Thank you so much for the quilt, Mema. The colors are perfect, and we love the cats that are so lovingly stitched into each big white block! Percy likes them, too...
Monday, February 28, 2011
Laying on Mema's Quilt
At the beginning on January, I posted these pictures of Susan lying on Suzy's quilt. I remember thinking, "look at those scrawny little legs!" I'm happy to report that Susan's little legs are chunking up. Look at the contrast as we played on Mema's quilt this morning!
Thank you so much for the quilt, Mema. The colors are perfect, and we love the cats that are so lovingly stitched into each big white block! Percy likes them, too...
Thank you so much for the quilt, Mema. The colors are perfect, and we love the cats that are so lovingly stitched into each big white block! Percy likes them, too...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Cute Outfit!
Susan was a little sleepy when we took these pictures, so she's not too expressive. But check out that cute outfit! It was a gift from a parent of one of my music students. And the knit blanket was from a friend at church. So thoughtful.
Some things we're looking forward to:
1. Tomorrow, Kelly is coming to visit us again! I'm sure Susan will seem so grown up since Kelly saw her back in January. We are going to bake Whoopie Pies. (And yes, there will be pictures.)
2. Aunt Emily, Uncle Phil, and cousins Josephine & Margo come to visit in ONE WEEK! Susan may not comprehend what a big deal this is... but Mom certainly does!
3. In terms of home renovations go, we are finally putting our plan into action to re-do the Master Bathroom. We bought a shower insert last night at Lowe's for a RIDICULOUSLY low price, and used a gift card for part of it. I can't wait to get started on that! (Although that might still be a few weeks off...)
4. I bought my bridesmaid dress for the Layman/Badecker wedding in July! And it only cost $33.74.
Some things we're looking forward to:
1. Tomorrow, Kelly is coming to visit us again! I'm sure Susan will seem so grown up since Kelly saw her back in January. We are going to bake Whoopie Pies. (And yes, there will be pictures.)
2. Aunt Emily, Uncle Phil, and cousins Josephine & Margo come to visit in ONE WEEK! Susan may not comprehend what a big deal this is... but Mom certainly does!
3. In terms of home renovations go, we are finally putting our plan into action to re-do the Master Bathroom. We bought a shower insert last night at Lowe's for a RIDICULOUSLY low price, and used a gift card for part of it. I can't wait to get started on that! (Although that might still be a few weeks off...)
4. I bought my bridesmaid dress for the Layman/Badecker wedding in July! And it only cost $33.74.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
"We Got a Package from Georgia! I Mean, Australia! I Mean, Massachusetts!"
I went to the mailbox yesterday and found a lovely package waiting for us. It was addressed to Susan, and it was from our friend Georgia. Georgia was an Australian exchange student (is that the term?) that came to study at Penn State in the spring of 2005. Georgia was a music student, so we had a few classes together, and she lived on my floor, so we got to know each other fairly well. We got to play in orchestra, play with marshmallow fluff, and play in the snow.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Georgia, and thanks for the cutie Kaola!! I hope you get to come out and visit with us and meet Susan soon!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Georgia, and thanks for the cutie Kaola!! I hope you get to come out and visit with us and meet Susan soon!
Die Mole, Die
Don't tell the people at PETA. We used illegal traps and finalllllly took out a mole in the front yard.
It's hard to tell the magnitude of his destruction in the above photo because Eric had gone out and moved the piles of dirt around so that we could target the 'active' holes. But there were at LEAST 15 holes that had popped up in our small little front yard. So... one mole down, and four traps are set to catch his little friends...
It's hard to tell the magnitude of his destruction in the above photo because Eric had gone out and moved the piles of dirt around so that we could target the 'active' holes. But there were at LEAST 15 holes that had popped up in our small little front yard. So... one mole down, and four traps are set to catch his little friends...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2 Month Appointment
Susan's 2-Month check-up was today. Of course we know that she's been growing, but now we have proof!
Weight: 10lbs 1.5 oz
Length: 21.25 inches
Head Circumference: 38.25 cm
She had 3 shots and an oral medication to receive today... poor thing! She did great though. Here are two pictures that I snapped with my phone while waiting for the doctor to come visit us:
Weight: 10lbs 1.5 oz
Length: 21.25 inches
Head Circumference: 38.25 cm
She had 3 shots and an oral medication to receive today... poor thing! She did great though. Here are two pictures that I snapped with my phone while waiting for the doctor to come visit us:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
2 Months Old!
Whew... can't believe it's been a month since this post. Our little girl is two months old!
Here are a few reflections on our first two months with Miss Susan:
1. All of the meals stopped coming and Eric started back at work full time... that included taking the pep band to basketball games and weekend events like conferences and fundraiser events. I'm not back to work yet, but things are starting to feel more normal. I even manage to get a meal on the table most nights!
