What a difference...

What a difference a week makes!

I know I wrote about this in Ellie's weekly letter, but up until last week, things were ROUGH. The bean was up 4 or 5 times a night. We ended up bedsharing out of necessity, and no one got much sleep at all. It was miserable.

A week ago, we transferred her to her pack n play. And apparently she just needed her room. Since then, she's been up a max of two times a night (and honestly, those nights are the ones when I don't put her back in bed right away and we doze off together in bed). Really, she is up 1 time pretty consistently. Or, yesterday she slept 11 hours straight. No wake ups. Holy cow.

If you would have told me two weeks ago, I would have said that you were crazy. Lesson learned...be proactive about solving problems.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

23 weeks

My little Ellie-bean,

Happy 23 weeks old today, baby girl! Wasn't I just 23 weeks pregnant with you, calling your Aunt Lori, freaking out about everything? It sure seems like that was just the other day. But it sure has been awesome to be your Mommy these last 23 weeks. I can't wait for the next 23, or 230 for that matter!

This has been a crazy week! Not only did we DO a bunch, you are growing and changing like CRAZY! So, what has been up?

Well Sunday was the usual church/gym day. Uncle Jon came to church with us, so we went out to breakfast with him too! Daddy was bad and gave you a little taste of his iced tea. What was he thinking baby bean? Like you need caffeine?!? You are still not sleeping great, so I was not very happy with that!

Aunt Lori made you a special present, though...a tooth fairy pillow. I think it will be awhile until you get to use it for its intended purpose, but for now, you like to hug it and chew on its little bow. Oh, and you like to check your mouth to see if any little teeth are popping through. Nope, not yet. And I'm okay with that, little one. No growing up too fast!!!

Monday it was pretty yucky out so we stayed home and cuddled. You were a sleeping rockstar! Awesome night (only one wake up) AND awesome naps! Yay bean! We had a lot of fun stacking blocks and then knocking them down. That makes you giggle, a LOT.

Monday night, I had to go to the gym so you stayed home with Daddy. He was in heaven, because you zonked out on his chest. He loves sweet baby birdy cuddles! You can be such an awesome cuddle bug!

Tuesday was ROUGH. You were up multiple times that night, which made Daddy and I so tired! Daddy and I kind of had a melt down, we were so tired, so on Wednesday, we decided that we were going to try something new. Instead of putting you in your cosleeper, we decided to have you sleep in your pack n play, by the side of our bed. Since the cosleeper is attached to our bed, it moves slightly when we do. And it is pretty small. We pretty much decided that since your sleeping can't get too much worse, we would start there in troubleshooting this sleep thing. So, the FIRST night in your "big girl bed" the pack n play you slept...AWESOME! You went 12 hours with only waking up once to eat and get a diaper change. What? Could it be? Well you did it again the next night. Yay! We LOVE having our good little sleeper back! You just needed more space, didn't you, princess?

One other big thing this week...you are mobile! We found this out when we put you in your pack and play and you woke up rotated 180 degrees from where I had laid you down. And, you managed to freak me out on Thursday, as I set you down, walked out of the room for 2 minutes, and you were GONE. Yup, you are rolling and scootching everywhere. See? I caught you. In this pic, I had laid you down on your back with your feet facing the keyboard, and I come back to find you like this. 

Bean, I don't think I'm read for you to be moving around like that! Neither is Truffle. He is freaked out by that! He likes being able to get away from you, but not for long.

Your night sleeping has been a LOT better, but your napping has went down the tube. In fact, Thursday I could ONLY get you to nap on me. While it was frustrating to not be able to get much done, I never get tired of the sweet baby snuggles and just staring at this gorgeous face. Look at you, bean. You are so perfect. I love you so much, and cuddling up with you is the best thing in the world.

Friday you got to spend some time with Grandma. You had lots of fun. Your 3-6 month clothes are starting to fit, which is super exciting. You still were showing f your jumping skills, laughing and jumping ALL over the place. What a cute little bean.

You spent Friday night with Daddy while I went out with some friends. You and Daddy had a great time, but I missed you terribly and hated not being able to put you to bed. That stinks. I love cuddling with you at night. In fact, I cheated and kept you in my bed when you woke up at night so that I could get my fill of snuggles. Whoops! I had to deal with an extra wake-up but it was worth it for the sleepy princess cuddles.

