Picture update!

I'm so behind on posting pictures, so these will take us all the way back through the beginning of July.

Tom and I slipped away for a few hours and enjoyed a Sunday brunch river boat cruise to celebrate his 28th (my favorite number!) birthday. Gwen was in great hands with Auntie Trisha and "Uncle" John. We received several text pictures while we were gone and she was smiling in all of them, just pleased as punch to be snuggling with those two! The boat cruise was a lot of fun - complimentary champagne and all!

Hanging out in her swing - she even fell asleep in it once recently! I hear from other moms about how their babies LOVE their swings, but Gwen would much prefer to be held so we usually oblige *smile.

I don't want to forget this view...we come home from running errands, getting groceries or church or whatever and we usually set her down right there so we can put stuff away before carrying the car seat into the living room. When she was super little, she'd start fussing pretty quickly (also never been a huge fan of her car seat), but now she's more content and will hang for a little while. Key words: little while.

Sometimes she feels so much bigger to me than a 3.5 (when pic was taken) month old. Are all 3.5 months old this "big"?! 

I carried her around like this for awhile and she didn't wake up. I absolutely love her long legs and the way her arms almost always wrap around you when you snuggle with her.

Grant hanging with Uncle T - his first time at our house!

Brooke "loving" on Gwen. Gwen being a GREAT sport.

The three amigos.

(Is Grant not completely blessed to have such awesome tan-able skin?! So jealous!)

"Happy 3rd birthday, dear Brooooooke...

happy birthdaaaaay to youuuuuuuuuuu!"

All joy.

So serious.

Bath time: 10 weeks old taken back at the beginning of June compared to earlier this week.

What a difference 8 weeks makes - squish!!

Towel time: 3.5 weeks old taken in April and then earlier this week.

What is it about a duck towel that is so ador-able?!

Party time at Uncle Greg and Aunt Natalie's new house!

Gwen's first time playing dress up with cousin Brookie. Can you say PRECIOUS?

Pretty much best friends already despite one of them not being able to talk or do much!

What a month it's been! I can't believe it's almost August, which mean my birthday, football games, another season of Survivor, our 4th anniversary and FALL - my favorite season - are all right around the corner. Summer is fun, but fall is where my heart is. All the pumpkin and leaf decorations were out at Gordman's when I was there last night - crazy!

Hopin' and prayin' the Lord is blessing you on this beautiful Friday!  

18 Weeks

Hi, everybody! Gwendolyn here. I'm 18 weeks old today! I turned 4 months old last Saturday!

• I forgot to mention on my 16 week post that my Uncle Greg had been staying with us for a couple weeks while his family transitions up here for his new position within Proctor and Gamble. (I know, I know...isn't it amazing how I can speak in such full sentences when I'm so itty bitty?) I had so much fun seeing him after work every day and waking him up in the middle of every night for two weeks straight. Bet he's glad he bought a good sound machine!

• I rolled over at day care during one of my naps! Miss Kathy wrote about it in my daily report card (still getting all A's, by the way). She said she put me on my back and came back to find me on my stomach. Now I love doing it all.the.time, which has made nights very interesting since I usually get pretty mad when I can't get off my stomach. There's been a few times I've fallen back asleep while on my tummy though, which is pretty darn cute since I have my bum in the air and my legs curled up. You should try it! I bet you'll look cute too.

•  I loved meeting my cousins Grant and Brooke for the first time! I can't wait to learn all sorts of fun things from them. They reeeeally love me and give me lots of hugs and kisses.

• I started just a hint of laughing. If you listen veeeery carefully I think you can make it out. Mommy and daddy can't wait until I really start belly laughing.

• My bedtime has become 7:00 pm, if not earlier. And I'm typically waking up between 1:00 and 2:00 and then sometimes 4:00 or 5:00 depending on how nice I'm feeling. Don't worry, I've let mom sleep longer some nights. There's been a few times I've only gotten her up once. I just miss her sometimes though, ya know?

• And I'm much easier to get down at night now too. If I don't nurse to sleep then you can put me in my crib awake and I *usually* will put myself to sleep. I do it at daycare too. It's fun to be a big girl.

• I've started reaching for things...like the song sheet at church, mom's coffee mug, toys, etc. Oh, and I pull hair too.

• Mommy started watching Ceci every other Friday and some random Tuesdays. It's so fun to have someone to play with all day! Ceci is bigger than me and I love watching her sit-up, eat fruits and vegetables and do all sorts of 8.5-month-old things.

