Labor Day Wedding

Better late than never...seems to be my motto these days *smile.
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One of my best friends got married over Labor Day. They had a private ceremony with immediate family only and then one of the coolest receptions I have ever been to. Amanda didn't let a detail go untouched! I was so impressed with her creativity (a tattoo parlor for the kids and lawn games?!) We had so much fun and I loved seeing her as a new bride. I pray many, many long and happy years for her and Chris. And most importantly, that they'd seek first the kingdom together as one.

Working on building my wedding portfolio...


We took this video of Gwendolyn that night in our hotel - she did SO well and was such a doll all weekend (she even fell asleep on my dad's shoulder while loud reception music played all around - how stinkin' cute is that?!) I love my sweet baby girl! I have said it before, but I'll say it again...God has blessed us with her!

It was over a month ago, but I still wanted to share it.

Stages

One of the many, many things I love about being a mama is watching Gwendolyn go through so many stages. I've loved all of them, but must say that her current stage is pretty fun.  It's a messy one, but so cool to see her try new things and figure stuff out. Or at least be excited to try...


We're working hard on learning how to eat like a lady, but it may be awhile before we take her to a fancy restaurant *smile.

Her personality continues to shine and she never fails to completely brighten my day!

28 Weeks

Hey everybody! I'm 28 weeks old now and I feel greeeeeat!

• The last two nights (Wednesday and Thursday) I slept from 8:00ish to 5:00ish. No crying it out for me! 

• You may be wondering about the outfit I'm wearing in my picture. It's definitely not "Gap Baby Model", if you will. Mom doesn't typically dress me in simple onesies with high-water pants (she certainly doesn't go all out either), but this is what you could all my "back up" clothes - the clothes that stay in my diaper bag in case of an - um - emergency (blowout). It seems I've been coming home in my back up clothes quite a bit recently, which means more laundry for mom and dad. I'm sure she'd appreciate any tips you have for getting tough stains out.

• Unlike most babies who cut their first two teeth on the bottom, I'm currently working on my second on the top. The order in which teeth appear can vary, and mommy read that once the teeth start to come through, they appear at the rate of around one a month. I've heard "No!" several times while nursing. Mommy is hoping I learn - quickly - that biting is not acceptable behavior.

• I helped my Uncle Scott and Aunt Nikki move into their new house last week. Well mostly I just played and watched while they all worked and unloaded boxes. I can't wait to play in the BIG backyard when I get bigger. Grandma and Grandpa Sinclair stayed with us for a few days so they could help out as well. It's so fun to see them more now that they're both retired. They are always bringing me new dresses - I think they enjoy having a granddaughter *smile.

• I went to the church nursery for the first time and did great! And mom was able to actually listen to a church message for the first time in 6 months. I think the arrangement will work out well for both of us.

• I think fall may be my favorite season - just like my mommy. We're twins, I tell ya. Except everyone has been saying I look like my daddy recently. 

• I've been experiencing separation anxiety for a few weeks now (just on schedule for normal baby development!) I'll be having a grand 'ol time with my dad and as soon as I see my mom, I'll throw a sassy fit until I'm in her arms. Daddy always says, "what am I - chopped liver?" Of course he's not - silly daddy. Thankfully drop offs at daycare still go smoothly.

• I spent most of last Saturday home with dad while mom went to Valleyfair with some girlfriends to celebrate her birthday. They giggled like teenagers (she says), ate a LOT of cotton candy and had a great time. She can't wait until I'm big enough to go on roller coasters. 

• I get a lot of comments about my hair - some people think it looks red while others ask if it's blond. I think it depends on how the light hits it. My eyes seem to be turning either green or brown. Mommy loves surprises so she kind of likes that we don't know what color my hair and eyes will be yet.

• Speaking of surprises, mommy and daddy's four year anniversary was yesterday and daddy has a whole day of surprises planned for us tomorrow. Mommy doesn't know a thing! All I know is that I get to tag along. I can't wait! The suspense is killing me!

I hope you have a great Friday. Remember to smile and be joyful!