Today, we spent most of the day around the house. Daddy was teaching you to pet Truffle nicely, without grabbing his hair. You love sitting in the kitchen, watching Daddy and I cook. And you really love our family sing alongs, when we put on the Disney Pandora station and rock out to some Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast. We have so much fun with that.

Ellie, those smiles, and that giggle of yours...they are the BEST. Really. Nothing can make me as happy as when you flash me that grin, especially when I walk in to a room. That makes me feel like such a special Mommy. You are just amazing, and still, 23 weeks after I first got to meet you, feel just thrilled that I get to spend every day with you. I love you so much, bean!

I love you,
Mommy

22 Weeks

Dear Baby Bean,

You are 22 weeks old today...that mean I am the Mommy of a 5 month old! How in the WORLD did that happen? Wasn't I just snuggling with my little baby birdy in the hospital, so scared to break you, yet so amazed that you were here? Wasn't that just yesterday? Time is going WAY too fast, little one.

So, what happened this week? Well, Sunday we went to church, and then we came back home for awhile until I headed to the gym. You were pretty good in church, although you refused to nap. You were flirting away with the other babies and the ushers.

Then you spent some time with Daddy before you headed to the gym. I got glowing reports from both Aunt Lori and Daddy about how awesome you were. You were all giggles and gummy smiles and no crabbyness! We LOVE happy little birds!

Monday we woke up nice and well rested...you slept from 9-7:15 with only one wake up. Could you possibly be getting back to sleeping through the night? I am crossing my fingers! We spent the rest of the day around the house, having lots of Mommy and Ellie time. I love that. Weekends are always so busy, I really like Mondays being kind of "our" day.

That night, Daddy came home and brought in the mail, it was a GOOD mail day! Your dress came! Well let me back up, I found the most perfect dress for your birthday (yes, I am thinking that far ahead already!) and Daddy was able to win it on ebay for us. It has pansies all over it, your Great Grandma's very favorite flower. I'm absolutely convinced that the reason you took your sweet time getting to us is because you were having a ball with her, so it only made sense to me to get you this dress. Oh, and your Grandma says that Great Grandma also taught you to suck your thumb because she always wanted a thumb sucker. Apparently she didn't get to the part where you curl your fingers under, since you suck yur thumb with your fingers cupped around your nose! Couldn't she have taught you to sleep a little better too?

Okay, anyways, we had to try on the dress. It looks BEAUTIFUL on you, bean. But you weren't in to a fashion show. Instead, you tried to eat your new dress. Arg!

Tuesday was a VERY busy day! Grandpa had to have a procedure, so we went over to keep him company and distract him. You were such a sweet little girl, and gave him awesome cuddles. He sang your song (jingle bells) and you fell asleep for an hour curled up on his chest. What a sweet princess you were. You stayed with Grandma and Grandpa while I had to leave for a meeting in Kalamazoo. Grandma and Grandpa dropped you off at Aunt Lori's on the way to the hospital, and you had an awesome time playing with her. I picked you up a couple hours later and Uncle Pete was singing away to you! Then, we went over to the hospital to see Grandpa. You couldn't snuggle with him, but you did enjoy jumping on his bed for him. You are a crazy little jumping bean!

Wednesday we got to see Grandpa again. He wanted to walk around, but it was cold and icky out so we went to the mall. We let you sit in your stroller the "big girl" way for the first time. I think you liked looking at everything. At least for a couple minutes until you conned Grandpa into busting you out and carrying you, even though he was not supposed to be lifting over 10lbs. You cuddled and took another nice nap with him, though.

Then, it was off to the gym. After the gym we went out to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Mason. They left Friday for 3 weeks to go to Guatemala, so they wanted to see you before they left. You were such a good girl, even though you had a long couple of days and I expected you to be very cranky. I am so glad that you are so good to all the people that love you so much, bean!

Thursday I could have used a "down" day, but no sir! We were going again! We went over to Saint Mary's to introduce you to everyone. You were quite the hit, and had smiles for everyone. And you only interrupted a couple classes. I really did love working there, but now I am having such a blast being home with you. I did tell them that I would be up to discussing teaching only one class in the fall. We'll see.

We also went over to the breastfeeding support group. I'm so glad that is going well, little bean. You got weighed and you were 13lbs 1oz. Perfect growth. I'm so proud that you have always been 100 percent breastfed! What a cool accomplishment for us both! You loved looking at the other babies, too. You were completely into playing on the floor with them.

You were WORN OUT from such an exciting day, though bean, and napped for over two hours in your carseat. What?