Off to vacation at the cabin next week. I can't wait to play with my SIX boy cousins!

I Love...(4 Months Old Edition)

How you manage to flip yourself 90 or even 180 degrees around in your crib...

The way you rest your head on my left shoulder when you're tired...

How long and lean you are, just like your daddy b/c Lord knows it doesn't come from me.

Your strawberry blond hair that is slooooowly coming in...

that it's strawberry blond!

How strong-willed you can be...

How much you still love to be held, but must be facing out so you can watch and observe...

Lingering a bit longer before I put you back in your crib in the middle of the night so I can soak up the feeling of you in my arms...

You in my arms...

How eager you are to eat when it's been two to three hours...

The way you play with your toes and talk to yourself...sometimes very loudly...

How little you still seem, but not when compared to 4 months ago...

Your big, big eyes, which seem to be turning either green or brown. Dad thinks green...

Your half smile when you're tired, but still happy...

The feeling of your arm wrapped around my side when you're nursing...

and the other hand holding tight to my shirt.

How perfectly round your head is...

Your big feet...

Your smiles in the morning when I leave you sitting on Kathy's lap...

Your wet drooly kisses...

The way your face lights up when I start your ISU fight song mobile...

How adorable you look in headbands...
Squishing your thighs...

Picking out your clothes every morning. So many itty bitty options...

How you rub your eyes with your fist when you are tired...

How I can finally tell a difference in your cries and know what they mean...

The handful of nights you've put yourself to sleep...

Your absolutely filled to the brim morning diaper...

How cuddly you are in your fleece sleepers...

Arguing with your daddy over who gets to hold you when we both get home from work...

The way you stuff Sophie the giraffe's face and legs and neck in your mouth...

How good you were when we were cleaning Uncle G and Aunt N's new house...

Still holding you for naps...
How regular your BMs are. Yay for no constipation!

The way the other daycare kids adore you...

and the way they say "Gwendolyn's dad is here!" when daddy picks you up.

Calling you by your full name...

Seeing you with your cousins...

How you're rolling from your back to your belly now...and I have yet to actually see it happen...

The way you take your "blankie" to your face when you're tired...

How wiggly you are during diaper changes...
The way you're finally enjoying your swing and kick n play...
How serious you can look and be sometimes...
The way you sleep with your legs pulled up and turned out with heels touching...

How much you love watching and observing people and things around you...
How you try to hold the bottle yourself...
Your miniature human features - heels, shoulder blades, knees, elbows. I could eat all of them!
When you rock your head back and forth when I first put you in your crib...
Your huge smile when we sing to you...
Your sweet temperament.

How we still don't know who you look like...
Your super soft skin...
The way you stare at us like we're crazy during bath time...

Your big eyes and raised eyebrows when you're surprised...
Your long, thin neck...
How fingers are in your mouth. All the time.
The red dot on the left side of your nose indicating how unique you are...
How tightly you hold our hands to your chest when we put your paci back in your mouth and are shhh'ing you to sleep...
Experiencing new things with you...like your first Independence Day, the beach and your first dip in a pool.
Speaking of the pool...can we talk about your pink swimsuit?
How you're getting almost big enough to sit on my hip...
Your long legs that only have a few rolls on them...
Pressing our cheeks together...
When you suck on my neck or my arm...
How easy you are to burp and how you rarely spit up...
Kissing the bridge of your nose...
Kissing the top of your head...
Kissing your squishy cheeks...
That you are growing big and strong...
How we both like to stretch a lot...
Going on walks together...
Looking behind me in the car and seeing a car seat with a happy girl in it...
Saying "daughter"...
Looking back over pictures from the last four months and seeing how much you have changed...
Play time at Mommy & Me class...
How you love to sit and pull yourself up...
How long your eyelashes are getting...
The way you're really filling out size 2 diapers...
How sometimes you suck on your fingers so ferociously that you gag yourself...
Your fake coughs...
How you're finally on a bit of a predictable schedule (thanks in large part to Miss Kathy)...
Racing home to see you after work...
How delicious you smell after your baths...
Watching you learn new things every day.

I obviously could go on and on. Not much passes me by, as you can tell. I have had so many people tell me that I'll forget this or that and I don't want that to happen. So I'll do whatever it takes to remember the way her eyelashes feel when they brush against my skin while she's nursing, or the way she smiles even when she's tired, or the emotions that creep up when I watch Tom do tummy time with her. These seemingly small moments are so much bigger than I ever would have imagined they'd be. It's amazing how being a mom makes you look at the world differently. I'm so thankful to be changed.

