My precious lil flower

This photo is just so incredibly breathtaking to me! I know, I am biased, but she is gorgeous! Irie is a little snuggly cuddle bug! She is always burrowing herself into some corner or hole, its just adorable! This came from her being upright against my chest and slowly working her way down and into this contortionist pose! I think she looks like a lil Anne Gedde's baby :o) She is just beautiful!

In desparate need of an update here...

Yes, I know. It has been far too long since I have posted anything! Time has just flown right on by, and looking back...I don't even know where it all went?! I guess I will just recap what I remember and see where that brings us...

Collin and I celebrated our 4th year anniversary...AWW... It was sweet! I can't believe its already been that long, we have come such a long way! He truly is my best friend and am so glad we've made it to this point together! I love you Collin! Here's to many more years!!




I finally went back to work, ugh! Been back a month now. I must say, I envy all you Mom's who can stay home with your little ones all day long. I mean, its nice to know I'm out doing something but I just hate NOT being with her. Not in the protective sense, just that she's MY little baby. Or I atleast wish I had the option to work OR not work, but my choice. But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. And man, I am just exhausted more than ever! By the time Im done with work and all the things for the day...assuming I get them accomplished, I just want to collapse! I have never felt so tired. Maybe while I was pregnant, but this is a close second! It might even be more...Some day soon i'll have that option to stop if I so chose!

My little lady is 3 months old?!? Where did all that time go?? Its madness. She still just seems so small, like I just brought her home! But she is developing into a little person and beginning not only to grow into her features but her surroundings as well. It is so adorable! She has such intense facial expressions! I love it, i just sit and laugh sometimes at the responses I get from her! haha! She smiles all the time now and is holding her head up. She's awake so much more. She LOVES to look out, and watch people and things. Her eyes get SOOO big and focused! hehe its funny. My baby is growing up :o) She still just brings so much joy and love into my life, I can't imagine life without her!





Halloween- came and went way to fast! I had to work pretty much for all the events of the month, but I did get some cute photos. Irie was a pumpkin, basically cause nothing else fit her little body right! But she was the cutest pumpkin in the patch for sure! We got some cute family pics at the pumkpin patch that I cant wait to blow up and frame! ...I think that's it! Hopefully it won't take me this long to post again!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUBBY MAN!!

Cute

Ornery

Light -hearted

Lovable

Imaginative

Notorious

Collin is officially climbing the age ladder-26!! He's no longer early 20's, but heading towards late 20's! hehe

Family Picture ;)

Not a formal one, obviously. Still need to do those... but still cute! This is our first one as a family since the hospital! I know, I couldn't believe it either! Goal: make it a point to take more pictures of the 3 of us!

Fun, Fun, Fun!!

We had our best friends from Austin, TX come for a week long visit! We had such a blast with them, it was a much needed outlet! Here's to you, Michaelyne and Adam!! We love and miss yal- just MOVE already!!!

The 'Ol GangAuntie Michaelyne
Happy 19th Birthday Bon-Bon!!!


Micah, Irie, and Me
An old favorite of ours to do- went to one of Collin's shows out at Lake Las Vegas! AND it was Irie's first time out of Utero, seeing her Daddy play! She did so good, and loved every bit!!
Collin and I
Riding the roller coasters out on the strip!! I was finally able to go!! The Sahara is the BEST!!
Michaelyne and Adam
Silly girl time, always a must!
Adam and Izzy, new lovers!!
Bonny and Collin-Hot Rods!!
So, the boys took a bike ride up to Mt Charelston and cause of the baby, the girls drove. After we got to the top, we stopped and had lunch at the Cafe. Our plan was to walk around or take a lil walk, cause us girls had never been, but the boys took forever!! And it was too dark and cold by the time we finished :( Bonny was the only one brave enough to get on the bike by that time.... it was freezing!!! ( I had the baby)
So, after driving all the way back home, we realize my sweet sweet husband left the baby's stroller at the Lodge!! lol. So the next day, us girls made the trip we should have made the first day ;) It was so beautiful up there, and the weather was perfect!! And wow-some of the houses up there, are not only beautiful, but Huge!! We probably drove around for 45 min or so. It was awesome!

