Fabulous Photographer + Precious Baby = Picture Perfect!

It's been a while since I've posted since my Uncle's passing. What better way to start off a new post than starting if off with a cute bundle of joy!
For one of our shower gifts, the hostesses gave us a free newborn photo session for Alexa with Amy Hunsinger of Sing Photography; a photographer I'd never used before but heard wonderful things about her. We scheduled the session 2 Saturdays ago. The minute Amy walked into our house, I knew that she was going to be an amazing photographer (and our new family photographer)! She was sooo sweet, gentle, and has the ability to catch the baby as is in her natural poses. Amy was at our house for about an hour 1/2 to 2 hours capturing amazing moments of Alexa's new life! I can't wait to see all of the pictures. Amy has posted some pictures on her blog (not website). Just scroll down until you see the title "Baby Alexa" (sing photography).
Alexa looks perfect in every picture - Dave and I weren't expecting to have our picture taken - so we were a little caught off guard. Amy did a tremendous job! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her!!! If you need a family photographer, I highly recommend her!!! Thanks Amy!!

Update. . . .

My Uncle passed away at 8:15 PM - please keep my family in your prayers.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalms 73:26

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and my honor of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalms 18:2

Prayers

It looks as though my uncle is not going to make it through the night. Please keep his wife, my Mom, Grandma, and aunts in your prayers!

Psalms 139

When I was little, my favorite singer was Sandi Patty! I had every single one of her 'cassette tapes' and pretty much knew every song. I had always thought "Masterpiece" was such a sweet song. It takes on a whole new meaning now that I'm a Mom. I cry every time I listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1R1lctzsOM

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts!
How vast is the sum of them!

Psalms 139:13-17

Our Baby Girl

Things are starting to adjust in this newly parenthood household. Alexa is such a sweet and good baby. She is letting Dave and I sleep more than we thought (yes, we are enjoying it while we can). The only time she cries is when she is hungry or when you try to change her diaper. Other than that, she is pretty mild mannered (considering she's only a week old).

We had a whirlwind weekend. My Mom and Dad were in town for the birth. My Dad went back to Opelika to work 2 days and came back on Thursday night. On Friday, Dave's brother and wife drove in from Charlotte along with Dave's parents coming in from Denver to meet their first grandchild. It was such a fun weekend introducing our precious little one to family. I think everyone was quite smitten!

Dave's been off work since last Monday. He goes back to work on Friday. We'll see how well I do with him gone all day. . . .He is such an amazing father already. A father/daughter relationship is such a special bond and I know that him and Alexa already have that. It's so precious seeing him with Alexa! She already has him wrapped around her tiny, little finger. I have a feeling Dave is going to have a hard time saying no to her.

Here are a few pictures of our little girl. You can also see all of the pictures at this link: http://www.alexabrooksmader.shutterfly.com/

Oh so B-I-G surprise!

Today started off with a regular doctor's appointment at 9:30 this morning. My doctor did her routine check and said I was 5 cm dilated! She was astounded that I hadn't felt any contractions. She recommended that I go on and be admitted to the hospital for delivery. Thank goodness my Mom happened to be in town and she was with me at my appointment. I texted Dave from the doctors waiting room waiting for my wheel chair (we aren't allowed cell phone usage in there). I said to him, "having a baby today. still at dr. call in a bit." He replied back, "seriously?" Like I would joke about something like that! I was wheeled over to the hospital and checked in around 10:30. Dr. Wetter broke my water around 1:30. I started having some yucky contractions and requested my best friend, Mr. Epidural. Once that was given to me - I was great! I started to push right at 6:05 PM. Alexa Brooks was born 40 minutes later. . . . 8 lbs, 13 oz, 21" long! No wonder I was so uncomfortable. I had a small toddler in my stomach! Boy do I feel so much better not being pregnant!
I have to admit that labor was not bad at all. I don't want to say it was easy, but it pretty much was! I think it was because of the drugs. It made things so much lighter and less tense.
I am so blessed that everything went smoothly. Dave was so wonderful and very calm through the delivery. He was very encouraging and comforting. Alexa is so cute and the faces she made when she was born were hysterical! I think she's definitely got the Mader genes (which I'm not complaining - Dave is quite the handsome fellow). The shocking thing is that she has a head full of dark hair!
I'm about to get some shut eye while I can. Thanks for your prayers and will post some pictures later!