Thank you all for your wonderful comments and emails yesterday. Writing here is such an outlet for me. There are so many times when I write about something tough, and I leave it all on the page. I feel a million times better when I’m done. Thank you all for indulging and encouraging me!
Annabel is doing much better. We’re still giving her gripe water, but we introduced mylicon yesterday and that made a big difference. Poor thing was gassy! She’s going to kill me some day for saying that. Well honey, mommy is, too. Thanks, c-section!
The other day I took some pictures of Annie to mark one month old. I got the cute blocks idea from my friend Nanette. I can’t believe she’s already a month old! I guess I can’t blame my gas on the c-section anymore. Shoot.
She has changed so much since the first few days we brought her home:
Annabel, four days old
Annabel, one month old
She is so much more alert:
She eats like a champ (look at that chub!). We’re constantly laughing at her funny faces.
I can’t wait to see what she’ll be like as she gets older and can actually do stuff!
The purple doll is called Maddie’s Monster, it’s made by a company called CurlyQ Cuties. Profits from the sale of Maddie’s Monster are donated to the March of Dimes in Maddie’s memory. The pink doll is Annie’s Monster. I had it made so it would look like Maddie’s Monster, but have its own unique qualities. Just like my little Annie.
{ 106 comments… read them below or add one }
Precious!
Missed all the excitement! Congratulations on the one month mark…she is beautiful!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Tuesdays With Tyler: Feeling Like a “Normal” Mom =-.
Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (I’m sure you aren’t tired of hearing it), that is one gorgeous little girl! And MAN, does she look like her daddy!
.-= Expat Mom´s last blog ..Just Another Day =-.
She’s so beautiful. I haven’t commented in a while, but I couldn’t not comment today after seeing these pics. She’s the spitting image of her dad, and of course beautiful like her big sister.
I feel your pain having a “windy” baby. My little boy, just a couple of months older than Annie is the same. But he’s also bringing me much joy, just as Annie is to you as he’s also a baby born after our first child died.
Hope you’re recovering well, Mama.
xo
Happy 1/12th birthday, Annie! You’ve grown so much already. You’re bringing us all such joy as we see you change and develop!
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Perhaps negotiating skills could do with some work, too =-.
Little Annie – you are darling!
.-= Molly´s last blog ..Digital Mom Review: Labor Mate iPhone App =-.
I LOVE the monsters!
You and Mike did an awesome job designing them! Great photos and I am so glad Annabel’s feeling better. I’m glad too that you got so much love and positive feedback after yesterday’s post. Can’t wait to see the next pics of pretty little Annie.
She’s gorgeous, of course. The blocks are a really cute idea.
The monsters are adorable. Is there any way that a person (me) could get one of Maddies? Just a thought.
(((Hugs))) from here!
.-= jen´s last blog ..Ah, Thursday =-.
of course, I didn’t click on the link…that probably could have answered my question. Off to do that now!
.-= jen´s last blog ..Ah, Thursday =-.
I love Annie’s little hair swirl on top of her head. She looks perfect for nibbling!
Hi Heather,
She is so cute! I love the last picture! Even though it looks like she is falling over, she has the BEST grin on her face. I bet she is going to be as HAPPY as Maddie was and of course already is just a stunningly beautiful!
I’m also glad you received a lot of love & support when you needed it the most!!! I find sometimes the most smallest of gestures are the ones that take your breath away and touch your heart the most. I’m glad some people touched your heart yesterday.
I hope you feel a lot better.
Take Care & Enjoy that perfect baby girl
of yours!!!
Best Regards,
Jenn
Love, love, love the Annie monster- what a thoughtful Mommy to make one for Annie too, and for it to be all hers, but yet have a connection to her big sister!!!! Just precious and perfect and so fitting!!
I am sooooooooo stealing that adorable block idea!!! Adorable!
Oh, and seriously, those amazing blue eyes? WOW! You make the most stunning little baby girls!!! This is random, but doesn’t Mike have brown eyes? Your genes must be pretty strong, Mama Spohr, because both of your daughters definitely got your beautiful baby blues!!!