She's starting young...

So I totally painted her finger and toe nails bright pink! I thought it was just soo stinking cute! I did it while she was asleep so they'd have time to dry. Man, was it a process! I had to hold each hand or foot while I waited for it to dry so that it wouldn't smudge! Then had to wash her hands to make sure she didn't taste any of the toxins from the nail polish! But, all said and done- SO worth it! lol. Everywhere I take her someone comments on it- and just can't believe how TINY she is! Her doctor said in all her years of practice, she has NEVER seen an Infant with painted nails! She thought it was really cute and took a picture! So this isn't the best picture of it, but she was awake and thats the only one I could get!

2 weeks!!

Irie is just continuing to get bigger and stronger- it amazes me she is already 2 weeks old?! Time has just flown by! So we just had her 2 week check up on wednesday- and she is weighing in at a heavy 6lbs 4oz!! (well, for her) Lol. It' a big deal for her though. She has been battling Jaundice and not wanting to eat at all, especially the first week! It just makes her so lethargic, but I guess she likes Mommy's milk ;) So week #2 went tons better! And speaking of jaundice, I absolutely loathe taking her to get blood drawn! They have had to do it 5 times now since we've been OUT of the hospital and it doesn't get any easier! The first time I took her was 2 days after we came home and they were checking her Billirubin- I cried! It just broke my heart to watch them do it to her! And ya know, the prick really isn't that bad...it's what they do afterwards when they squeeze and squeeze her poor little leg and heel to pull the blood out! And Irie does really well, every doctor just comments on how tough and calm she is. She lets out a cry after the prick, and then just breathes to keep calm and sucks REALLY hard! I usually can calm her down as I hold her to stay calm- she's a little fighter!! But this last time for her check up they had to poke her twice! Thats right, both heels baby! The first one was for her PKU test, and then we had to go to the lab for the Billirubin again.
So I thought it was a universal known fact that if you're gonna poke an infant or child, they'll probably do better in your arms.... That way they still feel some form of comfort. And until today, thats how all of them have been done. I hold her against my chest with her binki in mouth and they poke and pull the blood. Bless her little heart, she calmed right down after the first one, then we go to the Lab and the lady makes me lay her down on the table, ALL BY HERSELF!! She said she wasn't comfortable doing it while she was upright....whatever?! Irie just screamed and screamed, I couldn't even get her to somewhat calm down for a breath! I just cried right along with her! Her whole body was just flying everywhere out of control- cause that's exactly how she felt! I just wanted to hold her and tell the mean old lady to stop!!! And if it wasn't already bad enough, she didn't feel like she hit a "pocket" the first time so poked her foot in the same spot again! And she STILL has a bruise on her heel from it :( I hope I never get that lady again, or I'll just BEG for someone else!
So these are before and after pictures of that day! I love the way she sleeps, her hands are always up by her head, or holding eachother- its soo cute! The after one is of her poor little heels!

Miracles

So now that I actually have a little bit more time to actually update my blog, I can actually write a little bit. I look back at the past 9 months and how hard they were. The doctor, the delivery, the pains, the fact I ever got pregnant, and more that I carried her FULL term! I have just been given a miracle!! There have been so many hiccups, major and minor, that I honestly was losing faith all of this would work out to our benefit. I was more filled with fear and anxiety, just trying so hard to rely on the Lord and have the faith that I would need to see it all through. And now, I just sit back and look at this little miracle of an Angel that has been placed in my care, and am so overwhelmed! With joy and gladness, and thanks! It just brings me to tears every time I think about how it all ended up, and how the Lord's hand was over it all. We really had angels carrying us through to the very end. I've always been told that I was surrounded by angels, and that they were there in my times of need and of joy. I know they're still around us today. And I am so grateful for all of the support and prayers and just kind thoughts that got sent our way. They meant so much to me as I was going through all of this. And just seeing all of the people that rallied around us after wards, wanting to see Irie, and just wanting to know how they could help, letting us know we were loved! We really have been so blessed, and I want to thank all of you that allowed the Lord to work through your hands on our behalf. And now I have the sweetest little bundle of joy, in my arms!

