A Day at the Gaylord Texan

We spent this Saturday at the Gaylord with good friends of our Brandon, Cari, and Cari's twin sister Cassie. Our plan was to take some family pictures for the holidays and visit the ICE exhibit at the convention center. We had such a great time and Leah was an angel.

Our two favorite comments for the day were, "Is she for rent?" and the popular, "She looks like a doll." I am so excited about some of the pictures that we got. Our next big outting will be to see Santa himself. After taking the family pictures, we headed to ICE. We changed Leah's clothes to make sure she was warm enough and comfortable and off we went, putting on the oh so attractive blue parkas.

ICE was very cool! It brought back lots of memories of the bitter cold north, but was beautiful to see and Leah was loving all of the lights. Our favorite spot was the white lit tunnel of trees. We ended out adventure window shopping while sipping on hot chocolate.

We are hoping to return with Grammoo, Grand Pappy, and Uncle Chris in late December when they come for Christmas. Uncle Chris will be the photographer this time!

Rice Cereal

Hmmm....rice cereal! Just after Leah's 4 months appointment, we began rice cereal. What a hoot! We died laughing the first couple of evenings we tried this. It was every where, but the mouth. Being the quick learner and piggie that she is, Leah caught on in no time. She now squeals if it doesn't come quick enough or you have to stop to "refuel".

A House Full of Company

Better late than never.... During the first week of November, Leah was able to meet her Great Aunt Bear (Grammoo's sister). The Great Aunt Bear flew all the way from Portland, Oregon and had a very interesting time getting to Dallas/Fort Worth. The Great Aunt Bear, Grammoo and Grand Pappy all came down for a visit for Aunt Bear's birthday. We had a great time! Leah was spoiled rotten, but loved having all of the new attention. Mommy really liked it because Leah came to school for lunch twice....ahhhh....makes the afternoon a breeze. We spent our time shopping, visiting, and eating good food. We are hoping that the next time we see Aunt Bear will be sooner rather than later. We will see Grammoo and Grand Pappy over Christmas break, along with Uncle Chris. We CAN'T wait!! Thank you for all the goodies you bought Baby Leah!

I love my Great Aunt Bear!

All smiles with my fabulous bow!


Four Month Update

Leah went in for her four month check up with Dr. Fricker. Everything went great! She was a trooper during her visit and didn't cry all that much for her shots either. "Although I am itty bitty, I am healthy and in good spirits". Leah weighs 10 1b. 9 oz (5%) and measured 23 inches long (10%). But with Chad and I as her parents and the genes from both grandparents, she doesn't have much hope.

We are just so incredibly blessed. She is healthy and very happy. She is so content and makes being a first time mom and dad very easy. A lot to be thankful for!

Leah's First Halloween!

Miss Leah had a great Halloween and was in a great mood! After spending the afternoon with me at school, we went to the Linders. What a great time! There were seven couples and their little ones all decked out in their costumes. What a hoot! After the last guest arrived, we attempted to get some group shots of the kids. Seven kids ranging from 3 1/2 months to 2 years is quite the combination!

Thank you Holly, Ryan and Isabella for inviting us...we had a great time!

Is It Possible?

I don't think it's even possible for Chad and I to be more in love with anything, than we are with Leah. Everyone always said, just wait. They were right. She is priceless and our everything!

Supporting daddy....Go Colts!

Going back to school has been a struggle and is slowly getting better. Most days, I still wish I had a money tree and could work part time. This does however, make the time I do have with Leah extra special.

She is about 3 and a half months and will be going in for her 4 month the second week of November. I am very excited to see what Dr. Fricker has to say. She is growing a lot, but is till teeny tiny. She truly discovered her voice last weekend and squeals when she is excited. Her squeals and laugh is the best medicine for a bad day.

I love my Bumbo!

