Sunday, May 26, 2013

38 weeks

Dear Baby Bean,

You are 38 weeks and 1 day old today. I've been feeling all nostalgic lately. I think some of it is the warm weather, or remembering that last Memorial Day weekend we started working on your nursery,  and some of it is writing 38 weeks. It really seems like yesterday when I was 38 weeks pregnant with you and you were being the little spitfire that would not stay on the monitor during NST's and almost made me pass out! That really should've given be a clue, because now at 38 weeks old you sure do still give me a run for my money!

We had such a big week! Let's see, like I had said before, Saturday Daddy and I took you on your very first trip to the zoo! That was all the excitement we could handle for that day. Especially because we had a VERY early (3am!) wake up call the next day! That's right, Sunday we were up early and on the road to Grand Rapids for a cheer competition. I have to say, bean, we got SO lucky with you. That is true in a million different ways, but one important one is that you are SO tolerant of our crazy schedule! You are a great traveler and did awesome at the competition as usual.


Daddy had so much fun playing with you on breaks! He is your favorite toy, for sure! Since you are much bigger now than you were at the last competition, you got to spend a lot more time out with the bigger girls. You thought it was so funny to watch them and wave at them and talk to them. I think they might be teaching you some bad habits. You can now make a "duck face" for pictures. If you get to the point where you add a peace sign like those silly girls do for pictures, I told everyone to call CPS on me. 


You did an awesome job cheering on all the teams and all of our teams are going to state. And you were so happy, as long as you were strapped to me. Yup, that Beco is worth its weight in gold to me right now, little one. I won't complain, because I love being close to you, but it is times like this where I am thankful for how teeny you are! 

Something else VERY exciting happened...Aunt Mandy asked you to be a flower girl for her wedding! Yay! You showed your excitement by trying to eat the card. Good thing that Aunt Mandy is smart and realizes that whatever dress she picks out you are going to need some cute ruffle-y bloomers because you will likely walk down the aisle with your dress around your ears. She is prepared for you Bean! Anyways, you are very excited for her and Uncle Brian and can't wait for next October!


Monday, I had some hardcore competition hangover. And, I think, for the first time you did too! At least I think this is what baby competition hangover looks like. 20 hour days are hard on you too!


We went and picked up Truff from Grandma and Grandpa's house and then came home and had a nice relaxing day where we went for lots of walks together and took some nice long naps...all of us! 

It was pretty hot out, so we also hooked up your splash pad. You weren't so sure at first, probably because it was a little bit cold for you. Good thing Dad has plans to solar-heat the hose! But after it warmed up, you were loving sitting out there splashing around in the water. 


Tuesday we had planned to stay at home since it was going to be stormy all day, but when the weather cleared up, we decided to head out to the zoo. Gotta use that membership, right? Well you weren't so sure of the lion when he starting roaring, but you LOVED looking at the monkeys again. You were watching them VERY carefully. No getting any ideas and starting to swing around on stuff, okay, Bean?!?


That night you had another big first...your first Cobra ride. Daddy was so proud, you LOVED it, and you even tried to drive. He says you are a natural! I can just imagine the fights that will ensue about that! But you were very happy to take a ride around the cul-de-sac. Unfortunately that is the furthest you will be going, as much to Daddy's dismay, I will not let him bolt a carseat to the frame. 


Wednesday it was icky and rainy out, so we stayed home a did a little resting. Nothing too exciting. We just spent time playing together. I just love playing with you. You are walking all over these days. You love to hold on to our hands and walk all over the house now. Sigh. I don't know how you got so big so fast! And you can stand for a LONG time. You hold on to your crib, or to the couch, or to your toy and just stand there. You are learning so much, so fast!

We're also going running together these days. You are such a good running buddy. Even when it was rainy and icky out, you were a trooper and stuck it out for a good little jog. You love contorting yourself around in that stroller to see me, silly girl. 

Thursday got off to an interesting start. You actually slept in later than normal (woooohoooo) and I was cuddling with Truff when I found a tick on him. He would NOT let me get it off! So we had to drive to Dad's work for a little assistance and another pair of hands. Of course, the one day you sleep in I have to wake you up. I didn't want to! Look at how peaceful you were...


Waking you up, plus no coffee, plus a detour on the way over to Dad's work made me a crabby Mommy. Luckily after our adventure and a nap, you and your brother were both as good as new!

