1 Month Recap

Adalyn,

   I can not believe how quickly you are growing. The phrase"don't blink" is no joke!! I will probably say that every month and I will probably be in denial every month. Watching you grow up is so very bittersweet. I try not to focus on the bitter though- there are so many fun milestones that you have reached, and that you are going to reach, that make it so exciting to watch you grow.

 {Although I wouldn't mind if it went by just a tiny bit slower!}

This month you had your first trip away from home. 

We went up to the mountains and stayed in a big house to celebrate Grammie and Grampa's 50th anniversary and Christmas.

When we arrived you were hungry and decided you were big enough to feed yourself. 

You don't always hold your bottle, but sometimes you like to. 

Your hands just kind of hold onto it- I don't think you really know what you're doing, but we can pretend.

You are still on Similac Sensitive and doing really well on that. 

You eat 4-5oz every 3-4 hours. 

Each family had themed Christmas PJs and ours was reindeer- you looked so cute!

The house that we stayed in was older and our room was freezing so I was sure to bundle you up nice and good to make sure my little reindeer stayed warm!

We were so excited to wake up with you on Christmas morning, although, to us, every morning is like Christmas with you!

On December 27th you had to have your hearing re-evaluated. You didn't pass your hearing test at the hospital on one of your ears when you were first born. Typically that is due to extra fluid in the ear and it goes away- we were praying that was the case for you!

You were such a trooper with all the monitors stuck to your head and your ears and buds put in your ears!

You needed to be sleeping for them to perform the testing-which I thought would be tricky-but you did a great job. You woke a few times because it was uncomfortable, but quickly fell back to sleep. The testing lasted about 2.5 hrs and you passed!

After all the Christmas traveling and festivities I decided it was time to get more serious with our cloth diapering.

 You've made it really easy on us- you are really consistent with your poop schedule{every three days} so when it's a "poop day" I usually put you in disposables. You are in a size 1 and you wear them through the night also.

I also decided it was time to move you to your crib. I knew you were going to enjoy it because you really like sleeping flat rather than at an incline.  So on December 31st we swaddled you up and said goodnight.

I am so thankful for the Angelcare Monitor or I would not be as comfortable doing this! An alarm goes off if you stop breathing and I get to check on you through the video monitor. You did a great job and you've been sleeping through the night ever since we moved you there!

And usually between 5-6am I bring you into bed with us for some extra sleep after your bottle.

For a while I would have you wake up around 10pm and feed you  with hopes that it would fill you up and you'd sleep through the night. I was starting to notice that if I did that you were then overtired and would be up until 1/1:30am. That was not gonna fly with me-so I decided to try a new schedule. You have your long day/afternoon naps and then you usually wake around 6:30/7. Daddy comes home from work and plays with you until 8:15/8:30 and then I give you a bath.

You love tubby time! After your bath, I lotion and swaddle you, feed you your bottle and you go right to sleep in your crib around 9:15/9:30 and wake between 5-6. So far it's been a great schedule that seems to work week for us all!

You love to cuddle and sleep with Ellie the Elephant.

It's so sweet.

You crack us up with all your funny faces! You are so expressive and I think it will be even more funny the older you get.

[PS- that mark on your forehead is because daddy accidentally made me drop my phone on your head. That was our very first accident with you-thankfully you whimpered and fell right back to sleep and the mark quickly disappeared}

You are a very laid back, easy going baby.

You got some new toys for Christmas that you've really enjoyed playing with

I saw another baby girl in church that had a bow in her hair and I thought that since you have hair in the back and not really in the front that it would work.

You weren't very impressed with that.

We were happy that Tim Tebow got a touchdown and they would be going to the playoffs.

You weren't overly excited, but we appreciate you going along with the celebration. 

Your neck has gotten a long stronger and we decided to give the bumbo a try.

I'm pretty sure you were counting how many seconds you could stay up. 

You did a great job but you weren't quite ready yet.

Your neck is strong, but your torso isn't quite strong enough to hold you up. 

Thankfully, you love your carseat.

I can always count on a smile when I buckle you in. 

On January 12th you had your first snow day at home. 

I don't think you got what the big deal was. 

 You've recently started to get spitty.

And you don't really know what to do about it. 

You get the hiccups all the time- just like when you were in my belly. 

You get them at all times of day- usually 5-6 times/day.

Gripe water has become our life saver. 

This stuff is magic and we don't go anywhere without it. 

You're great during church.

You're usually awake during worship and asleep during the message. 

The difference in one month...

At your 2 month appointment you were in both the 75th percentile for your weight and your head circumference and you were in the 80th percentile for your height.

 It looks like you're taking after your daddy in the height department- meaning when you're 5 we will probably be the same height.

Your eyes are still blue like your daddy's.

You weigh 12 lbs

You're 23.5 inches

You have the most kissable squeezable cheeks.

We love you so much, baby girl.

We are beyond blessed every single day. 

You truly make our days brighter. 

And our love for you is so overwhelming.

Your smile is contagious and melts our hearts every time. 