I honestly never thought I would be able to know truly what it was like to bring something I had a hand in creating into this world. That total feeling of becoming a mother. I'm noticing the smallest changes in how protective and selfless I've become! And its just been such a natural transition for me, having her, that I hadn't even really noticed. Collin brought it up as he was thanking me for being an amazing Mom to Irie in the ways that I take care of her. Its the sweetest feeling I have ever felt. She has the sweetest, most pure, calming spirit about her. And she is strong, just filled with strength! All the nurses at the hospital, and the doctor kept telling me what a strong little girl I had!! She kinda had to be, and I knew that she would be- I could feel it the whole time I carried her. I know the Lord was with her, giving her added strength to handle the hiccups I was dealing with too! She gave me so much comfort, and now I find myself so often just sitting and staring at her, just in tears. Still taking strength from her. I'm just in awe, I can feel the spirit so strongly in those moments- its amazing! The Lord really does love his little ones. And how blessed I am to have been given one!! She has brought such immense joy into our lives, I never knew was missing. Even down to her soft little cry! It breaks my heart to hear it, but its just so simple and cute! She is the tiniest little baby we've ever had in my family- I want her to just stay that way! I know the time will come and slowly she'll get bigger and bigger...but for now, I am just enjoying it all while I still can! Isn't it amazing how in these tiny little bodies are these giant spirits, so matured, and perfect? These spirits that are in our hands to mold and shape and prepare them for whats coming?! I've always been told that motherhood would be my greatest calling in life- and now I'm so excited to do just that! And watch her grow and become who the Lord wants her to be through my hands. I know this was more of a personal entry, but I just had to get it out and into writing. I am just constantly reminded of the little MIRACLE she is! The miracle this whole journey has been! And just the miracle of life itself!

First Bath

So I must admit, I was really nervous to give Irie her first bath ;/ Nervous she'd be cold, or the water too hot, she'd hate it, I'd do it wrong or soak her umbilical nub?!?! You name it, I thought it, I know right... typical new Mom- she Loved it!! She was in heaven, probably cause it reminded her of home! Just look at how peaceful she looks there, she was practically asleep. It was a little shock at first, but once she got into the water and realized how warm it was she relaxed right away! It was so cute too- she managed to get both feet and hands over the side of the little mesh part that lays over the bath so they could sit in the water!! It was so cute!! And I LOVE the way she smells after a bath, its the sweetest, most simple smell ever!

Here she is, at last!!

Irie Stella Freestone

Born July 30th, 2008 @ 7:50 am
5 lbs, 13 oz and 18 inches long
Proud parents: Collin and Jenn
Proud Family: All our loved ones



Irie Stella Freestone Ready to head home! She's so tiny her clothes hardly fit her! ( I think we're gonna have to try preemie clothes!)

The Proud Daddy and Little IrieCan you see the wrapping already beginning??

Irie Stella FreestoneMomma and Baby IrieI'm just in love!



For those of you who know know...its pronounced eye-ree. Its Jamaican for meaning "the ultimate positive of high in life" It's a spiritual level of enlightenment. The name fits her so perfectly! She's so tiny her clothes hardly fit her!

The Day Before...

So Tuesday, I had my weekly checkup at the OB, and guess what?! We're having the baby! My contractions were really strong and due to my spine, the doctor didn't wanna wait for the results of an MRI- I would have popped first anyhow! So we went up to the check out counter and the lady says "OK, we will see you tomorrow. Check- in time is at 5:30am Surgery is 7:30am." what?!?!?! lol. I was so not prepared to hear that- it was already 4pm as it was. I was relieved and so excited, yet so nervous all at the same time! That was a night so full of excitement for everyone! Here I am the day before the baby, and 38 weeks!!

