Sophie la girafe

We have our first teether toy

I've always been enamoured with Sophie.

Natural materials and awfully cute, this squeak toy is already getting some good licks from little Annabelle.

Currently working on creating a leash so Sophie can stay close to Annabelle.

What a good sleeper

Someone found her thumb

Annabelle sleeping on her first full night

Starting at 8 weeks, Annabelle started to extend the amount she slept during the night. That same week we moved her into her crib and into her own room. This dramatically changed the way she slept. We both felt that since she continuously moved even as she slept, it was best to let her sleep away in her crib.

We were right.

First night in her crib she slept from 9 pm to 4 am.

During her 9th week she had a couple nights waking up at 2 am and then again at 5 am.

This pattern made for a couple grumpy days for baby and mama both.

At 10 weeks old, she was finally sleeping a full big night.

10 pm - 7 am became her new schedule!

Her beautiful yawn documenting her first morning after sleeping a good full night.

As you can see... she was quite confused at why I was waking her up.

This past week I have been listening to her wake up and talk to herself in the middle of the night.

Last night she awoke at 5 am and talked to herself for about 15 minutes before finding her thumb and soothing herself back into sleep. Even though I'm still waking up and checking on her throughout the night, it is a wonderful feeling waking up refreshed in the morning.

Celebrating 11 weeks today and we are all so happy our baby girl is finally getting some good sleep.

9 lbs 15 oz

She's finally reached the same weight her Dad was when he was born.

It only took 9 1/2 weeks to gain the 3 lbs since birth.

We love that your chubby cheeks help balance out your tiny little body.

You are so cute!

A visit with Sparky

Nana Marlene's dream came true

After years of working with the Escondido Fire Department, my mother was finally allowed to be Sparky the Fire Dog! It is a very high honor so of course we had to bring the baby girl to witness such an event.

When Annabelle woke up from her freeway induced slumber she seemed a bit confused at what she was looking at. Not sure if she could hear her Grandma saying her name from inside the stuffed head or if it was the black and white pattern that kept her entertained but she did manage to give some smiles.

Two months

Celebrating two fantastic months!

This week we celebrated our Annabelle turning two months old.

She has so many beautiful and brightly colored clothes, but I am still a fan of her in a simple white onesie.

Also, I figured a simple white onesie would be the best way to document her growth each month.

She is sure a happy girl!

Annabelle loves smiling and talking throughout the day. She is more apt to give smiles to mama but loves her dad and makes sure to let him know every day. She brings such joy into our lives, we already can't imagine life without her. Dieter is having a hard time being away from her everyday while at work. Even if she is napping when he comes home he still rushes in her room just to see her and give her some love.

The past month has gone by quickly. Annabelle is still a bit too small for her 3 month clothes and of course has received some fabulous 3 month clothes from friends and family this month.

In this past month Annabelle has:

-Moved to 7 feedings a day, but still enjoying her late night cuddle time with dad and pumped milk

-upped her smile time from just the morning to an all day happy smile session

-began to give us such funny faces including raised eyebrows and half smirks

-began to follow objects with both eyes 180 degrees, this started with following mama and dad and now has included her elephant Eli and a sunflower rattle during changing time

-settled her fussy time from 3 hours to about 30 minutes

-been taking longer naps in her crib throughout the day, she still cries and talks herself to sleep for 5-10 minutes each nap

-decided that one nap each day (this nap changes) she does NOT want to nap in her crib

-still loved her swing, infant "buzzy" chair, stroller and errands in the car

-held her head straight and strong while being held. Such a strong neck!

-held her head up to 45 degrees while on tummy time

At her two month mark she weighed 9 lbs 13 oz

We love you so much baby girl and enjoy every single moment with you.

One Month

Happy faces at one month!

At one month old Annabelle was full of faces.

The smiles started for Dad at 3 weeks and for Mama just the next day after that.

The first month included lots of late nights, early mornings and fussy late afternoons.

We realized that her upset tummy was causing such discomfort that I started giving up dairy, chocolate, and caffeine. After some time of this it was easier to decipher what food was causing the issues and this led to a much happier baby.

At 4 weeks Annabelle was:

-Enjoying 8 feedings a day, about every 2.5 - 3 hours

-Most feedings included an extra bit of bottled breast milk, as her hour long feedings sessions were making her too exhausted to continue for a full feeding.

-Having special time with Dad for her late night feeding with bottled breast milk

-Sleeping in bed with mama and dad, as it became very clear by 4 weeks that she does not like her cradle

-Grunting and crying were her only sounds at this time. Grunting was all day and night, during sleep, while stretching, and while eating.

-Long term napping occurred only when she was propped up at an angle. As much as we protested this, when we realized it was due to her tummy it was easier to let it happen on occasion. She would sleep in her car seat, infant seat, or boppy pillow.

-Was instantly calmed by the sound of running water

The first month went by so fast. We had so much help from both sets of Grandparents. Much needed lunches and prepared dinners were delivered and enjoyed by two sleepy parents. Thanks to all of our support we were able to stay somewhat alert and comfortable during the first month.

Visit from Seattle

Uncle Adam and Auntie Jen came to visit the weekend Annabelle turned 2 weeks old. She is comfortable with anyone and tends to snuggle in as soon as she is held. We had our first dinner out with the family. Urbn pizza in town is always a good choice. Annabelle slept peacefully the entire dinner out. The rest of the weekend we stayed at home with the family, cooked a full turkey dinner and enjoyed a nice glass of wine. It is very clear she already loves her Uncle Adam and Auntie Jen. Please come down and visit again soon!