I am quite mortified to report that you and Daddy have a new game too. There are no words for this, baby bean. No words. 


Take my advice and don't suck too hard. Daddy's boogers do not equal milk. Trust me on this one. I know things. 

Friday you went to see Grandma and Grandpa while I worked out. The fan got a new make-over, and is now decorated for summer in its patriotic splendor! You had a good time playing with Grandma and Grandpa, as usual, and then we went home to rest up for the evening. When Daddy got home, we took off with Uncle Brad and Aunt Sondra to a car show. We don't have a fun car that you will fit in (that runs...Daddy has got to get my Mustang finished) but it was funny to remember that this is the second year in a row we didn't take a fun car. Last year I was feeling huge and we got about 5 miles away from home and you were sitting right on a nerve and making it very uncomfortable to ride in the cobra, so we turned around and drove a 'real' car. Funny what a year does! Anyways, we had a lot of fun walking around and you were, of course a hit. You had to wave at everyone. All the time. You are like the welcoming committee of the world or something. Or a beauty queen in training. Either way you were waving and flirting up a storm. 

Saturday we had a nice relaxing day. We got some stuff done around here, including deep-cleaning a bunch of your stuff. This is apparently where my judgement got fuzzy. I decided that since I was waiting for your high chair to dry, we should have a picnic lunch. What the heck in the world was I thinking. 

At least I still had the sense to take off your clothes before the picnic commenced. Truff, on the other hand, loved the picnic. And I think you loved the deep cleaning you got afterwards, as I was trying to scrub avocado out of the million little nooks and crannies you managed to smoosh it in. 

 Later that day, we got all dressed up and went out to a nice dinner together. It was a delayed Mother's Day for me, since I had to be at the gym Mother's Day and it is just a general sucky day for me. You were an adorable dinner date and were So good at Bonefish, sharing bread and Dad's veggies. I think you really wanted my sashimi, but I don't share that. Dad did sneak you a little bit of brownie for dessert, though!


I also really, really loved the gift you and Daddy got me! You guys got me a special engraved frame that has your hand and foot prints and then a picture of the two of us. That is so special to me! You and Daddy did a VERY good job. You both are awfully smart and good gift givers.

Which brings us to today. With the holiday weekend, there was no practice today, so instead of the usual routine, we did church, then went to Michigan City. Shopping wasn't so successful, but playing with you was. You are so funny and happy. We were trying to keep you awake on the ride home and you were so delirious, and just singing and talking, and waving and sticking out that tongue. Everything you do is just so cute!

It is so hard to believe that you are nearly 9 months old. How is that even possible. I still often feel like I'm just dreaming, like you are just too good to be true. I am so lucky that I get to be your Mom and that I get to be the one to give you good night kisses and tell you "hello, Super Sleeper" when you wake up. I am so thankful for every gummy smile, and every excited jump up and down. You are the most special baby girl ever and I love you so much!

I love you, Ellie-Bean!
Mommy






Thursday, May 23, 2013

The 'must haves'...part 2

Of course as Ellie changes my 'must haves' change, so I thought it was time to do another list. So first, let's revisit what I had before (when E was about 3 months):

1. Swaddlers- We had to wean her off the swaddle awhile ago since she is a rolling machine. Then we had some crappy sleep. Now we're finally back to normal and she sleeps in a sleeper and sleep sack. So yes, this is a must have for the 0-4ish month phase.

2. A Nice Robe- A million times YES! Still useful. Although I will add MULTIPLE comfy robes. You cannot have enough.

3. Cloth Diapers- Still love them. Still not saving money because I feel the need to buy a zillion cute diapers. I feel like my stash is finally at the point where I ALMOST have enough, especially since I just got another shipment of wet bags and 7 new diapers. I am dying to try the bamboo Kawaii's. I am trying to show restraint. Hmmm.

4. Co-sleeper- I had hoped we'd still be co-sleeping. No dice. Girl likes her space and feels the need to nurse every 10 minutes if I am within a 10 foot radius. But again, we used it every night from 0-4.5ish months, and then her pack-n-play as kind of a pseudo-co-sleeper from 4.5ish-6. Now she's in her big girl crib.

5. The Snuza- Yes! Still love it! Still on the first battery, and still allows me to sleep at night. Well, the combo of that and the Angel care monitor. Yes, I have 2 breathing monitors on my kid. I never claimed to be sane.

