Conrad: 20 weeks

Don't you think 20 weeks sounds so old?! I do! From what people say, I have some really exciting things on my horizon....like eating food and sitting up without a pink Bumbo. I can't wait!

• Part of the fun of being a baby is a whole new wardrobe every 3 months! Mommy is loving going through two tubs of fall/winter stuff passed down from Aunt Natalie and Uncle Greg. Perfect timing, because my summer stuff is getting a big snug!

• I recently helped mommy throw a baby shower for one of her best friends, Amanda. I was in charge of staying relatively happy despite being really hot and tired. I got lots of snuggles from people I hadn't met before, and got to spend the weekend at Grandpa and Grandma's house. I can't wait for Amanda to have her baby so I can have a little buddy to talk about life with. The shower was really fun, but boy was I tired afterwards.

• While we were back in Charles City, Aunt Becca and Weston drove 5 hours to surprise us! I think they came mostly to see me. We played and talked and fed the ducks and went to the park. It was so great! I love my family.

• I think it's safe to say I'm teething. I drool quite a bit, and get very mad when I am sucking/biting on mommy's fingers and she pulls them away. Of course, she offers me other things to bite on but I like her fingers best.

• I'm still sleeping like a champ. The majority of the time, I wake up once between 4:00 and 6:00 and then sleep until 7:30 or 8:00, but sometime I forget and accidentally wake up around 1:30 or 2:00 and then again a few hours later. I go to bed around 9:00 every night, but not always directly into bed at that point because mommy loves to hold me and just relax a bit with me on her chest. I don't blame her...as my sissy says, "I'm so soft and squishy." I'm taking three naps a day, and most of the time I can be put down when awake and fall asleep on my own. If I cry and seem upset, it's almost always because I have a burp and my tummy hurts.

• I only had 3 oz of milk at daycare yesterday. Miss Kathy was wondering where her old Conrad was. I was still happy and content, but I sure was hungry when I got home! Some days I just don't feel like drinking from a bottle guys.

• Rolling over is just not on my priority list.

• I have definitely started noticing when mommy leaves the room. I follow her with my eyes as far as I possibly can. I don't get sad, but I just like to know what is going on.

• I enjoy playing with toys so much more now, and can hold on to things like a big boy! My favorites include my lion, my book, Sophie, my balls, my monkey blankie, my Lamaze bugs and knot, my bee, people's fingers, rattles, and my own hand and thumb.

• Mommy and daddy finally broke out the bike trailer to use as a double stroller and I got to go on my first walk with sissy in it. We were giggling and smiling - it was so fun to sit next to each other!

• I was supposed to go to my 4 month appointment last week, but we were leaving and mommy smashed three of her fingers in the garage door as she was manually pulling it down (silly mommy) so we had to reschedule to today. I was my normal happy self until they gave me four vaccines - one oral and three shots. And then I was just crabby. Like with most things in life, I am feeling better after a nice long nap and good meal. Or two.

Here are my stats:

Height: 27 3/8" - > 98% 

Weight: 18 lbs, 15 oz - 90%

Head: 18.5" - > 98%

My pediatrician said I'm basically the height of an average 8 month old and the weight of an average 9 month old. No small wonder I am wearing a lot of my 6-9 month clothes now! I'm one long and strong baby boy.

Well that about sums up the last two weeks. Life is really good and I'm very thankful and well loved.

Until next time,

Conrad

Stitch Fix #3

I had so much fun with my last Stitch Fix a few weeks ago that I went for it again rather quickly hoping to score on some additional pieces for fall. Last time things were a bit big, so I updated my profile and sizing and I think that really helped.

Overall I would say this one was just OK. With the last one I knew I had a winner in that cardigan as soon as I peeked through the tissue paper, but this time my first reaction was that these tops may stretch me a bit due to both color and style/cut. I must say that I am having a bit of Stitch Fix remorse, if you will. I keep thinking about that stripped sweater with the green on the shoulders and wishing I had given it more consideration. Just couldn't get past the almost $70 price tag though. Of course, then seeing Raechel wearing and looking adorable in the same sweater only after it was too late didn't help things. Ha. (Also, can we talk about her belted jacket? It's so fab!)

OK...on to Sarah's awesome modeling and Tom's photography skills! You know you love it! (We hurried through these a bit so I didn't play with jewelry or additional pieces in my closet like last time...dinner was in the oven for only 15 minutes, baby was sleeping, and I had a shoot to make. Time was precious!)

