Atlie 6 Months (April 27)

• You have started saying ma-ma-ma and da-da-da. Sometimes I think you are even relating it to Daddy!
• Your first 2 teeth came in (at the same time).
• One of your favorite games is playing peek-a-boo.
• You love Bible class. Your favorite part is when the teacher sings, "Where is Atlie?" and you get to see yourself in the mirror. it's so funny to see you nearly come out of your seat with excitement.
• You are starting to sit up really good on your own.
• You started solid food. So far, we've tried banana and avocado. You don't care too much for banana, but you can't get enough of avocado.

Mother's Milk

There are so many joys to life that I couldn't have imagined before having children. There's nothing like hearing, "Momma, I love you. I want to stay with you forever." or getting to cradle your baby as the drift off to sleep.

One of the greatest joys that I have experienced is breastfeeding. It is an indescribable bonding experience. I love the thought I am giving my baby the perfect nourishment for growing body, mentally and physically.

Knowing how crucial proper nourishment is for babies, particularly those that are premature, to get the best, most pure food they can, really pulled at my heart-strings. I had heard about milk donation after Branna was born, but didn't seek it out. This time, after Atlie was born, a friend sent me some information about the Mother's Milk Bank at Austin. After reading the stories of women and their fragile babies, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

I wish I could have been better at pumping regularly, but after a couple of months, I had enough milk to make my first donation. I am so glad that Atlie has been able to share this great gift with other babies.

Aquarena Springs

One of my favorite Texas trips to take as a kid was to Aquarena Springs in San Marcos. With glass bottom boats, Ralph the swimming pig, and "real-live" mermaids, what kid wouldn't love it? I haven't been there since I was 8 or 9 years old, but recently our family had the opportunity to go.

It had changed ALOT! While the park is much less of a theme park now and more of a nature center, we all had a great time! The underwater theater that house Ralph and the mermaids was no longer in use. A statue that was what I considered their trademark, was gone. I was somewhat sad to see all of the changes, since I had such fond memories of the park, but it gave us an opportunity to make new ones!

Happy Birthday, Branna!

I love you right up to the moon, and back!