The second time around, there was ice cream...and LOTS of it!

I always heard the second time around, you wouldn't take as many pictures, wouldn't remember things, milestones wouldn't be so "major".  I don't know if that is exactly true.  I have rejoiced with Lilah over each milestone.  I have sought to encourage her, to love her, to hold her, to capture special moments.  The difference is that you have another little one running around and you are trying to split your time fairly while not losing sight of who you are outside of being "mom".

Maybe there aren't quite as many pictures the second time around.  But the memories in my mind are there, and that is what is important.  Kevin once told me to stop trying to take a million pictures and just enjoy the moment.  I've found he's right.  The pictures are so special to me and perhaps one day I might return to scrapbooking...like when the girls have moved to college :)  But if your eye is always behind the camera, you can forget to live in the moment...or as so often happens to me, I get frustrated and ruin the moment waiting on the girls to cooperate for said picture.  Don't get me wrong, we still have a ton of pictures and rarely leave the house without a camera of some form.  But most of our pics are candid and those are the ones I love the most.

All of that being said, and you wondering what the point of this post may be, the second time around, the one thing I didn't do any differently was one very special little girl's 1st birthday party.  Knowing this could very well be our last 1st birthday party, I was pulling out all the stops...no stone was going to be left unturned.  I searched through 26 pages of Etsy to find the perfect invitation.  Of course it just happened to be the VERY LAST option, but was so totally worth the search.  Also, it included matching thank you notes ~ so double win for me!  I spent an hour one day trying to take the cutest picture for that perfect invitation and then sending multiple emails so people could vote on their favorite.  I made countless homemade ice cream cones, pom poms, and paper fans.  I spent hours on Pinterest looking for the cutest options, visited Party City more times than I care to count, searched Houston and surrounding areas for the playhouse that suddenly wasn't available and wouldn't arrive on time if shipped.  I enlisted help in assembling birthday gifts, making favors, hanging banners, and creating some yummy rice krispie treat ice cream cones.

Granted, the craziness was perhaps over the top and on more than one occasion my dear husband asked "when is it going to stop?", but I loved every second!  Of course, I realize she won't remember anything about this party...  Let's be honest, first birthday parties are for the parents!  Nonetheless, they are priceless memories and it makes my heart happy to celebrate with those who love us and our sweet girls so much.  Thank you to each of you for making this day so very special.  I wouldn't have traded a minute of it!

Photos Courtesy of Little Lamb Photography

I've decided order doesn't matter...

Yes, I am anal.  Yes, this is totally against my norm.  Yes, this will probably haunt me for the entire existence of my blog.  However, I have decided that I am missing out on blogging simply waiting to "catch up".  And let's be realistic for a moment here.  When your hard drive crashes and all that hard work you put into listing your child's monthly milestones is on said hard drive, well...this mommy brain just can't remember everything.  So instead of focusing on "failing" at catching up, I'm just going to move forward.  And hopefully, fingers crossed, one day my husband will be able to recover those precious files for me and then I can retroactively catch-up...maybe...

Today was a good day!

That is a pretty lame blog title, especially since I like to have catchy names.  But really, the simplicity of it is part of it's importance.  Today was a good day, even a great day!

Now is when you are wondering why?  At least, I suspect you are.  I know I would be.  Honestly, I'd also be expecting some major story, some super fun and out of the ordinary events, something BIG!  Sorry...it's not happening.

Today, and pretty much in this order...

• Kevin got his run in
• Lilah woke up wanting snuggles
• Kevin went and got donuts, which is quickly becoming a Saturday tradition
• I got 2.5 miles and a few weights in
• Sophia slept in LATE and woke up happy
• Kevin made spaghetti for lunch
• Lilah took almost a four hour nap
• We made some super fun flubber
• We took the girls on a walk to get the mail
• Sophia was able to pedal her bicycle even with her "walking boot"
• She walked by herself back into the house (this is a big deal after two weeks of not being able to walk)
• We played a laughter filled few rounds of hide and go seek
• We had a relaxing dinner
• Kevin got a deserved night out with the guys
• I got some quiet time to watch HGTV, have some popcorn and sit in bed

Boring, maybe.  Needed, absolutely.  Sometimes it's the small things in life that make for the most memorable days.  I will never forget the way our home was filled with laughter and love today.  Never.

Thank you Lord for your gentle reminders to soak in your blessings.  I am so undeserving, but oh, so grateful!

