Seven Months!

Once again, I'm behind. Britta turned 7 months on February 17th. Better late than never, right?

Britta,
7 months! I'm certain I sound like a broken record, but I just can't believe how fast the time is going. Each month seems to go faster than the last. Each month you become more "alive" - more active, responsive, and become more of your own little person. It's so fun to watch!

We've had another great month!

You got your first tooth...
At the very end of January those days and weeks of drooling, chomping, and a little bit of crankiness paid off. You got your first tooth - the bottom right. Although we will miss your gummy little smile, Your little snaggle tooth is pretty darn cute too.

At least one more tooth is coming in - we'll see how and when the others come in. Thankfully, teething hasn't been too rough for you yet (knock on wood).

You MASTERED sitting up...
Man, I forgot how quickly you babies master some tasks. Although you just started sitting up last month, you very quickly mastered it this month! You very easily sit unassisted now - for longer and longer amounts of time. You still have a tiny little bit of bobble, but not much and you continue to get better by the day.

Because you are getting so much better at sitting, you have new world of toys available to you. Your favorite is your little piano (a hand me down from Linnea). You are happy to sit at that piano for a long time. We've also taken out some large floor toys (a big block with some spinning toys) that you enjoy as well.

You showed zero interest  in solid food...
As I said last month, we started you on solid foods. We were so certain this would be a big hit for you. For the last few months you showed all the signs - you grabbed at our food, you followed our food with your eyes, you chewed on everything.

When we started with rice cereal, it seemed to go okay. But since then you have completely lost interest. We've tried rice cereal, peas, and bananas. I mean, not even bananas?! How do you not like bananas?

We try to get you to give the food a try. But when we get close to your mouth, you just turn your head away. You like smacking the spoon if it gets close to you. If any food does manage to get into your mouth, you make a yucky face and sometimes even gag too! So dramatic.

I'm trying to be patient with you. I know it will just take time. I'm just really surprised... I was sure you would love trying all new kinds of food. You'll get there, I'm sure. Until then, we'll keep trying!

You switched into a big girl carseat...
We had been talking about getting you into a big girl carseat for a couple weeks. You were getting so uncomfortable in your infant seat...especially since we had a cover over top of it for winter. You were also getting too heavy to lug around in that seat! Although you still technically had quite a bit of room to grow (it technically goes up to 30 pounds), we knew it was time to get you into something bigger.

Once Linnea got a new booster seat, you switched into her old seat. It's crazy how little you look in it! You went from looking HUGE in the infant carseat to looking little in the new seat.

You seem to enjoy your new seat - you seem to like the extra space. Riding in style now, girlie!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
We're in between well baby visits (your last one was in January for your 6 month check, and the next one won't be until April for your 9 month check). I know you're over 20 pounds, since you were last month...so somewhere in the low 20s is I'm sure where you are weight-wise. It seems like your growth is slowing down a little bit - which is normal at about this age.

You are in a mix of 9 month and 12 month clothes. There are a few 6 month items still in your drawers (mostly shirts), but you don't really fit in them as well. I'm sure I'll be packing them away soon. We've had to buy a few new long-sleeve onsies, since Linnea's 12 month clothes are summer clothes.

You are in size 3 diapers, and they seem to be fitting you pretty well (and probably will for a bit yet).

You continue to be SUCH a happy baby. Some of your favorite things: your sister, baths - and generally being naked, putting things in your mouth, grabbing anything in reach, grabbing your toes/happy baby pose, sitting up, playing with mama's hair.

Your eating continues to be the same. 5 oz. each bottle. 3 bottles during the day (9:00, noon, 4:00). The only weird thing this month is that you had a few days in there that you were not as interested in eating. On those days you'd skip a feeding and/or eat less at one or more of your meals. I think that was due to have a bit of a cold and teething. Even on the days you didn't eat typically you were jolly as usual. You are up at night once or twice to eat, nurse before daycare in the morning (if you weren't up in the 4 or 5:00 hour), and then again before bed.

Your bedtime schedule is the same as well - ready for bed around 6:30 or 7:00, down for the night by 7:00 or 7:30 unless we're out and about (like I said last month, we are thankful for your flexibility!).