Love,

Gwendolyn

6 Months Old

We reached another {big} milestone on September 23rd - Gwendolyn Rebecca turned 6 months old! Praise Jesus! He's been so good to us when we are so undeserving.
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My sweet Gwendolyn,
Somehow you are already 6 months old! I feel like you've been a part of me forever, yet we've been together for such a short time. I've done everything I can to slow down time, and yet you continue to grow right before our very eyes. Or at least it feels that way. I picked you up one morning and you just felt heavier. And recently daddy commented on how tall you were. Like I said....before our very eyes *smile. It seems we are constantly playing the game "remember when?" with each other and reminiscing and laughing about things you used to do that now you've outgrown. Some we're thankful to be past (two hour crying fits at night and having to bounce you out in front of us to calm you down) while others we miss (your newborn-ness and super tiny clothes.) I'm anticipating the rest of my life following in a similar pattern...sad at what has come to an end, but excited to see what lies ahead. Every day is an adventure with you. 

You keep us busy and have forced us to take a good hard look at how we spend our time and energy. I've learned (it's an ongoing process) the importance of prioritizing, staying positive and working with your daddy as a team. I've also learned how selfish I can be. And stubborn. I was once told that having children would help sanctify you, and this has proven true for me. In my desperation to be a good wife and mom while balancing work and everyday life, I have found an even greater reason to lean on God. He fills in the gaps when I fall short (which is daily), and I am so thankful for that. I only want what is best for you, and I know I can't do this alone.

I'm so grateful that you're strong and healthy. You are teething like a champ, and of all times decided to start sleeping through the night while those little toofers make their way to the surface. We didn't do anything differently - it must have just clicked! While I did enjoy our middle of the night snuggle time, I won't complain about the extra sleep it's provided on the nights that "go well." We aren't 100% consistent yet, but I feel good about the direction we're headed. Hopefully the nights of getting up three and four times are well past us.

You're giving solids a try. We seem to be getting the hang of avocados and we're excited to move on to bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots and maybe even some green beans. Mmmm! Sounds delicious. You are still a wonderful nurser and take bottles of breast milk at daycare no problem.

Speaking of daycare, what a blessing it's been! Miss Kathy is so gifted and the kids adore you. I love hearing daddy's stories about what they do and say when he picks you up. I spent many hours worrying while on maternity leave about where we would take you on the days I work, but God led us in the perfect direction. I spend zero time worrying now. And being home with you two days a week has been a bigger blessing than I was ever expecting. I so cherish our time together, and it's allowed us to help out family in the area, travel easily on the weekends, enjoy summer and fall weather, catch up on things around the house (and much needed sleep), attend mommy and me class, and visit friends. I am much appreciative of the perfect working while being able to be home "gig".

You are such a happy baby and love seeing and watching people and things. You love a good song, dance, or "getchyou" and give us big smiles when we say, "Hiiiiiiii!" Oh, you melt my heart! You enjoy looking around, observing people, taking in all the sights and sounds of whatever it is that is going on around you. You may not be the life of the party, but I can bet you'll be at the party. You're a goer and a doer, and definitely a mix of both me and your dad. I know one thing...you definitely have his sweet spirit. And my determination to get my way *smile. People comment on how relaxed you are, which I love because I used to think you were a bit of a diva when you were "little." I love how contemplative and observant you are, and I pray that God helps us foster your temperament and personality as it is revealed more and more. He has such wonderful plans for you, girl! I know he made you perfectly and wonderfully. You are just as you are meant to be.

I still struggle with feeling inadequate, but you can bet I make up for it in kisses. I'm so glad you don't mind. Yet. We can't wait to do new things with you - like your first Iowa State football game and your first Halloween (still debating about the perfect costume. It's a big choice!)

I can't wait to see what the next 6 months bring. What a precious, lovely, spirited gift you are to us! We love you so much. Thank you for filling this house with endless joy.

Love,
Mommy

View from here...

Saturday morning playtime (in our pj's) is my our favorite *smile.

26 Weeks

Hi, there! I'm 26 weeks old today and I'll be six months old on Friday. Can you believe it?! I like getting big b/c big kids do fun things. So do little babies, don't get me wrong. Speaking of fun...a lot has changed since last time I posted.

