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...

Wow...

How has it already been two months since I updated the blog???  It kind of makes me sad...sad because I wish I was caught up, but more because that means my girls are already two months older.  I honestly don't understand where the time goes.  I just know I am soaking up every single second I possibly can, while always praying I'm doing at least an "ok" job.

A lot has happened in the last two months.  Milestones, a whole lot of germs and sick kiddos, holidays, vacations...oh, and a little thing called officially becoming a stay at home mom.  Best decision we ever made.

Life is chaotic but wonderful.  Crazy but beautiful.  Exhausting but blessed.  I'd like to promise updates soon, but who am I kidding?  I don't know if that's all that realistic.  I'll just have to add it to that always growing to-do list.  And until then, just know we are happy, (relatively) healthy and loving our life!

Praying life has been good to each of you as well!

Bumbo Double Take

I love the comparison shots...

I think it's pretty obvious they are sisters.  They even have the same shaped hairline :)

Thrilling Three

Lilah Elizabeth,

When I start to write these blogs my hands have a hard time catching up with my mind and my mind simply cannot keep up with my heart.  I don't even have the mental capability of describing to you what my heart feels.  I promise your mother is not illiterate.  It's just that I love you more than words could ever explain.  And one day, when you are blessed with children of your own, you will finally understand.  

You are a daily reminder to me of how much our Lord loves us; how much He blesses us; and how faithful He is to grant us the desires of our hearts.  Oh sometimes it is not without a struggle; sometimes it doesn't come in the ways or timing we had planned; and sometimes He even changes our hearts.  But the one thing I promise you...His plan is perfect.  So remember to always seek Him first...He loves you even more than I do.   

At three months you ~

• Weigh approximately 12 lbs
• Still wear Size 1 diapers and 3 or 3-6 month clothes.
• Average approximately 4 oz per feed.
• Have the most adorable "chunky monkey" thighs.  I have to apologize for this :/
• Kind of decided the paci is not really living up to your expectations.  Oh, it is satisfactory for brief interims, but you certainly aren't infatuated with it like your sister was.  For the record, I am not complaining about this :)
• Have the most heart melting smiles.  I'd pay a million bucks for those smiles!  And act a fool I might add...which has happened on a number of occasions.
• Officially laughed for the first time.  It wasn't much but a baby giggle all the same.
• Shown some signs of improvement on the reflux side of things.  This makes me SUPER happy!  I hate seeing either of my babies in pain ~ especially when there isn't much I can do to make it better :/
• Still a gassy little girl
• Are trying so hard to roll over.  I think you will get it pretty soon.  You just have a little more junk in your trunk to flip over than your sister did at this age.
• Have great head control 
• Discovered the lights and entertainment of the television :/  I try to make sure I turn you away from it, especially when you are in your swing or your eyes are just glued.
• Love your little pink toy with all the "doodads".  This is actually what coerced the above mentioned baby giggle out of you.
• Adore singing Wheels on the Bus, which thrills your sister since this is also one of her very favorites.
• Give me big smiles when we play Pat-a-Cake 
• Here's a BIG one ~ you slept through the night (10:30pm-6:00am)!!!  For the first time, you officially slept through the night, and you did it ON your 3-month birthday.  Happy 3-month birthday present to Mommy!  
• Experienced wonderful Texas allergies ~ so much snot for a little baby :(
• Retired the bouncy seat
• Are a great swaddle escapee
• Went to your first Kindred meeting...epic failure.  I think I missed more of the meeting than I attended.
• Thankfully did better with nursery during Bible study.
• Had a growth spurt
• Have sat in both your Bumbo and Super Seat
• Traveled to Newton and Kirbyville for the first time and did surprisingly well.  Only one stop to eat on the way there which nicely coincided with lunch anyway.  We didn't even have to stop on the way home!
• Got an impromptu visit from the Boulware clan and were spoiled rotten!
• Are beginning to show us more of your precious personality
• Can blow bubbles or at least make a valiant effort
• And finally, are an incredibly sweet, mellow, blue-eyed bundle of joy.  You bring a joy to my life that is absolutely priceless.  Being your mother will never be anything short of an absolute honor.

We love you to the moon and back sweet girl, a million times over!

All our love, always and forever,

Mommy

Sittin' Pretty :)

I like to see how long she is getting!

I think she might end up being a little shorter than Soph but definitely probably taller than Mommy.

Of course, I could be totally off base here!

And I can't leave out a little dose of sisterly love :)

Melts my heart!

Chasing Rabbits...

Do you ever feel like you are chasing rabbits?!  Cause I do!  My mind is constantly going a million miles a minute and half the time I feel like I never stop long enough to finish a complete thought.  There is always something running through my brain...always a step ahead of myself...always thinking of what I could, should, ought to be doing.

And you know what, I wouldn't change my life for anything!  I love being a mommy.  I absolutely, positively love it.

Yes, there are days when my hair looks like a bird's nest, the laundry is piled up waiting to be folded, groceries need to be bought, emails need to be sent, errands need to be run, the house needs to be cleaned and mail needs to be sorted.  Yes, there are days when I want to pull my hair out.  Yes, there are days I can't think straight.  Yes, there are days when the "home-cooked meal" is nothing more than spaghetti.  Yes, there are those days.  We all have them.

And yet, I say again...I wouldn't change my life for anything!  I love being a mommy.  I absolutely, positively love it.

So maybe, just because I am being honest and dealing with this juggling thing on a daily basis, here's what I am TRYING to learn.

My house is a home.  The Lord blessed us with it to share with our family and others.  It is not meant to be perfect.  It is not meant to be spotless.  And let's be honest...even when you do spend all day cleaning, it takes all of five seconds for the toys to fly and the dust to land!

Furthermore, my sweet girls are only small for what seems like the blink of an eye.  So the rest of the hoopla the world sees as "put together," is simply going to have to wait! I'd rather have a less than "perfect" house and happy babies than miss out on one minute of the sweet love and joy that radiates from their pores.

So when, like me, you get overwhelmed and feel a little like you are drowning in your laundry list (no pun intended) of things to do, just remember this...nap time is only so long :)  And it's never long enough to conquer the list!

So do what you do to the glory of the Lord and all else will fall into place.  Praise the Lord for that!



P.S. Soph is at school and L is napping, so I guess this Momma is about to go try and catch a couple of those rabbits :)