Per Dr. Khan's suggestion, we started using gas drops at your last feeding. It seems to have helped quite a bit! You get up a lot less at 9:30/10:00. You still get up later, but it seems to be because you are hungry rather than gassy. Nighttime sleep continues to not be great. Usually up twice, and there isn't really any rhyme or reason to it. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude, knowing that it won't be like this forever. I enjoy our snuggles at least!

You still nap like a champ at Magna's - super consistent. Yay! We continue to take the weekends as they come. Sometimes you don't nap in the morning on the weekends - or you'll snooze in the car. Have I mentioned we're thankful for your flexibility?!

My sweet Britta Alice, you are 7 months old! We love you so much - you bring all of us so much joy. You are jolly, happy, content, observant, sweet, silly, snugly, charming, determined, and curious and we love you to bits. We can't wait to continue to watch you grow and learn.

We love you to the moon and back, Britta Boo!
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Six Months!

Uff. Nearly a month late in posting this...Britta is just days away from being 7 months old! How is time going so fast?! Better late than never, right? Britta turned 6 months on January 17th. Here's the update...

Britta,
6 months old. Half way to a year. How on earth did we get here? Daddy mentioned recently that it seems like your baby-ness is already going away. And I completely agree. Yes, you are still a baby. And will be for a while. But you are growing and changing so much. All of a sudden you aren't just a little baby laying in a bouncer seat. You are a busy, grabby, mobile, chatty little one. It's so amazing and such a joy to watch. We love you so much, little lady!

It's been another exciting month...

You celebrated Christmas...
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a family favorite. We are big into traditions, particularly around the holiday season. We had a great time last month and this month including you in our special celebrations. Unfortunately, a few traditions didn't work out this year - cutting down our own tree, putting up both trees, decorating (for the most part). I need to remind myself that there is time to bring those traditions back, when things aren't so chaotic. What's most important is enjoying time as a family -which we did!

On Christmas Eve Daddy had to work, so it was just the girls for most of the day. I managed to get both of you to the zoo for a quick trip, and we had a really nice time. Daddy came home around the end of nap time, and we got to enjoy some time together just the four of us. Linnea enjoyed opening your presents as well as hers. You loved taking it all in.

We went back and forth about what we wanted to do for Christmas Eve dinner. For the last several years we had the tradition of going out with just our little family. This year we had the opportunity to have dinner with Grandma and Grandpa but ultimately decided to stick with the tradition. We really enjoy that time just the four of us.

We went to Big Bowl for dinner. Funny story - on our way I found out that your godparents and our good friends, Tom and Jackie, and their son Gavin, were at the same restaurant. It was nice to see them, and wish them a Merry Christmas. You had many admirers from the tables nearby - you were staring people down, and flirting up a storm.

After having dessert at Grandma and Grandpa's we went to late church. I was a little nervous about how it would go since it was waaayy past your bedtime, but you did great. You got a little loopy and chatty. You gabbed your way through the service, and were pretty exhausted afterwards, but you managed just fine.

After sleeping in a bit Christmas morning, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for the day. We had fun spending time together, playing, and opening presents.

We celebrated Christmas with the Hommen/Carlson side on New Year's Day. You were spoiled rotten by Grammy, Grampy, your aunts and uncles, and Santa. We had a fun time!

You started sitting up...
This month you started sitting up! As you've gotten bigger and strong, we started sitting you up and sitting what you were capable of.

It's still a work in progress. You are a bit wobbly, and lean forward a lot, but you are getting better by the day. You look like such a grown up girl!

I think you really like the change in scenery that comes from sitting up. You love to lean forward and grab whatever you can. It's fun to watch you explore in this new way!

We will continue to practice, and work those muscles. You'll be a pro in no time!

You tried your first solid food...
For months, you've been grabbing for things, and showing great interest in what we were eating. At your 4 month appointment, Dr. Khan gave us the go ahead to try solid food. We had planned to wait until after your 6 month appointment, but decided early in January that that was silly - and we should just give it a go.

We started with rice cereal on January 9th. You completely surprised us by being not at all interested. We've tried a couple times, and while you'll take a few bites, you are generally far from impressed. We really don't want to push it - we know you'll eat when you're ready. We'll try more foods in the coming days...maybe you just don't like rice cereal? We are very surprised that you aren't more into it...but you'll get there.

