Four Months

As of December 7th, Maria is officially 4 months old! Here are some recent facts and stats:

• Weighs 14 lbs. 5 oz.
• 25 inches long
• Wears size 2 diapers
• Chewing/mouthing anything she can get her hands on
• Grabbing her feet
• Just beginning to laugh
• Blowing spit bubbles
• Loves bouncing in her Rainforest Jumperoo
• Looking as adorable as ever!

We love you, precious Babers!

~ Mommy & Daddy

Blessing in Disguise

I know I posted a while back that I had gotten a job and would soon be returning to work. Well, long story short, that position did not work out and I have since been on the job market. Suffice it to say, I have LOVED spending these last 4 months with my precious baby girl. I think the Lord had this little blessing for me all along and I am thankful for the opportunity He's given me. When the time comes, I will return to work with a joyful heart and many fond memories of our special season together. Maria has been the best (and most difficult!) boss I've ever had the pleasure of working for!

Lesson Learned

I'll admit it: Tim was right.

I really wanted to have some family photos taken for a Christmas card this year, so we asked our talented friend Jeff to take some for us. With the weather getting colder and the sun setting earlier, we quickly made plans to get it done. We also knew that with a baby, our time (and her patience) would be limited!

The day came and as I discussed my plans to change her and feed her right beforehand, Tim suggested I wait and change her outfit at the park so as to avoid any wardrobe mishaps involving bodily fluids. I, of course, thought I could escape such tragedy using various methods of coverings, so went to feed her, both of us wearing our picture-perfect outfits. As I sat her up to burp her, I heard and SAW an explosion coming from the top-back of her diaper, under her adorable dress. Unfortunately her outfit was an instant casualty, and because of my slow response time, so was mine. I yelled to Tim, through my laughter and he gave a knowing smile. He didn't even have to say "I told you so!"

Needless to say, Jeff did a great job, but I couldn't get over the hurried outfit choices, so we took another, less professional photo on Thanksgiving that we will be using instead! Sorry, Jeff :)

Three Months

Three months is so much fun! Maria is full of smiles (although I could not capture one during our photo shoot), 'talking' up a storm, and must be only days away from giving us her first giggles. I've noticed so many changes in her in just the last week or so and I am amazed at her development. She is reaching, touching, grabbing, trying to sit up, starting to blow bubbles, splashing in her bath, and her reactions to us are priceless! We have also had incredible breakthrough with her nap and nigh time sleeping. She has slept well at night for a while now, but only in her bassinet in our room, and naps have been a bit of a struggle. This week, we moved her to her crib in the nursery and she learned how to suck her thumb to soothe herself which have made all the difference. Now she is taking 3-4 short naps throughout the day and sleeping 9-11 hours at night, waking only once or not at all! Like I said, 3 months is such a great age!

Two Months

Maria turned 2 months old yesterday! We had her check-up today and she is one, healthy girl! She is 22.5 inches long and weighs 11 lbs. 7 oz. She did have her first shots, too, but they were only slightly traumatic. After a quick cry, she was easily consoled by her daddy. I can't believe how much we love our baby girl!

Stay at Home Mom

For the past 7 and a half weeks, I have been lucky enough to stay at home with my precious baby. Monday will be my first day back to work and even though it's only part-time, I will miss her. Time seems to be flying by and I don't want to miss one special moment with my little girl. Thankfully, though, her daddy will be the one to watch her while I work, so I know that will be a special time for the two of them. Oh, the stories I'll hear when I come home!

Maria,

Mommy has LOVED being home with you for these first 8 weeks of your life. Each day we learn a little more about each other and each day I grow to love you more. I love snuggling you before you fall asleep and giving you baths in the kitchen sink. I love playing together after I change your diaper and having silly conversations about your puppy, Oliver or your buddy, Mortimer. Now it will be just you and Daddy in the morning and you will have so much fun! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Love,

Mommy

One Month Old!

As of September 7th, Maria is already a month old! Where has the time gone? We have learned A LOT this past month and have enjoyed getting to know our little bird. Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen?!