Lucky me! Lucky me!...

...Look at what I"m dripping with- little girls!  And truly we are as one month ago pink laundry got a lot pinker as we (finally!!) welcomed Miss Anabelle Rose.  She sauntered her way into our family quite at her own pace on May 11 by emergency c-section no less.  Who knew?  My doctor and Jason were afraid with my history that I wouldn't make it to the hospital (I have very fast labors), but not only did I make it (kicking and screaming as I did NOT want to be induced but these days my doc was very generous to let me go 8 days past my due date...) but I didn't even really do any kind of significant labor before Miss Priss decided she was not happy with the way things were proceeding.  Her heart rate started doing all kind of crazy things and before I know it, I"m being wheeled down the hall for a c-section.  Wait, what??!!  I'm the one who has 20 minute labors, this was NOT part of the plan!  But, I know it was part of HIS as I look back on how all the events of the day played out.  I'm so thankful for my doctor and the way everything was handled.  It wasn't an ideal situation for sure as for as how baby girls' heartbeat was looking but thank the Lord, my doc got her out quickly and all is well.

That was one month ago today and it's truly hard to believe that she's never been part of our family.  She is such a sweet little thing and especially the last few days has gotten onto a great little schedule and just made my life quite easy as the mom of 4.  People always speculate on which transition as far as number of kids is hardest but truly for us going from 3 to 4 has been easy and fun.  I have built in helpers/baby-sitters.  For me the hardest part has been the c-section recovery but even that is getting better everyday.  Oh, and also I would NOT recommend having a baby in May in the states- school schedules are too crazy!!  This little one can't help but be flexible as we've already dragged her to t-ball games, softball games, end of the year award programs, graduation, and not too mention she has already spent a week at the beach (i'm training her early on what's important!).  There's so much I could say and so much that I want to write about and just haven't had time yet.  For now, here are some pictures of Anabelle's first month...

Finally! 

Anabelle Rose Cox

7 lbs, 13 oz  20.5 inches

Big sisters were SO excited- I'm not sure Naomi thought she was ever going to come once May 3 (due date) came and went...

My grandaddy made this cradle for me when I was a baby and it's Anabelle's "room" at the foot of our bed until we get back overseas.  I admittedly wasn't thrilled about her sharing a room with us, but it has gone great.

Absolute favorite sleeping position her first few weeks of life- right up under Daddy's chin...

Ready for her first outing...

Naomi's t-ball game!

She had to miss Naomi's ballet recital since it was the day she came home from the hospital...

But Naomi understood...

She's also been to Naomi's end of the year program..

..and Abbey's graduation.  Abbey was awarded the Citizenship award that the teachers of the school vote on for the 6th grader who exemplifies Christ-like character- we are so proud!  This is extra special as this award is named after Betty Pruett who was my 6th grade teacher at Christ Methodist 25 years ago (ouch!).  Her she is below with AJ...

Maddie and Abbey also both got awards at Awards day including 2nd prize for art in both of their classes, headmasters list and honor roll.  Can't make those pictures work for some reason right now but still very proud!  

What else?  Can you tell it's been a busy month...

Anabelle was a great traveler for her first trip to the beach!!

I hope she learns to love it as much as her mommy does!

She's gotten lots of love from her big sisters this month!  Especially Naomi who is learning what it means to be a big sister and doing a great job...

Lots of sister love...

Cousins too..

Playing with big sister...

Tummy time...

Swinging..

Play mat..

I may not quite have the smile down but I know how to look very happy...

Bath time..

Happy one month b-day Anabelle!

We already can't remember what our family was like without you...