05.28.2013

Today was dedicated to taking it easy!! Mama napped with the baby. We took a few walks, watched the dogs at the park, played and read books. You are going through some serious separation anxiety right now! Mama can't step out of your view without you crying out. In Kansas you'd cry too until you forgot I wasn't there and then you'd be fine. I hope this doesn't last too long... I hate when you get upset, but sometimes we have to be separated. 

05.27.2013

Travel day! We left Abilene at 1:30 this morning to start making our way home. You slept in the car the whole way to Kansas City (thank gawd!) Then you slept on both flights! It was a smooth day of traveling (minus the diaper issues, 2 blow outs/leaks and one almost blowout...) We are glad to be home. Portland welcomed us in true NW style: rain, but we loved it!!

05.26.2013

Grandpapa came to visit you today! He spent the whole day at your Nana and Papa's with you. Your Aunt Adele also came as a last minute surprise! 

You had quite a big day with family, but you were also up to something else... Your second tooth pushed through today!

05.25.2013

Today was Mama's 10 year high school reunion. We were so busy having fun that Mama didn't get a photo until the end of the day! 

You were cooed over and cuddled up and kissed a ton by Mama's friends today. So many commented about how beautiful you were. And many also loved the way your hair was long on front! You got to be held by Dana, April, Lauren, Cherish, and Terra. 

05.24.2013

Today was a big day for you. We hung out with family, visited the cows at Uncle Ben's, played with the cousins, went on a walk through Brown's Park (Papa wore you in the Ergo for the first part of our walk), and in the evening we went to Aunt Melissa's for dinner where you got to meet some more of Mama's best friends (Lauren, Cherish - who you went right to and hung out with a bunch, Hans, and Jim). Then Mama and Daddy brought you back to Nana & Papa's and left you (FOR THE FIRST TIME) while they went into Abilene to see friends for the beginning of the reunion activities. You cried a bit but snoozed most of the time. Mama felt bad leaving you (& still kind of does) but knew you were in good hands with your grandparents. 

PS: No babies were licked while visiting the baby cows... Mama said not allowed!

05.23.2013

Our first day at Nana's! You got lots of attention and love! Great Grandma Olesen was there, Nana, Papa, Uncle Courtney, Uncle Ben, Aunt Desi, Tristan, Khloe. Mama's best friend Melissa came out with baby Weston. 

05.22.2013

Travel day! Today we spent the whole day traveling back to Kansas. Mama's 10  year high school reunion is this weekend. Your Great Grandma Olesen is also visiting from Moab. 

You were wonderful to travel with. I was worried about confining you to our seats in our arms since you are so active now. You did squirm and move a lot, but we were able to keep you happy enough in our seats. 

05.21.2013

You made this stinking cute face while I was trying to snap some photos of you on the bed. Your expressions are so funny to us! This is a totally Daddy face! I really hope you get his ability to make funny faces, raise your eyebrows in crazy different ways, and make all kinds of different voices. 

You are on the move. You army crawl all over the place, often ignoring your toys and heading towards things you shouldn't be into (cords to appliances, the bag for the compost to name a few). Every now and then you get up on those knees and rock a bit. I imagine you'll figure those knees out soon enough. 

05.20.2013

We ran errands today. Mama had an appointment to get her dreads tightened. Then we ran to the post office and Goodwill. You had napped at the perfect time in the morning so our errands were pretty tear free. We spent the afternoon after your second nap outside. The sunshine is so wonderful! While on the stoop, your aunt and cousins came by for a little visit too! 

05.19.2013

We often comment about how we could just eat you up. Your Aunt Jac feels the same way. This altered sign (it previously said 'incredible' was perfect for you! We found it in the park this evening on our walk. 

05.18.2013

Oh sleep has been avoiding us in the worst possible ways lately. I don't know what it is, but the sleeper you used to be is no longer. (At least for now! I am holding out hope that it'll all return to normal soon!!) You wake often and sleep best on me or snuggled up next to me. You nurse a lot through the night, too. You have been going to bed closer to 10 when we used to have you down between 8 and 9.  

