7 Months

7 Months

It's been a busy, full of changes month for our family!  Hayley is on the move and we are right behind her trying to keep up!  This month she she discovered that she is capable of being mobile by scooting on her belly.  She is FAST!  In fact, she has become so fast and efficient that she formed a big, raw blister on her big toe.  Shoes are now a part of her daily attire!

Nick took a four week paternity leave during the month of August.  Best idea ever!  The two of them had a ball together and it was fun to see Hayley become  so attached to Daddy.  They went on a lot of adventures together.  They took a two week swim lesson course at our local pool (not really "swimming", but more about playing and being comfortable in the water) and they took daily walks to our favorite bakery.  

The school year started and I went back to work full time.  It's definitely been a big transition and there were a few bumps along the road that we didn't see coming.  However, things have smoothed out and we are all getting used to our new normal.  I am thankful that I only work 180 days a year and that we have lots of week breaks and a long summer to look forward to.  We are also so thankful for our wonderful nanny, my incredible parents, and my amazing sister, Emily.  Don't know what we would do without them! 

17.5 pounds

Grayish/hazel eyes

Scoots on her belly

Pulls herself up to standing with ease

Eats cheese, fruits, and veggies

Loves drinking water

Has one tooth

Talks and babbles loudly

Loves the American flag

Sleeps 12 hours a night (2 feeds)

Tiny bit of blonde hair

Loves going on swings

Doesn't like diaper changes/getting dressed

6 Months

6 Months

Half a year has gone by already?  It's exciting and heart-breaking at the same time.  It's incredible to watch the growth, development, and acquisition of skills in a six month period.  Yet, at the same time, I want to freeze time or at least slow it down!

This past month has been great. Hayley is developing right on par and is a happy, curious baby.  The doctor was amazed at her level of curiosity... she has a need to check out EVERYTHING around her at all times.  I love her observant nature and hope it continues.  

This upcoming month is my final month of maternity leave.  I am savoring my time at home with my girl.  Although it is hard to imagine going back to work, I know that she will be in great hands.  I am thankful for my my career as a teacher and the fact that we only work 180 days a year.  I will probably live for Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring, and summer vacation though!  

 16.5 pounds

Grayish eyes

Sits on her own
Starting to grow hair

Rolls both directions

Extremely wiggly

Started eating solids 

Obsessed with her sippy cup
Babbles 
Doesn't enjoy getting dressed
Loves her Sophie the Giraffe toy
Starting to scoot on belly

Sleeps 12 hours at night (two feeds)

Enjoying carrots

We call her our "Nature Girl" because she LOVES being outdoors.

Can you say "twins"???

Be still my heart...

Her absolute FAVORITE place to be.  

This girl!!  

Playing in her big girl highchair.

Beating the heat in our fancy pool.

Clear Lake for the 4th of July

Hanging out with her friend Taylor

The Perfect Photo

Let's be real. Capturing a great photo takes work.  Sometimes you get lucky on the first try, but usually it takes a couple bloopers in order to get "the one".  I always enjoy going through our baby blooper photos because they are usually quite comical and hold great memories.

Since Hayley has entered my world, I have evaluated a lot of things in life.  Photos and the image portrayed are things I have given a lot of thought to.  In the past, I found myself wanting to delete "not so perfect" photos... let alone POST an imperfect photo on social media. However, more recently, I have come to appreciate the quirky, not exactly-so photos.   

All that being said, here are some of our perfect and not so perfect moments.  But really, they are all perfect!  

Sometimes... you never get the shot you were hoping for.

Are you spitting up on me??

Change of plans...

And sometimes, you just end up with a really cute series of photos.

And along the way, you end up with some memorable moments that make you glad the photo isn't just-so because instead it's real life.

I'm thankful for the the perfect and the flawed photos.  Each holds a special memory that I will cherish in the years to come.

Reminders for Myself

I've learned a lot during my first few months of parenthood.  Everyday is full of new learning experiences, trial and error, and lots of grace for myself.  

I'm amazed by the amount of confidence I've gained in such a short amount of time.  The first week that I was a mom, I was nervous and uncomfortable.  I felt awkward picking up my baby and I wondered if I was doing things "right".

Since then, I have realized that there is no "right" way.  My baby and I have figured out what is right for us, and there is something really magical and special about that.  We're in this together.  The best part is the fact that she thinks I'm amazing... and it's simply because I'm HER momma.  

The following is a list of things I want to remember.  It's a list that I will probably need to refer to whenever baby #2 comes around! 

*Cook freezer meals ahead of time.  You will thank yourself later.  

*Accept help from family and friends.  

*God gave you intuition.  Listen to it.  It's generally right on the mark.

*What works for one person, won't necessarily work for you or your baby.  Listen, try it, and then try something else if need be!  

*Take lots of  pictures.  

*It's okay if your house is not perfect.  It's a season, and your time is better spent watching your beautiful baby sleep in your arms!

*Everyone tells you it goes by fast.  They are right.  Enjoy each day.  

*The first 12 weeks are tough!  The colic stage will pass.

*Everyone will tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps.  It's okay that it's impossible for you to do that!

*Record a few good TV shows.  You will spend lots of time on the couch holding a sleeping baby.  

*You will learn how to function on very little sleep. 

*Go get a massage.  Your shoulders will love you after all that lifting and nursing!

*You will fall in love with your husband ten times over.   Remember to tell him how much you appreciate him.

*You will break every "rule".  Bring your baby into your bed, cover your baby 
with a blanket, have a glass of wine.... it's okay.

*Your body is amazing.  Appreciate it!

*Take a shower everyday.  It will help you to feel normal and awake!

*Do what feels right to you.  Everyone has different ideas how to do things.  Do what feels right for your family.

*It's okay to wear sweat pants.  

*Your jeans will fit again.  However, they won't fit the same way.  It's okay.  You made a baby and that is a miracle.

*Celebrate the little victories.  (i.e.: Baby slept a 3.5 hour stretch opposed to the usual 3 hour stretch!  Progress!!!)

*Most importantly, thank the Lord for all He has blessed you with.  You were chosen to be this child's mother.  Lean on Him during those long, tiring days.  He will carry you through and bless you!  He created you for this job.  What a privilege!