Fix #1:

Mystree Peony Floral Print Blouse

Yes, the crossover back detail was cute, the feel was a bit romantic and soft, and floral print pretty but I am almost certain my sister would say the color was horrible on me (washed out) and the fabric was super thin. Not practical at all when flying around the house. Stitching is already somehow coming apart at the shoulder seem and a button popped off while I was unbuttoning it. 

Me and Mystree just didn't get off on the right foot.

Fix #2:

Chris & Carol Jericho Striped Knit Tank

I like this. It's soft and has a relaxed feel, which is right up my alley. I wasn't sure about a sweater material as a tank, but it's light weight and can totally work. Could also throw under one of several black cardigans I have. (Note to self: set on black cardigans.) Not too clingy...also a plus.

Fix #3:

C. Luce Scout Cut-Out Trim Front Tie Blouse

I do see the potential here...cream shorts and sandals on a sunny day....dark denim, flats for a casual outing (casual like....the park?) I do think it's pretty and unique and I love the color, but I'm not sure it's totally me. Tom asked me if I was going to Mexico. I agree that it looks like the perfect beach vacation top. However, I don't see any beach vacations in my near future unless he has something awesome up his sleeve for my birthday next week. Ummm....thinking no.

Fix #4:

Evolution by Cyrus Conrad Open Draped Cardigan

When I first scanned my fix summary, I saw "Conrad" with the word "cardigan" and went YES! I love both of those things. But then I opened it up and just not sure. They paired it with white denim and then with a printed skirt and tank. Tom had some pretty strong feelings about it, but I will keep them to myself because I don't want to hurt the feelings of any 9th grade sewing students who may read my blog.

I will say that I made several sewing projects in my early days and they weren't as well made as this, so I am not sure what he is even talking about. 

And last, but not least....

Fix #5:

41Hawthorn Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 sleeve blouse

I love so much about this top - the color, detailing, 3/4 sleeves, etc. Of course, it just had to be the most expensive thing in the whole fix ($58). It really does have a nice, flattering silhouette. Bummer is that it's a taaaad tight across my shoulders and I do not lie when I say I needed help getting it off. It's that type of material (polyester) that falls beautifully, but doesn't give at all. 

They suggested pairing with dark denim and flats, which I can handle. The other dressier option of a yellow pencil skirt and heels I can not. But would look great.

If you're new to this whole thing, Stitch Fix is a fun little shopping experience. You fill out an online profile letting them know what you like and what you'd like to improve in your wardrobe. You pay a $20 styling fee that is then applied to whatever pieces you decide to keep at the end. A stylist then selects five pieces (I'd love to be a fly on the wall during this part) that he/she thinks you may love, packages everything up in a box sent directly to your door step, and then you try on in the comfort of your own home. You have three days to decide and then just have to put the unwanted items (if there are any) in the bag provided and drop off at the mailbox - no return shipping. It's very easy! And I always love a good surprise.

They also have a fab referral program so I get a profile credit to use on my next fix whenever someone uses my referral link. Can't beat that!

Per usual, I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. I'm leaning towards one...maybe two.

And I'd like to thank my short assistant who helped to keep things light-hearted and fun as we took pictures in our backyard last night. She also reminds me that life really is not about these clothes and most importantly it's what is on the inside that counts, but it's fun to play every once in a while.

New favorite video...

Does it get any better?!

They are so blessed to have each other.

The many faces of Conrad Cross...

I couldn't pick just one. I love them all for different reasons.

And I'm so glad I'm his mama.

Conrad: 18 weeks

Hi friends! Since I last posted, I turned 4 months old. Mommy has already started looking back at pictures from when I first came home and getting all emotional about how much I've changed. And everyone's back to school pictures have just about put her over the edge. She says she won't be able to handle it, and to be honest I am beginning to agree with her. Sometimes she cries when I just smile at her!

Although, I do have a pretty cute smile...so maybe I'd tear up at it too.

Let's get started, shall we?

• No more swaddle for me! We came home from vacation and as you may remember I moved to my own room. In a way, it was an intervention of sorts because mommy would just fall asleep with me in her arms and apparently that's not comfortable and the move forces her to stay awake since she's not all comfy in bed. We've successfully broken us both of the habit! 

Back to the swaddle...it was decided after a rather long night of me breaking out and getting stuck and mad that we'd try it and would ya know...that first night (August 23rd) without my arms being in I slept through the night! 9:30-5:45 and then again until 8:30. Sissy was up twice, but I can't be in charge of her too.

It's been a bit up and down since then, but I'm on a great track....(last night I slept 9:30-5:00!)