We are staying busy on the weekends: State Fair, church, Pumpkin Patch, Haslet Carnival, Canton, shopping, and house work. Grammo, Grand Pappy, and The Great Aunt Bear are coming a week from today and we CAN'T wait! Chad will be gone part of the time for a conference and will actually spend my first night away from Leah (my team and I are having a sleepover).

The Haslet Carnival was a blast, especially in my Tutu.

Thanks Randi Ann!

I am hoping to be MUCH better about the blogs as I adjust being a mom, teacher, and a wife. So stay posted!

How Time Flies....Two Months Old

It is so hard to believe that our little girl is just over two months old. The past two months have been incredible and very fast as she is changing and growing each day.

We had our 2 month check up yesterday and Leah weighed 8 lb. 12 oz and 21 1/4" long...both in the 10% percentile. Looking at her parents and grandparents, she has no chance of being a tall girl. That's okay, we love all of her petite features.

This will be my attempt to catch everybody up on the past month. I hope that this will be the last "BIG" blog and that I can stay on top of it better, even though I'll be heading back to school.

Many things have happened since my brothers' visit. We had another visit from Gram-moo, Grand Pappy (Sarah's parents), Uncle Chris, and Uncle Bryce. All visits were much needed, but way to short. We traveled to Michigan for Kelli's wedding and to meet the Great Grandparents. While we were up there we had lots of visitors from both sides of the family and friends. Miss Leah was a hit!

Over the past several weeks in Texas, Leah has begun to smile and coo non-stop. She almost laughs. This has been a true joy for everyone. Maybe that's why I can't make it to the computer. :)

We also had pictures made as a family on August 16 th (1 month). We had a blast and loved every minute of the 3 hour session. After seeing maternity pictures from a friend, I looked into having newborn pictures done. I highly recommend, www.loveyoursmilephotography.com to any family or couple. Tiffany is relatively new, but does a great job for the right reasons and the right price.

I will post new pictures this weekend, so stay tuned to see how much our little girl has changed.

Loving Parenthood and Uncle Chris

Everything with the Waterman Family is going really well. Baby Leah turned 3 weeks this past Friday and is growing each and everyday. She keeps us busy and makes every day worth living. Her facial expressions are hilarious and we are looking forward to her smiling when we talk to her.

A few exciting things that Leah has done over the past few weeks:
- Went to our favorite bagel shop, Boppas Bagels
- Went out to dinner and lunch with family members
- Had a great 2 week appointment with Dr. Fricker - Leah is now 6 lb 14 oz and still 19 in long
- Leah's new friend Isabella came over and we had matching outfits
- Her Daddy fed my my first bottle
- Her parents and Uncle Chris went to see Batman and Leah got to hangout with her Grandparents and Great Grandma
- We went to church for the first time
- Had many visitors from family and friends...thanks for all the love!

We had a very special guest this past weekend. Uncle Chris, my brother, came in town this past Thursday and will leave us tomomrrow. We had a great time and he and Leah fell in love with each other immediately. Uncle Chris' visit was short, but much needed. We are all looking forward to many more visits in the near future. Thanks Uncle Chris! We love you!!




Uncle Chris and Leah fell in love right away!




Daddy got to give me my first bottle after going to see the Batman movie with Mommy and Uncle Chris. Boy was that easy!!

One Week Old

What a great week it has been for the Waterman Family. Leah has adjusted nicely to her new home. Leah went in for her second PKU screening yesterday and was very brave. I was warned by friends on how hard it can be on the mother to listen and watch. Chad was the good daddy and held her while the nurse drew the blood. She of course cried, but recovered nicely. We had a feeding session afterward, so that helped.

Being that we were out during the lunch hour, we met up with both sets of grandparents for BBQ at the Feed Store in Southlake. She of course slept through the whole thing. She ended up sleeping a lot yesterday, so we were worried about her night. She surprised us again. We still only got up twice with her. We set the alarm each night to be sure we meet each her feeding times, last night we actually had to wake her, she was going on past 4 hours. For her second feeding out alarm clock went off before she did. Pretty amazing! I know it won't be this easy always, but for a week old she has made it possible for her mommy and daddy to sleep.

