Sick Day

Just when I say Gwendolyn has barely been sick this winter, she gets her first ear infection. We took her in to the urgent car clinic yesterday late afternoon.

Ear infection + really bad cough produced by ear infection + baby who doesn't want to lay flat + baby who  - when finally does fall asleep - wakes up due to bad cough = one sad baby. 

And mama. 

And dada. 

I have the utmost compassion for parents whose children are prone to ear infections. Not fun.

Needless to say, she and I had a sick day today. She barely napped, and when she did finally fall asleep in my arms, she was woken up 10 minutes later by her horrible cough. Tom and I both feel so bad for her. It's hard when there's really nothing you can do to help, and your child can't communicate to you except through crying. We started her on antibiotics last night, and she's currently sleeping. In her crib. Hallelujah! I think both Tom and I are praying tonight is not a replica of last night.

So today there were a few tears and some coughing, but still a lot of typical Gwendolyn sweetness...

   

We took a family walk before dinner, which I desperately needed. Fresh air does a body good. We were hoping the cold air would help break up her cough a bit too.

Home again tomorrow for our regularly scheduled mommy/daughter days. Perfect timing *smile.

11 Months

Dear Gwendolyn Rebecca,

Oh sweet Gwendolyn aka: Gwenie, Gwenny, Winnie, Dendolin, Dendo, Gwenawinawins, Scooty Booty...you're 11 months old today! I feel like you get sick of me telling you how much I love you, but really...can you tell someone you love them too much? I don't think that's possible. We speak our own language of love to one another complete with kisses, waves, clapping, squeezes, and “get yous”. We share secrets (daddy still doesn’t know about the Hershey kisses), shopping trips, and Sunday naps. Life with you is easy and simple. Except for when it’s a tad complicated (in and out and in and out of your car seat) and plenty busy (you’re a mover.) Even during those times, life with you is still wonderful just because you’re in it.

It’s been almost a year since you entered this world into a giant bathtub filled with water. Not only did I get my dream labor/delivery, but I got a dream baby too. Your daddy and I always talk about how blessed we are by you…

You almost never spit-up.

(Same clothes two days in a row? You bet.)

You are rarely fussy. 

(Who isn't when they're tired?)

You have poked through 8 teeth and barely batted an eyelash. 

(Daddy still doesn't believe in the necklace - how could he not?!)

You have had one cold this winter. One!

(Boohoo – we don’t like x-ray machines.)

You have always been a great eater.

(The one sign you respond to is the sign for "milk".)

You are sensitive. 

(You don't like being disciplined.)

And sweet. 

(Wet kisses anyone?)

And funny.

(You smile with your entire face.)

And chill.

(Staying up with the big kids well past your bedtime.)

And observant.

(I'm pretty sure you could beat anyone in a staring contest.)

And tolerant.

(Certain cousins, um..."love" you a lot and you don't mind one bit.)

And determined.

(New obstacles don't get you down.)

And lovely.

(You have a sweet spirit about you.)

And I absolutely, positively love your little half grin when you’re nursing and we make eye contact. I so wish I knew what thoughts were going through your head at that moment. I’m sure they’re something along the lines of, “my mom rocks.” Or something.

Of course, even if you had been more sick or hadn’t been such a great teether, I would still think you were a dream baby for the mere fact that you’re ours. But trust me, we don’t take any of it for granted. And I often wonder if we could ever be so lucky again *smile. Nevertheless, the three of us are one good team. We have our routine down, and most days go pretty darn well.

God knew I needed a lot of work in different areas of my life. You are so tiny yet have made such an impact on me. I’ve discovered that it’s not about me (shocking!) and really, it’s not even about you…it’s about Him. Him working through you and me to draw us closer to Himself. I’m to be an instrument of grace and truth in your life to help guide you towards righteousness. (I certainly can't do that alone.) 

When I look at you,  I am reminded of the importance of shepherding your heart well. We have a big job in being your parents, and if I teach you anything in life I hope it’s that you  – with your bald little head and beautiful big eyes – realize you need Jesus. Oh girl, we all do. When we really deserve death and wrath, he shows us love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. I just know you'll be a blessing to others, much like you've been a blessing to us these past 11 months.

In one month we'll be celebrating your 1st birthday, but for now I'm going to just relish in you being exactly 11 months old. Thanks for providing us with the greatest 11 months of our lives! You are my greatest joy, sweet baby girl.

I love you! I love you! I love you!

Mommy

48 Weeks

I'm 48 weeks old! And today (Thursday) I turn 11 months old.