Tonight, we were ready for bed, but you weren't so sure. You spent a few minutes exploring your bed (the one you aren't so hip on sleeping in lately!) You were pretty excited to spot the table holding lots of Mama's goodies through the bars of the crib. If only you could figure out how to get to them... For another night!

 

05.17.2013

This is truly your favorite book. I keep renewing it at the library, but I guess we should look into purchasing it for you instead. You love it. Daddy said it is one of the only books you'll let him read all the way through. 

05.16.2013

It has become our evening ritual to go on a walk after dinner each night. You get worn by your dad most nights, and you usually take a snooze (even though it's so close to bed time). Our destination is always the park. We loooove the park. Someday our walk will include a stop at the playground too I am sure. 

05.15.2013

Daddy was home from work today so him and Mama could get new driver'a licenses for the state of Oregon. This morning, Mama ran out of the room to take a shower, Daddy looked down for a moment and you, little speed demon, crawled right off the bed! You were okay, upset with a bump on the forehead, but okay. Daddy was shaken up. Mama was there quickly to hug and sooth you.

Mama knew a day would come when you'd likely fall off the bed. (Personally she's glad it happened on Dad's watch rather than her own... Dad would have given her a pretty hard time...) We've heard stories about other babies crawling off the edge, so I assumed there was a good chance you'd do the same. Of course now, we will be super extra careful and try to not let that happen again. We are just glad it's a short fall and that you are okay.

05.14.2013

On one of our many walks today (4 total!) we took our books back to the library and got new ones. Later this evening, while playing on the floor with you, I pulled our bag of books down and grabbed a board book to read to you. When I finished, I put you down and you crawled over to the bag to get into it. I helped you out by getting all the books out and piling them on the floor. You then crawled over to my lap, as if you wanted to read. We read each book as you sat in my lap enjoying them! I could swear that is what you were wanting - which makes me very excited!!! I do dream of you enjoying reading!

05.13.2013

Every day we thank Daddy for going to work so we can stay home together.

05.11.2013

Oh my gosh can you move? It was less than a week ago that you started pushing off with your toes to get moving across the floor at a decent speed! We can put you down and you'll play moving about your toys and books.

05.12.2013

Mama's first Mother's Day. Today, I just kept thinking about how lucky I was to be your mama, to have you be the one to make me a Mama in the first place!

We spent the day together... A lovely walk in the park this morning, lunch at the food carts (Mama brought her own lunch), a nap. We attempted to go to a garden, but it was over packed. So we got steaks, and you and Daddy took a walk while I made dinner.

Then we had this funny photo session as we enjoyed the evening on the front porch.

05.10.2013

Today was your first day of really eating with us. At breakfast you had banana (which you've had one other time). You spent most of the time squishing it in your hands. It wasn't until the end that you got some in your mouth - at which point you gagged and spit it up. You tried a few times and each time the food came out. Not sure that you actually swallowed any.

Dinner was broccoli, zucchini sticks, carrot sticks, and avocado.

05.09.2013

So many photos to choose from today. We are going with this one that your Aunt Jac took. You love Zia's car. Zia, however, doesn't love you in it!! After I took you out, she crawled in and repeated, "No Baby!" over and over.

05.08.2013

Poor sweet Sofia! Your first tooth is pushing through today and you are miserable!! Lots of crying, lots of being worn, lots of walks, lots of sleeping. It will look so darn cute when it gets in, but you poor thing!!

05.07.2013

You are still fighting something. I can tell you aren't your normal self today. I can't wait for you to be feeling all the way better. Mama took you to the doctor today because your temp was measuring low. I think we've come to the conclusion that your temp is low when you sleep and as long as everything else is okay, then we won't be alarmed.

You are 100% on the move now (even if it's just a small bit of scooting and not too terribly far yet). Soon enough you'll be zooming around the house on your hands and knees.