Friday we were going to go work out like normal, but it had snowed a lot and the roads were bad, so we stayed home in the morning. You played with Truff which you LOVE. He is so good with you. He tries to bite off his fur when you get a handful of it, but he will NOT bite you. Such a good big brother.

That afternoon you went to hang out with Grandma for awhile so that I could work on my paper. She loved having you clonk out on her, and I was able to get a good amount of work done. 

That evening was photoshoot time. You were SO smiley, we got some great ones. We did 5 month pics and some Valentine's Day, but I am only going to share a 5 month one. The others are top secret! It was one of your best shoots yet, though!

I love how this captured your smile and personality. I love that it is showing more and more each day. 

Today, Daddy went to a swap meet, so we got to hang out together again. I love spending time with you, bean. Even when you are fighting naps like a crazy lady, you are still by far the coolest, sweetest, prettiest, funniest, most awesome little girl in the whole wide world. Really! Every day I just get so emotional and overwhelmed that I get to be your Mommy. I wanted to be A mommy for so long, that I just can't believe that I am lucky enough to get to be THE mommy to the best little girl ever. 

I love you so much, princess!

Mommy

21 weeks!

Dear Ellie-bean,

You are 21 weeks old today! Wow, baby bean, I just can't believe it. You are growing up so fast and learning so much every single day. Just thinking back over the week, I am SO amazed.

So what happened this week? Well, Sunday we had our last competition of the season to go to, Indiana state. Luckily, it was only at Bethel, so we didn't have to go far. Grandma and Grandpa came again to watch you, which you always like! Grandpa sang more jingle bells to you and you fought naps like a crazy girl! Some of our NE kiddos were there too, and Daddy was showing off your newest tricks for them. Little daredevil that you are, you now do "fulls" where Daddy tosses you up and spins you around. You giggle SO much at that. You also sit up and balance on Daddy's hand. All the cheer kiddos thought that was pretty awesome, but a lot of the cheer parents wanted to kill Daddy for doing that! They are a little protective of you, bean!

After that excitement, I definitely wanted to stay home and relax, but we couldn't on Monday! I had a doctor's appointment. But, you got to go over and chill at Aunt Lori's house. Haileigh and Yanni were off school too, so you got LOTS of attention, and they were even able to get you to take a good nap! You took an awesome nap when we got home too. Yay for good naps! You also got to play in your exersaucer a bit. It is so cool, you are really playing with the toys now. It is so cool to see you figure all that out! 

Speaking of figuring things out, you also figured out your Jumperoo on Monday, and you are IN LOVE! See? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS9E32UyKEY You love, love, LOVE bouncing in it now. It is good to wear you out, and it buys Daddy and I a couple minutes with you content. You even get fussy when we try to get you out, silly bean!

You did give Daddy a surprise too. He was laying back on the couch holding you up by your ankles. You guys were face to face and you were giggling up a storm, until...you spit up ALL over his face. I was laughing soooo hard, but he took it like a champ.

Tuesday was a nice, relaxing day around home, thank goodness! BUT you only wanted to take half hour or less naps, you little stinker! You were overtired and king of a mess. Thank goodness for some Daddy help when he got home!

Wednesday was a much better day. You napped better, and we got in some good play time. You are so intent on figuring out all your toys. And trying to eat them. You are just amazed by your tongue these days. You move it all over and play with it like crazy!

Wednesday night at the gym was a little messy. You skipped your late-afternoon nap, and so you were TIRED when you got there. Even Aunt Andrea couldn't get you to sleep.

Thursday we were getting a little stir-crazy, so we went to the mall with Grandma. We had a good time for the most part, but then you started getting a little bit crabby, so I left the store to walk down and change and feed you....when Grandpa showed up! You were ALL smiles for him! Especially when he was bouncing you! The two of you are making plans to go on the BIG jumperoo at the mall, but for now, I think you should stick to this one!

Grandpa met up with us again at Kohls, where Grandma and I were getting you your very first doll! We found one with a birdy on her dress. How perfect for my little baby birdy! You were giving her kisses in the store. Or trying to latch on to her nose. One of the two!

Friday you hadn't slept too well, but I managed to get my tooshie out of bed and go workout. I am really trying to get more healthy so that I can keep up with you, jumping bean. So you went to hang out with Grandma a bit. Then we did a little more shopping. Just when I think your wardrobe can't get any better, Grandma finds more cute things. 

