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!)