You have been spending a lot of time in the Ergo. Today you zonked multiple times just by being in it. I think you are trying to catch up on sleep from when you were sick with a high fever. You seem to calm down quite a bit when I wear you which makes me a huge fan of babywearing!

05.06.2013

We thought you were on the mends today. Your last fever over 100 was at about 1 a.m. You were a bit more cranky today, but I thought it was something I ate since we tried eating out at DK's yesterday. Every time I took your temperature, the reading was lower than your normal temp, but I assumed you were just being too squirmy for me to get the thermometer in your war securely.

I wasn't alarmed until the evening when we had trouble getting you to sleep and your temperature was reading in the 95s. When we woke up at 11:30, your temp was in the low 95s and even dipped to 94 something at a point. Mama panicked! We were on the phone with your pediatrician (love her!!) and it was decided to take you to the ER. (Which I guess was technically tomorrow but it is going on the day...)

At the ER, your temp was in the 96s and 97s. They checked you out but didn't seem too concerned. Because we EC, you were able to pee in a bowl for the urine sample instead of getting a catheter, which will further my support in spreading the word of EC!

05.05.2013

Mama got dreads!!! You hung out with Daddy the whole time except a few moments to nurse, but you were totally distracted from eating by Stephanie dreading my hair!

(You are still not feeling 100%. You were better this morning but your fever was back up this evening.)

05.04.2013

Your fever continued today. Last night was hard. You slept in my arms the whole night, but we were up a lot - either you were nursing or mama and papa were checking your temperature. Your father was so worried about you he couldn't sleep. He stayed up half the night to make sure you were okay.

Despite your fever you would rather be outside, so we spent the afternoon at Laurelhurst Park. You surprise me by how your fever doesn't seem to affect you like I'd have thought it would. I hope it goes away soon, but I think you'll be spending another night in my arms again tonight.

05.03.2013

We were outside again a lot today. You had your 6 month appointment. You weighed 16.12 pounds, and are in the 50th percentile for weight. You were 27 inches long and in the 90th percentile for height! You got your second round of shots for the DTaP and HIB. This afternoon you came down with a fever. We think it's from the shots. This is your first fever and your mama and papa do not love it!

Today's photo was taken by some nice ladies in the park. It's one of our last photos together (for a while) where my hair isn't dreaded!

05.02.2013

Happy half birthday!!!! How are you already 6 months old!? For half a year we have been learning how to be parents and realizing that we love you more and more and more with each new day! You are an amazing little person and we cannot wait to see who you grow to be (but take your time getting there, please!)

Your photo today shows your recent love for pillow tags. I made you a tag blanket before you were born but it is just no fun compared to pillow tags!!!

05.01.2013

Daddy got a tattoo! It's your birthdate and initials! Mama is totally jealous and can't wait to get a tattoo in your honor someday!! Will you get tattoos? (After you are 21, of course!)

04.30.2013

The upstairs is finally cleared of sickness (between Zia and P being sick we haven't hung out up there in weeks!) We spent the morning playing up there. Your cousin Z just cannot get enough of you!!!! And you cannot take your eyes off P. One of these days you'll be crawling after them. Then the next thing we'll know, you'll be running after them, and all of a sudden you 3 will be playing together!

04.29.2013

Big developments today: Moving toy shaker from one hand to the other, shaking it, eating your own pear for first time (or I guess gnawing on it... You maybe got a few chunks), and playing with the keyboard (will you be a computer nerd like your father ;)

04.28.2013

I've said it before, but I will say it again... We loooove Saturdays! Having Daddy home is our favorite! The weather continues to be amazing and Dad just wanted to be outside today. We loaded up the stroller and headed towards Mt. Tabor for some playing in the grass and a picnic!

04.27.2013

You have recently started rolling when you stir in your sleep. It wakes you all the way, of course. Sometimes I actually have to hold you to keep you on your back and to help you lull yourself back to sleep.

04.26.2013

Tonight you were teething the most I've seen yet. It makes me think you will have a tooth pop through soon, but when!?