6. One-handed snacks- I have accepted the truth that I will never do anything with 2 hands ever again. Although now, everything is a one-handed snack. And if you accidentally get pizza sauce on your kid's head....be grateful she doesn't have hair and you can lick it off. No idea why I know that...

NEW STUFF...

7. Boubeads/Teething necklaces- Okay, these are awesome. Necklaces I wear that E can chew on. Basically I have 2 types. Silicone ones that I got from Micheal's that are CHEAP and my new go-to baby present. Or Boubeads. Sigh. Boubeads. They are gorgeous. I wear them with everything.Ellie loves to play with them and chew them. But they are pricey. Best thing about these...the cuddles! She will cuddle right up to your neck to chew. Even Dad and Grandpa have been spotting sporting teething necklaces (even in public!).



8. A good stroller- I lucked into my stroller. I tried to do the research. Really, I did. Then I got overwhelmed. So I ended up with the B-Agile. And I LOVE it. So lightweight. So easy to fold. So comfy for E. Really. Spend some money here. Recently, I even started jogging again, and it is not a half bad jogging stroller. Yes, I know, it is not the safest thing to do. But I figure for awhile it will suffice. See my cute girl after we got rained on during today's run?





9. A video monitor- Since her highness is in another room, and she tends to wake up at the slightest "click" of a door, it is vital for me to have one of these. And I LOVE that I can check in from any laptop or phone. Perfect.

10. A sitting/walking toy- Girl will NOT do what she does not want to do. So in order to entice her to sit up, we used the walking toy. And now, she wants to be standing all the time. She will stand and look out the window for 20 minutes straight if I let her. And she uses it to pull up. And she is starting to walk behind it. So, you know, it is pretty much worth its weight in gold to us. We got this one: http://www.amazon.com/VTech--Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1369333602&sr=1-1 when it was on sale for $19.99.


11. Wine- Because clingy days where I can't even put her down long enough to use the bathroom happen. 

I think those are pretty much all the things that I couldn't function without, for now. 

Monday, May 20, 2013

The zoo

Although most days the house feels like a zoo, we took a trip to the actual zoo on Saturday. And I think this deserved it's own post so that I don't end up clogging my weekly update.

Ellie was all excited to go to the zoo. I was too! But first we had to run some errands, and let it cool down a bit since it was pretty hot outside.

She took some good naps for me and practiced standing up. She is getting REALLY good at that, only using one hand now! Wow!


Well, then it was off to the zoo. One of the first things we saw was the camel exhibit. Ellie loved the camels. She spent a lot of time watching them.

Then we went to see the monkeys. Oh my! Those were a definite favorite!


There were fish jumping around in the little pond too. Since people were feeding them, they were splashing all around. She thought that was very funny, probably because she likse to splash all around in the bath!


There was an exhibit of prairie dogs that Miss Ellie though was pretty funny. Probably because she thinks anything that even remotely looks like Truffle is hysterical! 


We watched the cool zebras too, although little Miss Bossypants was not happy that they would not come over to her. She was very busy yelling at them!


The indoor exhibits were not quite as entertaining for Ellie. I guess she's not a snake fan. Or she just likes her toes better. Either way! 


All in all, we had a very good time (and crossed something off our summer bucket list! Yay!). I am thinking that the zoo is going to become a weekly excursion for us this summer. Ellie loves it, and it is nice to get out and walk around. 


Saturday, May 18, 2013

37 weeks

Dear Baby Bean,

You are 37 weeks old TODAY, little one! And, of course, I continue to be amazed at just how BIG you are. There have been so many times this week that I just have had to stop and stare at you. My baby is going away, and a big girl is emerging in her place. It is so exciting, but I cannot even stand it.

I love seeing more and more of your adorable little personality, though. You are SO funny these days, and way too smart for my good! I think your Aunt Janel put it perfectly...you got the best of both mine and Daddy's personalities. So you have my big ideas and drive, and your Daddy's sweetness and charm to get it done. Quite the combination. We are in TROUBLE!!!

So, on Tuesday, you continued to throw me a loop. It seems like every time I think I've got your schedule figured out you change it up. Lately, that has been you taking insanely long morning naps. No more 30-45min naps for you. Not that I am complaining...I am very grateful for the little extra time.