Gwendolyn,
You are FOUR months old girl! Wow! It just keeps getting better and better. It's almost as though the swing, diapers, toys, play mat, Bumbo, adorable clothes, bottle supplies and hair bows have been present in this house forever (I barely even notice all "the stuff" until someone comments on them.) Yet you only made your grand entrance four short months ago. And I am so, so happy you did.


There is no one else like you, Gwendolyn. You are so sweet and happy and full of life, and I know you were made just for us by a gracious and loving God. No matter how tired I am, He gives me the strength and joy that I need. And through you, I now have a better understanding of the love He feels for us. I couldn't fathom how much we'd love you - it's more than I ever thought possible and it amazes me to this day. My heart is so full.


You are one special girl, and I think it goes without saying that I adore being your mama. Thank you for filling this house with so many "I Love" moments that will never, ever be forgotten. I promise.


I'm crazy about you!


Love,
Mommy

Are you still sleepy?

Not sure if you guys know this, but I looooove our daughter. She cracks us up all the time and she's not even talking yet. I could just eat her, she's so darn cute. Take last night for instance...she nursed pretty much as soon as I got home from work and then fell asleep. Her typical bedtime is 7:00 pm and we were nearing that time (so going on an hour and a half nap - this girl is tired after her busy days at Miss Kathy's), SO I sat her up to wake her up so we could go get her ready for bed. 

See what happened next below...

I was trying so hard not to laugh. What a sweet thing. She's still so sleepy and she still smiles at us.
Until she gets mad at us for waking her up *smile.

Happy FRIDAY!!

How to roll over...

First you lie like this.

Then you flip like this.

Then you curl up like this.

Then you cry for your mom to come get you. Because rolling over to your belly is a big deal, but not so much fun when you can't go anywhere from there *smile.

16 Weeks

Hi friends! I am 16 weeks old today. So much to celebrate!

• I spent my first Independence Day in my mama's hometown of Charles City, Iowa. I was one of many pretty cute kids at her 10 year class reunion, which was a picnic in a park. Too bad I'm too little to swing and go down slides because they sure looked fun. The parade was exciting because there were a lot of new sights and sounds including firetrucks and America's Hometown Maaaaaarching Band!

• I found my toes! And now I play with them all.the.time.

• My mom's friend, Sophie, gave me my new favorite toy - Sophie the giraffe. I had been asking for one my entire life and Miss Sophie didn't even know it! She's a great friend and I love my new toy. I think of her every time I chew on Sophie's face, ear or leg. Don't worry - it doesn't hurt. She's made out of natural rubber silly.

• I have a lot of people tell me I'm skinny. And to that I'd like to say compared to what? 

•  I had fun playing with my baby cousin, Wyatt, while I was at my grandpa and grandma Sinclair's house. He's three weeks younger than me, but eats a lot more and seems to have chunkier thighs. So I guess if you're comparing me to baby Wyatt, then yes - I'm skinny. But what I lack in girth, I more than make up for in volume.

• I'm still figuring out this sleeping stuff. I don't really like falling asleep without my mom, but I'm slowly learning. Sometimes I fall asleep in 15 minutes and sometimes it takes 90 minutes. You just never know! I'm teaching mom and dad patience. I'm typically waking up two to three times a night still, but sometimes it's only once. The good news is that my first stretch is usually about five hours or longer so according to this article that means I'm sleeping through the night. Go me!

• I love it when mom and dad sing and talk to me, and I try so hard to talk back to them. I have a few favorite songs that I always get very excited for when they start singing them.

• I blow lots and lots and lots of bubbles now, which means lots of wet shirts. Guess they better break out the massive stack of bibs that everyone told them they'd need.

• I took a 2 hour nap at daycare. That's a BIG improvement over my typical 30 to 40 minutes I was doing.

• I graduated to the 3 to 6 month Mommy and Me class. We get to lay on the floor, play with toys and sing silly songs. Mommy loves going because she gets to ask questions and get advice from moms who have "been there."

• Daddy worked a half day so the three of us could go to the beach earlier this week. I had heard a lot about this sand and water stuff, but it was even cooler in real life. Sure makes me excited for the Sinclair family vacation up north in just a few weeks. I can't wait to swim with all six of my boy cousins!

• Mom tried to get me to wake up after nursing one night recently (so I'd eat more) so she stood me up. I opened my eyes for a few seconds, but was so sleepy my head quickly fell limp and I fell back asleep while standing. She thought it was quite possibly one of the cutest things I've done so far. 