2. Eric & I are finding more time to be together. It helps that we're not EXHAUSTED all the time, so even if Susan is sleeping, we can talk and hang out without feeling like we need to "sleep when she sleeps."
3. I have a few friends who just had babies, and it's fun to see how they're doing raising their little ones. There's been a mini baby boom at church; it's really special to see all these new faces popping up around the building. After everyone is born, I think the boys might outnumber the girls, but only slightly. (I still haven't been brave enough to put Susan in the nursery, but that day is coming soon!)
And some observations about our little girl:
1. The first month, Eric & I kept saying to each other, "she's so tiny!" Now we find ourselves saying, "she's so big!" Susan is starting to outgrow some of her newborn outfits and move into size "3 Months." Before we know it, we'll be diving into the bin of clothing labeled "9 Months and Above."
2. Although we occasionally use a pacifier, most of the time, Susan can soothe herself by sucking on her hand.
3. Susan sings to us with "oohs" and "ahhs" all the time. They are the happiest little coos... I love to hear them from her when we're driving or when we're reading or playing together.
4. Considering how much Susan loved to be held during her first weeks with us, I think that she does a great job being independent of us now. She lies on her play mat, sits in her chair, and swings in her swing without fussing about being away from us. Most nights, she sleeps in her crib, too. (Occasionally she sleeps in the cradle next to our bed, but most nights we need to put her in her own room so we can escape the grunts she makes during her sleep!)
5. We've printed out flashcards with black & white pictures on them, because newborns can't see colors yet. When we move the card from side-to-side, Susan will track their movement with her eyes. It's a great sign that she's learning & thinking!
6. Susan is still eating like a champ. Now she's sleeping for long stretches at night, at appropriate times! We can put her down around 10, feed her sometime in the middle of the night (around 2 or 3) and she'll sleep until 7 or 8.
7. We THOUGHT we could begin our cloth diaper regiment, but her little legs just aren't big enough yet... we were getting some leakage through the leg holes. Soon though, soon!
8. Smiling is definitely a part of her facial vocabulary! She almost always smiles when Mom gets in her face, and she's flashing some smiles at Dad, too.
Here are a few reflections on our first two months with Miss Susan:
1. All of the meals stopped coming and Eric started back at work full time... that included taking the pep band to basketball games and weekend events like conferences and fundraiser events. I'm not back to work yet, but things are starting to feel more normal. I even manage to get a meal on the table most nights!
2. Eric & I are finding more time to be together. It helps that we're not EXHAUSTED all the time, so even if Susan is sleeping, we can talk and hang out without feeling like we need to "sleep when she sleeps."
3. I have a few friends who just had babies, and it's fun to see how they're doing raising their little ones. There's been a mini baby boom at church; it's really special to see all these new faces popping up around the building. After everyone is born, I think the boys might outnumber the girls, but only slightly. (I still haven't been brave enough to put Susan in the nursery, but that day is coming soon!)
And some observations about our little girl:
1. The first month, Eric & I kept saying to each other, "she's so tiny!" Now we find ourselves saying, "she's so big!" Susan is starting to outgrow some of her newborn outfits and move into size "3 Months." Before we know it, we'll be diving into the bin of clothing labeled "9 Months and Above."
2. Although we occasionally use a pacifier, most of the time, Susan can soothe herself by sucking on her hand.
3. Susan sings to us with "oohs" and "ahhs" all the time. They are the happiest little coos... I love to hear them from her when we're driving or when we're reading or playing together.
4. Considering how much Susan loved to be held during her first weeks with us, I think that she does a great job being independent of us now. She lies on her play mat, sits in her chair, and swings in her swing without fussing about being away from us. Most nights, she sleeps in her crib, too. (Occasionally she sleeps in the cradle next to our bed, but most nights we need to put her in her own room so we can escape the grunts she makes during her sleep!)
5. We've printed out flashcards with black & white pictures on them, because newborns can't see colors yet. When we move the card from side-to-side, Susan will track their movement with her eyes. It's a great sign that she's learning & thinking!
6. Susan is still eating like a champ. Now she's sleeping for long stretches at night, at appropriate times! We can put her down around 10, feed her sometime in the middle of the night (around 2 or 3) and she'll sleep until 7 or 8.
7. We THOUGHT we could begin our cloth diaper regiment, but her little legs just aren't big enough yet... we were getting some leakage through the leg holes. Soon though, soon!
8. Smiling is definitely a part of her facial vocabulary! She almost always smiles when Mom gets in her face, and she's flashing some smiles at Dad, too.
(Photo shoot outtake!)
Happy 2-Month Birthday, little girl! Thanks for letting us care for you. We love you!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Drive on Interstate 5
We took a trip to visit some Thompson relatives this afternoon. I got to ride in the back with Miss Susan and snap a few pictures while Grandma & Grandpa drove us down I-5.