• After some fussing, rosy cheeks, sleepless nights, and constant nose wiping, I cut my first tooth! I love feeling it with my tongue and am always looking for new things I can put in my mouth. Cutting teeth is definitely not one of the fun things babies do, but it seems everyone gets so excited when I tell them my big news. 

• Speaking of cutting teeth, my special necklace appears to be helping with my symptoms. If you're a skeptic, that's ok. So is my daddy. But let me just tell you that ever since I started wearing it last Saturday, I've been a much happier girl!

• Two of my new favorite chew toys are mommy's cell phone and the giant remote control.

• I reach for things and change things from hand to hand all of the time. It's hard to keep things from me b/c I really like to get my way.

• I can sit up for a few seconds at a time all by myself. Like, maybe 5 seconds. But ya gotta start somewhere.

• I wear size 3 diapers now - I finally caught up to my baby cousins Wyatt and Nathan!

• Mommy shed a few tears this past weekend when she folded and packed away my 3-6 month summer clothes and transferred in my warmer 6-9 stuff. Sometimes she tears up just when I smile at her, so trust me - it doesn't take much. Family and friends have been so generous to us - almost my entire fall/winter wardrobe has been donated!

Except for the black skinny pants that my daddy bought me. I am especially excited to wear those.

• I have slept through the night THREE nights in the last two weeks. Well, kind of. One night it was for real - 9:00 pm to 5:30 am and the other two nights I have awaken around 2:00 am, cried for a little while and fallen back asleep when I realized that crying is too much work and wasn't gettin' me anywhere. I even slept until 7:30 am, nursed, and then went back to sleep for another 2 hours on mom's day off just to be sweet.
Dad says, "Hallelujah!"
Mom says, "Now we can have another baby!"

JK

** UPDATE **
Make that FOUR nights!
• I am a rolling machine! You turn your back for only a few seconds and I'll be in a new direction - or under the ottoman - by the time you turn around. No more leaving me in the middle of my play mat.

Mommy and daddy love me like crazy. They're always talking about how adorable and silly I am. I bet I get kissed 1,000 time a day. I think they're really silly too, but I must admit that I do love their singing and dancing. I like my life and am a very happy 26 week old girl. Sleep tight!

Love,
Gwendolyn

Catching up on August...

It's September and there are pictures from August I have yet to post. What kind of blogger am I?! A working/nursing/photographing/traveling/soaking up my five month old who is getting big way too fast and still getting up two or three times a night kind of blogger, that's who. I sincerely appreciate you stickin' with me as I navigate a whole new world of juggling a lot and feeling like I'll never catch up. Thank goodness for a hubby who calms me, a daughter who brings me more joy than I could ever imagine, and a God who provides the strength we need at the perfect moment.
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Tom and I took Gwendolyn to the Irish Fair Festival in St. Paul a couple weekends back. It was a free event and we bought food/drink tickets off Groupon at a decent rate so we were looking forward to it. I love (most) dogs of all shapes and sizes, but the bigger the better so of course we I made a bee-line for these Irish Wolfhounds. After getting through a crowd of small children, I was able to get my pic. They look small in this picture, but they easily came up to my waste.

Gwen did so well. I swear that little girl just loves being outside. She was most entertained by the Irish dancers, which both Tom and me are already dreaming about seeing her do on stage. If she so chooses, of course *smile.

We met Aunt Nikki and cousins Jake and Nate at Just Jump in town. There was lots of jumping!

And to celebrate Erin's birthday, the three of us girls went out for dinner and to a Twins game. I can't tell you who we played (Orioles?) or what the ending score was, but we had FUN and I miss me some girl time with those two.

 I love mascots.

Gwen's not the youngest at daycare anymore! Three month old, Serena, joined the ranks in August. Here they are hanging out at the daycare family BBQ.

Finally a picture of Miss Kathy with Gwen! (Sorry your eyes are closed Kathy! I usually always double check my images and I didn't this day. Grrrr. Bad me!) 

Helper Emma on the right. Love this photo b/c it shows so much of our life right now. (Those sweet kids just adore Gwendolyn!)

 Waking up from a nap in our favorite position...

Daddy is silly.

"We need new Facebook profile pics. Let's go take them out on the patio."