So today, I am holding this verse near and dear to my heart.  "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24

Seven Came Too Soon!

The post cracks me up!  Apparently months ago, I tried to be productive...see the paragraph below.   You see how far that got me :)  Here I was, sooooooo proud of myself for actually writing a post in my attempt to catch up.  Sure would have been beneficial if I had actually posted it!  Now, months later, in my SECOND attempt at catching up on the blog, I notice a "draft" post and think, hmmm...that's a cute title!  And what do you know, a whole post already written and just waiting on a seven month picture at the bottom.  So, now, "Seven Came Too Soon" is more like "Seven Came & Went Too Soon" :)  At any rate, at least I had a good laugh at myself!

Disclaimer:  Before you even read this post, it might seem slightly similar to the previous month post.  Why?  Oh because Mommy got a wee bit ahead of herself and basically combined six and seven months.  The benefit:  It didn't take me nearly as long to get this posted.  The con:  Now I have to go back and edit the six month to make it accurate.  Now you know what happens when I try to be productive :)

Either way, I love documenting my sweet baby's milestones.  She continues to amaze me every single day.  It is the greatest blessing of my life to be their mom.

Lilah Bear, at seven months, you...

• Are in size 2 diapers and size 6 month clothes
• Nurse about 5 times a day, have 2-3 meals and an afternoon snack.
• Sleep from around 7:30pm-6am...give or take a half hour or so.  You still wake up sometimes but not to eat.  Generally, you just want to be held, and I get suckered in every. single. time. 
• Received your first taste of baby yogurt...no going back now!
• Had your first store bought baby food.  Mainly because it was in the cabinet and it was handy.  Also, because it had meat mixed in, and I wanted to see what you thought.  You like it, but you also spit up a lot afterwards :/
• Love feeding yourself and get quite irritated when Mommy is going too slow.
• Working on baby sign language.  Hopefully you will start to show understanding over the next couple of months.  Because frankly, this screaming for "more" is just not going to work for me!
• Visited Santa's Wonderland with friends
• Sat on Santa's lap and looked at Sissy all crazy while she screamed bloody murder.
• Celebrated your first Christmas and New Years.
• Decided that presents and tissue paper are pretty cool.
• Still have serious stranger danger, especially with men.
• Make the FUNNIEST face...I have video and it is priceless!  I still laugh just thinking about it.
• Have discovered your tongue and like to stick it out.
• Had your first wagon ride and had the time of your life.  We have video of this too!  (On that note, believe it or not, I do actually have tons of pictures and videos, just no time to post anything!)
• Enjoy the park and giggle when you go down the baby slide with Mommy.  Priceless moments!
• Are STILL without a doubt teething. Don't worry, it took your sister a long time to actually get a tooth in!  I promise they are coming!!!
• Still pull hair :/  Not sure how to stop this one...
• Learned to crawl on 1/6 and haven't slowed down since.  Rather you have already, in just a few day span, figured out this newest milestone allows you to pretty much get whatever you want without having to wait on Mommy.  And yes, this does include a few things you aren't actually allowed to play with :/  
• On that note, you are into EVERYTHING!  You love to go after 1) necklaces (which are a no-no), 2) bracelets, 3) Soph's prized baby and 4) pretty much anything else your sister is playing with at the time.  However, to be fair, she pretty much wants everything you have too.  Oh, how early it starts :/
• Are trying to figure out how to go from crawling to sitting position.  One more shove with your arm and you'd have it!
• Can almost pull up.  You have been successful once but that must have just been a fluke (also on 1/6...it was a big day for you!).
• Hate socks.  I think it's a game to see exactly how fast you can pull them off.
• Love when Daddy comes home.  I'm sure I do get boring after a while!
• Aren't a big fan of your swing anymore.  I think it's about time to take it down :(
• Still like the exersaucer but not as much as before.  I think you dislike the confinement.  I wish we had a jumperoo for you.  However, the only one we have is a doorway one and that just doesn't seem safe with an almost three year old playing little mommy :/
• Peek-a-boo is your favorite game of all time!  Nothing gets a laugh quite like that peek-a-boo :)
• Talk or coo yourself to sleep most of the time.  The other times, you pretty much scream yourself to sleep.  Thankfully, it doesn't last a long time.  Cry it out has never been one of Mommy's strong points.
• At your sister's insistence have started giving her good night hugs and kisses.  Basically a hair "tug" and a slobbery kiss on the cheek.
• Have the happiest squeal, and I will do just about anything to make you laugh...even if I look ridiculous.
• Have the eyes of an angel and a smile that would melt even the hardest heart.