And extra long naps mean that you are extra playful when you get up! Your current favorite game? Playing "Queen Ellie" standing up in your crib and shouting orders at all your loyal subjects. Seriously, Bean, you did this for 20 minutes! You are such a silly girl!


The weather has been BEAUTIFUL so we also went to the park. You and your brother have SO much fun there. You still love swinging. You are such a little daredevil. The higher and faster you go, the more squeels and giggles you let out.



Have I mentioned that you are rocking out this walking thing? It is amazing to me! You do not want to be sitting anymore. Nope, it is all standing all the time for you, Bean! You love standing and walking all over behind your push toy now. I can't even make your practice your pulling up skills these days because you won't sit down!


It was off to the gym that night as usual, and you had a lot of fun hanging out with Aunt Casie! She got a kick out of how expressive you are, as you stuck out your little bottom lip when Daddy walked away. You are a pill, little one! Oh, and you were showing off all your new flips at the gym. You love flipping, the girls love to watch you flip, and Uncle Pete has a coronary when you flip. Win-win-win!

Thursday was a rough night for you. You were up every couple hours. No idea why, apparently you just like keeping Mommy on her toes!


We had a very busy evening. Daddy took us out to dinner. Yum! We went to Hacienda, which you apparently like...a lot. I was fine sharing my spinach and chicken quesadilla with you, UNTIL you decided you wanted just about the whole thing. The amount of stuff you are eating is nuts! I swear you have a hollow leg. At least I didn't have to share the margarita with you!


Then we went to the gym to help Uncle Jon and Uncle Keith the the Uhaul packed up for this weekend. You had fun laughing at Truff as usual, and flirting with the boys (and Jack Noland. I think you like him a liiiiiittle too much...). 

I've got to tell you, Bean, you are SO MUCH fun these days. So far I've really enjoyed every single "stage" with you, but really, this age is just super fun! You are so into playing and exploring everything. And you and your brother are playing more together, which I just love. You two certainly keep me on my toes! Truff doesn't even know what to think most times of you being able to really play with him. Boy is he in for a surprise!


We also took a walk Friday and you spent a little time with Craig and "Big" Ellie (I don't think she likes that moniker. We need to find a better name for her!). You had a million smiles for Ellie and she just loved that! We do always get comments about how smile-y you are. You are such a happy baby! Oh, and they reassured you that when you get big enough, they will carry Ellie treats in their car, just like they carry Truffle treats!

Watching you figure stuff out is amazing too. You were cracking me up...you were trying to figure out how to make a chick that you got for Easter "chirp". Well, Bean, you figured out one way, but I don't think that is necessarily the way it was intended. Your little expressions are priceless as you are figuring everything out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8KS-swxRkQ

You've also learned how to "play" with balls. We had so much fun just rolling it to each other for like 20 minutes. You think that is hysterical.

Speaking of hysterical, Friday night you had an awesome time playing with Daddy. I was in the laundry room folding clothes and I could just hear you laughing your little behind off with him. I love watching (and listening) to you two playing together. He is so enamored by you, little one, and he really is the best Daddy ever. I hope you know how lucky you are to have such an awesome Daddy!

And I know I am a very lucky Mommy to have YOU! Seriously, though, your Daddy and I still ask each other at least once a day how we could have ever been so blessed to have such an awesome daughter. I love how full of personality you are, and how smiley and amazing you are. But most of all, I just love YOU. You are the best little Baby Bean EVER, even if you are getting way too big too fast!

I love you,
Mommy

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

36 weeks

Dear Ellie,

You are 36 weeks old this week, baby girl! There have been a bunch of times lately where I just look at you and you look so big and grown up to me. I cannot stand it! Speaking of being a big girl, you have had a big week! I have so much to tell you about.

So, Sunday, you were a CRAB! You were all happy and smiley at church and at the gym, but at home you were ornery. I have no idea why. Teething? Need more sleep? Who knows! You are a mystery, baby bean!



Because you were so crabby and because wake-ups in the 12am-1:30am time frame are soooo hard for me, I tried something new with you Sunday night, a dream feed right before I went to bed. It worked perfectly and you were out until 7am. Now we do one every night. I will admit, however, that it is two-fold. I like that you are sleeping better, don't get me wrong, but I LOVE the cuddles from you! I pick you up out of your crib and you give a little sleepy scowl, but then I snuggle you into my chest and you let out this content little sigh. And when you are nursing you try to snuggle into me as tight as possible. I love it. It is my second favorite time of the day. The only time that beats it is our morning nursing sessions where you just stare at me with those big blue eye and then pull off to babble at me and touch my face. Both of those times are just so special to me, princess.