Babies are so smart; they're learning allllll the time. I would love to know what she's thinking! (As she gets older and realizes how silly her parents are, maybe I won't want to know anymore...)
This whole parenting thing is getting better and better. Every day I'm learning about the depths of love. It has no limits.
Babies are so smart; they're learning allllll the time. I would love to know what she's thinking! (As she gets older and realizes how silly her parents are, maybe I won't want to know anymore...)
This whole parenting thing is getting better and better. Every day I'm learning about the depths of love. It has no limits.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day!
Susan had no problem picking out her outfit for today. There's only one man that she wants for a Valentine!
...when I have an Elvis lip.
...when I want a high-five.
...when I'm quiet.
...WHEN I'M YELLING!
...when I coo.
...when I'm contemplative.
...when I'm starting to get the hiccups.
He's Number One! Yeah!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Pink & Blue Stripes
I adore this picture.
Tomorrow, Susan will trade-in her pink & blue stripes for some red & white hearts. She's got the cutest outfit to wear to the jazz band's fundraiser tomorrow night.
If you live in the area, you should totally come... the event is 'An Evening with John Keister' at Decatur High School. Here's a link to the Facebook Event Page. And here's a link to his unofficial biography. Mr. Keister will entertain us with his comedy, and the jazz band will impress us with their music... and all while eating yummy desserts! There is a silent auction as well, with donated goods to bid on. All of the proceeds will go to the Decatur High School bands. Please, come! You may get tickets at the door.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
It Was a Good Night!
Last night's schedule:
10:00 - Dad goes to bed (poor guy has to get up at 5:30 am each day.)
10:00-10:30 - Mom & Susan read a story and sing some songs, part of their bedtime routine.
10:35 - Susan is drowsy and Mom gently places Susan in her crib... tiptoes across the room... and gingerly closes the door.
3:45 - Mom wakes up to the baby monitor and goes over to get Susan. Susan nurses for a fraction of her normal time (only twenty minutes instead of forty-five!)
4:15 - Susan is swaddled-up and placed back in her crib. Mom goes back to bed
7:30 - Mom wakes up, but there's no peep from the nursery yet.
7:55 - Mom goes in to check on Susan, camera in hand....
10:00 - Dad goes to bed (poor guy has to get up at 5:30 am each day.)
10:00-10:30 - Mom & Susan read a story and sing some songs, part of their bedtime routine.
10:35 - Susan is drowsy and Mom gently places Susan in her crib... tiptoes across the room... and gingerly closes the door.
3:45 - Mom wakes up to the baby monitor and goes over to get Susan. Susan nurses for a fraction of her normal time (only twenty minutes instead of forty-five!)
4:15 - Susan is swaddled-up and placed back in her crib. Mom goes back to bed
7:30 - Mom wakes up, but there's no peep from the nursery yet.
7:55 - Mom goes in to check on Susan, camera in hand....
Look at that yawn!
Hmm... looks a bit angry... time for a diaper change!
Last night really was a great night. For the past few weeks, Susan has been wide awake from 10pm-2am, but sleeping from 2-10am with a feeding in there somewhere around 5am. Our goal... try to adjust her sleeping so it falls into the normal nighttime hours. We did our best to keep her awake last evening (we had an event at Eric's school, so she was passed around the band parents which helped to keep her alert!) I hope there are many more nights like last night in our future!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Taxes Are Done!
We still have to wait a week to submit, but we know one thing... we got to bring home a pretty fabulous tax deduction.
(This was actually a hand-me-down. I have a niece that was born on December 28, 2007.)
(This was actually a hand-me-down. I have a niece that was born on December 28, 2007.)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Our feature story tonight was Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Here's a picture of Susan and I reading together. We also read Goodnight Moon and Pig Pig Grows Up.
I'm trying to enjoy her at this young age, and I don't want to rush her... but there will be so many great things to do when she's just a bit older. I can't wait to take her to the library so she can pick out her own books and attend story time. I loved reading when I was younger; I hope Susan will learn to love books, too!
I'm trying to enjoy her at this young age, and I don't want to rush her... but there will be so many great things to do when she's just a bit older. I can't wait to take her to the library so she can pick out her own books and attend story time. I loved reading when I was younger; I hope Susan will learn to love books, too!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Hanging out with Mom & Dad
Susan loves to bounce, so we like to sit on the exercise ball and bounce with her. Here are a few pictures from this afternoon.
And we even caught a bit of a smile...
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Moving Up in the World
Well, moving up in the world of car seats, that is! We had to adjust the car seat straps from the smallest setting to one of the medium settings. Our little girl is getting bigger! Today's adventure was to go to the Southcenter Mall and wander around for a while. No purchases made, but it was good to get out.
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