Thank Goodness for Moms

I thought I would take time to express my gratitude for my mother. Bryan and I were really lucky to have her spend two weeks with us. I was not too sure how this visit would go. You see I was a bit nervous because Kirari would only be a week old and I knew Bryan and I would still be trying to figure things out and I didn't want to be told how to do things or that I was doing things wrong. My mother and I are so much alike that we would but heads while I was growing up. None of this happened and Bryan and I are so thankful for her time spent with us.

We were truly spoiled. My mom would come in and take Kirari in the early morning so I could get sleep. She would also stay up late with Bryan and Kirari while I slept. She didn't mind the many diaper changes (or at least she didn't say anything). She watched Kirari while I went into work or just so I could get out for a little while. Bryan, Kirari and I were really sad to see her leave and actually thought of ways to keep her with us. Mom, thank you so much for the things you taught me while I was growing up that have helped me to be a mother. Thank you to the rest of the family for sacrificing mom for those two weeks. Mom we love you and miss you.

Kirari's Day at the Doctor's

Here are some pics from our most recent (2 week) visit to the pediatrician. Dr. Harry Phillips III is absolutely fantastic, and we love him! Kirari weighed 8 lbs 11 oz on Tuesday (so she's already gained her birth weight back, plus an extra pound). She is in the 75th percentile for both weight and length. That's my girl! Solid C student. :)

Miya the Huntress Strikes Again

Miya is doing a great job keeping the rodent population down here. She caught another rabbit in the back yard. She did try to eat this one, but didn't get a chance before we confiscated it. We were hungry, after all, and what's better to eat here in MS than rodents and roadkill (PC disclaimer: statements made in this post in no way reflect the views of the bloggers)? Not to be outdone, Memphis caught a salamander in the back yard the other night, too. He was more interested in playing with it than eating it, so he just layed by it, and every time it tried to get away, he would thump his paw down in front it. I don't have a picture of the salamander, but I got a great picture of the rabbit. Bigger and better than the last one.

Happy Easter!

From Easter Pictures

We started Easter Sunday off with a great breakfast. We had Bryan's favorite breakfast, biscuits and gravy. We decided we would attend sacrament meeting and leave after so we didn't expose Kirari to a ton of people. I don't know what I was thinking, but I thought we would actually be on time. The sad thing is that Kirari was actually ready before me thanks to Grandma. Kirari is wearing her new Easter dress Grandma bought for her.

From Easter Pictures

This year we celebrated Easter with Mom Smith and the Sullengers. Mom helped us make a great ham dinner with lots of side dishes and we had strawberry shortcake for dessert. After dinner we dyed Easter eggs. I was going to have Kash and Bryan go on an Easter Egg Hunt, but they were lucky and the weather saved them.

From Easter Pictures

From Easter Pictures

On a more serious note, I am so thankful for this time of year where we can remember our Savior and the sacrifice he made for us. I am so thankful for the atonement and the opportunity I have to fully apply it in my life. Someone told me that you don't fully understand our Saviors love for us until you become a parent and the love you have for your child must be like the love the Savior has for us. I am truly thankful for the gospel in my life and the strength it provides me.

Kirari's Photo Shoot

What a sweet bundle of joy

Bryan and I have been so blessed to have Kirari entrusted to us. We have had such an amazing week getting to know our little one. She has the sweetest temper. She loves to snuggle up to her daddy and has him wrapped around her little fingers. Bryan is so sweet with her and has even changed her diaper many times even though I made him a deal that I would do the diapers and he would take care of any spit up.

She sleeps pretty well and is a good eater. I have found that I am the worry wart mother and will end up annoying the pediatrician nurse. I called on Monday because Kirari's belly button scab was coming loose. On Tuesday it fell off and we went into the pediatrician because I thought it was too early for her to lose it. Our Pediatrican is so good with her. At the doctors office I found out she has gained five ounces and is now 8 pounds. She is a strong little girl too.

Miya and Memphis are fascinated with Kirari and are so concerned about her. Whenever Kirari whimpers one of the dogs comes and get us. They don't like us to leave her alone in the crib. They will also sit and just watch her.

Bryan and I have also had help from Mom Smith this week. Mom has been so great. She has spoiled the three of us. We are so thankful to have her here with us at this time. It is nice to have a reassuring voice to let us know we are doing the right things.

Please give it up for...Kirari Grace Allred!

You may have noticed that the baby counter is now gone. That's because we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl Monday night at 9:45p! Kirari (pronounced Kiari...it's Japanese...Reiko can give you more info on it if you want) Grace came in weighing 7 lbs 11 oz, and measuring 20.5 in in length. Mom and baby are both doing great. Kirari has developed quite the appetite. Reiko spends most of the baby's waking moments nursing her, and she REALLY likes to eat. :) Must take after her dad. We're scheduled to leave the hospital tonight around 11:30p-ish (the baby got some amniotic fluid in her lungs, so they're just monitoring her for 48 hrs to make sure she doesn't have pneumonia or anything (she's clear right now, but they want to make sure she's fine before we leave). We are so in love with her already! She has gorgeous long eyelashes, a TON of dark hair, beautiful dark skin, and crazy monkey toes. Anyway, thank you everyone for all your thoughtful phone calls and messages. We're so grateful to have such loving and wonderful support! You can check out the slideshow below for more pics.