You are our precious peanut and we love you more than words.  Always and forever angel.  To the moon and back!

Love always, 

Mommy, Daddy and SoSo

After five months...

After five months, I've decided that I miss blogging.  You are probably hoping for an update on our precious girls.  Those will come, I promise :)  But today, I had something on my heart that I needed to get into words.  And so here it goes...

Do you ever wonder if you are doing enough?  And then on the flip side of it, am I doing too much? Because, as a mother, I think that every.single.day.

Am I spending too much time cleaning and worrying about the dust and crumbs?  Dust that accumulates because I am beyond blessed to be able to spend every day at home with my girls.  Crumbs that cover my floor because I have two precious girls ~ one who likes to "share" her food with the dog and the other who feels like raking crumbs from the table and her chair is "cleaning up the mess".  (Side note:  This literally just happened as we were having Ritz crackers as a snack.  And all I can do, is say "Thank you, Honey" because she is simply so proud of herself.  Oh, and secretly wish that George wasn't at the groomers because I know he would have happily cleaned up some of the crumbs on my behalf.)

Am I spending enough time playing on the floor with my girls?  Restacking the umpteenth tall tower Sophia carefully built and sweet, little Lilah so lovingly knocked over.  Eating pretend pancakes and drinking pretend apple juice.  Putting together puzzles that seemed fun initially but got left unfinished because something else became a little more interesting.  

Am I encouraging them enough?  Using small opportunities like sharing, showing patience, brushing your teeth without a fight, listening and simply being kind to remind them how proud I am of the people they are growing up to be.

Am I disciplining them enough?   And as a follow-up to that, am I disciplining them in the right way?
Am I fighting the right battles?  Because yes, maybe it's a southern thing, but "yes mam/sir" and "no mam/sir" are in our vocabulary.  I may not require it at every response, but it is a habit I am determined to instill in my children.  Where is the fine line with siblings to step-in vs. letting them fight it out?  Because for the sake of honesty, sometimes they "fight" it out.  I figure this is a lesson they need to learn.  There won't always be a moderator to solve your problems.  Thankfully, most of the time they work it out rather peacefully.

Am I making enough "home-cooked" meals?  Another moment of honesty, my kids eat chicken nuggets.  So sue me.  I would like to be one of those all organic, no preservative parents, but I'm just not.  I do the best I can and my crock-pot has become a good friend of mine.  I should probably consider naming it as much as I've put it to use lately.

Am I giving enough time to my husband and my marriage?  Probably not.  I feel guilty about this, and I am working on it.  This Momma is tired, but I am so blessed to have a husband who seems to understand that and does his best to help me out when he is able.  I struggle with letting go of control and trusting my girls to someone else so we can have date nights.  I like things done my way, on my time.  It's called being anal!  However, I want my girls to grow up wanting a marriage like their Dad and I have, to know what it is like to devote time to the one you love, to know marriage takes work.  It may not always be roses, but I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else.

Am I giving enough time to my God?  Does anyone ever?  Every night we pray with our girls.  Every night I pray for their future husbands, their health, their future, and most importantly their salvation.  I love that Sophia knows that I love her to the "moon and back a million times but Jesus loves her more."  If she only learns that one thing in all her life, it would be enough to sustain her.  One day soon Lilah will be old enough to understand the same thing.

And finally at the end of all that,  do I take enough time for myself?  And by time to myself,  I mean other than taking a five-minute shower just to say I did.  The answer is a resounding no.  Sometimes I do more than others.  Sometimes I need the kid-free dinner and a pedicure.  Sometimes I need the kid free errands run.  And sometimes, like today, I need to spend snack time and encourage independent play so that I can spend a little while in front of the computer to catch up on a blog that I've decided I missed.

I guess my point to this whole post is that as moms we beat ourselves up.  That thing called "mom's guilt"...well, at least in this house it's real.  This past week has been rough.  An independent three-year-old in a cast is a trial.  The heartbreak I feel at her losing part of her summer, of not being able to walk, of it happening on "my" watch ~ it is excruciating.  Then on top of that guilt, I feel guilty for being upset about a cast because others have it SO much worse.  Guilt on top of guilt...anyone relate?