I am so glad that you are having a better day today. I am also so proud of you for writing and opening up when you do have those bad days. I imagine that it might be hard to do so sometimes, and that it would be easier just to pretend everything is fine. IMO, it is the more courageous thing to do to ask for support. You are doing precious Annabel such a gift by reaching out to those around you when you need to, because she needs you to take care of her mommy!
I am so in awe of both you and Mike. Maybe you didn’t intend to be, but you are both now role models of what grace and strength and amazing parents look like.! I can’t think of a better way to honor your angel Maddie than to make such a difference in your work with the MoD and FoM, and to give Miss Annie the same life full of joy and love and laughter that her big sister was lucky enough to experience. I hope for my kids’ sake that I am half the mommy you are!
Your family will always be in my prayers! Lots of love to all of you!!
((Hugs))
ps. Where did you get the ABC blocks in those cute colors? All I can find are the old-school primary colors, and yours are so much cuter!!!
Yes, he DOES have brown eyes! His dad has blue eyes, though. We’ll see if Annie’s eyes stay blue.
I got the block at Target! There are a ton of them, they are by Circo. Only $15!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
She is so beautiful! And I love her with those monsters. . .in hindsight, those blocks would have been a great way to keep track of my kids’ ages—-when my kids ask how old they are in photos, I have to guess!
.-= Fairly Odd Mother´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: The Art Show =-.
Purple suits Annabel!!
And, her skin and eyes show no sign of ever being yellow. Amazing how fast it goes away.
I think Annabel is going to be quite the little funny girl…her expressions are amazing for her age…
Wow – she looks so much like Maddie in that last picture – adorable!
I love the blocks and the monsters! So cute…
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..A Snow Angel…and a Fro Fro =-.
Just as you said the monsters are the same but different so are Maddie and Annie. She looksa lot like her sister but I’m sure is acting just like her own little person. She is growing so well! She is a beauty for sure! Love the Monsters and blocks…I may be forced to steal the idea!
.-= charlane´s last blog ..Coloring with Cole =-.
Love the monsters! Super cute! Your so lucky to have 2! We are all friends here and support each other when in need and you needed us yesterday! Hope you’ll have a great rest of your week! Hugs!
Beautiful pics, Heather. Annie is such a doll baby just like her big sister Maddie!!
Take care of yourself, honey…………..
I love the monsters! I may have to buy one for Miranda’ birthday! I’m glad you are feeling better today. I still have rough days sometimes, even 3.5 years later.
Happy 1 month Annie!
.-= Anjie´s last blog ..Tuesday’s Tip: Swear Jar =-.
Both my babies were Myilcon babies. We call it “Baby Beano”. I don’t know what we would have done without it!
Ohh, she is just beyond precious and utterly beautiful! Love the blocks idea and wish I would’ve thought of that when my daughter was a newborn/infant.
Those monsters are just too cute and will be treasured always by your Annabel!!
Wow, she has changed a lot in just a month! We used to laugh at Nate’s little newborn expressions a lot, too. Of course he still makes faces but they are different, somehow.
As usual, she looks gorgeous!! She is such a pretty little girl, you guys make pretty babies!
I didn’t comment yesterday, so i’ll say it today.. You deserve, just as much as everyone else, to be happy & sane.
We do not mind if you need to rant, rave, curse or cry. We are your virtual shoulders to cry on. Never for a moment feel bad about needing to cry out loud. Never feel bad if you need to cry and someone is having a happy fantastic day. Your friends and family and Annabel want you to be OK!!. Let them help you, let everyone help you – never feel bad about it. It is perfectly fine and normal to cry and be sad for as long as you need to, whenever you need to.
.-= Jess´s last blog ..Rain, Sun, Hot, Cold. =-.
I’m so happy that Ms. Annie is doing much better…and I hope that today is a new day for you, and that you and Mike are blessed with peace. And no gas. Yes, NO SEARING GAS PAIN TODAY!
