Proud Parents

She mainly eats, sleeps and poops.
But, she loves to be looking at us so
we frequently get shots of her sleeping on us
or just looking at us:)

May 5, 2009
Bright eyes and looking around for daddy.

May 9, 2009

Reminds me of how Michael use to sleep.

May 14, 2009
She loves to move her arms and hands around a lot.
Again, just like her brother.

May 30, 2009

This little girl has to have a grip on our shirts whenever she is held.

My Precious Baby Girl

Could she be any more cuter?
I wish everything about this moment could stand still,
her peaceful sleep, her little lips, her little hands and her baby scent.

Lovin' The Swing

Thank you for the swing Auntie Charity and Uncle James!

Breakfast With The Zimmerman's

The Zimmerman's and the Donald'sThe Zimmerman's

Mrs. Zimmerman and Aliyah

Jamie and Aliyah

Dylan and Dawson

Dylan Zimmerman is Morris's best friend from college. Dylan, Jamie, their kids, Dylan's parent's, his brother and Jamie's parents all come down every year at the end of May and spend the day at Tiger Stadium. Every year since they have started this tradition, they have taken the time to meet up with us for breakfast the next morning before they head back up to Kalkaska. It means so very much to us to have this time with them every year.

Aliyah's Visitors

Aliyah's first visitors at the hospital (5-5-2009) were Nana & Papa.

Nana & Papa then came to our house to drop off the cradle and visit with Michael.
Someone was very disappointed when they left without him.

Uncle John & Candy came to visit her that night also but terrible me forget to take a picture!:(

Grandpa Forte came to visit Aliyah her first night home (5-6-2009).
He also played a lot with Michael, which Michael always enjoys.

Auntie Charity and Uncle James came to visit the next day (5-7-2009).

Here are some photos of our time together:)

Aliyah (2 days) & Andrew (3 months)

These two cousins play so very well together and they adore each other.

Grandpa & Grandma Askew came and spent the day with us on Saturday (5-9-2009).
Shame on me again! I missed a shot of Grandpa holding Aliyah:(

Others that have come to visit but regretfully no pictures: Diane Melvin and Caroline Vanstrien.
Diane was my angel friend who watched Michael the night we went into the hospital and Caroline brought Skylar over to play with Michael. The Vantrien's not only brought gifts for Aliyah but also brought gifts for Michael, in a bag, which he was thrilled about.


The Johnson family and Cousin Charity came to visit us on May 23, 2009. We didn't tell Michael BJ was coming in case they weren't able to make it. When I told him we may have visitors today he said, "Will the customers come with a bag with toys in it?" I explained that not everyone who comes to visit us brings gifts, some do, some don't, some get stuff for Aliyah and some may get stuff for him. But sure enough, his Auntie Tracy brought Michael two gifts and they were both in bags:)

Let's Go Fishin'

Racing Motorcycles

Siblings

It is so hard to believe Aliyah is already a week today!
Michael is such a good big brother and loves his sister.
He loves to give her kisses, rub her head and hates to hear her cry.

Kisses for Sissy

Big Brother & Little Sister

Best Buds

These two have been hooked at the hip,
well actually Michael has attached himself to his father's hip, since Aliyah's birth.
They have made many trips to local parks, play outside, watch cartoons,
role-play cartoon characters, and run errands together.

Almost Completely Independent

How many times do I have to tell him to undo the button before removing the shirt?

Aliyah Monique

Born May 5, 2009 at 3:11 AM
Weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long

Our Story:

Michael came two days late so why should she be any different? She was due May 2 and it is now May 4. So, I got up, went to work and went to my doctor's appointment at 2:00. I was now dilated between 2 and 3 cm. I hadn't felt much movement all weekend so they did a non-stress test on me. Due to movement on the monitor she was concerned about low amniotic fluid. They gave me another test and her suspicions were correct. The doctor scheduled me for an 8:00 inducement that night.
As we were getting ready to leave the house my water broke at 7:00 PM in our hallway. I luckily made it to the toilet in time:) Michael was right there and started asking if I was peeing my pants. I said, "No, my water broke, go tell your dad." We dropped Michael off at Diane's house and headed to the hospital.
After being checked in, I was given patossin to speed up the contractions. As they got closer, the pain intensified. I began to cry and shake with each one. I just could not relax for some reason. After about two hours of that and having only dilated to 3 cm, I finally asked for the epidural. Within the hour, I dilated to 10 cm and they prepared me for delivery. After a few big pushes and a few little ones she was born after only 15 minutes of pushing. It was amazing! I was not as relaxed with her but I remembered everything and was a lot more in control during the delivery process. I did not sleep at all the rest of the morning but felt great and was up walking around.
I feel so truly blessed to have two healthy beautiful children and a husband by my side. I thank God and my husband for blessing me with our children. I love my family more than they will ever know!