Beach Baby

Tom took a half day on Monday and we hit the Lake Elmo Park Reserve beach and swim pond. Yay for nice weather! It was hot, but the breeze felt great. Gwen got to experience sand and water (other than bath water) for the first time, and was so tuckered out from the fresh air and activity that she had her eyes closed within minutes of being in her stroller. The water was peeeerfection. Next time we'll go earlier before the lifeguards start their shifts at noon because rumor has it you can use flotation devices when they're not there and we have a floaty deal we're eager to use for Little Miss. We had to keep her in the shade today (the big umbrellas provided plenty), but took turns catching some much needed rays.

I think she's a fan! And of course I think she loved showing off her fab and fit baby legs. Who wouldn't when they look like that?! Squish! (This nursing mama, on the other hand, needs to buy a suit that - ahem - fits, but swimsuit shopping is most certainly not on my list of things to do anytime soon *smile.)

View from here...

We did some cuddling this morning...

Do you see what I see on that head of her's?

HAIR! 

BLOND HAIR!

*smile

Baby's First Independence Day

Requirements for a successful 

First Independence Day:

1.) Have at least three red,white and blue outfits.

2.) Take as many pictures with other babies about the same size as possible. The more the better. It's the only time in your life that being naked in pictures is acceptable, so do it and do it often.

3.) Hang out with as many friends as you can pack into 48 hours. Don't judge them for their drink of choice. (Daiquiri in a bag? Don't mind if mama does!)

4.) Meet 2nd and 3rd cousins and Great Aunts and Uncles.

5.) Snuggle with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Becca and Uncle Scott as often as you can. 

6.) Take a short snooze on the deck, and praise God for beautiful weather.

7.) Attend a long and drawn out but exciting parade complete with lots of tootsie rolls and loud sirens.

8.) Have your picture taken with the real Ronald McDonald.

9.) Enjoy an evening in Charles City's Central Park while meeting a lot of people for the first time and eating cotton candy and ice cream (or at least eyeing it.)

10.) Be thankful for your freedom and grateful to those who have and are currently serving for our country (including my Uncle Scott).

(Click on collages to view pictures larger.)

I'd have to say that Gwen's first Independence Day was a success! We had a great time back home. Who doesn't love showing off a brand spankin' new (I can say that for as long as I want, by the way) 3 month old? *smile.

Friday Smiles & Stretch

Bustin' Out

I wasn't lying when I said she was outgrowing her 0-3 clothes. Remember the cute pink sleeper she wore when she first came home from the hospital pictured here? 

And here...

(when her hands were all wrinkly, she slept constantly, and she was still in newborn diapers...)

And here...

And here...

Well she's officially bustin' out of it. I came into her room a morning late last week and her left leg was out. Once I saw her stretch, I understood why. My once 8 lb, 1 oz baby is growing up and was 13 lbs, 2 oz's at Mommy and Me class this week *tear.

This girl is looooong and lean!

Told ya I get smiles in the morning...

She has been something else lately. She knows what she likes, but is a total sweetheart. She's also very funny and makes us laugh all the time. I can't imagine this house or our lives without her in them. I could kiss those cheeks 1,000 times and it wouldn't be enough.

She's literally growing before our eyes, and I'm so thankful for a healthy babe.

Happy 4th of July!

Aren't four little girls in matching 4th of July dresses ador-able?!

The process of taking a "good" picture of four girls ages 17 months, 7 months, 4 months and 3 months went a bit like this...

"Tom and Amanda - lay under the sheet and hold up Gwen and Kaleigh."

"I know it's hot, but you're doing great."

"Everyone smile like Ceci!"

 "Oops, Kaleigh is falling over a bit..."

"Giiiiiirls! Look over here!"

"Gweeeeeennnnnn! Hey, everybody! Look at the rattle I'm shaking like crazy!"

"If you ask me, I think these guys are crazy to think that we'll sit up on our own, look at the rattle AND smile."

"Hey Kaleigh, are your parents as goofy as mine?"

"We done yet? Fine...one more smile."

No big smiles, but we'll take what we can get *smile.

All that activity wore.Gwen.out. She fell fast asleep in dad's arms immediately following the photos. Sweet thing.

It's tough work being so cute.

Hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July! We're in my hometown seeing lots of great friends and celebrating Tom's 28th birthday and my 10 year class reunion. Ca-razy!

(Thanks to Amanda's mom, Grammy Val, for getting the adorable dresses for the girls. So fun!)