(((hugs)))
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..I’m BACK, Baby! =-.
Wow, a month old already! She’s a beauty.
Also, does this mean I can’t blame gas on my c-section either? (Son is almost 26 months.) Crap.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..The first week =-.
She is has got to be one of the prettiest babies ever…well next to Maddie! Yeah she does look like her daddy too esp. with that dark skin. I know you can’t help but eat her up! Are you going to do the block idea every month, so cute! I read your blog every morning when I get up, well except for Sat/Sun!!!! Ha! It is so refreshing now that there is another little one to hear about and just watching her grow! Enjoy every moment with your precious angel even when she is a little gassy! It happens to most!
Prayers are with you always and I heart your blog!
Nancy Lee:)
yes, I am planning on doing the block picture every month! I am excited to see her grow!
I LOVE how you ‘ve spelled out her name and age in blocks like that…genius.
Adorable. So happy she’s doing so well.
love and kisses.
Wow!! She’s getting so big!! So cute!! Love the monsters too!
Glad little Annie is doing better. She’s just absolutely gorgeous!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Pot Pie Face =-.
i’m pretty sure mylicon drops are made of unicorn tears… they are pure magic.
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..my hair may be unwashed as well as my body, but i have deoderant on and eye makeup =-.
You are such an inspiration to so many of us Heather! When I’m having a tough day, I turn to your site to see what you’re going through at that time. You said a long while ago that Maddie loved Abbey from Sesame Street. My son isn’t a big SS fan; however, we did watch it yesterday and saw Abbey! I couldn’t help but think about how excited Maddie would have been to see her. I’m sure she’s got her own Abbey in heaven. May God continue to shine down on you and your family. Annabel is a doll and I know that her big sister is proud!
.-= Lindsey in the STL´s last blog ..We’ve made it! =-.
She is so adorable!!! I imagine that in the last picture, Mike has said or done something hilarious and she’s peeking over at him to see exactly what is so funny. I love it!
I’m SO glad today is a better day for you! Continue having great day and happy 1 month to that beautiful baby of yours!
XOXO from GA,
Nikki
Annie is beautiful – has the same mischievous little grin as her big sister Maddie.
You have TWO beautiful children – one just happens to have angel wings. And you are a terrific mama!!!! Here’s to hoping Annie and your gas goes away! 
Oh my, she is just beautiful! That last photo is the best!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..You Capture–Shapes =-.
Dear Heather,
You have been in my thoughts since yesterday’s post and I am so delighted to read that Miss Annie is doing much better today. That’s great news. I hope Mummy is doing much better too. All Mums know only too well how tough the first weeks with a newborn can be too and you have so much more to contend with than most. You are doing such a great job, Heather, and you continue to be such an inspiration for so so many people all over the world. You are a wonderful Mama and your two girls are so unique and special – and o so very loved by so many people all over the world. Today’s special photos of Miss Annie on her one month birthday are adorable, you are such a talented photographer. I love the Maddie’s Monster and Annie’s Monster, what a special Mummy to always be thinking of both her girls.
Sending you another hug from afar for today and thinking of you always.
With love
Erica
Annie is incredibly gorgeous. I will order a Maddie Monster for my granddaughters. it is so fun to wake up and know that i will get to see a picture of Annie and then I can look at pictures of Maddie also. Hugs, Rachel
Annie is too cute!!!!
) Thank you for the ‘Maddie’s Monster’ website… I think my kids need one!!! I’ll be ordering one today! XoXo
I did not have a chance to comment yesterday, and I am so sorry that you were going through so much pain. As I’m sure many commenters said, you know you have us here at all times.
A month old already, wow. Annie has your and her sister’s gorgeous eyes.
And the purple and pink monsters side by side?? My heart might burst.
Already a month…holy cow! Happy belated birthday Annie!!!
I’m glad you write and that it gives you some relief.
I can’t believe Annie is one month old already. I love the Annie’s Monster. Maya has a Maddie’s Monster and just loves hers. For Annie the monsters will mean and represent so much more so I can only imagine how much she’ll love them.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Dental Care During Pregnancy =-.
