What Do Babies Need?

March 30, 2013 by Sara

He got in big trouble right before this picture was taken. I don't remember what for; probably his mouth. Then all of a sudden he decided to sit down and "read" Evelyn one of his favorite books,

Sammy the Seal

. I creeped army-style across the kitchen floor to catch a pic before the moment was lost. Turned out they both stayed a while, even after hearing my shutter click. I got lucky.

I suggested Sam read one of Evelyn's favorite books to her, a book called

Babies

which happened to be one of Sam's favorites, too. The first page has a picture of a baby making a funny face and the first sentence is, "What do babies need?". Evie laughs at that page every time, just like Sam did.

Evie at Four Months

March 21, 2013 by Sara

Evelyn Mae you are four months today! I don't know if it's because I posted your last month's update a week late or what, but this four-month post snuck up on me. This month went by fast! You are growing like a weed and are full of personality.

You were so good at the doctor's office today. You cooed and squealed so loud while we were waiting for Dr. G. and then talked to him throughout your check-up. He commented right away on your big beautiful eyes and you gave him the first of several big grins. I think he was a bit smitten with you this visit! How could he not be? You are the sweetest, smiliest little girl we've ever known.

Measurements -

weight - 15 lb, 11 oz -- 80%

length - 25.3 in

-- 85%

head - 16.8 in

-- 95%

(the nurse told you she wanted to measure your head for your princess crown!)

Clothes - You're still in 3-6 month clothing and while most outfits fit perfectly, some are a little on the snug or short-side, so I wouldn't be surprised if you can wear your 6-9 months clothes a little sooner than we thought.

Diapers - You're still in a size 2 but they're getting tight!

Feedings - You're still eating around 5 times a day, for a total of about an hour a day. You eat around 8, 11, 3, 7 and 11.

Sleeping - You're still a great sleeper. Most of the time you sleep with your arms over your head, but this past week I've also seen you sleeping on your side. You look so cute when you do that. You take several naps a day, the most predictable one being about an hour or two after waking up in the morning. You get sleepy in the late afternoon, too, which leaves you waking up just in time for Mommy to sit down to dinner. We need to adjust that naptime!

This month you've become quite a bit stronger. Tummy time is lasting longer and upsetting you less and less. Dr. G. was impressed with your strength, too. You started rolling over from your tummy to your back, so I have to keep repositioning you during tummy time. I suspect it's partly a gravity issue - all you have to do is tilt your 95th percentile-head a little to one side and over you go! You surprised Mommy last week by rolling from your back to your side while you we're playing in your gym. Good job - that takes some work! I was happy for you, but a little sad for me because I knew that likely meant you and I would be getting up in the middle of the night for a while, as I would have to stop swaddling you in case you rolled over in the night. Turns out I was right - once I started putting you to sleep with your arms out of your swaddle you broke your sleeping-through-the-night streak, just shy of two months. You only wake up once or twice a night though, and once I give you binky back you usually fall back asleep. You never wake me up by crying, either. You just squawk or fake-cough and when I come in to check on you you're grinning ear-to-ear!

You and Sam are still whooped over each other. He coos and baby-talks to you constantly - "Motherese" I think it's called. It's very sweet and I'm glad he's got such a nurturing streak, but good golly, sometimes his little four-year-old voice goes up so high when he's talking to you I'm afraid he's going to shatter glass. It doesn't seem to bother you, though! A couple of times this month you both woke up before me and I found Sam in your nursery talking and reading to you while you lay in your crib. You two have lovely chats!

You tried the Bumbo for the first time this month. You like it okay and I hope you'll like it a little better once your head gets a bit stronger. You also still love to be held and walked around or "standing" on our laps. You are chewing on your fingers a lot and drooling some, too, so we suspect you've got some teeth wiggling their way up. I bet we'll see them in a couple of months. You hold toys for a little while once you get a grip on them and often try to chew on them. You prefer trying to stuff your hand in your mouth, though!

Just like Brother, you love Elizabeth Mitchell's music. Sam's favorite album was Little Bird, while yours seems to be Blue Clouds. When you're upset I can play or sing "Hop Up My Ladies" or "Arm in Arm" and you instantly stop crying and listen. Works like a charm every time. And, just like Brother, the TV seems to catch your attention every once in a while. Uh-oh, not yet little one!

Happy four months Evie - We love you!

Growing Girl!

Your official four-month chair photo

And...Sam's four-month chair photo!

With Daddy

March 20, 2013 by Sara

Watching Sam's t-ball practice with Daddy.

Lots to see from way up here...

February Phone Dump

March 20, 2013 by Sara

Jeepers this took forever! Not only did I take a lot of iPhone pics in February, my computer was having fits every time I tried to download them off my phone. Took numerous tries over the last two weeks and countless computer restarts just to get things in place. Hope March goes a little more smoothly. Love having these little snapshots of our daily life, though, so it's still worth it. Enjoy!

fussy day, pretty girl | laughing at brother | doing the twist | showing her tummy

changing table | watching the Super Bowl | snoozing with Pops | snuggling with Gram | watching Ladybug

laying on her quilt at the park | shopping at Aldi | watching the boys play at the playground

first bottle | Granny Nell | at the park with Mommy

Willowbend with Great Grandma | watching Mommy cook | Uncle Randy's mini-me

soccer and playground with Daddy

keepin' it real - bottom three pics are Sam's room

before

we cleaned, top is after, and a rare sight...

Granny Nell and Aunt Dell come to visit. I didn't make them clean this time!

Let's just caption this little collection "future blackmail"

Sam said, "Look Mom, we're cheek-to-cheek!"

Evelyn's Valentine present | Daddy's present (chocolate!) | my Valentine presents

Sam signing Mickey Mouse Valentine cards for his class | Sam strumming his neck-roll like a guitar to a Jason Mraz song | notes from Mom and Dad in the mailbox, heart waffles in the toaster!

reading at the library | kindly spreading weeds throughout the neighborhood | scrubbing potatoes with Gram

our very own Buster Bluth | doing dishes for Gram | having fun at Hobby Lobby

stretchy Evie | Ev bored at the library | Mommy and Evie at the park on a chilly day

napping while Brother was at school | kisses from Brother

Mommy and Evie by the duck pond | Evie chillin' at Market Street | Sam kicking the ball

pretty sky at the park | wearing her new shirt and headband

smiley girl | snuggles with Daddy | trying to wake you up for the day

Sam ♥ Evie | visiting Gram | scrubbing potatoes

Dishes Will Have to Wait

March 07, 2013 by Sara

I put Evelyn on our bed while I folded clothes this afternoon and she fell asleep, almost right away. I had planned on doing dishes when I was finished with the laundry. I couldn't leave her alone on the bed, so impromptu photoshoot it was. Oh, darn...