However, this cast thing has reminded me of a couple things.  One, my kids are amazing.  There have been a few downtrodden, pain-filled moments, but mostly smiles and giggles have filled our home reminding me life is good.  Secondly, God is good.  He is in control.  He trusted these girls to me, and I am doing my best and that is all He asked of me.  Because as much as I love them, He loves them more.  When I have thought I was completely out of patience, He has refilled my cup.  A Godly appointed text or phone call from a friend has reminded me people are praying for us and are here to support us through even this small trial.  When I am ready to fall apart, the Lord has taken me to His words that I have instilled in my heart.  I would be nothing if not for my God.

I guess my whole point of this post was to be honest about my doubts and struggles, to get my feelings into the "blog world".  I pray it blesses someone.  And to all you moms out there, know you are doing a FABULOUS job.  We don't tell each other that enough.  Sure we are quick to give advice and offer our two-cents, but sometimes all we need is the reassurance that we are doing a good job.  Being a mother is the hardest most amazing thing in the entire world.  Enjoy it...the crumbs, while annoying, will be there waiting after the kids are in bed.  Heck, they will be there tomorrow.  Build another tower, eat another pretend pancake, give one more hug and a hundred more kisses, make another memory.  The days are long but the years are so, so short.

And this, memories like these, are absolutely priceless...

Catching up with the Soph!

It's so crazy to think about how quickly our sweet Sophia has grown up.  I can't tell you how many times Kevin and I have looked at each other and asked the same question..."when did she get so big?"  I mean I know I've been around the last 2 3/4 years, but truly it seems like just yesterday we were standing outside the hospital taking a final 38 week baby bump picture before my scheduled c-section.  Cliche I know.  But oh so true.

Our precious baby girl stole my heart before she was even born and nothing about that fact has changed.  She is beautiful and sweet, full of laughter and love.  She adores her family and friends, and occasionally the dog.  She got her Mommy's love of animals and fear of bugs.  She even got her mother's irrational fear of cats at this particular age. Some days she is a Mommy's girl and other days she only has eyes for Daddy.  She is her sister's best friend and Mommy's little helper.  She is smart and witty, logical and questioning.  Sometimes she is a worry wart and even a tad bit compulsive.  She is stubborn and feisty, but also kind and gentle.  She is our pride and joy, one of the loves of our lives, and without a doubt, one of our greatest blessings.  We love you sweet girl...so, so, so much.

At 2 years 8 months (aka 2 3/4), our precious Sophia Grace, here are a few of my "favorite things"...