Heather, LOVE the Annie block pics. My fav is the one where both Maddie’s Monster and Annie’s Monster is with her. Look carefully at this one…Annie is leaning towards her big sissy’s!! I personally think Maddie is telling her some sort of secret already! God loves you all! One day at a time, keep holding your heart and she will help mend yours. Hugs!
OMG…she is just adorable…and i L.O.V.E the chub!
.-= kerri´s last blog ..sweet birthday boy… =-.
Beautiful! Glad you are all doing well. I remember Mylicon being a life saver when my little girl (almost 8 yrs old now) was an infant. Blessings to you and your family!
.-= Nolita Morgan´s last blog ..Extreme Pride =-.
The pictures are so cute Heather. She looks more like Mike everyday. Beautiful girl. Jenn
I rarely comment but for some reason your post today had me in tears. Annie is so breathtakingly gorgeous, just like Maddie. My hubby thinks I’m totally nuts for reading your blog, but I’m just drawn to it. I’m another LA Mommy who just turned 30 (yikes) and I am just so heartbroken for you. I can’t get over how amazing your Madeline is. Hands down the most expressive baby ever, and just beautiful. Annie is so lucky to have you two as her parents.
Those dolls are adorable (as is Annie, of course!)
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..ten years. =-.
Mylicon is the mixture from heaven! Went through many bottles in my daughter’s infancy. Beautiful baby that Annabel.
So glad the gas is getting better. Seth was gassy like that too. What are her poops like? Are they frothy and green? If so, you might have a hindmilk/foremilk imbalance that is making her gassy. Email me and we can chat about it.
She is getting so big, love that Annie girl. I can’t wait until June to see you guys!!!!
hmm…no, they are still yellow, now they are seedy but that’s from the gripe water I think. But I still want to know all your secrets!
Aww, I love the blocks. Such a cute idea. And such a cute girl. (Love the matching monsters, too.)
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Mylicon drops have saved my sanity more than once with my youngest.
Love the new monster addition.
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Oh my gosh, one month ALREADY? I love the idea of doing milestone pictures with the blocks and the stuffed animal. I may need to order a Maddie’s Monster before my little monster arrives.
.-= Smoochagator´s last blog ..Emily the Blogger =-.
Just a tip for gassy babies: Excersize ball!! Bounce on one while you hold Annie, and it should calm her and help the gas. Just something I learned as a nanny! (also it will work your abs at the same time!)
Also, I love your blog. Your strength and love for family, as well as your passion, inspires me every day. Thank you.
Oh that’s a fun idea! I will try that today!
thank you so much!
I’m so glad that you get positivity from your posts and community! Cheers to the inspiration of others. I have needed some of that too.
.-= Jen the Catalyst´s last blog ..Starting a Business is like Wedding Photography =-.
We pryaed a lot for you this week, we do pray for you often but this week we made sure the kids prayed with us. Sending you strenght!
Myclon was my 2nd bbaies best friend until he was 8 months … that and Axid he had acid reflux something horrible! Glad she is feeling better – hope it continues!
.-= MBKimmy´s last blog ..Germ Killer =-.
So glad baby Annabel is feeling better. It is amazing how fast they grow. Hugs to you all.
Wow! I can’t believe Annie is a month old all ready! She is such a little cutie bug. Hope her tummy ache stays gone.
What a doll baby! And I love the blocks idea! That is such a great idea!
I bought a maddie monster for my Annie last spring (Annika not Annabel). It sits in her crib and every time I tuck her in I think of you and Maddie.
You have a gorgeous girl! Our little one struggled with tummy issues a bit too. To ‘cure’ the hiccups we found a weird fix…a bit (a couple of drops) of pickle juice. Something about the acidity. It has worked the trick everytime.
.-= Kara´s last blog ..Month 6 =-.
