I'M 12 WEEKS OLD TODAY!

My Mommy met me and daddy at Grandma's at lunch time so she could get in some cuddle time. I'm being a very good girl while Daddy is hanging out with me. We love to watch Sports Center and a little golf. Oh, the Food Network is pretty interesting too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

I'm all dressed up for Christmas day. We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. (Ladybug Grandma) We will be going to Grandma Linda's house on Friday. Aunt Stephie and Uncle Travie were there and also Uncle Paul and Aunt Haley.

Aunt Stephie and Uncle Travie gave me this Glo Worm. His face lights up and he plays lullaby's. Pretty cute! They also gave me a lot of other noisy toys! The grown-ups ate ham and a lot of other stuff. Mommy said I get mine in a day or so. We had a lot of fun just being together.

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

It was a long day and I couldn't stay awake for the family picture. Just wait until next year. I'll be able to open my own packages and play with all the boxes!

JUST ME AND MY MOMMY

Yesterday, Daddy took me shopping. We got Christmas Presents for Mommy. I was a good girl for him. Today Mommy and Daddy went on a date to the movies and I got to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house. This is me getting a hug from Mommy when she got home. I think she missed me a little.

ELEVEN WEEKS OLD!

Today, I am 11 weeks old. My Mom and Dad took me to see Santa. We had a nice little chat. I told him that I've been a real good girl. I haven't had a lot of chances to be bad yet.

My Mom goes back to work tomorrow and I get to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa. Daddy will be home for a couple of weeks after tomorrow and we are going to hang out together.

I'm getting pretty big these days. My Mom had to move the straps on my car seat! She has a bin that she is putting clothes that don't fit me anymore.

TODAY I'M 10 WEEKS OLD!

I am 10 weeks old today and I got to hang out with my Grandpa while my Mom went to a meeting at her office.

Today I learned that when I smile and laugh, my Mom and Grandma and Grandpa go nuts. They make a huge fuss and take a lot of pictures.

Mommy said that I am doing a good job of sleeping at night. She has to go back to work next week. I'm going to miss her but Grandma said we can send her pictures of me when I do something cute!

GETTING IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!

I want to say hi to everyone and show off my snowman sleeper. There seems to be a lot of whispering lately. Today, my Mom and Dad went to Woodburn to go shopping. I got to stay with Grandma and Grandpa. I wonder what this shopping thing is all about?

Tonight, we are going to go over to Aunt Stephie's' and Uncle Travie's I get to meet Bogey. He is my dog Baxter's brother.

TWO MONTHS OLD!

Just hanging out with Grandma!

Playing the waiting game!

(see last paragraph for explanation)

Today, it was off to the doctor for my 2 month check-up. I now weigh 11 pounds and 1 ounce. I've gained 4 whole pounds! I am 22 and 1/2 inches tall.

Life is very good. As long as my tummy is full and my diaper empty, I'm a pretty happy girl. I've decided that late night TV is kind of boring so I'm spending more of those hours sleeping.

I love music, so if you want to keep me happy, learn some cute songs to sing to me.

For those of you wondering, my little "poop" problem came to an end on Sunday night. I amazed my Mom and Dad with the fullest diaper they could ever imagine. It's hard to fit 8 days worth into one little diaper!

8 WEEKS OLD!

Today, I am 8 weeks old. I accidentally smiled once, now everyone wants me to do it all the time. When I do, the camera starts flashing, so if I'm a little crossed-eyed, please forgive me.

Our trip to Seattle was so fun. I got to meet Grandpa Greg and a lot of Aunts and Uncles. I was the hit of the party. I was a very good girl, but it was a very long car trip. Mommy and Daddy love to show me off.

Mommy is feeling much better. We have a good time hanging out every day. Daddy misses me when he has to go to work, but he calls us when he can.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today was my first Thanksgiving. We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a big dinner. My Uncle Paul and Aunt Haley were there too. We watched a lot of football. I am now 7 weeks old.

Tomorrow, we are off to Seattle. It's a long ways. I think I might sleep a lot.

My Mom is feeling a lot better. She quit taking the medicine that was making her and me sick.

SIX WEEKS OLD

I've been real busy the past couple of weeks. My Mom had her surgery on My 6 week birthday. It was a real long day, but she got to come home that night and here she is holding me. She's getting well now.

My Grandma Linda came all the way from Seattle to help us. She is feeling much better and now she has more hair than me! I get to go to Seattle the day after Thanksgiving and meet all of my relatives. They are giving me a big party! I'm so excited!!!

I'M FIVE WEEKS OLD!

Relaxing with my Mom and my dog Baxter

Can you believe that I'm 5 weeks old already? My Mom says that I'm getting to be a better sleeper. My Daddy says that I'm beautiful and my Grandma Kay says that I'm the sweetest little girl ever!

I'm really growing. I weigh 9 pounds already. I don't really like my bath, but Mommy said I have to have them anyway. I don't like to have my clothes changed either.