• I love your silly personality.  You can turn the most normal of every day moments into something so funny.  You have truly reminded me of what laughter really does for one's soul.
• Give the best hugs!  One of those and you can right even the worst of my days.
• You are smart as a whip and often get me on a "technicality".  I have learned to be VERY specific with my instructions.
• May be a professional chef or baker one day.  Any time I will let you help me with dinner, you are all over it!  
• I pick on you that you might be from Boston (no offense to anyone who is).  You just crack me up with your phrases..."what yooou doin?"
• Are our tiny little peanut.  You only weigh about 27 lbs and are 37-38 inches tall.  Tall and skinny.  Ideally you would wear a size 3T and you do, sort of...the shirts are the right length, but the pants fall off...even jeggings :/  At least it will be getting hot soon so you can start wearing your 18 month shorts again!
• Ask everyone's name and ask me what I'm doing 50 million times a day.  On occasion, it's a little frustrating.  But on the other hand, I love your curiosity about life and your surroundings.
• I adore your literal view of life and often have to attempt to explain certain things people say are just "expressions".  For instance, when Gamma (over video iChat) says "she's pooped" and you kindly tell her that pee-pee and poo-poo go in the potty :)  I laugh even now!  Or when I call you "princess" and you kindly tell me, "Mommy, I'm not a princess.  I'm Sophia!"  
• I am constantly amazed at how many things you remember.  Just this week you were playing with a basket in the playroom and when I asked what you were doing, you said, "It's my basket to collect eggs and feed the rabbits." Duh Mom!  By the way, for those who aren't aware, this is what she does when we visit Papa John and Gamma.
• Have really blossomed in your vocabulary and conversations.  One day, I suddenly looked up and realized we just had a real conversation.  Again, I raise the question, "WHEN did you get SO big?!"
• Like to discuss where everyone is throughout the day.  Daddy, Mimi, Gamma, Uncle Eric, Toby, Nana, Uncle James, Tia, Aunt Jaja and the list goes on.   
• Also like to discuss the color of people's eyes.  Your favorite, "Mommy, Sophia and Lilah have blues.  Daddy and Bubba have browns."  Looks like Daddy got grouped up with the dog :)  Then the list just continues.  Funny how now I pay a little more attention to people's eyes so I don't lie to you about "what they have".
• Are basically potty trained.  I say basically because we were 99% there before this AWFUL six-week and still going bout of stomach issues.  We have done every test in the book and have yet to figure out these nasty stomach issues. I will say that I hope it ends soon...1) because I want you to feel better and 2) because I am tired of "gathering samples".  Plus, I just think it's terribly sad that you even understand the concept of diarrhea at this age, and that you jumped up and down with excitement yesterday when you had normal poop. (And yes, I did just discuss poop on my blog!  I have kids people.  Enough said!)
• Are super sensitive and caring.  Today (1/11) you asked me if Uncle Eric was feeling better.  Totally out of the blue, but so sweet of you since he was sick at Christmas.
• Are very well mannered and use them most of the time without being reminded.  Please, thank you, excuse me, you're welcome, yes sir, yes mam, no sir, no mam, may I (insert request here...often "play a game on your iPad Mommy") and most recently "may I be excused" (from the table).
• You are so sweet that you even care who got you what for Christmas.  You realize different people got you things and often refer to that person when playing with something or asking me for something..."the Elmo movie Mimi got me", "the chair Nana got me", "my magnets from Gamma" (FYI, it's really a chore chart but she gets to do magnets at the end of the day for each completed item.  Don't worry, they are all easy...get dressed, brush teeth, take a bath, clear the table, share, no whining, help with the pet, keep your hands to yourself, etc.)
• Improved greatly in regards to letting me do your hair and willingly brush your teeth.  Thank you Santa for the spinning, decorate your own toothbrush stocking stuffer!
• Know all your letters and can now identify them easily on random things.  We are still working on number identifications.
• Learned to spell your name.
• Have developed a fear of cats.  And when I say fear, I mean like a guttural scream of fear.  I have no idea where this came from, but it was made quite evident at Thanksgiving.  However, apparently I had this same fear at that age, so I guess "like mother like daughter".  By the end of the trip to "the farmlet", you had your finger puppets laying across the "scary kitties" and were singing pat-a-cake to them.  Sad to say this cute moment didn't conquer your fear...  
• Rarely use a sippy cup anymore ~ mainly only on car rides.  No more baby :(  
• Enjoy MDO and adore Ms. Sara and Ms. Casee
• "Participated" in your first Christmas program.  This really means that despite knowing every word and motion, you stood and stared at yourself on the big screen.  Oh, and fell down at one point.  But hey...what do you do?  At least you were dressed cute :)  You have continued to sing both songs nearly perfectly since that day.  Go figure...
• Still love bath time and especially the new bath crayons (thanks again Santa)
• Love Bubble Guppies, Yo Gabba Gabba and Doc McStuffins
• Had an amazing time celebrating Christmas.  You loved it all and seeing the joy of Christmas through your eyes was truly a blessing.  The lights, the presents, the songs, baby Jesus, gifts from Santa, and presents in general...there wasn't anything you didn't like...oh wait, except for sitting on Santa's lap.  Even after a whole car ride of how you wanted to see Santa, waiting in line, and being so thrilled to wave at him...sitting in his lap...heck no! Are you kidding crazy woman?  You have got to be out of your mind!  Let Sissy sit with him...he can just drop off the presents later, no need to sit in his lap and smile at a camera :)
• Love your red Mustang car but aren't really the best driver.  The gas you've got down pat.  The steering part...well, let's just say it's a good thing we live in a cul-de-sac! 
• You are one of the most creative and imaginative kids I have ever known. Maybe this is partly just the age.  You are constantly playing with your "friends" (aka Big Elmo, Angelina Ballerina, Baby, Baby Doll, Little Elmo and Mr. Dog).  You feed them, bring them to the table, get them dressed, read to them, help them color (literally you hold the crayon in their hand and help them color on the page) and constantly make pretend dinners, especially pancakes, for Mommy and Daddy.
• Are finally interested in dress up clothes.
• On the way home from the park today (1/11), you wanted to pull Sissy in the wagon.  So I used this opportunity to teach you about street rules...must stop and look both ways, check for oncoming cars, and only go across when it's safe and with an adult THAT YOU KNOW!  That last part was very important to me and so we did a quiz game of a ton of adults and children ~ I am so proud that she got each one right.  Seems to me she was a quick study on this front!
• Are THE BEST big sister in the entire world.  I always knew you would love Lilah at some point, but I truly had no idea how close you two would be.  The very best of friends.  You adore her and she adores you.  When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you say is "where's Lilah?"  Nice to see you too, kiddo :)  
• Melt my heart with our "I love you" game.  It goes a little like this...Me: "I love you."  You:  "I love you, Mommy."  Me:  "I love you more, Sophia."  You: "No, I love you MORE!"  Me:  "Nope, I love you more."  You:  "I love you the most."  Me:  "Nope, I love you the most!  I love you to the moon and back." You:  "I love you to the moon and back."  Me:  "How much do I love you?" You:  "To the moon and back a million and one times."  Me:  "And who loves you even more than that?"  You:  "Baby Jesus!"  Never forget it sweet girl...not ever!
• Pray the sweetest prayers at night.  In recent nights you have prayed for pancakes, naps, friends and the playground.  It is not uncommon for you to pray for your family, teachers, Bubble Guppies and candy :)  Sure, it makes me giggle.  But it also reminds me of a childlike faith and that Jesus loves us and all that is important to us :)  Tonight (1/11), you prayed. "Dear Jesus, Thank you for a good day and for making good choices."  Can you tell we pray that frequently?!  "Thank you for donuts, Tia, Uncle Daniel and naps."  Mind you, she does not often pray for naps :)  This was only because I explained to her she had to sleep before we could go visit Tia, Uncle Daniel and Juju in the morning.
• Over the last couple of days, you have been asking me more about "baby Jesus".  Because of Christmas and learning about baby Jesus, I don't think you actually thought of him as anything other than a baby.  So now we know that baby Jesus grew up to be a man, and a perfect man at that.  You were also quite interested to know that baby Jesus had a Mommy and Daddy just like you.  Side note:  I love these talks with my sweet girl and pray daily for the most important one of all...the day she asks Jesus into her heart.  