04.25.2013

At our Alma mama group the other mamas were amazed at how you are an almost crawler. Babies shouldn't be compared because all babies do things in their own time, but some of the mamas were definitely looking at the way you turn and move compared to their own little ones... Soon you will be moving!

04.24.2013

Today included a session of Craniosacral, a walk across bridge with dad (in which you took your first nap of the day), and nap in the park (because the guy was at the house getting it earthquake ready and it was sooo loud!) We are loving this beautiful weather!!

04.23.2013

Last night was a really difficult night. You were up every 45 minutes to hour. You also woke up for over an hour in the middle of the night. I think you were having some tummy issues, despite that, you were all smiles.

We are slowly making progress with food. And slowly I mean like waiting for your birthday slow! Soon you'll be eating with us at dinner time and testing new foods! And while that's exciting, it's also a bit sad watching time pass and you grow.

This is the photo we used to send Uncle Bric birthday wishes. It's a favorite now!!

04.22.2013

Oh how you love P! This morning we got to hang out with them for a bit after they woke up. You do not take your eyes off your cousins, and you especially love when P tries to make you smile!

04.21.2013

Last night you were up a lot. Mama was a bit unsure what was going on at certain points in the night... So when we woke up in the morning, she convinced Dad to take you while she tried to snooze a bit longer. You went on a walk with him to get coffee and to the park. I am so excited for you to spend time alone with your father. When you're big enough, you'll be begging him to take you to the playground.

04.20.2013

We love the weekends! Today we did lots of weekend things... We slept in, well in a way. You get up early, but you go back to sleep about an hour after you get up, so mama just laid back down to sleep when you did. We then went to get coffee. We hung out around the house being bums. Mama cleaned a little. You went on a walk with Daddy while Mama took a shower and started a sewing project. We cuddled and played. Your cousin, P, came over for a while too! P came over after you'd fallen asleep, but despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to put you to bed... I tried, but by the time I made it to the living room to turn on the video monitor you had rolled over and gotten ahold of the camera. When I turned it on I expected to see my sweet sleeping baby but instead I saw my sweet awake baby handling the camera! It made me giggle!!

04.19.2013

You are starting to move more! The past day or two you've been working those arms to turn your body and go to completely different places!! I think you'll be crawling in our near future!! You'll love being able to move on your own. While we can't wait to see you do this, we are still very happy with an immobile baby - so feel free to take your time. Master sitting and enjoy the time you can just sitting and playing sweetly before you jump right into crawling!!

04.18.2013

This is the hairdo you sported today. Last night was bath night. Some bath nights... Well most bath nights end with a mad dash to get your pajamas on before you fall apart completely, which leaves less time for styling your hair!

And your tongue. You've been sticking it out like this when you smile sometimes and it is. So. Cute!!

Phoenix hung out with us this afternoon and evening because your sweet cousin Z came down with a fever and had to go to the ER again. You enjoyed having him over and watched him with a smile through most of dinner! We missed Z and wish she were feeling better!! And of course we missed your aunt and uncle too, but having P over was definitely fun and we must do it again soon!!!

04.17.2013

Your naps were a bit off today, especially your long afternoon nap. You ended up taking it earlier and for a shorter time. With a little sunshine and a whole afternoon ahead, I decided we would go to the nursery for plants for our porch. You were so funny because each plant I'd pick up you'd reach for from the Ergo.

We ended up spending a little time planting on the front porch, you hanging out in the Bumbo seat playing with your toys and toes and watching people pass by. The rest of the planting was done while you hung out with Daddy during the evening.

The photo today is from our evening naked baby music making play time on the bed before jammies get put on. This is one of my favorite times of the day and yours too! You laugh the most during this time!!

04.16.2013

We did lots of hanging out today. We seem to both be fighting the cold. You are also continuing to fight off some bad food... Last Thursday Mama took a homeopathic for a sore throat, not even thinking to check the label. Turns out there's lactose in it... We've been off dairy for months! Eek! I had also started testing chicken (but symptoms started before the chicken could have been completely to blame). Most likely, I am assuming it was the dairy. Poor you, your skin freaked out. You had the worst diaper rash you have ever had, crying and squirming at each diaper change. You got the baby version of diarrhea... For many days... All this made me realize what a good thing it is that I am doing this diet. Sometimes people are unaware of the causes for these two things and don't watch what goes into the baby's body. Seeing you miserable would just break my heart (does break my heart!) I am just so happy to be actively trying to figure out what does and doesn't work for you!

