Thanksgiving 2010 - Part 1

We celebrated Thanksgiving with both sides of the family this year.  We had our first dinner on Thursday with my family, then headed out to Bay City on Saturday to celebrate with Nick's family.

My parents came up to stay with us on Wednesday night, and my wonderful husband manned the grill and made us a delicious dinner.  After we ate, we just hung out with the baby for a bit until it was time for her bath, and went to bed pretty early since we would be going over to my older sister's house the next morning.

Steph hosted us at her house on Thursday.  Everything was sooo good!  She had a wonderful spread of appetizers for us to snack on while the turkey was cooking, and we had a great time visiting and playing with Layla until dinner was ready.  The meal was incredible, Steph is a wonderful cook and we, of course, stuffed ourselves silly. 

After our meal, we went outside for a bit to work off some of the food, and my nephews brought out their Rip Boards.  Basically, these are kind of like inline skateboards..  My nephews were just shooting down the street like pros and made it look so easy, but let me tell you - these things are IMPOSSIBLE.  Nick got the hang of it towards the end, but I tried it and couldn't even stand on the thing!  I'll leave that one to the boys...

We had such a nice time, and Layla really enjoyed all of the attention.  By the end of the night, she was pretty exhausted (aka cranky), and there was really only one person that could get her to calm down...

This holiday has taken on a whole new meaning now that we have Layla.  I am so absolutely thankful for everything in my life.  I'm living the life that I always dreamed and hoped of having, and I thank God every day for everything He has blessed us with, especially our sweet, healthy baby girl.  She brings us such joy every day, and I can't even remember what our lives were like without her!

Part 2 of our Thanksgiving celebration is coming soon...

Out and About

We had a great time visiting with friends this weekend.  We started our Saturday with a trip out to Spring to visit Nikki, Matthew, Luke and Lily.  I love our visits and wish we lived closer!  Nikki is a great mom and has been a huge help to me from Day 1 of my pregnancy - she's provided advice, a listening ear, and a shoulder to lean on anytime I need it.

Lily and Luke are such great kids.  I seriously cannot believe how big they have gotten.  I feel like it was just yesterday that Nikki was leaning over the cubicle wall, telling me she was pregnant with Luke, and now look at him!  And sweet Lily is such a doll, look at that smile!

It was WAY past Layla's naptime



Sunday afternoon, we headed over to Sonia and Michael's house so Nick could try out his new toy:

Nick and Michael rode out to some trails near their house to go four wheeling and left us girls to visit.  Sonia's girls are precious - I heard all about dance class and purple sparkly nail polish!  It was a fun glimpse of what's to come.  Since it was such a nice day, we decided to go outside and feed the ducks that live at the lake behind their house.  Nick and Michael got back just in time, and Nick took over with Layla so I could snap some pictures.  She was definitely interested in the ducks - but the dogs are still #1 in her heart!



Four Months

Layla, you turned four months old on November 17th.  I can't believe it.  I feel like we just came home from the hospital with you!  Last year at this time, I was still in disbelief that I was actually pregnant, anxious about all of the changes that were going to take place, worried about making it through my first trimester, but most of all, overjoyed at what was to come.  And here we are a year later, and I have the best little girl I could ever ask for!

We had your four month pediatrician check up on Friday.  You now weigh 14 lbs 3 oz and measure 25 inches long.  You are in the 50th to 60th percentiles for all of your stats, so we are right on track!  You are in size 2 diapers and wear size 3-6 month clothing.  You usually eat about 5 oz every 2-3 hours.  We also got some good news - we can start you on rice cereal!  I can't wait to see your reaction - you are definitely an eater, so I'm hoping you'll do well once we start you on food. 

We have a pretty good bedtime routine set.  We start your bath at 7, then put on your PJs and give you your last bottle at 7:30, and you are asleep by 8.  You usually wake up anywhere between 4-6 AM for a quick feeding, then sleep for an hour or two more before you're officially up for the day.

You smile all the time!  You still love being sung to, and definitely want to be the center of attention. You are rolling over from stomach to back, and trying to roll back to stomach but aren't quite there yet.  You have really strong legs and always want to "stand" - as Dr. Wilber commented on when you kicked him while he was trying to examine you!  You're also becoming very vocal - the sounds of cooing, screeching, and most recently, this cute little growl, are filling the house.  And you are reaching the stage when you are starting to put things in your mouth, so we have to watch you carefully, you're quick!

I can't believe how fast you are developing!  You are reaching out and grabbing everything around you, whether that be toys, your blankets, or my face and hair. You are becoming much more interested in being read to, which is great!  You are also learning how to make all of your toys play music - it's amazing to watch you figure out a certain one and get really excited when you have it down pat. I've been trying to make sure I'm picking out toys that are more interactive - I'm so proud of how fast you are learning. 

You are a complete Daddy's Girl - no one can make you laugh like he can.  Not to mention, you look exactly like him!  You are also starting to really notice the dogs, and your gaze follows them wherever they go.

You make me and your daddy so happy, nothing is better than your sweet little face at the end of a hard day.  We love you!




Sweet smile




What I have to fight through to get your PJs on!  And there is a little bump on your leg from your shots :(



Concentrating on your Baby Einstein toy




The dogs standing guard, as usual




"Ooh, who is that?"




Playing with Daddy

 

Happy Birthday, Kate!

We went out for a girls dinner last weekend to celebrate Kate's birthday.  As usual, I had a really fun time and laughed the entire night.  Every time I get together with the girls, I remember how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends. And I actually stayed out past dinner, which, as sad as it sounds, is late for me since I've had Layla.  I usually try to grab any chance for sleep, but I couldn't pass up spending time with these great girls and continuing the celebration of one of my dearest friend's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Kate!

Cotton candy, sweet and low, let me see that...

I know, I know, but the song is a classic and it's been running through my head ever since I bought Layla's Halloween costume! 

We had a pretty low key Halloween - we stuck around the house and handed out candy.  My mom came up to visit, so Jamie came over and we all traded off on door duty until it was time for Layla's bath. She was so cute in her little outfit, I just wanted to eat her up!  Here are a few more pictures from Sunday night.  Next year, we'll actually leave the house!