My Mommy has to have surgery on Wednesday to have her gall bladder removed. I'm going to miss her because she has to be gone all day. I'm sure my Grandma will take good care of me.

LITTLE MISS LADYBUG!

On Saturday, while the Oregon Ducks were beating the Sun Devils, My Mommy and Daddy took me to Salem and I posed for some pictures. This is me in my Ladybug Costume. It was kind of big, but everyone thought I looked cute anyway.

FOUR WEEKS OLD!

Look at me! I will be four weeks old tomorrow. Today, I got to go to IHOP with Grandma and Grandpa and Mom. My Mom and I got to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa all day while Brady was at the vet for his check up. Baxter got to come too because he cried.

I am trying real hard to let my Mom sleep a little more at night. It seems like I'm learning something new every day.

THREE WEEKS OLD

Today, I am 3 weeks old. I got to go to the dentist with my Mom. They gave me my very own tooth brush. The only problem is, I don't know what a tooth is yet. I'm wearing the cute outfit that my Grandma Linda brought me last week. Don't you think I'm cute?

I got to hang out with my Grandpa Bob and Grandma Kay while my Mom took a little nap. She's pretty tired because she's had a little problem with her gall bladder. The doctor is going to fix it so she doesn't have to go back to the emergency room in the middle of the night.

My Grandma and Grandpa's dogs, Jasper and Schatzi think I'm a squeaky toy. When I get bigger, I can pet them and they will know that I'm a human.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

I've been wondering where my Daddy goes on Friday nights. Did you know that he is a football coach, and on Friday night they play games. Last night I got to go to my very first football game. We took a very long trip to Alsea. It was kind of cold and it rained a few times. I was a very good girl. After the game I got to go out to the middle of the field and give my Daddy
a kiss and congratulate him for McKenzie's 34-32 victory. Next week I get to go to Daddy's school for their Homecoming game.

My grandma Linda, Aunt Amanda, Aunt Valerie and cousin Keegan came all the way from Seattle to see the game and play with me today.

TWO WEEKS OLD!

Today, I had my 2 week check-up. I am a growing girl. I now weigh 7 pounds and 9 ounces. I am 20 1/2 inches tall. I still get a little confused about day and night. I'm trying hard to get things right, but there is so much to learn.

SEVEN DAYS OLD!

After my Mom and Grandma Kay drug me to the mall for my first visit to Gymboree, I got to go see my Grandpa and pose for some more pictures. My mom had to buy me some little clothes because the 0-3 month things are just too big!

Abby with her beautiful eyes open

LIFE IS GOOD!

We are happy to report that the new family is getting along very well. Today, we just let them be a family without outside visitors. Abby is nursing like a pro. Rick is changing diapers like he's been doing it all of his life and Mandy is the most amazing mother. We are getting a lot of pictures so if you want more than I post, let me know, I'll be glad to email some.

INTRODUCING: ABIGAIL BREE GARDNER

Our little family

Sleeping in my Grandpa's arms

Our darling Ladybug has finally made her appearance. She weighed in at 7 pounds and 1 ounce and is 20 inches long. She made her debut at 7:42pm on her grandma and grandpa's 32nd anniversary, October 3rd. She is the most beautiful little girl and already has won the hearts of everyone she has met. We will post more pictures soon!

READY FOR BABY!

We spent today watching the Seattle Seahawks win their opening day game and putting the finishing touches on the nursery. We can finally say that the only thing needed is our precious little Lady. We think the nursery turned out really cute.

The green sign says "I'm a Dream Come True" and the black sign says "My Prince Did Come, His name is Daddy."
Butterflies, Dragonflies and Flowers, Oh My!

All ready for my Daddy to read me my first story!

SECOND SHOWER!

Rick's Sister Amanda made this Cake

(the baby and blanket are edible)

Rick, Mandy and Hostess Jamie

On Sunday, September 2nd, Mandy was showered with more gifts in Tacoma. Her friend Jamie was the hostess and all of Ricks family from the Seattle/Tacoma area were in attendance. Stephanie and I drove up from Eugene to take part in the celebration. It was a beautiful day, the food was delicious and it was great spending time with Rick's family.

NURSERY/SHOWER #1

Mandy at her first shower with the darling decorations and Ladybug cake that Tiah made.

This is the nursery so far. We still have to hang the stuff on the walls and paint the bookshelf. We'll post more pictures when the whole room is done. Boy, are we having fun!

MANDY'S BELLY

Mandy on her birthday, July 31st.

KEEPING UP

I've started this blog to allow all family and friends to keep up with our precious new little ladybug.

Over the past few days, we have painted the nursery. (It's Green and Yellow!) Last night, Mandy and I hung the border. Friday, we will place the furniture and pictures will follow.

This is a very exciting time for all of us. We have waited so long for this miracle to enter our lives. I will do my best to keep this site updated for all to enjoy.