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!!!

Tummy Time!

We work on tummy time every day....some days are better than others. This particular day, she was much more interested in her newest discovery....her hands! She did get very chatty towards the end...probly telling us she was done!

Precious Days

Big girl is 2 months old!!

10 lb 4 oz 22.5 in

Miss Abby's 2 month birthday came and went, with an exciting trip to the pediatrician's office. She was 10 lbs 4 oz, and 22.5 inches, 50th percentile for both! The doctor was very pleased with her eating, her head control, and her social smiles. She also impressed him with bearing weight (she even showed off and stood on one leg!) with a little help for balance. Her eating habits are right on track, so we'll stick with what we're doing. She seems to be good at letting us know when she's ready for bigger bottles. Such an excellent communicator =)

Mommy's blood pressure may have been the only abnormal thing at the appointment. Giving babies shots is all well and good until it's your own baby!! Abby did much better than I did, all things considered. We left the office after 4 shots, an oral vaccine, and one broken heart for me! We stuck with round-the-clock Tylenol for the next day or so, and Abby was such a champ. Sleeping seems to be her coping mechanism of choice, which is quite the blessing for us. I will take a sleepy baby over an inconsolable baby any day of the week. Besides, it gave us extra excuses for snuggling!

In an exciting change of plans, Abby is officially (albeit temporarily) going to have her very own nanny! Our neighbors, and dear friends, next door have a daughter a few years younger than us looking for work until she starts design school in the fall. We had always joked about her being our nanny, but now it looks like it's our reality! I could not be more grateful to have someone special to us staying with Abby. That's at least a few more months that Abby can be in her own home, away from germs, with one-on-one interaction and attention!

I've been struggling a little (aka - A LOT) with the thought of leaving her everyday. It's so strange to think that being "me" was ever anything besides being Abby's mommy. I never pegged myself for the kind of person who would long to be a stay-at-home mom, but being Abby's mom and Brian's wife seems to be a pretty satisfying job at the moment. For my boss's sake (who I'm sure is reading this), yes I am going back to work =) I love my hospital, and the people I work with. There will surely be tears in a few weeks, but it will be great to see my friends again....even some of the docs (wow, I must be crazy)! For now, I will cherish the days I have left at home with her, and take solace in knowing that this is normal, and thousands of other mom's have survived it! I'm so thankful to have my fellow mommies to talk me through it. Holly, Melissa, Erin, and soon-to-be mommy Mel.....thanks for everything!

Some more pics, just since she's so cute =P

Bath time is getting much better....

Big sister, Dora, keeping an eye on things...

Just hangin out on my boppy...

Counting down the days until we have sunshine and spring weather, but for now we'll just look forward to Abby's first St. Patty's Day.....appropriately dressed, of course! Love you all!

Blessings

Only a few more days until our 2 month appointment! Time is flying by, and I can't believe how big she has gotten. We've had so many exciting things over the last couple weeks...it's hard to keep track!

On 6 week birthday, Big Girl Abby slept in her crib! Still swaddled (she loves to be a peanut) but every night has gotten better and better. Only once or twice since then has she woken up in the middle of the night...probably to keep me on my toes and remind me how grateful I should be for full nights of sleep. Mornings are wonderful! When she wakes up, I unwrap her and let her watch her mobile (which she LOVES) for a few minutes while I make a bottle and pick out a cute outfit for her. Then we have lots of smiles and talking while she gets dressed. She especially loves "Wheels on the Bus" (I did that one to myself, can't be too mad)

We officially had our first laugh, which of course made Mommy melt and Daddy sad he missed it (he got his own laugh the next day, no worries). Smiles all over the place, and lots of conversation. Somehow I get the feeling that once she starts talking, she will never stop! We are working on reaching and grabbing, but her "muffins" are still pretty clenched when she's playing and excited! We've also discovered that she is truly her mother's daughter....she loves to read! She is very picky about which books we read, and the current favorite is The Belly Button Book =)

We also have had our first few trips to church. Figured we would start out in the cry room, just in case things didn't go well...but of course she was an angel every time! In fact, she was the best behaved child in the room (and I can honestly say we were the best behaved parents)! No more cry room from now on....next week we'll work our way into the back of the church in a real pew =) Like our deacon says....the children belong to our parish too....if anyone doesn't like it, they can go to another church!

It was a good thing we had the practice, since yesterday was Abby's baptism! It was an exciting and eventful weekend, with family flying and driving in to meet the guest of honor. We spent a wonderful Saturday night with Daddy's extended family, and Abby just soaked up all the attention and new faces. She was passed around for lots of love, and was sufficiently worn out by the end of the night, but it was a great visit!

She kept up her perfect baby status on Sunday, waking up in a smiley mood. She had a great bathtime (not always the case in our house), and was dressed and fluffy (that red hair of hers) to head to St. Raphael's. Thanks to Mommy's cousins, Abby was able to wear our family gown. ...made by her Great Great Grandma. It was the gown Mommy wore for her baptism!

Abby behaved herself quite well during the ceremony...even when her Godmother's baby bump was kicking her =P Deacon Larry was an entertaining celebrant, and Cousin Tyler even got to help bless the water! When it was our turn, we headed over to the baptismal font. She was awake and calm.....the water was warmed....she looked a little worried with the first pour....by the time the Deacon got to "and the Holy Spirit" the whole church knew how she felt about baths! After a few minutes of her first church solo, and a binky, it was back to sleep in Mommy's arms. Uncle Tony and Auntie Mel were proud Godparents, and we are so blessed to have them.

There was something our Deacon said during the baptism that really stuck with me. His grandmother used to tell him that when a baby is laying in the crib, and smiles to themselves....it's not a reflex or gas....they are remembering how it felt to be with the angels before they were born. On Abby's baptism, and everyday, she is so blessed to have her angels watching over her and us. She reminds us every time she smiles =)

We're all smiles!

So many more milestones, and it hasn't even been six weeks yet!

Most interesting updates:

Miss Abby is allergic to cow's milk, and is now officially a vegan. Her tummy (and her buns) are doing much better with soy formula. At our one month pediatrician's appointment, she weighed in at a wopping 8 lb 12 oz! It was only the 50th percentile, but considering how far her weight dropped and dealing with the milk allergy, she's moving in the right direction. Here is our one month photo:

In other news, she is officially a social butterfly! She's been "talking" more and more everyday. Lots of goo's and ahh's, especially when she is playing on her whale mat. And....we have smiles! For the first few weeks, we saw the fleeting smiles that make you wonder if they were real or just gas (with her, the latter is always a distinct possibility). Now, we have real social smiles! She especially loves it when Daddy tells her how pretty she is =) We even caught one on camera!

Maternity leave is almost half over already, and I can't imagine not seeing her for longer than a couple hours! I do miss all of my friends at work, and will be excited to stretch my brain again. For now, we are attempting to get onto some sort of schedule, and enjoying the time where my only job is to stare at her while she is sleeping and wonder....how in the world did we make something so perfect??

Thank you to everyone who has visited and called and brought food and given Brian and I the gift of adult interaction. We are so lucky to have all of you! I can't wait for the weather to get better so we can have more adventures to meet more of our friends and family! We're excited for the christening, so Abby can meet more of the Pittsburgh family. She even donned her special outfit for her first Super Bowl. Unfortunately, she wasn't the good luck charm Daddy was hoping for, but it made for a great first family photo (even if Uncle Tony was reluctant to be our cameraman out of principle):

Everyone stay warm, and have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Love to you all <3