4 Months of Fun!

Happy 4 Months, Caroline!

Monday marked Caroline's 4th month in our lives.  She's been a blessing, the biggest blessing, we could have asked for.  We took her for her well baby check-up (and shots!) this morning and everything looks great.  Dr. S said we can start giving her cereal, baby food and juice.  Caroline is VERY excited about that news.  She also told us that Caroline is measuring in the 99.26% for weight...wowza!  At 17lbs, 4 ounces, I guess she's considered a big baby.  The girl loves to eat!

There haven't been many changes from her 3 month milestones, but she can:

Stand! She loves standing while we hold her hands.  Lord knows she's got the thighs to keep her upright!

Giggle and laugh, particularly at my dad.

Blow bubbles, lots and lots of bubbles. 

Swing.  She LOVES the swing.  We used to walk to the park to swing, but it's August and too hot to walk so we bought one for the back porch.  You can now find us on the back porch from 7:00-8:00 nightly.  It's pretty much the only thing that makes her happy during "the witching hour". 

Caroline loves the Food Network, especially Ina Garten. Who doesn't love the Barefoot Contessa?  Her voice is so soothing, I think that's why Caroline loves it so much.  She also loves Days of Our Lives but I think I'm going to break her of that bad habit before she gets in too deep (like her momma).

Here are some pictures from her 4 month birthday, with commentary by Caroline.

"Hey, Mom! How about some more belly kisses? I love those!"

"Oh, this puppy. I like this puppy. But I like eating even more." 

 "I've got Dunlap. My belly dun lapped over my diaper!"

 "I know, I know. My eyes are gorgeous."

"Paddington! I love him!" 

"Hmmm.  Not sure what to think about this doll.  She's pretty cute.  I'm supposed to be the cute one!" 

"Oh, doll.  You tell such good stories.  I'm glad we're friends."

"I'm going to show Paddy my cool Blowing Bubbles trick.  I think he likes it!" 

"Listen, Paddy, I know I said I wasn't going to eat you...but..." 

"I'm hungry! A girl's gotta eat!" 

My mom (Grammy) told Caroline that she's got some unshapely legs.  I told her that they've got a shape - large and dimply!

"Oh, Mom.  That was rough.  Three diaper changes and a bear snack.  I'm ready for a nap!"

4 Months Preview

I've got 198 pictures to sort through.  I got a little snap happy!  Can you blame me?  My model is too cute!  Here's a sneak peek of our photo session...

Let's just say someone was a *little* bit uncooperative.  Hint - it wasn't Paddington Bear.

The Gown

Mom came for a visit this afternoon and brought The Gown.  It's a Christening gown that's been in her family for 61 years.  My mom's mom (Grand'mere) hand stitched it when my mom was born.  All of her siblings wore it, all of my siblings wore it and now all of the great-grandkids will wear it.  Maybe.

You see, Caroline isn't getting baptized until October 2nd.  She'll be just over 5 months old at that point, which is a little late to be baptized!  Blame it on scheduling conflicts and the church only offering the sacrament once a month. 

As Caroline has grown, so have our fears that The Gown isn't going to fit her come October.  Mom's visit today was to put our fears to rest or to encourage us to start looking for a New Gown. 

Here are some pictures.  What do you think we should do?

She loves her Grammy for bringing this beautiful dress over!  The arms holes will have to be let out...just a little...OK, maybe a lot... 

Caroline chatting with her Grammy

It's beautiful!  From the front, it looks like it fits...

...but from the back, you can see that it doesn't.  (Don't worry, we'd never let her wear hot pink bloomers to church.)

She loves it!  I guess we'll have to see just how "tight" it is come October.  Something tells me I'm going to be looking for a New Gown...

Lookin' for Some Hot Stuff, Baby!

