thankful

There were so many things I was looking forward to witnessing with the birth of our little Ryleigh, but one of the most exciting things was watching Jason be her dad. He loves me so perfectly, and I couldn't wait to see how that love would grow and be given to her. From the moment he saw her I knew he was smitten. We both were! He is so amazing with her, and I already know that she's going to be a daddy's girl. He's gentle, loving, and so patient in all situations. He has this calming presence that I know keeps her content, and when he snuggles her my heart melts. 

I thank God everyday for this wonderful man that He brought into my life, and for the dad he is  and will be for our little girl! 

Our one year anniversary is coming up, and as I sit here reflecting on all that has happened, I realize how blessed we are, how happy we are, how there is so much more ahead of us, and how lucky I am to be sharing this life with Jason. 

Time flies

Wow, I can't believe it's been 10 days since Ryleigh was born?! She's already changing so much and time certainly flies especially now that my sleep schedule is completely on Ryleigh time:)  She's so beautiful, and I think I fall more in love with her every second if that's possible. With every coo, and sleepy smile, I just thank God for this wonderful gift and pray that he continues to bless her with good health, and contentment. 


She's sleeping well, and eating very well...about every 3 hours like clock work. Jason and I seem to have a routine down that is working for us, and we're both able to sleep as much as we can. It's been really nice having Nana Neel stay with us a couple of nights to help us so that we aren't so sleep deprived. The many visitors, gifts, and dinners from family and friends have been so wonderful and we appreciate everything! We're so blessed to have so many people around us that love her as much as we do! 


We had our first doctors appointment last Thursday and she grew a 1/2 inch and gained 6 ounces since leaving the hospital. The doctor said she looks great and she's right on track, so that made us feel great! She's in the 70th percentile for height so I think she's going to be very tall like her daddy! 


It was our first time out of the house since bringing her home and I welcomed the opportunity as cabin fever is slowly setting in. I'm slowly working up the nerve to take her out again by myself... I think I'm almost ready:) 


I'm trying to capture every precious little moment with her being so tiny as I know time will only continue to fly by....the camera is out!

I love my daddy! 

Tummy time with mommy!

She's here!!!

Ryleigh Anne Kingma

9/16/11

7 lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long! 

We are so in love with our little girl! She is the most precious gift and we thank God for this miracle everyday! 

My water broke and contractions started at 12:30am, and after waiting at home for a bit we headed to the ER around 4:00am. They admitted me and the LONG day began. I labored until 4:30ish later that afternoon as Miss Ryleigh was born at 5:29pm! I will say, the Epidural saved me, the nurses were amazing, and my Doctor was fantastic! I am so blessed to have had the best experience possible while bringing my little girl into the world. Of course I'm biased, but she is the most gorgeous baby I've ever seen:) 


She's so loved already and has no idea just how spoiled she's going to be, especially by all of her grandparents! 


We packed up and brought her home on Sunday and made sure everything was where it needed to be to start the week ahead. I was anticipating a weird schedule as we did take advantage of the nursery while we were in the hospital so that we could rest and sleep to be on our A game when we got home! She seems to have her days and nights mixed up a bit, but I'm sure it'll work itself out as long as we keep on a good feeding schedule. Grandma Neel came to stay with us because Daddy was called in for Jury Duty (ridiculous timing we know) but it is what it is and we'll deal with it the best we can! 


You think you'll be prepared for the lack of sleep part of all this, but man, it's hard! I am so sensitive to her sounds now that I don't think I actually sleep when she's near me for fear that I'll miss something...but Daddy helped out a ton last night and I was able to get a couple of hours in, and it's amazing what 4 hours can do! 


So, that's the update for now, and I'm sure there will be more to come as we face each day of this wonderful journey with Ryleigh. Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, and congrats, we are so blessed to be surrounded by so much love!

simple words, big meaning

Thank you Pinterest for  this little gem. It's so simple, but so true! Sweet little reminders of how easily we can choose to live, love, listen, and speak... I know sometimes I'm incredibly guilty of doing the opposite of these and that's when I'm not feeling as close to God, and I need to refocus and get back to what is important instead of focusing on all the trivial and not so important distractions that have been in my way.  Prayer is a safe haven every time. 


Praying that with all of the new adventures Jason and I will soon encounter that there will be every chance to show our little girl what it means to follow these so simple rules and to grow in her relationship with God every step of the way. 

impatiently waiting and reflecting

Well, it seems our little girl is going to take her own precious time to get here...I thought she would have made her debut by now (especially when Michigan scored their winning touchdown last night) but it seems we're still hanging out...preparing while impatiently waiting. 


I am in the early stages of labor according to my doctor! I won't get all technical on here as I believe that can be TMI...but things are in motion which we do feel great about. The backaches are getting more intense, and I'm getting more and more uncomfortable...but Sept 19 is still 8 days away so stay tuned! 


Today has been a quiet day in the Kingma household as we've been resting, reflecting, and remembering 9/11. 


I've been glued to the t.v. today watching all of the memorial coverage and documentaries...even some of the commercials have had me crying. It's amazing to think that it all happened so many years ago. The one true beauty in it all is that in the midst of war and hate there has been growth in a love for our country. Through the pain comes strength. I also am thinking of my brother today and am just so proud that he is serving our country in Iraq. Praying for his safety and that with every mission he's sent on that he returns safe. 


As impatient as I can be, it's days like today that show me that things don't always go as we plan, and that one day can forever change you. 

September is here...finally!

Well hello September! With you comes the most wonderful time of the year...football season! But, you're being overshadowed this year by our baby girls due date!!! The countdown is on and we are so excited to meet her! These past 8 months have been a blur I have to say, but I'm very very ready to have this baby! The swelling, killer heartburn, backaches, stuffy nose, and my new waddle are all things I can't wait to put behind me! I admit after having our hospital tour last week I'm getting more and more nervous about labor...but no matter how much pain I go through in the end we'll have our little miracle and I can cuddle her, and kiss her, and we'll grow together in this new relationship as mother and daughter. 


As I anxiously await her arrival I have so many things pop into my head that I can't wait for...

seeing her and holding her for the very first time

watching Jason be a daddy

her first smile

reading to her, and praying with her before bed

watching as her personality forms...will she be sassy or shy?

her first words...will it be mama, dada, or go blue? 

How cute are these game day outfits? Tutu and onesie courtesy of Auntie Cindy, and the cheerleading outfit is from Auntie Hannah, Rachel, and Becky! 

Thanks ladies!!! 

2 day countdown till Michigan vs. Western Michigan and even though I graduated a Bronco, I still want my Maize and Blue to get the W! 

GO BLUE!