Monday we had to run some errands, so we stopped by the breastfeeding group to get you weighed. You had a MUCH better weight gain. You are now 15 pounds exactly! A 6 ounce gain in a week and a half is a lot better than the 10 ounces you gained in a month and a half, so I think we are doing something right. You loved talking to the other babies too, and were cracking the nurses up! One of the nurses even had to take a picture of you for the hospital website. Look how adorable you are!


Tuesday we had some fun walking around the mall with Grandma. We also went to lunch with Grandma, and found out that you really like fried rice. Go figure! But I am not so sure that the restaurant likes that you like fried rice, as you made quite the mess trying to shovel it into your mouth!

You also got to stay up a little past your bedtime Tuesday. Daddy had a late meeting and wasn't home until later, so I let you stay up. I know he misses you so much when he is away, and needed sme cuddles from his favorite little bean. You were all smiles for him when he got home and we got to take a walk together, all 4 of us, before you went to bed. You rode on Daddy's shoulders most of the way, which you just love. And he was jumping and bouncing all around to make you giggle.


Wednesday you spent some time with Grandma while I worked out. With it being such a crazy week, I wasn't sure that I would get to go Friday, so I tried something a little different. Then, I went to Sam's to pick up some stuff for this weekend. It was a very good thing that you weren't with me, because it took 10 times longer than usual. I was very glad to get back and see you, my love, but I was VERY tired!

Then it was off to the gym. Most of your regular baby-sitters weren't there, so you got to stay in the gym with us. We put a blanket down and you sat on it watching the girls tumble and shouting at them every once in awhile. You loved being in there. I think you've definitely got 'cheer' in your blood. 

Thursday I was getting totally overwhelmed by all we had to do for the weekend, so we were off to run errands. Even icky errands are so much more fun when you are around. We also finished up Mother's day presents for both of your Grandmas. We made them pots with your little footprints making a butterfly and planted some flowers in them. That was quite the spectacle! You were not very cooperative with the footprint thing, little one, and required feeding concurrantly with painting your foot in order for it to work. Which means I had to be a contortionist. Silly bean!



I already wrote about this, but Thursday night you started pulling up. Daddy and I were so glad we were both there to see it. By Friday, you were a champ at it, and now you are getting really mad if you are sitting down. You are all about standing, all the time. 


Friday we spent most of the day getting ready to go out of town for the weekend. You were very helpful and took some great naps for me so I could get everything packed. You are so thoughtful! 

We did need to spend some time playing, though. Always time for that! You love it these days when I turn the camera on my phone around so you can take pictures of yourself. Yes, little one, you area  big fan of 'selfies.' Ha! I've been telling everyone if you start doing a duck face, they should call CPS!


Saturday we were in Ann Arbor for a cheer competition. Again, you loved watching and yelling at all the cheerleaders. Oh, and you loved playing with Grandma and Grandpa. You even started taking some steps holding onto your walker. What? I feel like you are changing and growing at warp speed these days, bean. 


When we got home from that long, crazy day, you curled up with Daddy and I in bed. I love snuggling with you. It really is my favorite thing to do. I would never get any sleep, though, if you slept with us. I would just sit and stare at you. 

Sunday was Mother's Day, and your Baby Dedication at church. In a lot of ways it was a very hard day for me. Luckily, being able to hold you and cuddle you made it a whole lot better. I think the lesson I learned is that next year, Mother's Day is going to consist of you, me, Daddy and Truff snuggling and playing all day. That's what I need the most. 

Your dedication was awesome though. There were so many babies (18!) being dedicated at the service, and it was awesome to see the community that you will get to grow up with!


Monday we went out to lunch with Grandma and Aunt Danielle and then came home to play. Playing with you is awesome. You getting so much more mobile makes it fun. You get in the craziest positions now. Look at this baby yoga, princess...it hurts my knees just to look at it!


You took awesome naps for me (I think it was from being so tired this weekend!) and then played well with Daddy when he got home. Everyone in the house gets so excited when he gets home! He got a promotion at work, so he has been working long hours so we have to give him lots of love when we can!


You, my love, continue to just light up my world. Your expressions, the way you are obsessed with little details, your funny personality, all of that it just too much fun to me. I absolutely love being your Mom, and THAT is the best Mother's Day present in all the world!