Even with shopping two days in a row, you weren't too worn out to jumperoo it a little bit. No sir! You are getting better and better at it, and even got some "air" launching yourself out of the seat. Whoa girl! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2lT4twWm0Y

Friday night you went with Daddy and Truffle to get a pizza and I got a little break for a bath and a nap. Have I mentioned you have the BEST Daddy? You do. He  is so great with you, even when he is exhausted too. Truff hasn't been sleeping well, so he has spent the last couple nights on the couch, and he still pitches in and helps with you. What an awesome guy!

Speaking of awesome Daddy, he let me sleep in a little Saturday. Yay! I loved that, but I admit, I was also happy when you came out and wanted to cuddle and nurse, at about 9am. Love cuddles and nursing. It is the best!

We got some groceries, then came home and spent the rest of the day around the house. While I was working on putting away some of your new clothes, we had a little fashion show.  I can't wait for this summer! You are going to rock your new sundresses, bean!

You had lots of fun with Dad today too. And apparently you can do unassisted handstands today. Your new tricks just crack us up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbkj4Wna4wY

You had your first solid food tonight too, completely unintentionally! You won't be having any more until 6 months, like I planned, but I had you on my hip when Dad handed me a piece of homemade bread (YUM). I apparently got it a little too close to you and you latched onto it and starting sucking. That is crazy! You even managed to swallow a little bit. I am NOT ready for this, little one. You are growing up WAY too fast!!!

Even though you are growing up so, so fast, it is simply amazing to see all the growing and changing you are doing. You are so much fun. From your giggles in the morning to your sleepy cuddles at night, you are the absolute highlight of every single one of my days. You are so amazing and so precious, and I just love you so much, my little baby bird!

I love you!

Mommy

Happy 20 weeks!

Dear Ellie,

Happy 20 weeks old! And I am actually writing this on the correct day. Yay! Go Mommy!!!

So what happened this week? Well, we left off on Wednesday. Wednesday we did a bit more Gymboree-ing with Grandma. You were a very good girl and took some good naps in your car seat.

One thing that I am noticing more and more is that you really are starting to get interested in food. You watch me eating like crazy, even straining your head back if you are on my lap to see where I am putting that food. And sometimes you even mimic chewing. I think you will be ready to go in another month or so when we start you on solids. 

Wednesday night was BUSY. We went to the gym, as usual, but then we also dropped by dinner for Grandpa Mason's birthday. We couldn't stay long because it was late, but I think he liked seeing you. 

Thursday we needed a break so we stayed home! You have not been sleeping well at all. We're up with you about three times a night. Where did my good sleeping bean go? I am trying to just enjoy the extra snuggles that you want, though. 

Since we stayed home, though, we played dress up with some of your new clothes. That was fun, and you were pretty tolerant for the most part. Look how adorable, baby bean:

That evening you were playing with Daddy and you had a important first. You sat up by yourself. And not just for a second or two, for about a whole minute. Way to go, bean. You still much prefer standing to sitting, though, so sometimes when I try to work with you on sitting you just pop right up into a standing position. You can also stand up with very little help. We don't even have to hold you when you're standing up sometimes. How is my little baby bird getting so darn big???

Friday was a tough one. You went over to Grandma's for awhile while I worked out, then we popped by Lori's, then home. The problem? You did NOT want to nap. All day. Ever. Arg! Talk about driving Mommy crazy!

You are getting so much more into toys too! You can pick things up, turn them around, stick them in your mouth, and just otherwise inspect everything. I did figure out that I can get you to do some tummy time on your mat if I bring the toy bar down to the floor for you to play with! You need to be entertained constantly. And you talk up a storm! See? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpy73-eWNco

After the rough day with you, Daddy sent me to nap and you guys played together and went to get a pizza for dinner. You have the best Daddy! He takes care of both of us so well!

Last night was another rough night. You only want to sleep curled up with me. Even when we manage to get you in the co-sleeper, you scootch all the way over to the side by me. I love that you are such a snuggle bug, even when you happen to want to snuggle at 12am, 2am, 4:30am and 7am. You do so much better snuggled up with me in our bed, and LOVE taking it over when we get up. 

So that brings us to this morning, 20 week old! Since we didn't get much sleep, I sent Daddy to sleep in and we went for a nice long walk with your brother. The sun was shining and it wasn't too cold, so we had a lot of fun. And you tried to eat your sunglasses: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z63JoJeePRY

I am so amazed by you, little one. Seeing you learn and grow is just awesome. I love spending time with you, even when it is at 3am. You are such a special little girl, and so funny and loving! I love being your mommy, and I love YOU!