As sad as I am to see you grow, I can't wait to see the milestones you reach next month! 

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Hat

The temps have been fairly mild this winter, 

but there have been a few times we've had to pull out the cute little winter hat

Smelly Student

No, I'm not posting about that smelly student in class that everyone talks about- the one who smells like the clothes have been sitting in the washer too long, the one that smells like B.O or the one that smells like they got sprayed by a skunk. 

::True story- our dog got sprayed and came in the house and my brother and I went to school smelling like skunk. So embarrassing::

Mr. B is a student again.

Although, it is possible that he could also be that smelly student. 

I've gotten a whiff of those pits on a rough day and my oh my...it's nasty. 

Anyways, yesterday marked a new chapter in our little Smelly Life- Mr. B started Grad school. 

It's a 2.5 yr program, he will be taking 2 classes a semester mostly one night a week, but it could happen to be 2 nights or Saturdays depending on the class. 

We are so thankful for this opportunity and for the wonderful company that he works for.

Mr. B is really excited about it and looking forward the classes and learning again

Which btw is so weird to me! I am so opposite. I went to college for 2 years and got nothing but debt and friends- I was a good student but I just felt I was wasting my money when I knew I wanted to be a nanny/SAHM. But ummmm... I still have nightmares that I am taking a test and can't finish in time and don't know the answers!

That's a legit nightmare, right?

There is nothing I love more {okay, there's actually lots of things I love more}, than waking up and knowing I'm not in school nor do I plan to be in school ever again. 

So anyways, I am a little nervous that it will be difficult for him to find the proper balance of work, school and family. I do know this will be a lot of work for him, there will be a lot on his plate and I am so proud of him for taking that on in order to provide better for our family. 

I also know it's going to be hard for me- I really don't want to be a nagging wife and complaining that he is always doing work/school. I don't want him to miss out on these special moments with Adalyn because clearly she is already growing so fast! So I am going to try really hard to be nothing but encouraging and supporting.

So maybe there will be some trial and error in the beginning. We will probably have to try and work out some sort of schedule so that he doesn't get overwhelmed with everything. 

But we are ready to take it on and we know that in the end the reward will be worth it! 

Any advice for those of you who have been through this would be great-what worked, what didn't, did it go by fast, was it not as bad as you thought, was it? 

Friday Funny: First Bow

 I thought it was a stretch too. 

I guess she can sense the ridiculousness. 

I think we need just a little more hair in the front to wear some hair clips.

Happy Weekend! 

Family Christmas

I'm almost caught up with all my posts and then I am going to try really hard to stay up to date! 

This year we celebrated Christmas with my family a few days early because we were going away for the weekend with my mom's side of the family. 

Because we weren't going to be home for Christmas we didn't set up a Christmas tree and neither did my mom. Through this we learned the illusion that small tree=more presents, ha! 

Good trick, huh? The kids were pretty excited!

The wonderful aunties are always so funny- they basically set a timer for when it's their "turn" to hold Adalyn.

She's a very loved little girl!

A group shot of the awesome aunts and uncles. 

Did you know that my brother is Coach from Survivor? 

No?? 

I didn't either...

Thankfully the whole greasy pony tail thing was a phase and is no longer existent!

A mini nap session took place 

Naptime with Jesus Uncle Ryan! 

Then it was gift time! Papa G is sporting his new Elmer Fudd winter hat and he is, of course, the #1 Grandpa :) 

The girls worked hard on making me a sister scrapbook. It was very sweet! 

Roux got to open her Christmas presents early, but since Roxie would be joining us on the weekend away I was saving her stocking for later. 

She wasn't a big fan of this plan and seemed rather sad/jealous of Roux's 16 squeaker animal.

First Christmas as parents & grand-parents! 

Somebody happened to be everyone's favorite gift this year :) 

On Christmas day (after the weekend away) we went to spend a few days with Mr. B's parents. 
They live in TX, but have a lake house up north here in NH so it was nice to celebrate and relax with them too!

Couldn't ask for a more perfect gift!

Trying to remember who this lady is...

She remembered! Smiles for Nana! 

Some snuggles with Papa 

We relaxed, watched movies and played some Chicken Foot. 

The following weekend was the Bills vs the Patriots.

Mr B and his family are big time Bills fans {you are welcome to have pity on both me for being married into this and for them for willingly supporting this team- it's really no fun when your team is notorious for losing!}

Why they can't just be Patriot fans I have no idea- but I know it will never.ever.happen. 

For Christmas Adalyn bought Daddy a cute little Bills bow to support his team. 

Mostly because we feel bad for him ;) 

And of course I couldn't resist a little photo shoot in the new bow

She's aware this is silly because at heart she's a Pats fan :)

First few weeks

 Adalyn, you have been such a blessing to us this past month!

We have enjoyed watching you grow and develop each and every day. 

It's amazing to see how fast you are changing in such a short amount of time. 

You have been such an easy going baby, you hardly ever cry {you squawk and make monkey noises when you need something}, you are a great sleeper and a sweet little cuddle bug.

