Teddy and Me

My first encounter with teddy. He is very soft and friendly, not at all like the bears my PaPa talked about when he was here. (Dad and PaPa were talking about hunting, guess it's different out in the wild.) But then again, how would I know, mom hasn't even taken me out in the neighborhood yet!

This is the Life

This is the life..I like my crib, my fuzzy blanket, the thousands of pictures people have taken of me, and now I'm ready to show off some personality. Actually, this was taken on my first day home alone with mom (we're in between grandparent visits now) and it took her awhile to get some clothes on me. I figured I would patiently hang out here until she got things together, didn't want to stress her out too much.


















I'm free...forget it taking a while to get clothes on me. I just prefer to be in my diaper! Mom finally figured out last week that I like my legs free. Onesies and socks are my preferred attire. When she tries to put me in one piece outfits, it doesn't last very long. I pretend I'm houdini and get my feet out through the snaps, this awkward position convinces her to just unsnap me for the rest of the day.

I Finally Found It!

After trying for days, I finally succeeded and got my thumb to my mouth. Actually, I found it sooner than the date of this picture, but I can never seem to keep it there long enough for someone to capture it. This isn't routine yet though, I'm still undecided on the whole thumb versus pacifier thing. Guess I would figure it out if my mom would actually give me a pacifier. Until then though, I'll just struggle with my fingers, fist, and thumb.

Bath Time...Take Two

Well, my mom finally has it. She's mastered bathtime, or so she thinks. I often surprise her and make a mess since I am without diaper. Man it's tough when the water hits you. But she's taken to laughing at my mess and persistent crying when she soaps me up. This is much better in my opinion then the flood of tears she shed at my first bath.




I will say though that my favorite part of bath time is getting my hair washed. I love the scalp massage my mom gives me and then all that warm water flowing over my head. Surprisingly enough, she still hasn't gotten any in my eyes. I guess I like this part the best because I know the end is near and mom has me wrapped up in a warm blanket.

PaPa and Me

Well, my PaPa finally made it here to see me! Despite multiple complaints about how early he had to get up, the distance to the airport, the flight, the turbulence and so on...I think he forgot about it all when he laid eyes on me.

My PaPa loves me so much! He talked to me all about golf, how he would give me lessons, and how I could play in the sand traps. I think I'll focus on playing in the sand traps for now, with or without golf clubs.

Off to the Pediatrician

As you can see, I'm real happy about this excursion. I can't quite figure out what they're going to do. But, you'll be happy to know that I am safe in the car and the Dr. says I'm doing well. How well you ask? Well I've gained my birth weight back and then some, I am now 7lbs. 5oz. and 19 3/4" long. So, I've gained 8oz. and grew 1/4" since leaving the hospital. Guess mom's doing her job feeding me.

I was a real good girl throughout my appointment today. I didn't even cry when they stuck my foot. Dad did his job and had me facing mom so she couldn't see them do it. She might have cried even if I didn't!

1 Week Old!

I made it to the 1 week mark! Life to date hasn't been that tough. Tomorrow I go to the Pediatrician to get a well check. I really think it's to check on my parents though. Check back for an update on my progress.

My First Flowers

This was my first photo op. The Elders came and visited me the other day and they brought me some beautiful pink tulips! I wanted to get a good picture with them, so I waited until I had a new pretty pink outfit to wear. Mom and Grandma went nuts with the camera!

Already Exercising

As if coming into this world wasn't enough exercise! Every once in a awhile, mom and dad have me awake and exercising! Check me out here as I wave my arms and send everyone a big hello! Again check out those mittens, come on mom! 

Sleepy Time

I've been sleeping quite well on this plush blanket that my PaPa bought for me. I love how soft it is and I snuggle right up on it. I may be covered up here, but it's a good thing this blanket keeps me warm because I often promptly kick off my covers.

You may notice that I have these crazy socks on my hands! Mom insists that I keep these on once in a while because I have a tendency to scratch my face. But, Grandma Randall has given me two manicures already. She files my nails while I have my breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The socks will hopefully come off soon, I'm not a boxer you know! 

Pretty in Pink

Grandma Randall and Nana Rankin purchased some pink clothes for me! Dad was a little leery at first about ruffles and the color pink. But as you can see here, I'm comfortably perched on his shoulder, one of my favorite spots. Everyone agreed, I look pretty cute in pink.

Life at three days

Ainsley has made it to three days old. She definitely prefers to sleep while being held (this could become more troublesome in the near future), but she is content at times to just lie around and check out the world. 

Nursery

Here's a picture of the nursery. Granddad and Nana Rankin were kind enough to purchase the crib, and Papa and Grandmother Randall were kind enough to purchase the dresser (not pictured). Mom and Dad painted the bottom part of the wall green and the top part yellow with white ceilings. Dad also put up chair-railing and installed a new white ceiling fan. 

Ainsley and Chanie

I live in Austin, TX, and my cousin Chanie lives just outside Kansas City, MO, so we haven't been able to see each other yet. However, Dad made this little collage picture because he thinks we look pretty similar. 

Finally finished with that bath

Finally finished with that bath. I'm all wrapped up and Mom is holding me, so I feel much happier now. I don't have any teeth yet, so I try to smile with my mouth closed. 

Washing my hair

Now that I'm wrapped in a blanket, I feel better, but I still don't appreciate this whole bath thing. Grandmother Randall washed my hair for me and it wasn't too terrible.

First bath at home

Here's a picture of my first bath at home. You can see that it was so traumatic for me that it made Mom cry. I was screaming terribly. Even though the water was warmed up, I was cold and not very appreciative of having been woken up from a good long nap just to get wet.

Mom and Me

This is Mom holding me prior to my first bath at home. I'm just over two days old and Mom has recovered very well. One of the benefits of making it through birth without any medication during delivery. 

Napping with Dad

After all the excitement and effort of being born, I was glad to come home and take a little nap with Dad. He seems to be experienced at this nap thing. I'm glad that he doesn't roll over though. 

First holding by Grandmother Randall

Grandmother Randall flew in from Aiken, SC, today. She thinks that I'm very cute and is glad she made the trip. In fact, she called Papa Randall and convinced him to buy a ticket and come see me next weekend.

I'm not for certain how I will address Grandmother Randall, but I know that I'm not supposed to say Granma' with too big of a Texas drawl. However, I am native Texan, so it's to be expected a little.

Nameless No More

Well, I no longer lack a name. My parents named me Ainsley Elizabeth Rankin. I'm glad to have a name, since it's required prior to going home, and I'm ready to leave the hospital.

Baby Rankin Arrival

Well after a long wait, Baby Girl Rankin arrived punctually on her due date, Jan. 19th at 4:30AM. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz., and was 19.5 inches long. Jessica and baby are both doing fine. Jessica is recovering very well after delivering naturally with no medication. Wow! After Jessica gets some sleep we'll cut the short name list down to one. Until then she's just Baby Girl Rankin.