Great Grandma and Grandpa's visit

This week we had a visit from Great Grandma Arlene and Grandpa Randy. Fiona enjoyed a lot of cuddling time with Grandma, and Grandpa babysat, fed, and carried Fiona all over the place. Mommy got a lot of stuff accomplished thanks to both grandparents.

Fiona is officially 8 lbs. as of her Feb. 13th doctor visit. She's eating really well and has become quite alert. Mama and Daddy get a kick out of her as she studies the world with big eyes. Two weeks ago, we both received our first real grins from Fiona. She is stingy with her smiles at the moment, but we enjoy anything we can get.

She's sleeping 5 to 6 hours per night lately, and has moved from her co-sleeper to a cradle next to our bed, which she seems to like very much.

She's beginning to coo and make more baby sounds. She's acting and sounding less like an infant and more like a full-fledged baby. We are enjoying her immensely.

We are looking forward to a visit to New Mexico to meet the rest of her relatives in March. There she will experience her first Paddy's day with her Irish side. Break out the Clancy Brothers, and get ready for some corned beef, cabbage, and Irish whiskey....one hour after nursing, of course. :) We look forward to seeing you guys.

Granny and Papa Visit

Granny and Papa Sharkey were here to meet Fiona recently. A lot of time during their visit was spent oohing and aahing over the baby, and arguing over who got to hold her. Granny was a huge help by cooking, cleaning, and taking care of Fiona while Kathleen slept. Papa was also a huge help by fixing things and helping to decorate Fiona's room. We had a lot of fun. We miss you!

Grandma's Visit

Grandma was here for a week long visit, and was a huge help to the new mama and daddy. She cooked, cleaned, groomed Murphy, and acted as an expert burper and cuddler. We miss you, Grandma!!

Meet Fiona

Christmas came early for us this year. Miss Fiona, who wasn't due to arrive until Jan. 14, decided to surprise her mommy and daddy a full month early.

Kathleen began the first stage of labor on Dec. 15, thinking she had the stomach flu, and on Dec. 17, at 5:07am, Fiona was born. She weighed in at 5 lbs., 4 oz., and was 19 inches long. During her brief hospital stay, she lost 4 oz., so we were worried the doctor would want us to remain at the hospital a little longer. But because all her vitals were fine, and she seemed strong and healthy, we were sent home on Dec. 19.

She is absolutely beautiful, with a head full of dark hair, dimples, and what looks like the promise of her daddy's curly hair. She's so tiny, her cries sound more like bird chirps. Daddy and Mommy have spent many an hour staring at her perfectness in awe, and being amazed by God's creation.

Kathleen's last day at work was supposed to be Jan. 2, but Fiona has sort of changed all plans, and now Kathleen is home and will continue preparing for the online writing class she'll be teaching in the spring. Bryan is home until after the New Year, and is doing a great job taking care of wife and baby.

We can't wait for you all to meet her.

Let it snow!!!

Our doggy enjoying the first snow of the winter...

36 weeks and counting...

I'm trying to take photos of my growing belly every month to include in Fiona or Ronan's baby book. Here's the latest. One month until D-Day!