. The smell of breakfast casserole baking in the oven. Carving the turkey and eating with friends. Watching the Dallas Cowboys win the football game. Taking an afternoon nap. Eating homemade pies. Phone calls to and from family far away. Going shopping for midnight madness sales.

Thank you God for everything you make possible…..including our unborn child, Cannon!

Who likes chocolate?

I'm pretty sure Cannon was either raising his hand or stomping his feet at me today when I ate a chocolate chip cookie. Was he wanting me to know he likes chocolate?? It was a small one but sweet enough to cause all kinds of action in my belly. I hope you don't inherit my sweet tooth....but if you do, we will have lots of fun when we go to the grocery store and daddy will have someone to help him eat all the ice cream I buy.

How you got your name

One night we were watching the movie Baby Mamma. Once the movie was over, we watched all the credits slowing scroll the tv screen. I told your daddy to look at names of people to catch anything different since we were looking for a name ONLY YOU would have in Bluffton. And there it was....Cannon! Your daddy swore it fit with the left-handed pitcher he wants you to be for some major league baseball team one day. Once we fell in love with the name, we started putting it together with different family names. These are people you will never meet in your life but are related to you through that big thing called the family tree. And even funnier....here is a picture I saw while looking for your crib bedding on the internet. Your daddy might have picked out your name but it's your mamma's Texas roots you will come to love!

Kicks & Hiccups

Today was an active day of kicks and hiccups like I've never felt before. Sometimes they make me jump, sometimes they make me laugh but most of all, they light up my heart knowing you are there. I even had your dad try to catch one but you seemed shy when his hand was upon my belly. You're our little boy and the one we can't wait to have and to hold. We Love You Cannon!