You're our little baby burrito and you sleep next to our bed at night. Roxie was sure to keep a close eye on you the first few nights.

You sleep pretty much all day with a few awake times in the late morning, {maybe} in the afternoon and always late at night around 10-12. You only wake once in the middle of the night usually around 3 for a feeding, you finish your bottle and 20 minutes later we are back to sleep.  Daddy feeds you at night before bed and I wake up with you in the night and we let him rest up for work. 

You are eating about 3 oz (sometimes 4) every 3-4 hours.

 You're using Dr. Brown's bottles with Similac Sensitive and seem to be doing really well with them. You're never fussy and you don't spit up! 

Of course, being your first month of life, this month was filled with lots of firsts! 

The day after we brought you home was Thanksgiving, so you were quick to celebrate your first holiday!

Starting traditions young with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade! 

We were so so thankful you came into the world a few days early and were there with us!

The weather has been unseasonably warm and we were able to take you outside on your due date.

 Your duck and geese friends were anxious to meet you.

 They were with us throughout the whole pregnancy! 

You had your first photoshoot at 6 days old and you did so well! We got so many awesome pictures that we will cherish forever!

You are always smiling in your sleep and showing off your dimples. 

I snuck the Patriots PJs on you without daddy knowing, he wasn't very happy!

Your first time in your swing- which actually seems to keep you awake rather than put you to sleep!

 It was also your first time in cloth diapers. I wasn't planning on starting quite so early (1 week), but you were starting to get a diaper rash so I figured we might as well give them a try! With the help of the cloth diapers, cloth wipes and olive oil your little bum cleared right up! 

Because of your diaper rash I decided to give you your first bath a little early. I made sure to keep your umbilical stump fairly dry though! 

You were a little freaked out at first, but then you liked it. 

You preferred to be wrapped up in the towel though.

We went on our first family walk.

And your first trip to the mall. I felt bad that you weren't able to have Chick-Fil-A like you did in my belly- we went there pretty much every week, it's one of my favs!

After taking all our belly pictures by the pond, I could't help but take you out there for one last picture while the weather was still nice.

At 10 days you lost your umbilical cord- such a relief! I didn't know if I should be weird/gross and keep it or just throw it away...so instead I took a picture that we can keep!

Your first pair of shoes- I was so excited to put you in your super cute boots.

You wore them to pick up Nana from the airport. Her and Papa came for a weekend visit to soak in some extra snuggles and kisses before their next visit at Christmas time.

While they were visiting we brought you to church for the first time at 2 weeks old. You looked so pretty in your dress!

A few days later we celebrated Auntie Julia's 9th birthday! 

You love to snuggle on our chests or on my legs.

You are kind of sporting a baby mullet-it's long in the back and shorter in the front. 

You love to hang out in our bed at night before it's time to sleep. We love it too!

You fell asleep in your swing and I went in the living room and found you smiling with your paci squishing your cheek- it was so cute!

I think you and Roxie are going to have a really sweet relationship. She has really surprised us with how well she is doing with you, although she does make us nervous sometime with her paws! She likes to show love with her paws and sometimes it's a little rougher than I think she means to be, so we just watch her carefully when she is around you. 

I have a feeling when you are a little bit older you guys will be best buds!

You're my little doll and I have to dress you up!

It's too much fun!

Our mornings are usually spent with you in the K'tan while I clean and get things done around the house. 

And your nights are spent snuggled up in Daddy's arms when he gets home from work. 

We often times find your hands holding your thumbs- the old "got your nose" joke! It's pretty funny!

I started putting you in your cribs for naps so you could get use to it before we move you there for nighttime. You are doing really well in there, I think you will like it. You really enjoy sleeping flat so I think transitioning you will be pretty easy.

In the mornings after daddy leaves for work I bring you into bed with me for some extra sleep and you look like such a big girl. Lately you have preferred sleeping on your side in the bed. 

Your neck is getting stronger, but you're not a huge fan of tummy time. 

You love bright lights and you are really starting to like your play mats. It's so cute when you smile at the toys. 
Your smiles are starting to become more intentional, which we are loving! 

I couldn't believe I had to pack up your newborn clothes so quickly! At about 3 weeks you outgrew most of your newborn clothing and have been wearing 0-3 mos.

I put your coming home outfit on your hippo that plays your heartbeat from when you were in my belly. I can't believe you are already getting so big! 
At your 2 weeks check up you were 8.9lbs and 21.25 and you're getting bigger and bigger every day! 
You're long, but chubby- absolutely perfect! 

You went Christmas shopping with mommy and Mimi. 

You don't always love getting into the sling, but once you are in there you usually fall right to sleep. 

We love love love those chubby cheeks of yours! 

We are still in disbelief at how quickly time has gone by and how fast you are growing. It is very bittersweet. We are so excited to see your personality develop and to watch you reach new milestones with each passing month. You bring us so much joy and we love you so so much! 

Thanks for being so good to us! 

We thank the Lord for you every single day.