Caroline's normal daytime routine consists of eating, sleeping and playing.  Not necessarily in that order, and for no specific amount of time.  She just kind of transitions from one thing to the next by crying a bit to let me know she's bored/hungry/sleepy or a combination of all three.  Lately, though, she's been doing a lot of yelling.  Not screaming, yelling.  I imagine that if she could use words that she'd be yelling, "Mom! Come get me! I'm awake and ready to eat!" or, "Mom! This tummy time thing is for the birds! Pick me up and feed me!".  My personal favorite is when she's yelling (at 3 in the morning), "Mooooooooom! I missed you! While you're up, do you think I can have a snack?".  I know, isn't she a sweetie? 

We were both getting a little bit bored with her play mat so I got her an activity jumper, or "stationary activity center" if you're looking it up on the BRB (Babies R Us).  She loves it!  It lights up, it plays songs, it has cows that moo, etc.  The best part is that she's sitting up and getting better at controlling her monster melon of a head.  She thinks she's total hot stuff when she sits in her new toy...

Here are some pics of Caroline, aka Hot Stuff:

Her new hair is coming in really blonde!

 Her cheeks are bigger than ever! 

Classic Caroline. 



I need a vacation from my vacation!

You know that popular saying, "I need a vacation from my vacation."?  I didn't truly appreciate that phrase until taking a beach trip with a 3 month old.  Have you ever tried it?   I don't recommend it.  It's not that bad...it's just a whole lot of work!

We just returned from a trip with my family to Orange Beach, AL.  We've been going to Orange Beach for years because of its great location and beautiful beaches.  It's a 4 hour drive from Baton Rouge and has the same beautiful sand and water that Destin boasts, only closer.  I appreciate it more as an adult because of it's proximity to the (in)famous Florabama.  The Florabama is a large bar that sits on the AL/FL state line, hence the name.  It's a quirky place with plywood walls and cold beer, good music and lots of out-of-towners.  I'm convinced Caroline would have enjoyed it, had she been old enough!

I wish I could say Caroline enjoyed the beach, but I'm afraid to admit she didn't.  I LOVE the beach, Luc is not a fan.  I'm pretty sure she sides with her dad on the "Beach vs. Mountains" debate.  Don't worry, Caroline, there will be plenty of time to change your mind!  If not, I'm totally fine with split family vacations...or bribing her...

Here are some pictures from the trip:

Caroline's first time on the beach.  She already looks scared.

Yep, she was scared!  She didn't like the ocean water very much.  Or the sand.  Or the heat.

She didn't like the pool, either!  I think she was a tired baby.

Our first attempt at getting a family picture on a timer.  I think it's funny...we all look like we're singing.

My parents and their grandbabies!

Grammy and her grandbabies.  

Success!  Great picture!

Someone was a little tired after taking so many pictures.  It was me.  And Caroline!

Daddy is so strong!  It takes big muscles to carry around such a rolly polly!

Despite the fussy baby, we had a great time.  It was so nice to spend time with my family and play with James and Matt.  I can't believe how big they are!  Matt just turned 4 and James is about to be 6...and a Kindergartner.  He was once a beautiful rolly polly baby, too...where did the time go?

3 Months Old!

Can you believe it?  Our little mama is already 3 months old.  Let me tell you, this one has been the best one yet!  Each day brings a new trick, a sweeter smile and a slew of sloppy baby kisses. 

She now weighs a whopping 16 pounds and is 25 inches long.  When charted on the standard growth chart, she's in the 95th percentile.  That's a big jump from her 2 month stats and a HUGE jump from her 2 week stats!  What can I tell you?  The girl loves to eat. 

At 3 months old, Caroline is:

Chewing on anything and everything, particularly her hands.  She loves her hands.  They are often covered in drool, so I have to make sure and keep them clean!

Rolling over from her stomach to her back.  She's almost proficient on her side to stomach roll...not quite there yet.

Sleeping though the night!  Her average is about 9 hours, but she'll go up to 11.5. 