"Ok!"

My turn!

Like mother, like daughter.

First meal - "megg"

So excited to try megg!

(Her bib says "Star of Mommy's blog" - is that not the CUTEST?!)

Not a huge fan. Yet.

Reading time with dad before night nights.

I wish I was that flexible.

It's always the right foot. Never the left.

Celebrating cousin Grant's 6th birthday!

Playing the Wii.

As you can see, it was one busy, busy month! We are blessed with one happy, healthy, almost 6 month old {eeeeek!} baby girl! 

5 Month Comparison

What do you think...does Gwendolyn look like me when I was 5 months old?

I see similarities in the nose, lips, and eyes. And beard. Although Tom needs to grow his in a bit more. I clearly had red hair and oddly enough, I do believe my head is larger.

It's unfortunate we couldn't find a plaid shirt and pink overalls *smile.

We still have quite a few people tell us they aren't sure who Gwendolyn looks like. It's so exciting to see her changing and growing each day. The verdict is still out about the color of hair and eyes she'll have; however, we're pretty sure she has Tom's build. Fine by me! Her 3-6 month warmer clothes are definitely getting too short in the sleeves and pants. Right as we're entering cooler temps - how convenient. 

So what do you think...is my daughter my twin?

24 Weeks

Sorry - two days late again. I wish I had a good excuse like I was traveling on a train across the country or I've been writing a new book, but really it's just because mommy and daddy have been quite busy. At least they get my picture taken on the right day! You gotta give 'em that.  Life just keeps getting better and better as I explore and see new things. 

• I went to my first wedding reception - one of mommy's best friends got married. She looked like a princess. The music was much louder than what I am used to. And I couldn't believe all the dancers! I can't wait until I'm big enough to dance. I had a lot of fun and even fell asleep on my grandpa's shoulder. He didn't mind. Guess the loud music didn't bother me that much. It was fun snuggling with mommy's friends too.

• I also spent the night in a hotel for the first time and did so great. My favorite part was the continental breakfast. All the milk I wanted! Mommy always says she loves staying in hotels and now I know why - big, comfy beds, extended cable channels, and someone picks up after you. I was so easy that mom and dad started dreaming about taking me on a fall vacation. Then they remembered that they cost money. I even slept pretty much the entire way from Des Moines back home - didn't stop once!

• My Great-Aunt Valerie came to visit allllllllllll the way from California. She's my Papa's sister. It was really fun to meet her and I hope she comes back very soon. So does mommy b/c Aunt Val is a massage therapist and gave mommy some pampering. She was so sweet and even bought me a pretty new dress and some boots. Every girl needs some brown suede boots.

• My 10 year old friend, Emma, was helping Miss Kathy this summer, but she had to go back to school this past week. I didn't have such a great report card that first day. Miss Kathy wrote: "Very unhappy without Emma here to hold her while I was tending to others. :( More content after her last bottle." 

What can I say? I like to be held. 

Thankfully the next day (Wednesday) went much better: "Much happier girl today - very content all day!!"

• It's hard to see in pictures - you'll just have to trust me on this one - but I'm getting quite a bit more hair! It even sticks up in the back now.

• I saw my first rainbow, and a DOUBLE rainbow at that!

• Avocado went over much better than egg yolk.

Thanks for stopping by everybody! I'm off to my Grandma and Grandpa Sinclair's this weekend to celebrate my Grandpa's retirement and meet mom's extended family at a family reunion. I can't wait!

p.s. Go Cyclones!

Rabbit Olympics & Up All Night

This absolutely cracks me up. If only Leo was in shape! I'm sure he'd knock them all out of the ball park...er...the bunny hop arena.

http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/bunnies-take-flight#image-rotator-2

Cotton Candy is my favorite. After Leo, of course.

Speaking of things that crack me up, can we talk about the new show "Up All Night"? My favorite is the discussion about who was up more the night before, the wipe dilemma, and the conversation about how adorable the baby socks are in a tiny pile around minute 4:00. There are several situations we can totally relate to (and some that are obviously "made for TV"), but I can't wait until it starts on September 14th.


And a picture of the little girl whose pile of small clothes I also find adorable...

Happy Friday!