NOVEMBER
When we came home from Birmingham we were quarantined to the house through the winter and flu season. This meant that Ali and I couldn't go anywhere other than doctor's appointments and daddy mainly went to work. We also couldn't have visitors other than our parents, as long as they were healthy. This was challenging at times, but totally worth it to ensure the safety and health of our little miracle. We had many window shoppers come by to look through the window at our sweet girl! It became something we looked forward to since we couldn't get her out! As we became more settled into our routine and Ali was doing well, Anthony and I were able to get out of the house occasionally to grab a quick dinner or go to the store, but as soon as we returned we changed clothes, washed hands and arms, and showered when necessary. We really wanted to get some newborn pictures of Ali so we totally broke the rules to capture her at her tiny size of less than 5 pounds. We were very cautious, however, and our amazing friends scrubbed in and were in and out in a flash! Haha!
Our good friends, Amy & Brandon Henderson, of Auburn Heritage Photography, did an incredible job! We are so grateful for their help and talents in capturing these precious photos and memories of our sweet baby girl! I have attached the link below if you would like to see more of their amazing work!
http://www.auburnheritagephoto.smugmug.com/
Click on this link, then you will find the protected gallery icon on the right column called Ali Gilmore, click this and the password is Anthony. You will find her photos from November, December, and April.
All snuggled in the Moses basket that the sweet Kimbrell's let us borrow!
It was so cold for so long so we had to keep her bundled! We sure didn't mind the snuggle time!
One of Ali's first baths at home! She loved laying on her tummy! Sweet baby!
DECEMBER
We had a very different, but very special first Christmas with Ali! Our amazing family took great care of us while we couldn't go anywhere or be with all the family for Christmas gatherings. We had one big surprise show up on our lawn one evening and I wish I had pictures of it, but I only have a video and its too big to put on here. My sweet mother-in-law, Ali's Moo, helped secretly organize a Christmas caroling event for Ali and I! It was so special! I was completely surprised to see some wonderful close friends and some precious students and parents from my class! It was a very emotional and joyful time and I am so thankful to have that memory and look forward to sharing it with Ali one day!
At two months old, Ali weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 19 1/2 inches long!
Ali's Moo and Pa had fun dressing her up and taking some fun Christmas photos!
We just thought she was tiny,
but we sort of had to stuff her in this stocking!
Sleeping in Daddy's fire helmet. You can see more of these at the photography site.
JANUARY
At three months old, Miss Ali weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. Ali really began smiling in response to us this month and grasping toys! She loved being on her tummy or her back and looking at the lights and animals in her rain forest play gym. This was a very exciting month for us as we received a long awaited answered prayer to have my leave extended from work. Upon the recommendations of the doctors at UAB, our pediatrician, and our best judgements as parents, it was very important for me to stay healthy and well through flu and RSV season since I was Ali's primary caregiver. So keeping me out of the classroom environment for as long as possible was imperative. With God's grace and provision my leave was extended and I was able to stay out an extra 7 weeks with Ali. This was incredible and we believe helped get her to a much stronger point in her development before I returned to work! I am so thankful for my job and the many amazing people I work with that are like my family! I am also thankful for the value of family that my school system embraces! We wouldn't have been able to do it without their support!
She loved having her hands out all the time when she wasn't swaddled.
Even when she was swaddled she would squirm them out somehow!
A special family friend made this precious gown for Ali! This is one of my favorite pictures of her!
Love this hat too! Thanks Aunt Shell!
Well...little Missy was definitely growing bigger and stronger!
FEBRUARY
At four months old, Ali weighed 9 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 22 inches long. This was a big growth spurt! Ali really began making many sweet sounds by the beginning of February! It was the best sound we had ever heard! Now we know why people in restaurants aren't bothered by their children's loud sounds and shrieks! Haha
Sweet girl fell asleep in her sling so I just laid her down in it. We love our Dr. Sears sling!
Just snoozing...
Ali just being her precious little self!
Playing in her favorite spot!
MARCH
At five months old Ali weighed 10 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 23 inches long! She was still sleeping pretty well through the night. Her sounds and movements were becoming more clear and distinct! She loved snuggling with mommy and daddy, playing in the rain forest, and trying to scoot on her tummy. She also enjoyed pulling her knees up and rocking side to side. It was too cute! Being back at work was getting easier every day, although I still longed to be at home with her, it was as good as it could be. It also helped to know that most days she was at home having special time with her amazing daddy! The days were passing quickly and before I knew it it was spring break!
We had a great week at home together!
Reading books with Daddy!
Ali adores her Daddy!
One of Ali's first visits to her back yard!
Enjoying the warmer weather...finally!!!
APRIL
Ali weighed 12 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 23 1/2 inches long at 6 months old. Time goes by way too fast! Ali really enjoyed getting to spend time outside and going for walks. Ali loved going to Moo school and seeing her cousin Race and she still does! Racey boy makes her laugh and smile! She can't take her eyes off of him! It is so sweet! We also celebrated Ali's first Easter!
Hanging out in her big girl bed!
I love this face! Although you can't exactly tell in this picture...Ali loves her "jump, jump!"
Thanks Hilton for letting Ali borrow your many fun toys!
Ali's first bathing suit! She quickly outgrew it, sadly!
ALI'S FIRST EASTER
MAY
This month Ali weighed 12 pounds, 13 ounces, but we didn't get an exact measurement. I am thinking she was still around 23 1/2 to 24 inches. She loved smiling, talking, and laughing. She began rolling all over the place and turning herself around on her tummy! Busy girl! She started sitting up pretty well with a little support. She got a little upset if she tumbled over. She loves reading books and helps hold them when she isn't trying to get them in her mouth! This is still true today! We took our first real trip with Ali on Mother's Day weekend to my home town, Kennesaw, so Ali could meet some of her family and see P-Polly's house. We miss my sweet grandmother! We are so thankful to still be able to gather as a family on her beautiful property. We had a great time and it was great practice packing and traveling before our upcoming beach trip! Ali did great!
Uncle Scott got out the big boy toys for daddy to play with! Ali liked sitting on them too! We just didn't let her ride yet! Not for several more years little bit!
My cousin Anna getting to hold Ali for the first time!
I think every grandchild in my family has there picture made at Grandma Polly's piano so we had to be sure to get Ali's picture! She liked "pat-patting" the keys!
We also went to visit Grandmother Unive, my dad, stepmom, stepsisters, and niece and nephew.
Ali had a great time seeing lots of new faces!
River showing Ali her baby doll.
Snuggling with Michelle and River!
Sweet smile...
Napping with Papa!
Aunt Amy and River
My first Mother's Day was so wonderful! I got to spend it with my family in Kennesaw and share Ali with them finally! When we got back home that night I found this surprise waiting for me! This sweet cross-stitched poem was made for my mom when I was a baby and was in my nursery. Anthony had it re-framed and added Ali's sweet hand prints and footprints with a some help from Moo! I was so excited to have this special piece to add to Ali's room! It was the best gift and the best day!
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