I love you baby bean!

Love,
Mommy

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pulling up...



Miss Ellie had a BIG moment tonight! She pulled up to standing 100 percent by herself! For awhile she'd been standing up holding onto fingers or when I would put her hands on her walker, but tonight she reached up to her walker, popped up to her knees and then right up to her feet!

She's getting sooo big. I don't know if she will ever do it again, with as much ruckus as Ryan and I made over her. I was so glad we were both right there to see it. Go baby bean!





Monday, May 6, 2013

35 weeks!

Dear Ellie-bean,

Happy 35 weeks, my little love! Just the other evening, while you were down on the floor playing with Daddy and Truffle, Daddy looked at me and asked if I could believe that you had been here over 8 months! The truth is, I can't remember pre-Ellie life (probably because it wasn't nearly as fun!) so in that way it seems like it has been way longer, but I also feel like it was just yesterday I was meeting you for the first time and getting to look into those big eyes of yours.

We had a very fun week this week! The weather is getting a lot nicer, so we got to spend a lot of time outside. I am so glad to see the warm weather, and I am sure the puppy is too!

Last week, I left off waiting for you and Daddy to get home from Grandma and Grandpa Mason's house. I was so happy to see you when you got home. Sometimes it gets tiring having you attached to me constantly, but I honestly wouldn't want it any other way! I didn't get to hog you too much, though, because Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner. You showed them what an awesome little eater you are and chowed down on some chicken with the rest of us. You loved the green beans as usual too, but were not so sure about the pasta salad. I think those noodles were a little slippery for you!

You had a lot of fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa. You especially love that Grandpa was throwing you around and bouncing you, just like Daddy does.You are such a little daredevil. I would love to get mad at everyone for throwing you around like that, because it does scare this over-protective Mommy, sometimes, but with that BIG grin that you give, I just can't. You love it. And I love to see that smile. I mean, look, Daddy has taken to doing flips with you, even!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvdv_JFzu5k

Sunday was church, as usual. We were able to get you to take a little nap in church again, even though you fought it hard. You woke up halfway through the sermon, though. And you are SO vocal these days, that you apparently thought that everyone wanted to hear YOUR sermon. While I personally love your little baby babbles it was distracting, so we went outside. You got to talk to a bunch of people, and you especially liked talking to other babies when you see them. I think that you are bossing them around. No, not my baby bean, right?

We then went to lunch with Uncle Jon. You loved sitting with us in the high chair, but got a little crabby when there was not food for you immediately. Patience is not your best virue, my dear! Luckily, I had some trusty puffs for you. However, you were a little too excited and wanted to scarf them so I was trying to slow you down. You found a way to manipulate me into giving you all the puffs, though...sucking on the edge of the table. ICK! Even though it had been thoroughly wiped down by your germophobe Momma, that still made me all panicky!

Then it was time to hang out with Daddy and then head to the gym, as usual. I got glowing reports from all your cheer "aunties" about how good you were and what a good time you were having. I love when you are a happy, playful little bean!

Monday you were up early, thankgs to you being a complete wiggle worm in bed these days and the snuza coming off. Even though you were woken up pretty abruptly, you were still in a good mood, so we got in some play time. You are rolling EVERYWHERE! You can even get into tight spaces, just rolling and turning. You LOVE going under your sit and stand toy. We've been working on the words over and under, so maybe you are picking something up?



We took Truff out for his walk in the morning and it was cold (so you had to wear your snowsuit), but by the afternoon, it had warmed up nicely, so off to the park we went! You and Truff both love the park and get REALLY worn out, which I love too! Good naps for all!


Tuesday you were up early again. But this time, no snuza to wake you up. You were just ready to be up and at em, I guess! I think it might be the fact that it is getting lighter and lighter in the mornings. The good part of you getting up early, though, is that Daddy gets to see you a little before he goes to work. I know he likes that. His day is certainly better with some morning gummy grin!

Speaking of Daddy, you tried some of his new yummy concoction...homemade applesauce! You loved it! And you loved eating from your new pouches.

During the day Tuesday we went to the mall with Grandma. It was nice to walk around a bit! Oh, and you sweet talked Grandpa into getting you some new bath toys. Between the new toys and your love of the water, you are going to turn into a little baby prune this summer, I'm afraid!



