6 months old

I know I am behind with her monthly updates (she turned 6 months on the 10th), I guess better late then never...right?

Age: 6 months old

Weight: 14 lbs 10 oz.

Length: 26 inches long

Changes in appearance: Her crazy hair is lightning up a bit and getting longer. 

Typical daily routine: she is eating 6 ounces every 3-4 hours; started solid food - seems like she doesn't like it all, she is constantly spitting out her food and isn't grasping the spoon concept - doctor seems to be a little concerned - she wants me to start on her on actual table food like breads.  The doctor is afraid she will start to have food aversions;her nap routine is starting to form - she will nap in the AM around 9:30 or so and she will go down with D around 1:00pm, with random cat naps, but her bedtime routine is down perfect.  Bedtime is 8:30pm and she sleeps through the night (she's being doing this since 8 weeks old) - lately she seems to be waking up in the middle of the night ever since we moved her into her crib.  I noticed that she wakes up since she is able to roll over - added a sleep positioner in her crib and that seems to help.

Acheivements: She said 'dadda' and she is starting to sit on her own.

Activities and experiences: Loves to sit up and watch her brother.  She does belly laughs when her brother turns in circles and dances.

Favorites: She loves her yellow fleece blanket.

Other: Just soo blessed to have her :)

Santa was here!

This Christmas was special to me.  Not only is D going to love opening his presents and us loving on his expressions, but this is M's FIRST CHRISTMAS!  I know she won't remember it, but I will remember it forever! Also, D is coming into the age of understanding Christmas.  Obviously, not the true meaning, which we are instilling in him everyday, but the commercialism of it.  We had so much fun buying him toys and imagining his face lit up when he tears into his present. 

It's Christmas morning and I carried M with my left arm D in the other as daddy patiently waits for our arrival with video camera -waiting to capture the most precious moment of children's christmas. 

With his blanket in hand, D walks to his McDonald's drive thru playcenter and looks at it with question in his eyes. The one present we thought he would go ballistic over - he could have cared less.   Then he heads over to sissy's pile, where we have her music table set up.  He puts his blanket down and starts playing with her music table and says 'this is soo cool.'
Now, it was time to unwrap the presents from Santa.

The first three presents were kind of lame (to him) - they were books.  He loves books, but he knew there was more, so he wanted to keep going and going.  Miss M just kept looking on and putting everything in her mouth.  Once, we opened all the books (total of 16 - eight each), it was on to the toys.

D opened up an iTikes canvas.  It's where you can insert your iPad and download apps to animate and also educate.  Since he wasn't sure what it was about, he was ready for the next one.  The next one was a spiderman helicopter.  He is really into Spiderman - not the actual action figure (he's too scary) but the one by Fisher-Price (I think) the Super Hero squad.  It's with the Incredible Hulk, Flash, and some others, but they are very friendly-looking superheros for toddlers.  Anyway, he was really into that.  Finally, the one we saved for last (on purpose)....SpiderMan city.  He was soo excited - he kept saying - 'soo cool.'  It's funny how he kept saying 'so cool' and I am not sure where he learned that from. hmmm....  oh well.

We made sure the kids alternated when opening gifts.  This way D learned that he has to take turns - plus that's how Matt and I grew up and what we still do to this day.  Also, I am able to get photos and their expressions one at a time.

Miss M got a music table, magnetic cookie puzzle, books, the elephant toy that pops balls (I know sounds funny but it super cute) by Playskool, and a Little Tikes Discovery Kitchen.  She was more interested in putting her foot in her mouth than anything.

D kept going from his toys to sissy's toys.  He liked keeping his options open. We had to keep reminding him throughout the day, that the toys he wanted to play with belong to sissy and he has to share.  He is lucky sissy is so young, because she could have cared less.  Wait till next year.

Then the hustle and bustle started.

As soon as we opened presents, we had to get ready to go to Matt's parents house for breakfast.  Let's just say D was not very happy.  He wanted to stay and play with his toys.  Can you blame him?

As soon as we got to my in-laws, the kids started to open their presents.  My in-laws definitely went all out on them...to much.  They both received way too many toys - my thought was *where is all this going?*  We need a playroom soo bad - and the living room is not going to cut it.  After we opened presents and ate breakfast, it was time to go home for naps.

You could tell D was soo tired and that he needed a nap, but he just wanted to play

...and play.

He finally fell asleep. 

