Just keep swimming....

We got Daddy a whale pool for father's day, and finally got a chance to put it up. Water must have been a little cool....she was not a fan at first! As the water warmed up, so did Abby, and I think she enjoyed herself in the end! Maybe now we can go in a real pool =)

Jumping Bean

I told you she goes a little crazy....this one's actually pretty tame =)

Happy Half Birthday!!

I can't believe this Muffin is already 6 months old! Probably since her size runs a little closer to someone much younger =) The pediatrician told us it must just be genetics that she will be tall and skinny....not sure whose genetics, but we won't quibble. At least her sizeable head (75th %ile) can be attributed to both sides of the family! Our 6 month measurements were only 14lb, 12 oz (30th %ile) and 26 inches (55th %ile), but we're growing steadily.

Tummy time continues to be not one of her favorite times of the day. Smiles and playing last about 3 minutes, then it's "get me outta here!" Sitting up is going wonderfully, though. She could spend all day on the floor with her toys. She is also in looove with her jumper....we will have to take a video of her going bizerk, a description just doesn't do it justice. Daddy has been teaching her to take steps, and she loves to stand up. Sitting still is not high on her priority list anymore!

4th of July in an outfit from Grandma

Walkin in the grass with Daddy

We had our first battle with being sick. Nothing horrible, just a couple days of the stomach bug. Pedialyte to the rescue (much to her dismay). She would much rather eat her food than drink anymore, and the 1 oz at a time of Pedialyte was not her idea of a good time. But we survived, and we're back to experimenting with new foods! Only prunes left before we have tried all the fruits and vegetables. Daddy even let her try feeding herself......needless to say, there is still some growing to do with that =P

I didn't do it, Mom....

This summer has given us lots of time to meet and see friends, and Abby is willing to give smiles to anyone who will have them! We finally got to see her godmother (Auntie Mel), and meet her new little man, Eli. The Newell's living room was certainly taken over by babies, with Will making an appearance as well. It was wonderful, and somewhat surreal to spend time in a house I spent most of elementary school in with my best friends and our children! There are still some days that I can't believe she's really here, but that day was a beautiful awakening. It's amazing to see our lives come full circle, and I couldn't be happier that we're doing it together. Now we just have to introduce Abby to Miss Olivia from Florida, and the gang will be complete!

Eli looking concerned...

Chillin with Auntie Mel

I've never thought she looked big before...

Will was definitely more excited about this encounter...

Best buds with Cousin Tyler

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. Stay cool and will try to update again soon!

Happy Memorial Day!

Miss Abby had her first parade (half of which she slept through) and her first BBQ for Memorial Day! It was a beautiful day (albeit hot and sweaty), with plenty of sunshine. For being a little woman who does not like being hot, she was in a fairly pleasant mood all day. Momma was a bit spoiled, being home with her for so many days in a row...so Muffin decided to show off with her skills sitting up!

Watchin the parade

Am I outside??

They were having a sweating contest...

So big!!

Passing the time with new toys, and counting down the days until Abby gets to meet her new friend, Eli!

Things here continue to be one day at a time with never enough hours in the day, but plenty of smiles and snuggles. I can't believe she'll be six months old soon! Hard to imagine a time when she wasn't here....I suppose that's the way it's meant to be =)

For my next trick...

Somebody has decided that reclining is for babies, and big girls should sit up!

Sorry it's been so long!

Busy, busy girl...so much to tell! I'm sorry it's been so long, this little baby keeps me hopping! Every day is an adventure, but one that we wouldn't trade for the world.

4 months old! 65th %ile for length, 30th for weight - pretty consistent on her own curve!

Miss Abby had her first trip to Pittsburgh! She did wonderful in the car (not that we expected anything different, of course) with just a few rest stops to eat and stretch. She was quite the celebrity, meeting many of her adoring fans, smiling and melting hearts all around. She got to hear Daddy play his trumpet at church for the first time, and met most of the family friends at St. Louise!

The Easter bunny found us in Bethel Park, and did not disappoint! Complete with an Elmo easter basket, Abby came home well equipped with blocks, bunnies, and binkies. She dazzled in her several Easter outfits, including her new dress!

Taking over Tom's recliner

Easter at St. Louise

Pretty Easter Baby!

Intrigued by her goodies...