• I'm consistently taking 6 oz at daycare now and not fighting the bottle much at all anymore. I typically nurse about every three hours when at home with mama.

• Speaking of daycare, Kathy says I'm really coming into my own, and I enjoy hanging out with the big kids. Mommy's been really busy, so I've been going to Miss Kathy's twice a week lately.

• I should have mentioned this before, but I'm quite ticklish. Doesn't take much to make me giggle nowadays!

• There have been some pictures taken recently (pictures of me?! Imagine that!) where mommy thinks I look a lot like sissy in the face. This would make sense since we're siblings! I have a doctor's appointment next week so we'll find out how much I'm weighing!

• It's a BIG day in the Barntsen family...we get to find out if Aunt Trishy and Uncle John are having a boy or a girl. Daddy and mommy think it's a boy and sissy thinks it's a girl. I am having a hard time making a commitment either way.

• I have become quite the talker since discovering how high and loud I can get. Here...see for yourself.

Thanks for stopping by! It's been a really fun 18 weeks!

Love,

Conrad

Visits to G'ma and G'pa's & Mimi and Papa's!

Back in July, we made trips to both my parent's house and Tom's parents for a few days. Traveling with two little ones can sometimes be intimidating to me, but then when I do it and it goes so well I'm always reminded that it's really nbd. You just need a sleepy and fed newborn, and multiple toys and snacks for the toddler. Easy peasy! Ha. Oh, and a great attitude! (I don't even know how many times we listened to the same Dora song...)

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On our way to my parent's! We missed daddy, but had so much fun and the kids were amazing. We stopped once on the way down and didn't stop on our way home (2.5 hours.) Now, THAT is awesome!

We went out to the fair both days. Here's Gwendolyn on my dad's shoulders watching the monkey show. It was pretty darn funny. 

Naturally, we paid $10 to have our Polaroid picture taken with the famous baboon after the show.

Riding the "horsey" with Grandpa!

Is this not completely fitting?

This is the exact spot (different stool) I used to sit to watch tv in our kitchen.

Playing tea time...

All smiles from baby brother!

Scott and Nikki and the boys came down on Friday to join in the fun. Gwendolyn loved riding the gator with Jacob. And they looked pretty cute doing it!

Back at the fair on Friday for our second helping of the monkey show (like I said...it was quite funny.) Love this picture of Gwendolyn looking pleased at punch to be sitting beside Laney. And Nathan with his shades and hat on.

It wouldn't be a trip to the Floyd County Fair without a piece of raspberry pie ala mode. 

Ahhh...this takes me back to my days of youth...

That would be a picture of a baby feeding a baby. It was so funny. She'd take a bite and then give one to him.

At least they're sharing.

Gwendolyn's face screams "please don't splash me!"

Reading books with Aunt Nikki...

Yep, I'd say it was a successful trip!

(Notice her glasses are upside down...they work either way.)

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The very next weekend we made the trek to Council Bluffs/Omaha to see Mimi and Papa! 

First things first upon our arrival...an ice cream sundae!

We spent our mornings out on the deck talking, drinking our coffee, and eating our Panera bagels. The weather was amazing all weekend and we got a lot of fresh air. So perfect. I love chillier mornings.

In fact, a certain little girl was still wearing her pj's at lunch time.

Who cares...we're on vacation.

We went to the Omaha Zoo on Friday and had a fabulous time. Beautiful weather and the kids did great. It's a huge zoo so we didn't get to see all of it...next time!

Conrad sporting his lion outfit for the zoo, of course.

He's rarely not happy...

On Saturday we hung out at home during the morning and hit up the county fair that evening where we were able to meet up with Aunt Becca and family. Gwendolyn loved playing with new toys that Mimi and Papa have and got out every single one of Tom's old stuffed animals.

First stop at the fair...the petting zoo!!

Gwendolyn showing Wyatt how it's done. 

Even then, he decided it was easier to just throw the feed over the fence.

Mommy's second favorite part after the petting zoo...pony rides!

She's changed juuuust a little bit from her last pony ride...(Aug '12)

And on Sunday, we headed for home (boo hoo hoo) but not without a stop in Grimes/Des Moines to stretch, eat lunch, and see Celeste and Adrian's fabulous new house! Jocelyn is a little dododo, if you know what I mean and I really, really, really wanted to scoop her up and take her home with me. She is the cutest!

Two great trips in a week!! I loved being able to just pack up and take off, which I couldn't do when working. It was well worth the road time and effort to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma and Mimi and Papa, who we love so much!

We love summer!