When we got to my parents house, they had set up his rollercoaster in the living room.  Since he had just woken up he was a little cranky.  When he saw it, he wasn't sure what to think.  As soon as I put him on it, and he went down the hill, he LOVED it!  He kept saying again, again.  Like my in-laws, my parents went all out on the kids. My mom loves to buy them clothes - and I let her *obviously*.  When I opened D and M's HUGE box of clothes, the first thing that popped in my head was *I have to do soo much laundry*.  Then as I sorted through the clothes, I realized how friggin adorable it all was and didn't care about the laundry.

As we finished dinner and started to wind down, it was time to leave - both Matt and I have to work the next day(BOO!).  We got home and let D stay up a little to play with his toys, then it was time for bed.

Besides D's First Christmas - this was one of the best!

I was soo EXHAUSTED!  I think in the next couple of years, we may have to start doing it at our house.  Has anyone tried that yet?  How did it go?  When is a good time to begin?  Do you have both sets of grandparents over or split it up?

Here are a few pics that I had on my phone (sorry some of them may be blurry) - I will upload some more later.

He looks soo excited

WEEEEEE

Miss M playing with her presents

Meemaw, seriously?  Clothes? I think this is my favorite picture :)

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a wonderful very Merry Christmas!!

Courtesy of  (c) Meghan Murari Photography

5 months old

Age: 5 months old

Weight: 12 lbs (at 4 month doctor's visit)

Length: 25 inches long (at 4 month doctor's visit)

Changes in appearance: Her crazy hair is lightning up a bit and getting longer. 

Typical daily routine: she is eating 6 ounces every 3 hours; started solid food - seems like she doesn't like it all, she is constantly spitting out her food;her nap routine is starting to form - she will nap in the AM around 9:30 or so and she will go down with D around 1:00pm, with random cat naps, but her bedtime routine is down perfect.  Bedtime is 8:30pm and she sleeps through the night (she's being doing this since 8 weeks old)

Acheivements: She has rolled from her back to her tummy then back to her back.  She is sitting in her bumbo playseat and loves it!  She keeps trying to pull her self up to a sitting position, but then falls over- she will soon enough.  Smiles all the time!  happy baby! 

Activities and experiences: tummy time,play mat, and her bumbo seat.  She also enjoys watching her brother go crazy around the house.

Favorites: she loves to be swaddled, and her brother.  He enjoys making her smile.  He likes to go up to her and make her laugh and says "Sucha happy baby girl" - ADORABLE

Other: She squeals in delight, giggles/belly laughs all the time.  We are soo blessed for this little angel.

Pumpkin Patch

FALL is one of my absolute favorite time of the year.  I love the changing of the leaves, the fall crisp air, the smell of pumpkins, spices, and apples, sweatshirts, sweaters, boots and jeans, and  most of all HALLOWEEN.

When D turned one, we started going to the pumpkin patch.  There was always so much to do there for kids: train rides, hayrides, mini petting zoo, slides, etc.  This year was no exception.  We went back to Kingsway Pumpkin Farms in Hartville and this year little M joined us.  Like last year, both my parents and in-laws came. 

When we first arrived, D was a little nervous.  He had refused to take a nap and we also realized that when he is around  A LOT of strangers he gets real shy and quiet.  About 20 minutes later, he started to come out of his shell. 

First, he wanted to see all the animals.  There were bunnies, chickens,  hens, roosters, cows, pigs, goats, and sheeps.  He was a little hesitant about feeding them, but nonetheless, he did.

Then, we went to the playground.  He went down some slides.  For some reason, he was scared (again I think it was because there were so many other kids, especially the older ones). 

Finally, it was time to pick out our pumpkin.  We waited in line for about 30-45 minutes to get on the hayride to go out to the pumpkin field.  Once we got out to the field, there were miles of pumpkins.  Where should we even start?? My thought was to go to a spot where no one else was going to.  It was quite difficult, since I was carrying M (I had her in my Moby, but for some reason she wasn't feeling it). 

We, of course, were the last ones to find a pumpkin.  We needed three (one for mama and daddy (ok mainly me); one for D, and one for sissy).  Once, we got back on the hayride, they took us straight to the cashier: so for 2 large pumpkins and 1 medium size -  $11.00!!!  So cheap!! I couldn't wait to go back home and carve them (another post in the making). 

We had an absolute blast!  I can't wait for next year when M is able to walk and participate!! I am so glad I am building lasting memories with our families. 