Wearing size 3 diapers.  I'm hoping her weight gain slows down, otherwise she'll outgrow all of the diaper sizes and I'll be forced to potty train her before her 1st birthday.

Making her MayMay's life miserable when she comes to babysit.  Caroline does not like to behave when I'm not around.  Heck, she loves to misbehave when I AM around.  Oy Vey!

Grasping and holding on to objects.  Then sticking them into her mouth.  And drooling all over them.  Don't worry - I don't think she's teething...yet. 


Here are some pictures of Sweet Caroline on her 3 month birthday:

Notice that Caroline and the doll share the same cheeks and thighs.  And expression!

"Oh, I love this Paddington Bear! He's my favorite!"

"Listen, Paddy.  I know I promised you that I wouldn't eat you, but you just look so tasty and yummy."

"Well, hello, Puppy.  Please don't bite me!"

"Mom! I thought you said no dogs allowed in the house?  Why is this guy always in my crib and why does he taste so good?"

"Oh, it's my friend again!  I love him!"

"Oh, Paddy.  Posing for pictures is hard work.  Let's just relax for a minute."

Who wants some butter with their rolls?!?  My mom is going to disown me for posting this picture, but it's too funny!



I hope everyone had a great month of July!  We're looking forward to seeing what August will bring!

She's just talkin' to the angels

She's done it.  I've been waiting for this day since the day she was born.  I knew it would happen sooner or later, and I was hoping it was sooner than later. 

She's found her voice!

Oh, how Caroline loves to talk.  She'll talk about the weather, her favorite birds, how she hates her car seat but loves Days of Our Lives, and how she's always ready for her bath.  She's particularly chatty first thing in the morning.  She'll tell us all about her baby dreams and what she wants to do that day. 

It's the sweetest little voice (most of the time) and always a joy to hear.  It's amazing how it'll stop us in our tracks and enchant us for hours on end.  That angelic, heavenly little voice.  My grandmother (Granny) used to say that when babies talk, they're talking to the angels.  Well, I hope they are listening because Caroline has a lot to say!

Feel free to hit "replay" and watch it again.  You know you want to.  ;)

Here are some other recent highlights:

Caroline loves to lick on pieces of fruit!  I know, I know...bad mommy.  Don't worry.  She's still nursing like a champ.  Look at the child's thighs - you think she's missed a meal in her 3 months of life?  I assure you she has not.

Luc's mom and brother came in town for a quick visit.  Ms. Diane and Patrick had a great time!  Caroline behaved herself and made a new friend, Uncle Patrick.  (I made a killer chicken casserole.  Try it.  Leave out the black olives, unless black olives are your thing.)

I finally installed her jumper!  She loves it!  Granted, she can only hold up her head for about 5 minutes before she starts head banging the front bar...

I finally let her wear a bow.  She thought she was hot stuff.



 I've managed to increase her daytime naps from 15 minutes to 45.  Thank you, My Little Lamb swing.  You're a sanity saver!

She finally fits into her Baby Bjorn!  Remember when she was too small for it?

Before:



After!

She's still squeezing into this cute outfit -

She's sleeping through the night!  All it took was for me to give up caffeine, dairy and spicy food.  I'm still telling myself the extra hours of sleep are worth it.  Here she is after 11 hours of sleep:

This is probably one of my favorite pictures of her.  Background info - it was 8:00 at night, which is her bedtime, so she was angry to begin with.  I thought it would be fun to put her new bikini on her, just for kicks...stay at home moms need some entertainment from time to time, right?  Well, mommy was wrong.  Caroline didn't think it was fun.  Maybe because I tied the top too tight or maybe because it's a size 2T (I KNOW!), she wasn't happy about it.  Don't worry Caroline, almost all women feel the same way about putting on a swimsuit.

Caroline turns 3 months on Friday.  I can't believe it!  I weighed her today, but I'm waiting until the 3 month mark to share that number...