Until next week or another exciting event in Leah's life.....stay tuned!



Leah not only looks great in pink, but this teal blue jumper is too cute for words!




Here we are at Leah's first lunch out, The Feed Store in Southlake. Great BBQ!

Healthy and Happy!

Well....we are 6 days old today and life couldn't be better.

Leah was brought into this world on Friday, July 11th at 9:47pm. Weighing in at 6 lb. and 5 oz. and measuring 19 inches long. Leah and Mommy received a clean bill of health and began the road to recovery.

The time spent in the hospital was amazing. The Baylor nursing staff was incredible! They gave us encouragement and taught us a lot before we left Monday afternoon. We will forever be grateful and put them on a pedestal.

Leah Rae Ann, is our little angel from heaven. With a head of brown hair and sweet blue eyes, she is a bundle of joy. She enjoys looking around and was very alert from the get go. She spends her time feeding, going potty, sleeping, and being the center of attention (she is definitely loved by everyone).

Being parents is better than what we thought. We love having family around to spend this time together, but our favorite time is when it is just the three of us. Our evenings are going well and we are hoping to shift her schedule just a little.

Continue to check in and hopefully we will be able to update on a weekly basis.

Thank you for all of your wishes and messages. We can't wait for everyone to meet our little angel.

She Has Arrived!!!

Hello Everyone,
Its about 2am and I am writing all of you to tell you that Leah RaeAnn Waterman was born on July 11 at 9:47 pm. She is beautiful and healthy weighing in at 6.5 lbs and 19 inches with dark hair and blue eyes. Sarah was induced at around 1:00pm on the 11th and was doing well through the whole time. There was a bit of concern with Leah's heart rate during the first push, where they then had to move Sarah to another room so that she could have a Caesarean. Other than that everything went fine and Sarah and Leah are healthy and well. The family has three cameras going around so there will be plenty of pictures for everyone to see once I can get a camera away from one of them. :).

An exciting update

Hello Everyone,
This is Bryce Waterman and Sarah has asked me to keep all of you updated when it gets closer for baby Leah to come. This morning Sarah went in for a scheduled checkup at the doctor and found that the pregnancy is moving along. She called Chad after the appointment and told him that she was going to be kept for observation. So Sarah was moved to the hospital and Chad is now on his way to be with her. I will keep everyone posted with what I know as soon as I hear more.

Weekend of Waiting

We hope that everyone had an enjoyable Fourth of July! We enjoyed timed with family, food, and fireworks. We are still waiting patiently for Baby Leah, but have hope and signs that she will be here soon.

My brother-in-law will be updating our Blog while Chad and I are in the hospital and getting situated with Baby Leah. Be sure to check the blog frequently for pictures and updates. If I do not have a recent e-mail for you, please leave a comment or e-mail it to me. I will be sure to add you to one of our mass e-mails.

We hope to share news with you soon!!

Much Love!

Two Weeks and Counting

Today marks two weeks and counting.... I can't believe how fast time has flown by and that she will be here at anytime.

Chad, Leah and I had our 38 week appointment today. We were very excited and looking forward in hearing good news about progression. Being our first appointment with my regular doctor since the arrival of her little one, I was looking forward in seeing her and hearing what she had to say.

As I may have said before, we have always watched my blood pressure. It has been something we have monitored from the beginning of the pregnancy. I personally think it's "White Coat Syndrome", but either way it can affect both Leah and me. Today, my blood pressure was the the highest it's been, 138/100! YIKES! After Doctor Allen checked me for progression, she checked my BP, 135/85. Better, but still a concern after the first reading. I didn't progress much from last week, so I will see Dr. Allen on Monday. At that point she will check my blood pressure and the progression of Baby Leah. If my blood pressure is not pleasing, we will most likely induce (possibly Tuesday). If my blood pressure is good, Chad and I will need to decide based on progression and the size of Leah if we want to wait one more week.