She.Is.SOOOO.CUTE! I am a lot like you, when I’ve got something heavy on my heart or in my head, writing it down and letting it all out there tends to ease the pain. I absolutely love your blog and can’t wait to check in to see what is going on. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Annie is so very lucky to have such caring parents and she is so lucky to have you two to help her grow up with memories of Maddie, even though they never met, they will always be sisters.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Snow… =-.
I can’t say it enough…That HAS to be the cutest damn baby EVER!!!!! Lucky, lucky woman!!!!! Don’t tell my kids!!!!
Annabel is GORGEOUS… the last picture she resembles her BEAUTIFUL BIG SIS Maddie… I’m so happy you’re feeling better… less gas lol…and Annie is less gassy too…she’s growing up so fast… lil chunker…
love, love the monsters… here’s hoping today is a good day for you and Annie (& Mike too) XX
You are one great Momma! And I love the blocks!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..I’m A Lucky, Lucky Girl =-.
Your Annie girl is so so precious!
That block idea is so cool! My daughter was born towards the end of February so my mom had bought her this huge stuffed bunny she had found at a store that was crazy early displaying their Easter stuff. We took monthly pictures of her next to it for her first year. She just turned two and we took pictures of her posing next to it. Once you have so many, it really is fun to look back at them all. My son, who will be four in May, has a yearly picture taken with him wearing the shirt my husband was wearing the day my son was born.
Love Maddie’s Monster! We’ll be ordering one. Anything for sweet Maddie.
You are an incredible woman. I have an older boy, not sure how I even got involved with your blog, but I was so happy when Annabel was born, and maybe I can imagine what it is like to feel such joy when your heart feels torn beyond repair. AS much as one can be proud of people she doesn’t know, I am of you and your family.
OH my gosh I can’t believe it’s been a month already! Why do babies have to grow up so fast? She will be crawling around and pulling stuff down before you know it. SHe is soo cute just like her sister. =-) xoxoxoxo
.-= Jodee´s last blog ..Pray for Layla Grace =-.
She is soo stinkin cute!! Glad to hear that her gas is better. Maybe mommy should try some Mylicon too
I will be ordering a Maddie monster for sweet Maddie!
Jenn
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
So happy that you’re both feeling better. She’s getting so big so fast.
Awesome idea on the blocks and the monsters.
Just got my March Of Dimes walk registration. I will be walking for Maddie for sure.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Her calling???? =-.
So sweet, so beautiful. I see Mike in Annie, and Maddie as well. She is definitely a Spohr!
Remember, a Radiologist suggested a pacifier right after feeding for reflux babies. Supposedly the suck reflex does “something” to help digest the food.
You and Mike are the BEST parents on earth! Your girls are very blessed to have you as their parents.
Yes! We do this. Maddie had an upper GI scan once (she didn’t need it, the scan confirmed it) but we used this trick then, too!
http://www.webmd.com/news/20000619/pacifiers-baby-acid-reflux
This is an OLD article, but when I worked in the radiology office, from 2002 through 2005, this was the advice they would give to parents after putting their poor baby through drinking barium from a bottle and putting them through an Upper GI x-ray. I’ve tasted barium before, yuck!
You worked in radiology? What do you think about a 2 year old getting an MRI….A 2 year old that has a metal rod in his tibia and a metal rod in his fibula? I’ve been told by a few different people that it’s okay but I’m confused…magnet attracted to metal. They want to MRI his head. I’m worried sick.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..My Family =-.
Rebecca, my friend Jackie has a metal plate in her skull. She has to get MRIs on her brain every few months and I asked her this exact question. She told me that they use a special kind of metal that isn’t magnetized. Like, when she goes through airport security, the alarm won’t go off. She said it’s very safe for MRIs – she’s had a ton since her plate was put in. I hope that gives you a little peace of mind!
Awesome – Maddie’s monster will go perfectly in the nursery for our little Ninja!
And Annie is a doll, of course.
.-= HomeValley´s last blog ..Inarticulate. =-.
Look at those cheeks. She’s getting big.
I love Annie’s monster.
