The First Two Weeks

Baby Grace turned two weeks old yesterday! It's hard to believe. The time is flying by, and we're amazed by how quickly she's growing. We spend so much time just staring at her. She's absolutely beautiful!

I keep thinking about the fact that she wasn't due until June 20th...I should still be 10 days away from my due date. Instead, I'm adjusting to life as a new Mom, and I'm cherishing every moment with my daughter. Life is good. We are truly blessed!

We've enjoyed introducing Grace to our family and friends during the past two weeks. It's so much fun every time someone new comes to meet her! We're really anxious for the Fogarty family to arrive from Ireland in August. We can't wait for Grace to meet the rest of her family, those in Ireland and the rest of the Moyer clan in Pennsylvania. I imagine that Grace can feel the overwhelming love that surrounds her. At least, I hope she can :)

Splish, Splash - Grace's 1st Bath

We gave Grace her first tub bath yesterday, and it was so much fun! She seemed to enjoy it for the most part, especially after it was over and she was all wrapped up in her cute duck wrap towel.

Martin captured the event on video, which I'm sure we'll be able to use later in life to embarrass our teenage daughter ;-)

In other news, we found out that Martin's family leave request was denied because he hasn't been with the company a year. It came as a huge shock because we had been told that everything was arranged, and we were looking forward to sharing the first eight weeks of Grace's life together. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be, and he'll be returning to work tomorrow. We're trying to be positive about it, but we're very disappointed. On the bright side, it's hard to stay sad for long when you have such a beautiful baby to love & cherish.

Grace's 1 Week Birthday

On Saturday, June 2nd, Grace celebrated her first week of life! We marked the occasion by singing "Happy Birthday," taking entirely too many pictures, cuddling her, and giving her loads of kisses. Grace especially loved the birthday sign made by her Nana.

Mom (me) had a bit of a rough few days, but I'm bouncing back. I had an infection that caused me to have a fever off and on from Wednesday to Saturday. With the wonderful care of my husband, Mom, and Dad, I'm a world better! Thank God because I couldn't bear being in bed so much (especially being away from my little girl). You know me...I like to be in on the action ;-)

Grace Meets Her Nana & Pop-Pop

On Thursday, May 31st, Baby Grace met her Nana and Pop-Pop for the first time. It was a special moment for us all. Martin and I were so excited as we awaited their arrival. All morning, we kept telling Grace about her grandparents - both her maternal grandparents that live in Texas and her paternal grandparents that live in Ireland (she'll meet her Irish grandparents in August!). We've been so anxious for Grace to meet these important people in her life.

Grace's introduction to her Nana & Pop-Pop is a moment I'll never forget. All of us were glowing! There was so much pride in our living room :) It's wonderful having them here...truly a special time for all of us.

Where have Nana and Pop-Pop been the first 6 days of Grace's life? They planned a week-long trip to Phoenix, figuring they had plenty of time until Grace's due date, and arrived in Phoenix on Friday morning. Martin & my brother, Billy, also were heading to Phoenix on Saturday morning. We were all a bit nervous that I would go into labor while they were all gone, but it was more of a joke than something any of us took seriously. Nevertheless, after my doctor's appointment on Monday, we all breathed easier when the doctor assured me that the baby wouldn't arrive until June. Oops, she was wrong! Baby Grace had a plan of her own.

It was a tough phone call on Friday evening when Martin called my parents to tell them I was in labor. They just didn't want to believe it. They ended up cutting their trip short to get home to meet their granddaughter. And now all is well...they are in grandparent heaven!

Daddy's Little Girl

We're approaching her fifth day of life, and Grace is doing great! She's especially fond of her Daddy. It's clear already that she's Daddy's Little Girl. She loves cuddling with him every chance she gets.

We're blessed to both be home with Grace. Martin will be home for 8 weeks, and I'll be home through the end of August. We will cherish every second of our time with our daughter. We are completely in awe of her. I find myself just staring at her, amazed that we created this little angel. Throughout my pregnancy, I wondered what it would be like to be a Mom. Would I be any good at it? Would I know how to take care of my child? I am overwhelmed by the maternal instincts I never knew I had. Even more, I'm overwhelmed by the depths of love I feel for my child and the deepening of my love for Martin as I share this experience of parenthood with him.

Introducing Grace Calleigh Fogarty!!!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Grace Calleigh Fogarty!!! Baby Grace was born yesterday, Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 6:09 AM. She weighed in at 6 lbs and is 19.5 inches long.

Our little angel arrived 25 days before her due date, but she's healthy and content with the outside world so far. We are so blessed!

Martin and I agreed that yesterday was the most amazing day of our lives. Her birth story will follow soon. Now I've got to get back to her...

35 Days and Counting

35 days and counting 'til Baby Fogarty is due! We're putting the finishing touches on the nursery and preparing to meet the newest member of our family. We are SO excited to welcome our first child into the world. The last eight months have been quite a journey, and we're so thankful for the love and support of our family and friends during this AWESOME time in our lives.