My Mommy OCD also took over a bit, and I downloaded software to track your growth, since I was a bit worried about it after the weight in last week. When I plotted it out, it didn't look too bad, which is nice. I definitely want to see it get back up there, away from the red 5% line, but as long as it picks up, I think I can take a breather. You are such a good little eater, I am not sure how in the world you aren't packing on the pounds. You must have Daddy's metabolism. Make sure you thank him for that when you are a teenager.



Wednesday you slept all night! Wooohooo! Such a good little sleeper! I really enjoyed the bit of extra sleep myself. Although I tend to miss you when you sleep so well. Then we were up early to meet a friend and her two year old for coffee. We had a good time, and you were a very good girl. You sat up in your stroller and ate puffs nicely while we talked and you giggled like crazy at the other girl.

Then, after a nap, we tried some more new foods. Namely, you had your first asparagus, and I will tell you, it was a big hit! You like SO many different foods, it amazes me! We went to the park after that, and enjoyed another long walk and some time on the swings. You just love yelling at all the other kids!

Wednesday night, we had an interesting time with a little wake-up. Your sleep scehdule was a little off since we missed your last nap due to us being at the park a little too long, and so you ended up waking up after about an hour of sleep (around 9pm). The problem? You have figured out EXACTLY where the camera is in your room. I have no idea how you figured this out. But you will now look directly into it make the most pathetic faces ever until Daddy or I comes to get you. Yeah, we are in for it with you, little princess. See?

Thursday was another day at the park (see a theme here?). I think we are park-bingeing since it is just so nice out right now. The CUTEST thing happened on the way home, though. Truff has never liked riding in the back seat of the car. No way. But after the walk, he jumped back there with you because you were tired and crying. Love that. He is getting SO protective of you. I have been having lots of trouble getting him out of your room when you are taking naps, even. You guys really are best buds. 


It looks like it won't be too long before you will be able to go on your own walks in the park though, bean. You are ALL about standing up these days. You'd much rather stand than sit. Can you slow down on this growing up stuff a little, please?


Friday, as usual, you went over to Grandma's while I worked out. You had lots of fun, and it was even nice enough out that you got to try out the new swing they put up for you, and watch the pinwheels Grandma put up in the yard. Oh, and we played with bubbles, which you thought was hysterical. You loved them! Such a busy morning wore you out and you zonked on the way home.


But, then we went to take Truff for a walk around the neighborhood, and we had another, not-so-good "first"...first time throwing up. I don't know what happened...the heat, the activitiy, some new food, whatever. But it was NOT good. It is funny because when you were littler, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between spitting up and throwing up. Oh, no. I could tell. You managed to get it all the way down in the foot well of your stroller. And poor thing, you looked so scared and upset, and you didn't know what was going on. A call to the doctor put my mind at ease a bit, and we spend the rest of the night snuggling and watching Sofia the First.

I was pretty worried about you getting dehydrated, especially since you still are not 'getting' your straw cup. However, Dad pulled out some sippy cups I had gotten earlier (and thought I was going to take back) and tried them with you and you were able to drink from those right away! I felt much better once I could get a little water in you!

Oh, and you were a super sleeper that night too. But I have to tell you, you are sleeping in the funniest positions these days. See? In fact, I have to go try to find a mesh bumper for you. I went in to get you last night and you had both of your legs stuck through the crib slats. Silly girl, that can't be comfortable!
Saturday we went to have family pictures taken. I was REALLY worried as you decided NOT to go for a morning nap at all. Luckily, you zonked for a half hour in the car, but I was still a bit worried about your mood. I had nothing to worry about. The photographer was amazed with how smiley you were, and we had a really good time doing the pictures.



I was checking for them frantically over the last couple days, and I am so glad they turned out so awesome. I love them!


After pictures Daddy took us out to eat. You do so well at restaurants now. I am so proud of you! Then it was home to get some naps in, and out to enjoy the nice weather by going to the Mishawaka riverwalk with you two. They have some awesome parks over there! We had a really good time and walked a couple miles.

35 weeks...I can hardly believe it! You are such an amazing little girl, and I cannot even tell you how much happiness you bring to my life. Just one of those gummy grins just makes my day. I love watching you learn and grow and try to figure everything out! I feel so lucky that I get a front row seat to all of that. I love you so, so much, bean, and I LOVE being your Mommy!

I love you,
Mommy