Sweet Sophia, I am sure I am leaving off a million things.  And it is quite likely that I will go back to this post several times in the upcoming days to add something more to my list.  But know one thing sweet girl, even if I never add another word to this post, the list above is only mere words.  It will never, ever come close to explaining how absolutely amazing you are.  You are truly one incredible kid who is loved way, way more than "to the moon and back a million and one times."

We love you princess, always and forever, 

Mommy

Super Six!

The last month...man, where do I start.  The last month has been something else.  At some point in the last month, I feel like I lost my baby.  Oh, she is still a baby and will always be my baby, but she has just blossomed.  Maybe it's more that point of going from an infant stage to a true baby stage.  I don't really have words to explain myself, but I know you parents out there understand.  

I mean half a year old.  Half a year!  

Our little girl has such a sweet spirit.  I love to watch life through her eyes.  The sheer joy of those she loves, the precious cuddles, those big, blue eyes staring up at me.  Utter trust and unconditional love.  Absolute peace and the innocence of a child.  The beautiful miracle of babies and children...there is nothing quite like it in all the world.

It is the greatest honor of my life to be their Mommy, and I will cherish and love them every single day of my life.  

In the last month sweet baby, you have done so much!  You amaze me every single day...and I will do my very best to remember all of the special moments in the last month.  Happy six months sweet girl!

Lilah Elizabeth, at HALF A YEAR, you...