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Real heroes =-.
She’s SO BIG. And those legs are SO LONG. Seriously, that girl is gonna kick SO MUCH ASS.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Talk Dirty To Me =-.
Gosh she is soooo darn cute!
You have very expressive children! Can’t believe how fast little Annie is growing up. And sooo glad you are feeling a little better.
Happy Birthday, Annie! She is getting so big and alert!! I love the dolls.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Where is the Sun? =-.
Annie is just beautiful! And the two Monsters are so adorable. Maddie and Annie have extremely thoughtful parents. Lucky girls!
xoxo
.-= Alison´s last blog ..What is a Twin Good For, Anyway? =-.
Just wanted to say Congrats!!! she is such a cutie!! Also love how clear your pics are…..what type of camera do you use? Love all the pics!!!
I use a Canon Rebel XSi – it’s a Digital SLR and it is the BEST thing I EVER bought!!! I have a link on the top of my page to all my photography gear if you want to see more of what I use.
Heather,
I’ve been reading your blog since before last April, but have never commented. I just want to say that while it may not seem so to you in your day to day routine, to readers like me, you live your life with so much grace and goodness. I read your blog hoping that someday I will have a fraction of the strength and love that are so obvious in you. My own mother was extremely abusive (I don’t talk to either of my parents any more) and I worry about having kids of my own with no good example to follow. I feel like even though I am a bit younger than you and our lives are very different, I’m so drawn to your blog because you make parenting even in its darkest moments look worthwhile, joyful, possible. You are a model of the patience and love I want to have as a mother. Every time I read your blog, even the pain of losing your awesome daughter Maddie, I feel a little more whole. Thank you.
Heather,
There is a colic product that saved my sanity that I can recommend if you are interested. It comes from a natural health pharmacy here in South Louisiana and is their #1 selling formulary. My child’s pediatrician recommended it when Mylicon and Gripe water totally quit working for us. If you would like to ask your pediatrician about it I can send you the ingredients. It does not need a script and they will mail it to you. You give 1/2 tsp 15 mins before she eats. Let me know if you are interested. PS – I don’t work for these people who have this pharmacy or really know them for that matter. I just know their product worked literally the first time we used it and ever since.
Have a great day!
Raegan
Happy one month to Annabel!
.-= Teri´s last blog ..Wordless wednesday: mr. cool =-.
I love the block photos. Especially the last one. Looks like she’s saying, “Ahhh, what’s over there mom and dad?!” That’s so wonderful of “CurlyQ Cuties” to donate the profits of, “Maddie’s Monster” to the March of Dimes. It’s great to see so many people still honoring the “Famous Madeline.” <3
I also love, "Annie's Monster" and am glad that you made it her own. Too sweet. ^o^
It’s why we are here, to help, to give advice when asked, and to get to see the most beautiful girls in the world
LOVE the dolls, what a great idea !!!!
Happy One Month, Annie! I can’t believe it’s already been a month. What a cute idea with the blocks! She’s beautiful. I hope the gas passes (no pun intended!) soon, for you both!
She is so lovely, what a doll!
Annie looks beautiful, the monster dolls are cute! Be well~
Yay Annie! Happy one month! You are soooo beautiful and make precious faces-try to get the poots out for mommy-she would appreciate it! Keep being a good girl!
Great pictures! Yea for Annie!
So cute. My boys still ask me to tell them the story of Maddie’s Monster when they play with it.
The fact that you made an Annie’s monster totally brought tears to my eyes – you’re so awesome.
.-= pgoodness´s last blog ..53/365 =-.
She just gets more beautiful every day.
.-= Heather, Queen of Shake Shake´s last blog ..Fact or Opinion =-.
She is gorgeous, and I love those dolls. Dee must have a Maddie’s monster.
she is a cutie….and those eyes…..She is going to be a doll like her sister. I love their eyes!!!
Goodness! She is a doll!
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..Hope, Revisited =-.
She is adorable!
Awww, darling photos, love the blocks and the monsters.
So sweet!
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