04.15.2013

Now Mama is starting to feel Daddy's sickness. Of course Mama has it so nice being able to stay home with you, but when it comes to being sick, Mama will learn all too quickly that the time of the sick days has passed!! This means today and the next few days will be spent taking it easy and napping with the baby! So lots of naps little one!!

P.S. Your Aunt Kendra and Aunt Jac love your smile in the top right photo. You've started doing that recently!! Hehe!

04.14.2013

Daddy was still feeling under the weather so it was another day of hanging out with the mama. We can't wait for him to feel better!!

04.13.2013

Your father and I sit around being amazed and in awe of you beautiful baby girl! We wonder if any other parents feel this way about their kids... You are truly beautiful and amazing and perfect to us!!! Our love for you grows exponentially each day!!

04.12.2013

Dear Baby Girl,

I am watching you sleep right this moment and a rush of emotion is overtaking me. You are more amazing than I'll ever be able to explain. You are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. You are more loved than I ever thought possible. I want you to know that I do my very best to be in the moment with you and enjoy you to the fullest. I hope I can always be this way, and I hope I always remember to tell you just how special you are to me. I want you to never doubt that you are loved and that you are one of our favorite parts of our lives!

Love,
Your Mama

04.11.2013

Daddy is sick. Which means we are trying to take care of him while trying not to catch what he has (a nasty head cold). Mama has yet to be sick since you were born (& actually she hasn't been sick since right around the time she found out you were growing inside!)

We spent part of our day outside even though the weather seems to have turned chilly the past few days. You continue to keep you eyes on Zia and Phoenix as they run and play. Maybe you are dreaming of the days when you'll be able to run and play with them yourself.

04.10.2013

You and I have been enjoying walks everyday. Some days we enjoy multiple walks. Where do we walk you wonder? The library, the grocery store (either Freddy's or New Seasons), the park, to see neighborhood chickens, or just to wonder around!

04.09.2013

Hey little swinger! This afternoon we got out of the house for a bit with your Aunt Jac and cousins P and Z. We made our way to Laurelhurst Park playground. Mama has been wanting to try you in the swing, and today seemed like a perfect time! You are a bit small for the seat, but with a little extra cushion you cozied right in. You did seem to like it. I'm sure there will be PLENTY of swinging in your future!

Oh and that little tongue... Your new thing! You stick it out and smile. It's the most a-freaking-dorable thing EVER!

Tonight was our Baby CPR class. Mama was afraid of what it would be like because it was during baby witching hour. You did GREAT. You squirmed (of course!) and you practiced your screaming, but you were great. And now Mama and Daddy are trained if we ever need to be. We took the class in preparation for you to start eating. You are sooo wanting our food at dinner time. Pretty soon we'll be pulling up the high chair and dishing out some food for you. (& then we'll be cleaning you and the floor up after it goes everywhere!)

04.08.2013

Hello little cow! We sent this photo to Uncle Ben and told him we had a cow for sale! He replied saying he wasn't so sure he could afford this cow!!! Of course, we'd never sell you. Your our little cow to love and snuggle forever! (well till you are at least 21... then maybe we'll let you go!)

You have been working so hard on getting this sitting thing going! Tonight you sat on bed by yourself for over a minute! It's so amazing watching you work to master this new skill. Each day you become a little better than you were the day before!

By the way, there was no reason in particular for you to be dressed like a cow. When we borrowed clothes from Eliza, this was one of the things we borrowed just because. I say since you decided to stand me up and the homemade costume I made you for last Halloween, I get to dress you like a cow in April for the heck of it! And if that isn't the cutest, I don't know WHAT is!