Now that the weather is nice, we love being outside! The sun we can handle, although Momma insists on the floppy hat...you know how us redheads burn! The wind, however, produces the ultimate sour face and takes her breath away. She's taken walks in the stroller with Miss Kim, sitting up like a big girl, and we've had a family outing to the park. We even had our first trip to the zoo for Momma's first Mother's Day!

Lookin at the flowers with Daddy

Eating has certainly taken an interesting leap....into solid foods! As instructed by Abby's pediatrician (who is wonderful!), we started with baby oatmeal. First try was interesting...she was not so sure about it....and by the 3rd day she was opening her mouth for the spoon! We've now moved on to rice cereal, and will start veggies next week if she's still doing well. Things are still a little messy, but it's more fun that way!

Yummo!

Abby's not the only one with exciting milestones going on....we finally made it to Daddy's commencement! For those that don't know, he finished his MBA in July and was scheduled to walk at December commencement. Slight change of plans when I started having contractions on the morning of graduation....which unfortunately ended up being a false alarm, but we had already missed it! So, after a few pleading emails to CSU on my part, the dean of the business school approved for him to walk in May! It was a torrential downpour for most of the day, but it let up just long enough for a few family pictures.

Five months old next week, I can't believe it's going so fast!

Fears and Firsts

Well, we have officially made it three months, and everyone is still happy! The last few weeks have been packed with conquering old fears and celebrating firsts! It's hard to keep up with all of the exciting milestones, but here is the brief version =)

3 months old....11 pounds 9 oz, 23.5 inches

After months of tears every time we tried it....Miss Abby is finally ok with her swing! I don't know if she just had to get big enough, or just wasn't ready to like it, but I am grateful she enjoys it now. It gives her a change of scenery, and another place to be safe while I get things done! She has even fallen asleep in it once or twice with her new favorite toy (her Wubbanub).

The Wubbanub is our new best friend. She still has a little trouble keeping the pacifier in her mouth, so this lets her hold on and get it back in her mouth herself. It's been a big help in the car, and when we're trying to get her to fall asleep on her own for naptime. Also a big help in trying to keep her hands out of her mouth (which is CONSTANTLY). We just ordered 2 more!

We also had our first try with the Bumbo chair! The first time didn't last very long, but she's doing better and better every time. Yesterday, she even reached and spun her rattle while she was sitting up, so pretty soon we'll get the tray for her Bumbo so she can sit and play with her toys.

First try started like this....

and ended like this =)

No rolling yet, but she definitely is thinking about it! If we're laying on the floor, she brings those knees up, but can only make it to her side if she's holding onto someone's hand. I'm not in too much of a hurry...I like the sanity of knowing she will be right where I left her if I look away! Also, the pediatrician recommended no more swaddling once she can roll herself over....a little nervous about how bedtime will go without her swaddle!

Another fun first, was our first walk in the carrier! She loooved looking around, wasn't so sure about the cold breeze, and eventually snuggled up and fell asleep for most of the walk. Overall, a huge success!

Speaking of fears and firsts, Mommy conquered her biggest fear and survived her first week back at work!! Every one has been very supportive, and there is certainly plenty of work to keep me busy! Day 1 was ok....a welcome back banner from friends at work, and lots of hugs and excitement over her pictures. Day 2 was rough, to say the least. It was missing the nervous excitement, and was just plain hard to leave her. Plus, we had a patient on the floor code, who was pretty close to Abby's size. Everyone warned me that this job is different once you have kids of your own....never imagined how true that would be. I went home and squeezed my baby, had a good cry, and listened to my wise husband...he reminded me that we leave her because we love her and want to give her a great life. Kim (our babysitter) is wonderful! I get a picture message everyday and she has been incredibly helpful. I come home to a happy, chatty baby that I can cover with kisses (after I change my clothes and scrub like I'm prepping for the OR, of course)!

Flowers and a card for Momma after her first week at work

Still trying to get used to the new routine, but it will come with time. As soon as we can get some warm, sunny days, it will be better for all of us! Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Giddings will be coming home from Florida soon, and we'll be heading to Pittsburgh for Easter, so Abby will continue to be a celebrity! I am always so proud to show her off, but not-so-secretly covet the days where we can snuggle and we don't have to share her with anyone else =)

Now we're just waiting for Baby Reynolds to get here so Abby can find out if her BFF is a boy or a girl! I know I'm not the only one hoping that baby makes an appearance soon!!!