Macey is 5 Months Old!

Happy 5-month birthday, Miss Macey!



I know, I know I didn't do a birthday post last month. It's been a busy couple months for Macey. She's rolling over like a pro, grabbing for objects and having more fun playing. She even had her first ear infection! Lucky girl, huh?

Another first? Her very first wreck! No worries, she wasn't hurt, but it was hilarious. At a recent trip to Ft. Worth, Greg and I took Macey on her first trip to the zoo! We had a great time looking at tigers, lions and...no bears.

While taking a peek at the tigers, Greg claims he was holding Macey's stroller handle. However, when he decided to take a picture, he let go of the stroller without realizing it. Moments later we heard a tiny crash and look over to see our 5-month-old baby girl about 20 feet away...downhill! Needless, to say we had a lot of laughs after we realized she was safe and sound!





We are so excited about our first Christmas as parents, and we can't wait to give Macey her little presents. We wish everyone out there a very Merry Christmas!

Happy 3 Months!

Miss Macey is 3 months old today! 3 WHOLE MONTHS! TODAY! She is as active as ever and just never slows down. As you may have noticed, we are planning to take pictures with her bear each time she turns a month older. The photo shoots are already getting more difficult...as you can see below.

Bored. Obviously.

"Hmm...maybe I'll just chew on the bear..."

"Yes! Excellent idea!" (Photo shoot over.)

Worst Blogger Ever

I can admit it. I'm the worst blogger. Ever. In the history of blogging. But I vow to get better!

Tomorrow is Macey's 3-month birthday! I cannot believe that she invaded our world just three short months ago, but I am so glad she did. Every single day has been better than the last. Every single day, we learn a little more about her. Let me tell you, that kid loves life. She wakes up giggling and goes to bed with a content smirk on her face. I feel very blessed to have a healthy, happy, growing baby girl.

Sometimes, you just have to let it all hang out...

See what I mean. Happy baby!

Proud momma and daddy at Grandpa's birthday party.

In non-Macey news, we Joyner's are moving! Heading back over the state line to good ol' Tennessee. We are so excited that our home sold and we found a new home so quickly. In a period of 4 weeks (yes, that's four weeks), we got a contract on our house, found a new house and will be closing on both of those homes...still within those same 4 weeks. Our heads are still spinning a bit!

Goodbye for now. I will have Macey's 3-month pictures tomorrow! (Or at least I plan to accomplish that great task!)

1 Month Old and Still Kicking!

Sunday, August 16 Macey turned the big one month old! She is very proud to have made it this far...especially with crazy the crazy parents she's stuck with! We have all had a wonderful first month and can't believe it's gone by so fast.

Just this week she has begun to smile, which makes my day every time I see those little lips curl up! It's so exciting to see her personality begin to really come alive. I feel like it will be no time before she's giggling and making us laugh even more.

Dorsey and Bailey's Little Sister

In case you've wondered how our wonderful, precious, spoiled doggies are acclimating to their newest sister, you'll be happy to know they're doing quite well! If you're shocked about that, don't feel bad...we were shocked beyond belief.

Bailey was interested for about 5 minutes...


And then, this is how little she cared.


Of course, Dorsey, our gentle giant, is far more curious and has spent more time trying to figure out exactly what little Macey is and how long she'll be here!

Overall, we couldn't be happier with how great our dogs are behaving with a little one in the house. I'm sure the three of them will have lots of fun together, as soon as Macey can play a little more than she sleeps!

Macey Is Home!

Macey Diane Joyner
July 16, 2009
12:39 p.m.
7 pounds, 20 inches

Little Macey Joyner arrived safe and sound last Thursday, and Greg and I could not be happier. As her mother, I know it's no surprise that I think this, but...she's perfect! She eats, she poops, she sleeps, she loves her mommy and daddy--all in all, she does exactly as all newborn babies should! The Southaven Joyner's are proud parents to say the least!

Some of you may have already heard the stories about her Olympic gold medal performance in the nursery immediately after entering the world. For those of you who haven't, I'll brag a bit on my little Shawn Johnson who did the following things while just mere minutes old:

• Got on all fours during her first bath
• Rolled over during her first examination
  
• Wiggled SO MUCH while getting her first diaper put on that two nurses were needed to keep her still
• Caused the nurses to build a little barricade of blankets so they could have her vitals and measurements taken

I think she's going to be a wild one before too long!

As I said, Greg and I love being parents. I think I can speak for both of us when I say we feel like we've known her so much longer than 6 days. Tomorrow is her one-week birthday! We have survived one week together, and she's still kicking! I know, I know...only a new mom would be excited about a one-week birthday.

I am already proud to be her mother, and I'm already proud of the woman I know she will become. Because Greg and I were both so fortunate to be raised by loving, supportive, practical, encouraging, moral parents who taught us right from wrong, we both grew up watching wonderful parenting on a daily basis to prepare us for our own journey as parents. I love every part about her; the way she looks up at me in the middle of the night when we're the only ones awake and I know she knows I'm her mom, the way she curls her little lip if you stroke her chin, the way she holds my finger so tight knowing that I'll never let go if she doesn't want me to. She's my dream come true.


