Bumbo Baby

On April 25th Ethnie tried out her Bumbo for the first time. She was a little wobbly but she loved being able to sit up and look at things while Mama worked. 

 I love how itty bitty it makes her look. I just love little feet!

 We are Huge fans of the Bumbo! She gets tired of holding herself up after awhile but I was seriously impressed by how strong she was at 8 weeks old. She's growing up too fast!!

Learning Curve

 Over the course of the past two months I have learned a lot about myself as a person and as a mother. Allow me to share some of my learning curve with you.

- Just looking at her fills me with such incomprehensible joy it brings tears to my eyes. When I was little people would ask the usual question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer was always a Mom. I am so blessed to have this treasure in my life. I don't want to take one single day for granted.

- I am continually amazed by how much I can love someone. It is a love that is like no other. I had to fall in love with Jakob. It took time (not much... well from my end anyways... but that's besides the point) right from the moment I saw her I loved her and I know that nothing will ever sever that love.

- Most days I don't get out of my P.J's it's sad but lets be serious, most things get slobbered on so why even bother when I know I'm not leaving the house? And honestly P.J's are far more comfortable than jeans any day.

- I've said it before and I'll say it again.... I suck. I cry when she cries. I mean when she seriously cries. I don't like not being able to fix what's wrong. It's the worst feeling in the world. Never mind that, I cry a lot now, during movies, while watching Ethnie smile, reading a book. I mean I'm a total sap, and I really dislike it. My emotions have always been wired directly to my tear ducts but this is out of control.

- While watching General Conference this year I had several moments of pure eternal joy.  I knew this is what it was all about. I watched as this baby brought together family and the joy she emanated. She just made people glow. 

- I've learned that some days I will simply not get ANYTHING done.... and that it's okay. I can't be super woman all of the time, heck I'm not super woman 50% of the time.  What I'm trying to say is that it's okay to have lazy days where you simply cuddle with your baby in bed all day long. I'm also learning to do a lot of things one handed.

- I've learned that babies create a TON of laundry. Between blow outs, drool, spit ups and other events everyone's entire outfits probably get changed at least twice a day. I've learned that "cute" outfits are now only for special occasions and that I should probably be prepared for it to get pooped on.

- There is nothing more precious than a sleeping or smiling baby. Even though it's a horrible habit, I love sleeping with her. Cuddling is the greatest!! 

- I thought I would be all tough... nope.... like I said I suck. It's entirely different when it's your own child crying. I thought I would have the will to set a schedule... and stick to it. For the most part we have a schedule but when she's sad and hungry I feel so guilty denying her food. I realize that she's only 10 weeks old and that rules will come as she gets older. Hopefully I'll get a stronger back bone. I'm sure I will but let me say it now... It's NOT easy! 

- Even though it's hard on Jakob and sometimes hard on me I {love} that she's a Momma's girl. It's gotten to the point where most of the time she needs to be able to see me or she gets upset. She doesn't really like Daddy when Momma's around and I'm loving being the favorite. I know it'll be short lived once she realizes that Daddy is full of fun.  

There you have it, 10 things I've learned. There are so many more but those are the highlights. The calling of motherhood is a beautiful adventure and I am loving every minute of it. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, I didn't think it would be. I am learning a lot about myself and I am so thankful that I can be a mother. I don't think it can get much better than this. I am filled with such joy each and every day, I am so beyond lucky.  Looking back five years ago I never would have thought my life would have been this way. I am so grateful for the changes I made in my life and for a wonderful husband who lead the way.

Psalms 139: 13-14

Out For A Stroll

  

Last week Mom Tobler and I went out on a little adventure to Red Rock. I miss our weekly hikes back in the good old days. I had a mad case of cabin fever so it was so nice to be able to be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather! 

 Not to mention the pretty landscape!

Of course we had to stop to take some pictures and document Ethnie's first walk outside.  

  She sure does love her Grandma. I think we're going to attempt hiking again with peanut in her backpack. Our stroller just isn't made for hiking terrain. We'll see how she takes it! I love the great outdoors!!

Cutest Baby Ever!

 

Alright I might be slightly biased. I do however honestly {love} the picture above. That smirk, those eyes, it just melts my heart! Here are some pictures off of my phone that I sent to my parents in Canada and to Daddy just to make them feel not so far away. (Even though Daddy's office is only 30 minutes from home, some days it feels like he's in another country.) Warning: there is a shirtless picture of Jakob ahead. proceed with caution.

 She has a wide range of sleeping poses. We call this one "The Thinker." I've also discovered Instagram on my Android phone and I must admit, I really like it!

  I love how itty bitty Peanut looks. So precious!

This is how she usually sleeps, like a starfish. She loves to stretch out! This time she fell asleep mid diaper change, silly girl!

 

She loves her piggy toy that Aunt Brenda got her. This toy is the noisiest toy known to man. The front two feet rattle, the back to feet have squeakers and the back crinkles. She loves playing with the crinkly back and will grab it with her hands or kick it with her feet. If I hold the toy like pictured about over her face she swat at the feet so they'll rattle. It keeps her entertained for quite awhile and I love watching her focus!

 On March 26th we tried Tummy Time for the first time. She has amazing control of her head so I never bothered with Tummy Time before. At first she thought it was alright....