I love you LOTS, 

Mommy 

19 weeks

Dear Baby Bean,

Happy 19 weeks! Well, actually 19 weeks and 3 days. It was a LONG weekend and I didn't get a chance to write you a letter. I feel like a bad mommy, so I am trying to make up for it now.

Sunday it was back to go-go-go for us! We went to church, then you and Daddy went to Grandma and Grandpa Mason's house for awhile. They really enjoyed seeing you. You were a very good girl and napped well for them, especially when Grandma Mason wrapped you up in your blanket and got you nice and toasty warm!

Then it was off to the gym. I didn't have the best night at the gym, so I really needed Ellie snuggles when I got home, and you obliged! I love Ellie snuggles so much, they are the BEST!

Monday was a big day too...Notre Dame was playing in the National Championship game. You donned your new ND outfit from Grandpa Zaher. You looked so adorable!

Unfortunately, the team didn't look nearly as good as you did and got beat by Alabama pretty badly. Booo.

Tuesday we had to run some errands together. Nothing too dramatic there, but guess what the UPS man brought while we were taking Truff for a walk? Your new exersaucer! You are loving it. It is still quite big for you, but you love playing with the toys, and you especially like how you can annoy your brother with the toys.

Wednesday we were up early and you went to Grandma Zaher's house while I went to the Y and worked out. You did not want to get up in time for me to go. In fact, you tried to fall back asleep on your changing table after I had carried you out. 

See that thumb? That is where it ALWAYS is these days. It is always in your mouth. It is soooo cute, but this germophobe mommy is going crazy trying to keep it clean!

After we got back from working out, we stayed home and tried to get prepped for the weekend. More on that later...

That night you slept so well! You were out until about 7am! I really appreciated that, as your sleeping has definitely been hit and miss these days. Sometimes you sleep awesome and sometimes...well...sometimes I make sure I dress you really cute the next day because you were a complete pain in the rear!

You are definitely an active sleeper these days. You kick your legs in bed so much that it shakes MY bed. And you scoot all around, especially when you are just in a sleeper. See? I found you laying almost sideways this week! Silly bean!

Thursday we went to Target to check out the toy clearance. We didn't find anything too exciting, unfortunately. You need new toys like you need a hole in the head. I did get you a little puppy, Violet that says your name! I was excited that it has Ellorie as an option! And I love how it says it "EllorIEEEEE" so cute! You love it, and we spend a lot of time these days dancing and singing to the songs it sings. 

We also had a very interesting incident. Daddy was changing your diaper. You had made a mess. Well, Dad called me in to look at something in your diaper...it ended up being a ball of Truffle's fur! You had eaten that, and it has gone all the way through you. Yuck! We did get a good chuckle out of it, though!

Friday we were going crazy packing for the weekend. You require so much stuff, and I am always so worried about forgetting something when we travel. It is stressful! You slept horribly that night too. You would not go down. Not what I wanted when you were going to have to get up at 3am!

Saturday and Sunday we were in Grand Rapids for a cheer competition. You got to spend lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa, who convinced you that all the people were clapping for you! You got to see Aunt Janel, Aunt Mandy and Grandma Katie too! You sported your NE uniform that came off the teddy bear I had. I can't believe it pretty much fits you. You're such a tiny bean! It was the hit of the competition. 

Daddy had fun throwing you around too! You love being thrown around and giggle your little toosh off! It is so cute!

We got home pretty late Sunday. We were all fairly tired and went to bed pretty quick. You just aren't sleeping so well these days, so most nights you end up in our bed. I wouldn't mind snuggling with you, but you squirm all around and like punching my ribs when you're sleeping. I am hoping that you get past this little sleep regression soon. I miss those 10 hour nights from you!

Monday was competition hangover day. It really doesn't seem to effect you, though. You were still all smiles. 

Neither of us got out of our PJs. Sometimes we need days like that!

And that brings us to today. We went to the mall with Grandma to put some stuff on hold at Gymboree for tomorrow's sale. We found some great stuff. You were pretty cranky and didn't nap well, though which was a bit tough. You are also so squirmy in your stroller. If I don't buckle you in your carrier, you try to roll over in it. Go figure, you will never roll from back to belly on the floor, but in your carseat you will try your darndest. Silly bean. 

Even when you are an overtired mess, little bird, I still love you so, so much. You are amazing. You are growing so much every single day and I am so lucky that I get a front row seat to all that. Just seeing you discover things and master new skills is so awesome. And you are SUCH a snuggle bug! I just love being your Mommy!