Here are some pictures of our day.

Right around the time we first got there... not too happy

Farmer D



Farmer M



Grandparents

Family Portrait

4 months old

I know, I know, I am sorry.  It's been over a month (and yes I am losing followers - please don't leave!!).  But, I am back and that's all that matters!!! :)  Miss M turned 4 months last Wednesday and here is her monthly update!!

Age: 4 months old

Weight: 12 lbs

Length: 25 inches long

Changes in appearance: Her dark hair seems to be lightening up - still crazy and she got her ears pierced (much to daddy's chagrin)

Typical daily routine: she is eating 6 ounces every 4-5 hours; will start solids TODAY, her nap routine is still all over the place, but her bedtime routine is down perfect.  Bedtime is 8:30pm and she sleeps through the night (she's being doing this since 8 weeks old)

Acheivements: She has rolled from her back to her tummy then back to her back.  She is sitting in her bumbo playseat and loves it!  Smiles all the time!  happy baby!

Activities and experiences: tummy time,play mat, and her bumbo seat.  She also enjoys watching her brother go crazy around the house.

Favorites: she loves to be swaddled, and her brother.  He enjoys making her smile.

Other: She squeals in delight, giggles/belly laughs all the time.  We are soo blessed for this little angel.

Brotherly-Sisterly Love...

When I was pregnant with M, D was very protective of me and my bump - if you would look up in the dictionary mama's boy you would find his picture.  So, I wasn't sure how things were going to be when it came time for M's arrival; however, in the back of my mind I knew D was going to be jealous. But, I didn't know it was going to be like this...

When we brought M home for the hospital, D right away told me to put sissy in her chair.  He did not want me nor my mother (meemaw) holding her.  He would say things like "my mama" or "no mama, sissy down" he wouldn't even let me hand M to meemaw to hold, she had to be in her bouncy chair unless daddy was there.  Matt was the only one allowed to hold sissy. No ifs.ands.or butts.

This was definitely going to be a challenge.

I had to constantly explain to D, that I am M's mama too.  She needs me to take care of her just like mama takes care of you.  He would look at me with his big, beautiful brown eyes, full of doubt, and would say "OK mama." Yet, as soon as I would pick her up, he would have a melt down.

6 days after I had her, my husband and I were both in a wedding (perfect timing right?). I asked one of my girlfriends at the wedding, who has 2 boys (3 years apart) how it was like when she brought her son Lucas home.  She said her oldest son Blake was jealous and wanted nothing to do with him.  She tried bribing him with toys and said that Lucas bought it for him, as well as talking to him so he would understand.  She indicated it took him about 3 weeks to get used to his little brother...all he needed was time.

3 weeks are you kidding me?!  Whining and screaming for 3 weeks!!??

Oh joy.

I wanted instant results.  Whining is my biggest annoyance and I didn't want to be left alone with D whining or I would flip my wig... Luckily, D's birthday is 8 days from M's birthday, this was the perfect time to bribe D into liking his sister.  He's really into matchbox cars and airplanes, so we thought if sissy bought D a toy maybe he would start liking her, just as my friend suggested.  So M "bought" D a rescue package full of ambulances, firetrucks, and helicopters. He loved it.  He even said "thank you" and gave sissy a kiss.

That calmed him down for like 5 minutes, until I had to feed her.  Fortunately, she's a formula baby, so the hubs was able to help out with that part, but I didn't want him to get used to the idea that daddy can feed sissy.  He needed to understand that, he has to share me. 

Umm ya, he was not having it.  D's eye would water up and alligator tears just rolled down his face screaming "mama".  My heart broke into pieces.  I didn't want him to be sad, yet upset with me.

So, I thought to myself, what if D was involved in M's daily routine?  ::Cue lightbulb over the head:: Great Idea!

I began to include D in M's feedings: he would hold the bottle and pat her back to burp her.  Then, I would say "D want to make sissy smile?" he eyes would light up and he would go "such a pretty girl."  She wouldn't smile (at first), but he still got a kick out of it.  When it was time for me to go back to work, I made sure that D kissed M and tell her that he loved her before I would take him to his room.  I do that everytime and I definitely think it helped!

It ended up taking about 3 weeks or so, for him to get acclimated to her.  She is now 3 months, and there are certain days where he wants me all to himself, but for the most part he loves his sissy...and she loves him...

for now.