This must be surprising to people b/c I hear "I just can't believe it!" a lot. And not just from my mommy. Although, she says it almost daily. I actually really like getting older...life just keeps getting better and better. I mean, who doesn't like throwing food on the floor and not having to clean it up?!

• Speaking of food...not much improvement there. Although I have recently tried cucumbers and zucchini and I like both of them. Raw. Not cooked. Like cooked (steamed) broccoli? That goes on the floor.

• I love being chased. I crawl fast and you try to keep up. When you "get me" I smile and laugh and then we do it all over again.

• It's safe to say I sleep through the night now. Except for when I don't get my second nap of the day, and then more than likely I'll be up. Mom and dad caught on to my pattern, and decided they would try to make my nap taking more of a priority. I've always been flexible and kind of a "go with the flow" type of girl, but I suppose I do need my beauty sleep. In fact, I was so tired two Sundays ago that I fell asleep in daddy's arms during worship at church. I'm a light sleeper and have rarely just fallen asleep in someone's arms, so you know I was reeeeally tired. It was a busy weekend!

• I'm looking for tips on how to go down the stairs (I have going up them down to a T.) If you know of any tricks, please let me know. Mommy doesn't want me to make going face first a habit, but it seems to be the easiest way at this point.

• I spent my first Valentine's Day home with mommy, but we did make it over to Kathy's for the Valentine's Day party. I signed all of my own Valentines for my friends, and gave everyone a bag of fruit snacks. My Valentines had dogs on them, b/c I love dogs. And in return, Miss Kathy bought me a really cute summer dress and I got a whole bag of treats...

Which reminds me...where is my bag of treats?!

That sneaky mom...

-------------------- 

Remember to enjoy the small things in life. You may think, "oh, she's just a baby - she doesn't give good advice", but I do know a thing or two about being happy. And I know that there's a lot to be happy about.

Like seeing a cute cat, or someone you love walk in the door. Or hearing music. Or getting fresh air. Or cuddling with your favorite blanket. Or seeing your friends. Or eating bananas. Or getting your back rubbed.

See...it's the small things.

Happy Thursday!

Love,

Gwendolyn

Her Rings

Gwendolyn loves - loves - her stackable Fisher Price rings. She gets so excited when she sees them, and she doesn't so much care for when other babies visitors take them from her. They've been her favorite since we brought them home from Christmas, while some other toys have already lost her interest. Who would have thought something that we played with as young kiddos would remain so popular! She loves to crawl with one in each hand, and has tried her hardest to figure out how to possibly carry three or more with not much luck. But bless her adorable little heart for trying.

The step that goes from our entry way/kitchen/hallway into our living room is proving itself to be even more annoying than we anticipated. For us and for Gwendolyn who 

just...

couldn't...

quite...

reach...

her...

rings...

on Sunday afternoon.

Ah! Got it.

So pleased with herself.

She deliberately dropped it again, and then was quite frustrated with the consequences of her actions.

This is her "I'm frustrated, and would really like you to solve my problems" face.

She then tried a running (crawling?) start to see if that would help her reach the rings more easily, but alas that did not work.

Daddy finally came to her rescue...

And taught her to lay on her tummy...

Er, go face first...

(Thank goodness he was right there.)

She carried all of them over to where she was hanging out. Ya know, just to make sure they were close.

And when she was done standing like a big girl at the kitchen table, it was off - with a ring in each hand - to go find something else to do.

Life is good.

When you have rings.

The View From Here

And there is nothing I'd rather be doing than looking at her...

46 Weeks

Well would you look at that...I turned 46 weeks old yesterday! We're getting closer and closer to the big 5-2 every single day!

• I was NOT in the mood to have my picture taken tonight. Not. one. bit. Mommy has been busy at work the last two days and I have barely seen her. She walks in the door tonight and all I want to do is eat snuggle and she INSISTS on putting ME down to take a picture. I think not! (Don't worry, they scooped me up right away.)

Oh well....I guess it just shows you that I'm not absolutely perfect all the time like you all think I am.

• Daddy installed both of my new car seats (they're two different ones - one is smaller for daddy's two-door Civic), and I am lovin' my new rides!

• I dropped my evening nap. I'm still tired and would like to take a short snooze, but I can usually be held off with food and/or my weekly bath. (Yes, I said weekly.) New bed time is 7:00, which mom and dad seem to be overly excited about, although I'm not sure why...they tell me they're not doing anything fun anyway.