Side profile
I measured 38 inches around- what a massive waist line!!!
Collin thought this picture was so funny- its kinda creepy looking though ;/

Baby Shower!!

The Sign in table
My Baby Rattle Cake
The mother load!!
Food Table and Decorations

So we finally had my baby shower in Nevada last weekend- it was such a blast! Megan through it with the help of family and friends, and it turned out so good! I had such a blast decorating and getting it all together, and with everyone there! My Nana, mother in law and two sister in laws were able to come up from AZ to spend the weekend with us- how can they resist their future grand baby and niece?! And did you take a look at that Rattle cake?!? WOW!!! Cheyenne made it, and dang! I think thats one of the coolest cakes I've ever seen! lol Thanks Cheyenne! I made out with some really cute stuff too- so thank you everyone who contributed to that!!! She is one loved little girl!!
A Few pics of the Girls...
Crystal, Chloe, Katie, Nikki
My Mother in Law and Aunt ErinCheyenne, Dana, Hillary and FaunWork Crew: Aida, Me, Jenna & HeatherCrystal and I 'measuring up'... We'll see who goes first...

Off to Chili...

David, Delina, and Kim


Delina, Kim and I

So my good friend Kim is off to Chili for 5 months to teach English abroad!! I trained her at Chili's, the restaurant, and we just hit it off! This girl has traveled to so many places in the world- she's like a little nomad!! I'm envious, a little. But love the stability of my life as well. She was really trying to get me to go into labor before she left so she could see the little baby... Didn't quite happen ;) Only 2 weeks left though, its coming so fast! Anyhow, We will miss you Kim!!! We've had some good times, and can't wait to have more once you're home at Christmas!!! Have fun,

and come back my little Spanglish Seniorita!! :0)

My New Nephew!!!

He's finally here, and early no less! Garrett David Gotzinger! Born on July 17, 2008 at 7am. Weighing in at 8lbs 5 ounces and 21 inches long!! Yay! Congratulations!! This is my brother and his wife's FIRST boy after 4 adorable girls! So they are MORE than excited to have him here! Amy was due one week before me....so I guess I'm next!! (I hope I'm not early though...) Anyhow, we love you guys, and enjoy!!!

4th of July, Collin's Show's, Family and American Idol

Happy belated Birthday America! We bbq'd and swam at a friends house and it was a blast! They had the coolest set up in their backyard, misters, over head stereo system, pebble beach pool, bbq- it was awesome! Then afterwards headed to the strip to watch Collin perform and hoped to have seen fireworks...










































Next, Collin has just been busy busy busy, with shows and recording! He played out on the strip in front of Planet Hollywood at a restaurant called trader Vics. And one of the shows was the 4th of July! We had the most awesome view! It was great, except for you couldn't see the fireworks over the big hotels!! It was lame! Fireworks are my favorite, so needless to say, I was bummed! The other place he has been playing is out a Lake Las Vegas, its a resort FAR away! lol. Its a really cool atmosphere there and he's been playing there all month! We've had a lot of people showing up to support him and they've all been such blasts!! Way to go Hubby Man!!











And the missing sister from last time...Jolene and her girls decided to come up for a visit since they weren't going to make my baby shower the following weekend. And luckily- Liz is staying with them right now, So I got a double dose of joy! IT was so fun to spend the weekend with them! I've really been missing family lately, I think its more cause I know my own is starting and I'm not living around home for them to all be a part of it :(









So Collins manager got us free tickets to the American Idol Tour that was here at the Thomas Mack Center. I wish I had family that lived closer that we could have taken, cause the boys were NOT having it! It really, was more like a glorified Karaoke Concert, but still lots of fun. But dang, the girls and little kids were going NUTS!!! Especially for David Cook- I haven' heard so much high screeching in my life! We were so close to the stage too, so here are a few photos for your enjoyment!