Riley at 7 weeks...

she's picked up a few habits from dad!

she's growing fast!

Riley had her 6 week checkup today and weighed in at 9 lbs 13 oz. and was 21.5 in. long! She has been busy feeding, pooping and sleeping (sometimes) the last 5 weeks. Some of her favorite activities are going on walks, reading the children's bible story, gazing at ceiling fans, swinging, and blowing out her diaper. Though there are definitely some tough times, overall Riley has been such a blessing and we look forward to what each new day brings. Thanks for all the thoughts, meals, and prayers!

sleeping...

looking at the fans!

pooping...the diaper genie

Riley's First Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends took Daniel, Riley and I to a beautiful land preserve for some family pictures. Not only has Amy taught me a lot about loving others extravagently, but she has an amazing gift in capturing special moments on camera. Check out her website at amyfree.com (or click on the Amy Free Photography link on our blog) to see some of her work. Our photo shoot is titled Riley Elizabeth. If you are interested in capturing some shots of life's treasures, I highly recommend her!

so who does she look like?

riley

daniel and virginia

daniel

Two weeks old already!

sleeping through her first photo shoot




awake time with mom


hanging out with dad


trying to keep dad from going to work...


sleeping away...

You're beautiful baby Riley...love, mom

Well, what an adventure the last 1.5 weeks have been. One of joy, excitement, challenge and most importantly falling more in love with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, husband and sweet baby girl. I have been shown more of what it means in Isaiah 55, "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." It's amazing how a tiny life can teach me more of that steadfast, sure love that only Christ brings. I am grateful for this lesson, opportunity and privilege.

Now, for the details of our exciting weekend of baby Riley's arrival. Through the previous week, I had been feeling slight contractions, but nothing to write home about. I was able to go about my daily routine just fine. In fact the day she was born (actually the day before, but the day we left for the hospital), I worked 5 hours at the clinic, went to a housewarming party and walked around for 2 hours at the Southern home and garden show...a full day, just how I like it! That night, I had fallen asleep on the couch (nothing unusual about that!) while Daniel watched a basketball game. I was suddenly awoken by what I thought was a stong contraction, but in fact my water had broken which I later found out at the hospital. Once this happened, the contractions became fast and furious. As typical, I thought maybe we should hold out a little longer (what if this isn't it?), but Daniel made the final call (thank goodness!) to drive to the hospital once my contractions were coming every 2 minutes. By the time we were admitted, Riley quickly make it known that she was ready to join us in the world. We were admitted at 11:45 pm Saturday and she was born at 2:30 am Sunday. Praise God for a quick labor! She weighed 6 lbs 12 oz, length 20 3/4" and has a full head of McNamee hair!

And this marks the beginning of a new adventure for us...we are excited for this challenge and are relying soley on the Lord for wisdom, patience and love. We already are deeply in love with baby Riley and count it as a blessing to nurture, love and watch her grow into the woman God has already prepared her to be.

For all our friends and family, thank you for all of your support, encouragement and love through this time...we are so grateful for you! We will be sure to keep you up to date on the McNamee trio.

hanging out at home