We are asking for prayers for patience, guidance and trust in the doctors and God. It is our number one wish that she arrives when God says it's time. Knowing that my blood pressure isn't great does have me concern, so it may end up being the "Doctor's Time". Although I am not terribly uncomfortable, Chad and I are ready for Leah to come. The longer it takes the less time he has before heading back to work. The thought of that breaks my heart. We will be sure to keep everyone posted and it would be a true blessing if she decided to come before Monday.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe 4th of July weekend!

37 Weeks and Counting

It is so hard to believe that we're at 37 weeks already. Summer school is ending for me tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited about the arrival of Leah. I am looking forward to a relaxing week with my sister-in-law and other girlfriends during the next week, while Chad is busy at Parade Camp.

On the baby front, everything is continuing to go really well (knock on wood). We had our appointment yesterday and heard all good things. Her measurements from her sonogram were all on target, she is about 6 lbs. They did a "Baby In Utero" test and she scored 8 out of 8. :D They were able to test and see that she was breathing as she will in the outside world. Pretty impressive! I am measuring at 1 1/2 cm and 50 % effaced. So things are looking good. We could have her within the week or in 3 weeks.

It is mine and Chad's wish that we are able to wait for God's hand to take action in her arrival. As much as we want her to be here, and as much as we've been tempted to induce early, we know that God has it under control.

So as we begin the final stage of pregnancy and the beginning stage of parenthood, please pray for the safe and heathy delievery of Baby Leah. It has truly been a blessing and an incredible journey so far. I can only imagine the impact and love she will bring to our families.

We love you all!

The Final Countdown

As I am typing the title, "Final Countdown"....the Rocky Soundtrack is running through my head. Fitting I think!
We have made it to the weekly doctor's appointments with ease. I was officially 36 weeks yesterday and had a successful visit with the doctor. I am measuring at 1 cm, soft, and the baby's head is down low. I am hoping that those are all good signs of Leah coming on her own and a little early. Leah had a strong heartbeat and continues to squirm throughout the day.

As we countdown to the arrival of Leah, we are busy getting everything ready. Her nursery just needs a few more hours of work and our bags are MOSTLY pack. Chad's job is to update the music on the IPOD and I need to get the phone tree and e-mail tree started and finished.

Beyond getting ready for our little girl, I am teaching summer school and Chad is writing his "Book" for the marching show and preparing for Parade Camp. I hope that baby Leah gives her daddy a great present....and comes early. That way he can get out of parade camp! :D

Thanks to everyone who leaves a post, e-mail or phone call. We are so appreciative of everything and can't wait to celebrate Leah's arrival.

It's Been a Long Time

I first off have to apologize for the long delay in updating the blog. Things have been very crazy in Texas. School ended with state testing, taking 75 fourth graders on a three day field trip to San Antonio, and the usual chaotic activities at the end of the year. I, of course was focused on earning a little extra cash, so I am now in summer school for the next three weeks or until the doctor says "stop". Sigh.....

All that, along with getting ready for Leah's arrival has kept us VERY busy. I officially have 5 weeks to go today. I am 35 weeks pregnant. CRAZY! I know it's hard for some to believe, but this truly has been a blessed and enjoyable pregnancy.

I had a good time this weekend with my parents visiting. They were able to help us get organized, do massive amounts of baby laundry, and clean up parts of the house. Four people can do a lot more than just two. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Baby Leah is doing great. At our last appointment she was roughly 4 pounds and in position. Everything looked good and we will start our weekly appointments next week.

Although things are supposed to becoming more confined with space, she is still our active little girl. I rarely get a good jab, but I am constantly feel "the waves" of her little parts. It is truly amazing. Sleep is officially becoming harder and I am looking forward to sleeping on my stomach once again, but I keep reminding myself that it's a good sign.

