Baby Shower with Family and Friends

Amelia was given her first baby shower on January 22nd at Grandma Helen's house. The shower was hosted by her Auntie Paige, Gigi (Grandma Gina) and Mama Helen. These three women took April's request for a dessert bar above and beyond her expectations. Not only did they provide a beautiful spread of desserts (petite fours, cheesecake, fondue, cupcakes and cream puffs just to name a few..), the presentation was beautiful. Additionally, the guests enjoyed the games put together by Paige as well as the picture slideshow. Amelia was so blessed with all of her gifts including a TON of adorable outfits.

Our Move

On Friday, January 28th we officially moved into Casa Walker - with Grandpa Ken and Grandma Helen (Mama and Papa). We are looking forward to spending Amelia's first year with her grandparents and saving money to buy a home of our own.

The move was relatively quick and painless as half of our belongings and furniture (kitchen and living room) were put in storage, making the unpacking process that much easier. Less than a week later we are just about settled in and Amelia's room is almost done. Even the dogs are enjoying their time here.

Sunday (two days after our move) and everyone is pooped!

Nursery photos soon to follow!

Amelia Pi'ilani Walker

After much thought and many people asking, we have decided on a name for Princess Walker. Though we've enjoyed calling her our little Princess thus far we knew we couldn't really give her the first name "Princess". There were many names on our list. Some of these included: Emma, Sophia. Olivia and Ava. Ultimately, we decided on Amelia. This name is special to us and we are looking forward to the day when we can tell her the story on how her name came to be. In addition to Brandon dreaming that we had a girl, we had named her Amelia. At the time, we were only five weeks pregnant and had yet to confirm our pregnancy with our doctor. This name holds a special place in Amelia's Daddy's heart.

With April's family it is tradition to be given a Hawaiian middle name. Before April was born, Grandma Lani asked April's Great-Grandma, Amah (Laura Kapu), for a middle name for her first grandchild. Amah gave her "Kaliko" which means the first flower bud of a plant because this was to be the first grandchild. Many children are also passed down names of relatives. We decided that we wanted to give Amelia her Great-Grandma's name - Pi'ilani. We hope that in addition to carrying on her Great-Grandmother's name she will also carry her strength, resilience and love.

We introduce to you our little Princess - Amelia Pi'ilani Walker.

Our 3D ultrasound!

As April finished her 27th week of pregnancy we thought it would be fun to have a 3D/4D ultrasound taken. Here is our favorite picture from that ultrasound session.It was hard to see her nose as the ultrasound technician explained that her face was pressed against the top of the placenta. However, we believe she looks a lot like her Daddy - with her Mommy's eyes.

During the ultrasound we also found out that she is already a thumb-sucker! We had a difficult time getting her thumb out of her mouth and her hands away from her face. She wasn't ready for any close-ups on this day.

This ultrasound session made the two of us that much more eager to meet her!

Watching us grow

As 2010 comes to an end we like to look back at the growth of Princess Walker - April's baby bump! Here are some pictures we took along the way...

19 weeks, 3 days

25 weeks, 4 days

29 weeks, 2 days

31 weeks, 3 days

32 weeks, 3 days

33 weeks, 3 days

34 weeks - with cousin Riley!

As 2010 comes to an end we like to look back at the growth of Princess Walker - April's baby bump! Here are some pictures we took along the way...

With only 5 weeks left we will be sure to chart her growth weekly. Stay tuned to see how big April got before she popped.

Our last holiday season before Princess Walker's arrival

This year we enjoyed a family-filled holiday season before the arrival of our newest member. We spent Christmas Eve with April's mom and the Guerra Family - Grandpa Joe, Grandma Flo, Uncles Ralph & Greg, Londap, Cousins Joey, Anthony & Bel, Mom (Gina), John, Paige, Jack, Ruben and of course our little niece, Riley. It was a relaxing evening and we enjoyed watching Riley open gifts on her first Christmas Eve.

Princess Walker's first picture in front of the Christmas tree!

We spent our New Year's day/weekend in Oceanside with the Emmsley family where we enjoyed a farewell brunch for our dear family friend, Amanda Fazio, and exchanged gifts.

We can't wait until to spend our next holiday season with our little girl!

December Monthly Prenatal Visit

Our December monthly visit was on Friday, December 17, 2010. During this visit they took all the regular measurements - weight, fundal height and baby's heartbeat. Additionally, they tested our glucose levels which came back regular. They did advise April that her iron levels were low (which is common during pregnancy) and is easily remedied by adding an additional iron supplement to her daily prenatal vitamin. This appointment was quick, painless and our little girl is continuing to develop normally.

Our next visit is scheduled for January 20th.