Another wonderful part about this journey is the man I am taking it with. I've known for five years now that Greg is truly an amazing man, but that is magnified to the highest degree watching him care for our daughter. He doesn't pitch in to change diapers because he has to and he doesn't help feed her because he feels like he should, he does those things because he loves being her daddy. Seeing her tiny little body sit on his chest is the greatest feeling in the entire world because I know without a doubt how much he loves me and Macey with all of his heart.

And now I'll take a little break from the computer. The journey continues! I'll try my best to keep the updates much more frequent. Tomorrow is our first "trip." Yay for the pediatrician's office because Macey's mom is already tired of being in the house! Thank you everyone for all of the well wishes and prayers!

Move That Due Date Up Just a Bit...

Good news: After an ultrasound, we learned Macey weighs about 6 pounds 14 ounces at this point, which sounds much better than the 7.5 pounds the doctor "estimated" last week!

Great news: Macey's heart rate is strong and healthy.

Not-so-great news: I already have an unruly child! It seems that someone (I won't name any names, but I am referring to the aforementioned 6 pound 14 ounce fetus in my womb), is upside down and plans to stay that way!

No worries-problem solved! Today we scheduled a c-section for Miss Macey's arrival next Thursday, July 16. She officially has a birthday, and we couldn't be more excited!

Of course, we'll keep everyone updated through the blog, Facebook, phone calls and e-mails. We are so thankful and blessed for all of our friends and family who are continually praying for us and Macey. We can't wait for everyone to meet her!

The BORDER Has Arrived!

Everyone can relax now...the adorable elephant border for Macey's room finally arrived, thanks to the kind people at Creative Wallcovering! (We won't mention the first place I ordered border from.)

Greg and my mom were wonderful enough to spend a couple hours tonight putting the finishing touches on her room! If you're wondering why I didn't help...let's just say that Miss Macey and I worked very hard watching "So You Think You Can Dance" and giving oursevles a quick manicure. I mean, someone has to put those dancers through to the next round!

What do you think?

(I know this isn't the greatest picture, but I was trying to get a close-up!)

35 Weeks and Counting!

I know, I know...I am officially the worst blogger ever. It's been a very long time since my last post, but time just gets away from me! We have had four wonderful baby showers, with one more to go! Greg and I feel very blessed for all of the family and friends who love us and already love baby Macey.

Well, there are a little less than five weeks away from THE DUE DATE (July 22), which is so exciting and a little unbelievable. Before we know it, she'll be here, and Greg will be surrounded by even more girls! Speaking of the girls we already have...Dorsey is not exactly sure how she feels about this "baby" she keeps hearing about. She said she'll make up her mind when Macey arrives and she can see for herself what the fuss is all about.

Everything has still been progressing along very well. I feel great and healthy. I just feel cranky when I have to step foot outside. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but it's HOT. If you're in Memphis, I know you understand my pain. If this were Thanksgiving, I would feel the need to tell everyone around the table, "Folks, this year I am only thankful for air conditioning."

Her room is coming along quite nicely. We're still waiting on the border (no need to get me started on that subject), but we have reason to believe that it will actually be delivered this week. Enjoy the photos! If you'd like to see more pictures from baby showers we've been given, just click here!

A Couple New Additions...

We've made a couple additions to little Macey's room recently. But it still looks pretty bare! Soon (when the border arrives) it'll start to look much more like a little baby girl's room!



I'm especially proud of this because I put it together all by myself! Well, we'll say 80% by myself. Greg came when I needed his help and quickly realized I put about 5 rails on backwards. BUT THEN, there was no stopping me!

(Don't worry folks, I was nowhere near when the crib was put together. She should sleep safely.)

Preparing the Nursery

For Macey's nursery, we decided to go with pinks, browns and creams. These colors will be quite a contrast from the blue and white guest room, which is now being transformed into a baby girl's room!

It's been a big chore so far, that's for sure. But we're definitely happy with the progress!

BEFORE: Blue and White

(Me, 24 weeks, and Dorsey, just nosey.)

PHASE 2: Primer...lovely, I know.

PHASE 3: Paint! (Cream and Chocolate Brown)

More to come soon! (Well, "soon," means whenever I find a pink/brown border to go in the middle!) Seriously, how difficult can it be to find a pink/brown border for this room?! I'm making progress though. Hopefully I'll find the perfect one soon!

Macey's First Road Trip!

Last weekend, we traveled to Kansas City, MO to watch our dear, sweet Tigers beat Maryland in round 2 of the NCAA Tournament. Of course, Macey (the fetus) went along for the fun! We're already teaching her to bleed Tiger blue.

Greg and I celebrating the Tiger victory!

Macey meeting her first famous person! (Blake Griffin, Oklahoma)

Just me and Macey!

Beginning of the Baby Belly

20 Weeks Along

It's A Girl!

As most of you who are reading this already know, we have a little baby girl on the way! Macey Diane Joyner will be here before we all know it! The official due date is July 22, 2009.

July. Hot. Summer. Sweltering. Memphis. Heat. All of that is to say--look out and be nice. By the time, I think I could do some real damage! (Ok, I'm kidding. At least a little bit...)