I will post pictures tomorrow. I have to share the nursery, the growing belly, and the Baby Shower of the century that was thrown by my students and their families. All I can say is that I was a basket case!



Beginning of June ....34 weeks pregnant.



One of my student's mothers made this beautiful and perfect sign for Leah's room.



A glimpse of her room...



Another glimpse of her room...notice that we still have some organizing to do with her bookshelf. There are more nursery pictures to come!!

Braxton What??

28 weeks and counting.......

As I approach my 29th week, I am gradually beginning to experience some of the blessings that come along with pregnancy. Up until this point it has been a piece of cake. Overall, I still have to say it has been very enjoyable and a true blessing to experience.

Yet, last week I believe I experienced my first Braxton Hicks contraction. Kinda scary when you're not sure what it is. Along with the "runners stitch" from hell, I am also beginning to experience these lovely "stop you in the middle of a conversation shots of pain" near my underwear line.....something about round ligaments and things growing. OUCH! Not what I was expecting. This all is happening at a good time considering I will see my doctor a week from today and I will be loaded with questions.

On the flip side, Leah continues to grow and make me laugh as she flips and pokes around. Her room is slowly under way and I hope we can finish the furniture this weekend. I am so excited to meet Baby Leah and filled with mixed emotions about getting that far. I have a feeling I will be updating this blog more often now that we're in the last 12 weeks!

Shower at the Tea Room

A huge thank you to the hostess' of the year - Cari, Lindsay, and Missy!
Cari and Lindsay made Leah the best diaper cake with goodies galore!

Saturday was an amazing and emotional day all wrapped in one! My fantasitc sister-in-law, Missy, and two of my dearest friends from church, Cari and Lindsay, threw me a baby shower at the Tea Room. It was perfect! I was overwhelmed with the great response from family and friends and the obvious love everyone has for Baby Leah and our family. We had a great time and Miss Leah has the best wardrobe at 25 weeks!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion - Chad and I truly appreciate all of your love and support.

Dancing Party!

Over the past few weeks - things have started to change. My baby belly is growing bigger than a bump. Here we are at 24 weeks!

Same profile s hot with her hand by her face...again. The two bright white spots are bones in her other hand...so they tell me!

I love this picture - you can see both of her hands up by her face!

Baby Leah at 19 weeks - this is her good side! :D

Little Miss Leah has decided to begin her dancing! As we approach our 25th week appointment on Friday, I am happy to say that Leah is a dancing fool! She has been moving so much more lately and I LOVE it! Chad has been able to feel her several times and I hope that other people will soon be able to enjoy this milestone with us.

I am trying to get caught up on pictures...so enjoy the belated pictures of Leah and her momma!

Things have been very exciting for us for the past few weeks. On Friday, March , we went in for our 20 week sonogram. Chad and I were confident for a long time that we weren't going to find out the sex of our little one. However, after much thought, we decided to find out. We asked the sonogram tech to place the picture in an envelope. During the appointment, we got to see everything. We saw the profile of the baby's face and body, hands, arms, feet, knees, legs, heart, kidneys, and the umbilical cord. Everything looked great! Our little one was very shy and didn't want to reveal if it was a boy or a girl. Finally after one last try, the sonogram tech quickly moved the screen away from us and began typing. In our minds, we were thinking it must be a boy, but we wouldn't know until dinner.

We decided to celebrate the news over dinner, Red Lobster. After a long wait it was time to dine! After we ordered our meals, I handed the envelope to Chad. As he opened the envelope, I took a few pictures. He concealed all emotion very well sealed the enveloped and passed it back. As I pulled the picture out, I was surprised to see "I am a girl" on the picture. We were so thrilled and elated with emotion. We would have been pleased with either a boy or a girl, but a girl was slightly higher on the wish list.

Leah Rae Ann is our little girl and we are very excited to reach new milestones over the next 20 weeks.