3.16.2011

Cast Your Vote!

I’ve been wanting to do this post for some time now.  Since Caitlin was born, I’ve always wondered, who does she look like?  Her mom or her dad?  I think ever parent wonders that when they have a child.  When Caitlin was a newborn, we were told by friends, family and complete strangers that she looked like me, her dad, my mom, Michael’s mom and her great grandfather (on Michael’s side).  It’s the age old question…does Caitlin look more like me or her dad?  What do you think?  (comments welcomed!)

 

Who does Caitlin look like - 1Baby picture comparison

 

Who does Caitlin look like - 3Current day comparison

3.15.2011

6 Months

Caitlin, happy half year birthday!  Your dad and I cannot believe you are already 6 months old.  It’s all going by so quickly.  You can sit up all by yourself!  I remember going to Gymboree when you were three months old and seeing the older kids sitting up, thinking “I can’t believe Caitlin will be able to do that someday!”.  Well, that day has come and gone and you continue to surprise me with your development.  Speaking of Gymboree, you moved up to Level 2 and we are starting to meet lots of new friends.  You really love class but you are not a fan of parachute time.

You are so vocal and you love to talk to yourself and sing.  Everything, and I mean everything, that you can get your hands on goes into your mouth.  You make me laugh.  You grab for things and you don’t even know what you are grabbing for.  You also love discovering textures and scratching your nails over different objects to hear the different sounds.  It’s official…those first two teeth are here and they are sharp!  No more chewing on mommy’s fingers.  Your laugh makes me laugh.  Your cries make me cry.  Your silly noises brighten my days.  You are continuing to sleep (you got that from me) and eat (another trait of mine) like a champ.  Your diet now consists of 24-28 ounces of formula a day plus you’ve mastered squash, pears and green beans.

Your feet are a new favorite toy and those toes easily find their way into your mouth.  I finally got some pictures (coming soon!) to prove your flexibility.  You are picking up and holding things.  You turn your head when you hear mommy’s voice, daddy’s voice or a new sound.  You haven’t rolled over yet, but you are staying on your tummy for longer periods of time and holding yourself up really well.  I think you may just skip rolling over and go straight to crawling!  You got another round of shots at your 6-month well appointment, but you were so brave and the tears were all dried up before we reached the car.  I love taking pictures of you…you are my perfect model.  Happy birthday and we love you sweet pea!

6-Month Stats:

Weight: 14 pounds, 5 ounces (25%)

Height: 25 1/2 inches (50-75%)

Head: 16.5 inches (50-75%)

 

Caitlin - Month 1 to 6See Caitlin grow!

 

Caitlin's first teeth (bottom)First two bottom teeth are coming in at the same time!

 

IMG_4228Our 6-month old

 

A bunch of pictures below…Enjoy!

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Happy 6-month birthday baby girl!

3.12.2011

Presley’s Baptism

We had the honor of attending our friends’ daughter’s baptism last month.  Lacey, Presley’s mom, and I were pregnant together (her second, my first) and Presley is about six weeks younger than Caitlin.  I hope they grow up to be as good of friends as Lacey and I.  Thank you to the Baird’s for inviting us be a part of Presley’s special day.

The weather was still a little cool following the snow storm, so I was really excited to get to dress Caitlin up in this adorable (and warm) outfit that she could finally fit into.  A {HUGE} thank you to her “Auntie” Amanda for the gift!

 

IMG_0918Presley’s baptism – Family & Godparents

 

IMG_0922Presley, her parents and her Godparents

 

IMG_0924The Orlowski family

 

IMG_0927Lacey, Kelli, Courtney, Shawna, Tamra & KC

 

IMG_0929Isabella & Caitlin (in coordinating colors)

 

IMG_3467Mommy & Caitlin

 

IMG_3485Her first pair of shoes!

 

IMG_3488I love this outfit!

 

IMG_3493Caitlin and Max going nose-to-nose

2.22.2011

5 Months

Caitlin, let me start by saying thank you.  Thank you for helping me start each day with a smile.  Thank you for teaching me to slow down and find the joy in every moment.  Thank you for bringing so much happiness into our lives just by being you.  Ok, now that I’m a little teary eyed, let’s move into what you’ve been up to this month! 

On your 5-month birthday, you tried rice cereal for the first time.  Not a fan at first, you are quickly coming around…or you just want to chew on the spoon.  You continue to sleep so well and I love you even more for it!  Your nighttime sleep is between 12-13 hours and you take at least 2 naps a day, usually 1.5 to 2 hours long.  You love baths!  If your arms aren’t behind your head, as if you’re lounging in a pool, then you’re eagerly attempting to grab the water.  We’ll teach you about solids v. liquids in the future.

If there was any question as to if you found your feet, it’s not a question any more!  They constantly entertain you.  You are always grabbing at them after you wake up or on the changing table, and you can now get them into your mouth.  I really need to get a picture of it or you may not believe me when you’re older.  Everything goes into your mouth, especially those fingers.  I have a feeling you are getting ready for some teeth very soon.  You love to sit up.  We’ve been practicing and you can sit up unassisted for a short period of time.  Tummy time is not your favorite (never has been) but you’re getting better at holding your head up and lifting your chest off the ground with the help of your arms.  You haven’t rolled over yet but I know you will when you’re ready. 

You are definitely my daughter.  When you are done with an activity or don’t like how something is going, you let us know (insert  high pitched scream or melt down here).  You are enjoying our weekly classes at Gymboree and play dates during the week.  I didn’t think I would be saying this so soon, but please STOP growing up so fast.  I love you baby girl!

   

 

IMG_3016Our 5-month old

 

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IMG_2978Hi gorgeous!

 

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IMG_3010This is one of my favorites!  Her legs look so long here!

 

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Caitlin discovering “Max” (the stuffed prop). 

She was so curious about him and instantly put him in her mouth for further identification.

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IMG_3056Silly girl!

 

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Happy 5-month birthday baby girl!

2.19.2011

…And Then There Was Snow!

I didn’t venture out into the first round of winter snow.  So this time, I dressed in layers and spent a good hour outside trying to capture how beautiful everything was.  Caitlin hadn’t experienced snow yet and I felt really bad about not having a proper snow outfit for her, but she’s only 5 months!  Going into mommy “make it work” mode, I put her in her jammies, layered on a shirt, jeans and socks and then added a sweater with a hoodie to keep the cold air out of those tiny ears.  I didn’t have any gloves, but you better believe this mama will be prepared next year.  Minus the rolling blackouts, all the snow Max tracked inside the house and the two leaks (kitchen and half bath), it was a good day.  Lesson Learned:  Frozen pipes suck. 

 

IMG_31825 inches!

 

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IMG_3140The two shot above are to compare to the previous post about the ice. 
The sheet of ice is now covered by 4 to 5 inches of snow.

 

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You can see the outline of the curb, sidewalk and path to the front door

 

IMG_3176winter wonderland

 

IMG_3202Someone wants to go outside and play

 

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IMG_3294The sun is trying to come out!

 

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IMG_3333Catch a falling snowflake in your hand

 

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IMG_3342tiny paw prints

 

IMG_3345action shot!

 

IMG_3358Max made yellow snow

 

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I enjoyed comfort food all day!

Grilled cheese, hot cocoa and a loaded baked potato.

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