• Wear size 3-6 months clothes and size 2 diapers
• Weighed 14.14 lbs (24.78%) and were 26.5" tall (74.44%) with a head circumference of 16.73" (49.31%) at your six-month checkup on 12/19
• Nurse about 5 times a day, have 2-3 meals and an afternoon snack.
• Sleep from around 7pm-6am...give or take a half hour or so.  You still wake up sometimes but not to eat.  Generally, you just want to be held, and I get suckered in every. single. time. 
• Got your first flu shot :(  I'm sorry to say you have a second round in a couple weeks.  I promise it's for your own good :/  Technically, you were six months and one week, but close enough to count!
• Have greatly expanded your food options: sweet potato, carrots, apples, pears, peas, zucchini (which you hate), white potato, squash, mum mums, puffs, baby Cheetos, and banana like a big kid (meaning you eat little chunks or gum away at a regular banana while we hold onto it)
• Were introduced to baby juices and water.  You are a fan of both!
• Love sippy cups and feeding yourself
• Don't cuddle as much anymore...I am sooooo sad ;(  Even now, it kind of makes me tear up.
• Despite the above, you do not like for me to be out of your sight for long.  And you definitely have some stranger danger tendencies.  You are a bit particular about people and who holds you, especially when you are tired.
• When I nurse and rock you at night, you throw yourself backwards and whine until you just get laid down.  You do love your bed, that is for sure!
• Take a really good nap usually.  However, you have a small window of time.  If I push too hard or too late, nap time is not successful.  But I am so, so grateful that you and Sophia are working on coordinating nap times.  
• Love Bubble Guppies and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
• Are without a doubt teething...drool, everything in your mouth, random crying fits.
• Like to pull hair :(  DISLIKE!
• Could watch George all day.  I think you like his fluffiness.  However, you did go through a stage of being scared of him.  I have no idea what this was about.
• Still love to watch your sister sing and dance all crazy.  She's good entertainment :)
• Love being tickled and have your tummy blown on.
• Get super excited about bath time.
• Still enjoy exersaucer time and the walker Daddy got down for you.
• Have really started chattering syllables.  We almost thought we heard da-da once but I'm not convinced, so I'm not counting it :)  I have heard ba-ba-ba-ba.  Of course, you don't really take bottles, so I'm not counting that either!  Frankly, until you say Ma-Ma I may not count anything :)
• Still have the most gorgeous blue eyes, the most contagious smile, a laugh that captivates a room and the beauty of an angel.  Can you tell I just adore you?  Because I do.  To the moon and back a million times.

You are so very, very precious.  My cup overfloweth precious girl.  

All my love, forever and always,

Mommy

Precious smiles...melt my heart!

My rolly polly...

I suspect this is the last time I even attempt this particular growth picture :/

 

Sweet sisters...

Five ~ Fantastic and Feisty

Well seeing how this is almost two months late and the previous post was almost three months late, I am at this moment quite thrilled to have a smartphone.  Oh sure, they are addictive and potentially super annoying.  However, they are also great for taking notes! Which is certainly a good thing, because this time around, I think the "pregnancy brain" was permanent :/

It's crazy for me to look back now at all these things that our sweet Lilah had just achieved.  It seems like it should have been just yesterday.  And at the same time, it seems like a distant memory already.  I fear I will blink and both of my girls will already be driving, graduating, going to college, getting married and having kids of their own.  So as I write down what happened two months ago, it is such a bittersweet post.  On one hand, it brings back that "proud momma" feeling in my heart and makes me smile.  But on the other hand it brings tears to my eyes as I wonder just where two months went.

I love this little girl more than words could even begin to describe.  She is full of smiles, laughs and high-pitched squeals.  She is serious and mellow, yet somehow feisty at the same time.  At five months you, my sweet Lilah, are just a precious little cuddle bug and I simply can't get enough.  I could just squeeze you until you popped...but of course I'll refrain from squeezing quite THAT tight!

At five months, Lilah Elizabeth, you...

• Wear sizes 3-month or 3-6 months depending
• Wear size 2 diapers...the size 1s were just getting a little too snug and did not appear comfortable. 
• Take naps on your tummy...pediatrician approved
• Watch us all eat like a hawk which convinced me you were ready for your first "real" food.  Yummy rice cereal!  Seriously though, I'm sure glad infants don't really know any better because there is NO was that goop tastes good.
• Eat your hands...apparently at least those taste good :)
• Have tried rice, avocado and banana (in that order).  You would much prefer to eat banana over the avocado, and it's actually still one of your favorites.  Also tried carrots, but that did not sit well with your tummy at the time.
• We thought you had an allergy to rice.  On the positive side, we don't.  On the negative side, we had a horrid case of the stomach bug which resulted in an eventual trip to TCH to rule out a few more serious possibilities.  Thankfully, all of those tests were normal and the stomach bug ended up running its course after about two weeks.
• Went to visit JuJu, Tia and Uncle Daniel for the first time
• Took your first non-sling bath on 10/28
• At just over four months you could prop yourself up and sit unassisted for a few seconds.  A couple weeks later you had sitting mastered.
• Love the exersaucer
• Hate lying on your back
• Sleep on your side or tummy.  It doesn't take you long to flip yourself off your back anymore.  I think sometimes you wonder why we even bother.
• Can put your paci back in by yourself!  Thank you for this :)  Funny how in one month, you went from not really being interested to being slightly infatuated!
• Love to stand and can do so with a little support.
• Have mastered rolling
• Enjoyed your first Thanksgiving and did great with all the driving ~ so much better than I anticipated.  Truth be told, I was dreading that car trip like the plague.  Sometimes I like being proven wrong :)  
• Spent a few days without Mommy while I was in NYC.  You did amazing for Daddy but boy, did I miss my babies!
• Thanksgiving was also your first official trip to the "farmlet"
• Participated and had a great time at our first annual Kids Christmas Crafting party
• Love playing with C-man (aka Crenson)
• Get the biggest smile on your face in the mornings when Sophia comes to say good morning.  You still adore your sister more than anyone else.  I mean I like to think you love me the most, but I'm just not all that sure that's the case.
• Put yourself to sleep really well.  You might chat and coo for a while, but you thankfully don't normally require swing time or cry it out (though there are the random moments).
• Have the most contagious smile and laugh.  Half the time, I don't even know what's funny but it doesn't even matter, I laugh right along with you.
• Love when your Daddy gets home, and I happen to know the smile you give him absolutely melts his heart.
• And finally, as always, are a true joy to our home.  Funny how we didn't know anything was missing until you came along.  You are so incredibly special baby girl.  Never forget it and never let anyone make you feel otherwise.