 Then it wasn't so fun anymore. Needless to say she is NOT a fan of Tummy Time.

 That's our Bright-Eyed, Beautiful Girl. We just love her so much!

Immunizations

 

Last week Ethnie went in for her 2 month check up and to get her second round of immunizations.  She put her brave face on and only cried for a bit. She wasn't the only one however, they had me help hold her still and I didn't even cry this time. Don't get me wrong it wasn't easy, it still broke my heart but at least I wasn't bawling.

The Dr. informed me that she might be a little bit cranky and perhaps run a fever from the shots. That afternoon she was a gem, just sleepy. I was hoping that she may not even notice the shots. I took the opportunity to take some pictures in her little romper! I just love this outfit!!

 

 That night she ran a fever and was very uncomfortable. It was so sad, she just didn't feel good. I kept her in bed with us just in case she had another episode from the fever. She would eat and then puke it all up and she didn't hardly sleep. Having a sick baby is not fun! She was sick for two days but by day three it had run it's course and she slept all day! 

Its so nice to have her back to her usual happy self! She's such a wonderful baby! I am one lucky Moma!

2 Months Old

 I can't believe our little girl is already 2 months old!! I'm trying not to blink but is it just me, or does anyone else feel like April just disappeared?? Forget April, it feels like we should still be in January! Nevertheless, April it is and I am loving watching little Peanut grow. I am filled with mixed emotions as the days pass. She is learning so much and I love seeing her progress but in that same breath I want her to stay small forever! We are so blessed to have Ethnie in our lives. She brings such joy and love and we are very grateful. Here are her current stats and a few fun facts about her.

• Height: 23inches (in the 90% at 7 weeks)
• Weight: 11lbs (in the 75% at 7 weeks)
• Head Circumference: 39.5 cm (in the 75% at 7 weeks)
• Nicknames: For the most part everyone calls her Peanut, Ethie, Ethers & Cutie. Daddy calls her Toots, Love Bug, and Baby Doll. Grandpa calls her Pumpkin and Mini Muffins or Muffincita (Which used to be one of his nicknames for me.) :)

• She measures about the size of a 3 month old. She has outgrown most of her 0-3m outfits which is sad because she did even get to wear them all. Oh well, we'll save them for her future little sister!
• Whenever she bawls, I bawl. I simply cannot help it. When she is just whiny and crying that is one thing but when she is full blown screaming I just break down in tears too. It's especially embarrassing when people are over. Why do I always end up crying in front of everybody?
• There are plenty of smiles to go around. It melts my heart every single time (even if it is 2:30 in the morning)
• She can really hold her head up now! I think we're almost ready for her Bumbo.
• She loves to stand and for the most part can hold her own weight fairly well. 

• She slept through the night for the first time on April 22nd! I was a little bit shocked and I'll admit it, I did check to ensure she was in fact still breathing. We'll see if this is a new thing or just a stroke of luck. 
• She loves chewing on her hand. It's funny to watch as she gets frustrated because it doesn't fit into her mouth. She still hasn't found her thumb again since 11 days old. I'm sure it's only a matter of time though.
• She very rarely takes her soother anymore. 
• She loves her piggy toy and is working very hard on getting her hands to work. I think she's going to be a lefty like Opa since she seems to be favoring her left hand, I also could be just imagining that.
• She's slightly colicky from the hours of 7-9 p.m. It's not every night but when it happens she's a pain.  Poor thing!

• She's totally a Moma's girl which I don't mind one bit. 
• She's talking more. I sure do love hearing her little voice.
• She loves being held. I'm trying to get her to "entertain herself" by having some in-chair-while-mommy-works-time but she's not a fan.
• I have started a bad habit. Yes, It was me and I take full responsibility. More often than not I put Ethnie in bed with us. It's horrible I know but I love snuggling with her. I think Mommy likes it more than baby so the past week I've been trying to break my habit. It's hard but I know it's better if she sleeps on her own
• If I rub her hand on one of those touch and feel books she'll try to touch it again on her own. It amazing to watch her try to use her hands. 

• She's also learning to mimic you. If I stick my tongue out she'll try to stick hers out too. 
•  She loves to be held over your shoulder and either rock or sway while you pat her back. She is totally a snuggler and I {love} it!! 
• She likes to look at books as you read them and she loves staring out the window. Lots of things to look at! 
• She gives the biggest smiles when you change her diaper. 

A Very Special Woman!

Although I have only met Grandma Palmer on few occasions I still love her dearly. Mom Tobler has shared many stories with me about her and I feel privileged to get to spend time with such a wonderful woman. She has such a spunky sense of humor and I often find myself cracking up around her. She also has such a bright spirit that just makes you want to get to know her. You may be wondering what sparked this post...

It was Grandma's birthday not too long ago. Every year for each grandchild's birthday Grandma would always send them a very crisp $5 bill. While talking with Mom Tobler we thought it would be rather neat to repay the gesture. Mom sent out the e-mail and then we waited. This year Grandma got over 50 letters from her family sending their love and wishing her a happy birthday all with a crisp $5 bill! (I admit I had to straighten mine.) I hope you had a wonderful birthday Grandma Palmer! We love you!!