• Food schmood. I used to eat anything and everything, but I've become a tad picky. I eat well at Miss Kathy's but am so-so at home. I will always try something, but it may just come right back out. If I really don't like it, I'll throw it on the floor but this gets me a scolding. At home I eat mostly pears, apple sauce, yogurt, bananas, cheese, all meats, scrambled eggs, avocado, and most recently discovered beets. Yum. 

Daddy says I need to eat more vegetables, so we're working on that. Mommy agrees, but she seems more lenient. In fact, I see her eat a lot of sweets.

• My dresser drawers and closet have both been transitioned over to almost all 12 month clothes. Sometimes mommy will still put me in pants that are too short b/c 

a.) she has certain "favorite" outfits she just "has to see me in one more time." 

and b.) most 12 month pants, while long enough, are too big in the waist. 

Mommy seems to have solved this problem by ordering me every single color of leggings possible. They're tighter and are a perfect fit!

• My overnight without mommy went great. I had an awesome time hanging out with my daddy. Don't tell her this, but I barely even noticed she was gone. I even slept in until 8:00 just so daddy could get caught up on his sleep.

Daddy and I talked it over and we had so much fun that we actually think mommy should leave more often. Of course, we told her the exact opposite just to make her feel appreciated and valued...and she bought it hook, line and sinker!

• Guess what mommy noticed while getting me ready for bed tonight?!  Two new teeth! That makes the total count four on top and four on the bottom.

• There seems to be a lot of people voting on when I will start walking. That - my friends - is for me to know and you to find out!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend everybody! You are very sweet for being my friend.

Love,
Gwendolyn

January in pictures...

Daddy daughter snuggles.

Forgot to post a pic of the ornament that Gwendolyn made us at daycare. Is is not the cutest thing?!

Someone has their goofy pants on!

I took her to work to show her off. She was VERY excited to sit in my cube like a big girl.

Can you count all SIX teeth?!

I wish my bottom was that cute.

Kyrkja came over to play! 

Gwendolyn was admiring Kyrkja's pretty barrette. And trying not to be jealous that she has enough hair to wear one.

Intense concentration on our Angry Birds game.

Add a cardigan and baby legs and you can make a summer outfit suitable for winter!

Notice where all of her dinner is?

Hint: look down.

Play date with cousin Nathan. (Cousin Jacob was off playing with the bigger kids who don't steal his toys.)

Don't you just want to SQUEEZE him?!

It's February, which means her first birthday is quickly approaching. I told someone today that I still feel like she's an infant. An infant who crawls and pulls herself up on things and feeds herself.

She's a 12-month-clothes-wearing infant.

Who also now has a big girl car seat and is probably only a few weeks away from being able to walk.

Infants come in all shapes and sizes you guys.

*smile.

Lovely Lemon

I have been blessed with a cost-conscious, product-reviewing, deal-findin' hubby. He is very responsible with money, and makes wise decisions. Some people would call him "cheap" but I disagree. Great deals are out there if you take the time to find them, and he's the best deal finder I know!

After weeks of researching, reading reviews, and making a few trips to Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us, we settled on Gwendolyn's big girl car seat! We chose to skip the bulky travel system with her infant seat and instead bought the stroller frame, which we have loved for the past 10 months. It's been great for this mama who has some back issues - easy to fold and unfold and very lightweight. However, it only fits her infant seat so we have been planning on purchasing an umbrella stroller once she had outgrown it. They are cheaper, lighter and typically easier to use. Tom, of course, did he due diligence and was watching deals like a hawk. A stroller-eating HAWK. After reading great reviews about the Maclaren brand and finding a great deal, we made our final choice!

Enter: Maclaren Starck Buggy Stroller in Lemon!

(Does she not look OLD in this picture?! Actually, never mind...don't answer that question.)

Pros: has tall handles so it fits Tom (!), reasonably priced, durable, folds and unfolds easily, has a handle on the side for carrying, includes rain shield and travel bag, glides like butta, unique/modern looking, shelf instead of bag (we'll see if I continue to think this is a "pro"), and light weight. 

Cons: no tray or cup holder (but you can buy them to add on, thankfully), will only suit our needs with one child.

I think that's it, so overall we're super pumped. Or as pumped as you can get about a stroller *smile. It seemed to pass the "Gwendolyn test"! (If Tom had kept going in circles I think she totally would have fallen asleep.)

Some time very soon we will no longer have extra room in ANY room in this house. We just keep bringing more and more into it without taking the same amount OUT. Such is life with kids, I suppose!

Off to clean out some closets while that sweet baby girl naps!

Just kidding.