We love you to the moon and back.  

Forever and always,

Mommy

Now do you know why I could just squeeze her until she pops?!

I mean SOOOO cute!!!!!!

Sisterly love...

 A little more successful than last month :)

Four Months and Fabulous!

I can't believe that I am writing this so late. Our four months of fabulous is drawing close to being a stunning seven month old.  Insert tears and mamma's broken heart here.  Oh, how I love ever single moment and every single milestone.  And yet, for each of those milestones, I am watching my baby grow up entirely too fast.

This sweet little princess is such a precious blessing.  I just hope one day, she truly understands how much we love her, because words simply won't do it justice.  I will spend every day of my life loving on these two little angels...even when they are cranky teenagers, brilliant college students, and parents of their own.

For as long as I live, my babies you'll be.

And at four months my precious angel, you...

• Moved to your own room and slept in your big girl crib :(  You slept from 11pm-7am and only woke up once around 3:45 (and stayed in our room after that).  I won't lie, Mommy missed her baby.  As a side note, we moved you to your crib on September 14th...one day after your three month birthday.  Mainly because it was a Friday night and your Daddy would be able to help more since he didn't have to work the next day.  Of course, then you were just an absolute champ and it wouldn't have mattered anyway :)
• Wear sizes 3-month or 3-6 months depending
• Are about ready to move up to size 2 diapers...basically we are just trying to get rid of size 1s first
• Had your first case of serious allergies :/  But then, who didn't?
• Attended your first playgroup
• Took some pretty stinking cute 3-month photos
• Learned to blow bubbles with your mouth and find yourself pretty entertaining...but then so do I!  I could seriously stare at you all day...
• You are trying desperately to imitate our faces and actually do pretty well sometimes.
• Like to pretend "fly"...the laughter is awesome, the spit-up that often rains down on me not so much :/
• Have so much drool you could compete with a big, slobbery dog.  You are much more precious than that though :)
• Are a CHATTERBOX and we love it!  Maybe you could say MaMa first???  Just maybe!
• Love your Bumbo and Super Seat.  Super Seat is our saving grace during dinner time.  Thank you Summer Infant!
• Can roll from back to front (9/25) but not without taking a brief side stop.  It's a lot of work I know!  Have to take a breather from time to time :)
• Are trying to master front to back, but just don't seem to be motivated enough just yet.
• Had a serious increase in regards to spit-up.  You still come in second place in this area though ~ your sister definitely beats you out.  Heck, I don't know if anyone had most spit-up than your sister!
• Tolerate tummy time much better.  FINALLY!
• Watch your sister like a hawk.  You seriously think she is the coolest person ever.  I have a feeling that Daddy and I will always play second fiddle to your beloved Sophia!
• Had your first Daddy and daughters day while Mommy hosted a baby shower.  Thank you for being cooperative, but I sure did miss you bunches.
• Were one ADORABLE strawberry for Halloween!
• And for my favorite item on the list for sure...laugh A LOT :)

Finally, and most importantly, you have showed me how much love one person can truly have.  I never knew I could love two people so very, very much.  You girls are the light of my life, and I will live every day trying to make you proud to be my daughters.

I love you to the moon and back, forever and always.
Mommy

Oh, the struggle for the "perfect" sibling picture!  

I didn't get it, but these crack me up :) 

Poor Lilah...