I love you,

Mommy

18 weeks

Dear Miss Ellie,

You are 18 weeks old today! Yay! You are getting so big these days, and doing so much that I am really glad I started writing you these letters so that I can remember all our adventures and everything about you! I just want to etch everything into my mind, because it is going so fast!

Saturday night we took a big step, and let you sleep unswaddled with your arms out. Daddy and I were both very scared that you would be up every 45 minutes. BUT...you proved us wrong big girl! You did awesome, and were even able to get yourself back to sleep by sucking your thumb when you woke up! You are so stinking cute when you sleep with your little thumb in your mouth, or on your side with you arms in a bow and arrow position. I think you knew how proud of you we were for only waking up once that night, because you were all smiles. I wasn't so much because now you look like such a big girl sleeping! I might have teared up a little about that!

Sunday started off the week busy! We went to church, and then Aunt Mandy came down for a visit. You were a bit cranky because you didn't nap well, but hung in there through lunch, and lots of snuggles with Aunt Mandy. One funny thing when we were at lunch: the waitress asked if you just came from getting pictures taken. Why, no...you are just always dressed to the nines. You are a stylish little bean.

Monday was New Year's Eve! We did some shopping. You did very well! Then we went over to the Trujillos to hang out for a bit. They all love you so much! And they were very impressed by how well you can stand on your own. In fact, you can stand up only holding one of Daddy's hands. See? Such a strong little birdy!

I think this means you are going to be walking a lot sooner than I would like. 

We also made sure to wake you up for the ball drop. You, me, Daddy and Truffle all cuddled up on the couch and counted down to 2013. It was very emotional for me and Dad. We are both just so incredibly happy to have you here and be able to ring in the new year with the best 2-legged AND the best 4-legged kiddos ever! You teared up too...but it was because you were NOT happy being woken up to watch a silly ball. You wanted your BED!!!

We had a pretty low key day for the first day of 2013. We all hung out together. You are loving your toys these days. The only way I can get you to stay on your tummy for tummy time is to get you playing with those toys. You especially love your O balls, and anything that lights up. You also really love your sing along songs DVD. Daddy and I love it too, as it buys us 15 minutes that we can actually scarf down dinner.

We did have a "first" on New Year's Day, though. Your first bubble bath. You loved being surrounded by all those bubbles! One problem...you try to eat the bubbles. So of course, because I am  a LIIIIIITTLE protective of you, I was rinsing bubbles off your hands constantly. 

Wednesday we hung out at home, just the two of us. That was nice. Truffle liked it too. You are even more aware of him these days, which is so cool. You love to laugh at him, and you are always watching him. He does so good with you too. He does not bite, even when you rip out fistfulls of hair. And yes, you have done that already. We bundled you up and took Truff for a very long walk. It was REALLY cold, so I bundled you up. You didn't mind the cold, and stayed nice and toasty!

Thursday was a rough day. I haven't been feeling well, and had gotten kind of concerned about my health, so you came with me to the doctor's in the morning. You were so good in the office. Barely a peep, and you gave lots of smiles to everyone. Then we came home, I got you to nap, fed you, and then went back out to your doctor appointment. Daddy met us there again, so like usual you had big gummy smiles for him. The good news is that you are still doing very well. You are 12lbs 1oz (16%) and 25 inches tall (76%). Tall and skinny. You had to get shots again too, and you were a trooper. You did not like the oral one this time. You had three shots in your poor little legs. You cried, of course, but then calmed right down when they were done. Such a brave little girl! Daddy and I were so proud of you!

Friday we went shopping with Grandma! You got to try out your big girl car seat in her car. I think you liked it, as you napped pretty well in it. We managed to add to your wardrobe even more. Although, on this shopping trip, you had a little wardrobe malfunction:

Today I had to go get poked for a blood draw, so you and Dad went with, then we all went out for Indian food for lunch. The waitress loved you and even had to hold you for a minute. You are quite the hit everywhere you go, you are such a special girl. 

Baby bean, I love you so, so much. I am so lucky to be your Mommy! I know I tell you that a lot, but it is completely true. I still just stare at you, multiple times a day, thinking about what an incredible blessing you are. You are the answer to so many of my prayers, and I simply cannot fathom any other baby being quite as perfect for us as you are! You just absolutely melt my heart. Your smiles and snuggles are better than anything else!

I love you so much!!!

Mommy