You fell in love with bouncing...
A month or so ago we got the Johnny Jump Up out for the first time. You seemed to enjoy it right away. But this month? Oh man, baby girl. This month you fell in love HARD with bouncing in that thing.

You could spend all day bouncing! Even if you are crabby, when you start bouncing in the Johnny Jump Up, you have the biggest smiles! You are super strong, so you are able to jump really high.

It's a bit of a bummer - I fear that you'll outgrow it quickly. But we will make sure you get to enjoy it while you can!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
You had your 6 month well baby check with Dr. Khan right as you turned 6 months. You are continuing to rock the 95th-99th percentile in all of your measurements. You weighed 21 pounds, 10 ounces, and were 28" long. Big girl! What surprised me the most was when I looked back at your sister's measurements and found that you weigh the same as she did at a year. You didn't seem that big to me - you are just perfect. Right as you should be. Dr. Khan said you look awesome. She was surprised how well you support your own weight. Your legs have gotten SO strong (must be all that bouncing, huh?).

You are mostly in 9 month clothes. There are a few 6 month clothes still in the mix, but most of them are too tight and/or too short (6 month pants are totally capris on you these days). There are a few 12 month clothes I've started to pull out...and will likely pull out more soon since the 6 month clothes are dwindling. We'll probably have to buy more clothes for you than planned because the 12 month clothes we have are more summery. It's fun seeing you in the same clothes your big sister wore! I enjoy taking pictures of you in the same outfits, and seeing my beautiful babies side by side.

You are in size 3 diapers (though Grandma & Grandpa and Magna still have size 2s they are using up). We still put you in size 3 overnight diapers. They work better at night to keep you dry.

You are absolutely in love with your big sister (and vice versa). No one can get you laughing like Linnea can. She loves to make silly sounds and do goofy dances, and delights when you smile and laugh at her. Linnea often requests that you lay in bed with her, particularly around bedtime, and again in the morning. I love watching the two of you. I can already see your bond forming. What an amazing thing to watch.

Nothing within your reach is safe these days. I thought it was bad last month! Your hand control is accurate, and you are fast and strong. You'll grab at anything in front of you, pull it towards you, and almost always it will go right in your mouth. Daddy and I were surprised food hasn't been more of an interest for you because of this. We thought you'd for sure gobble it up (literally and figuratively). We'll just keep trying, I guess. And until then, I'm sure you'll just continue grabbing at our food (and everything else you can get your hands on).

You continue to be as observant and content as ever. Magna will regularly write things like - Awesome day, content and happy, loved just watching the other kids. You have your moments where you are fussy - mostly when you are hungry and/or tired, but your norm is content and chill. I'm so glad you got your daddy's disposition!

Your eating has been consistent.You usually nurse at least a bit in the morning, unless you nursed in the 4 o'clock hour or later. Then three bottles at daycare, 5 oz. each time - 9:00, 12:00, and 4:00 or thereabouts. You nurse right before bed as well.

You continue to be ready for bed by around  6:30 or 7:00. Usually down by 7:00 or 7:30. Sometimes we can stretch it a bit later if we are out for some sort of family event. We try not to do that too much, but we really appreciate your flexibility!

Like last month, I'm frustrated with night time sleep. There is just not a whole lot of rhyme or reason to it. You continue to be up usually twice a night. Again, you are still usually legitimately hungry...or at least seem to be. I've tried to settle you down before trying to nurse you, but you just aren't having it. I do still think some of it is gassiness- you wake up fairly regularly between 9:30 and 10:30, and seem to be really uncomfortable. I talked with Dr. Khan about it. She suggested trying gas drops, so we'll see if that helps. You will sometimes randomly sleep through the night, but those times are few and far between. I am thankful that when you are up you eat and (usually) go right back to sleep. That helps at least...

Naps (and everything else for that matter) still are great at Magna's. As was true with your sister, she tells us that she would have 10 of you if she could. That makes us happy and proud. We continue to "go with the flow" on the weekends. Morning naps are generally what suffers the most. Sometimes we're home and can get you down for a good nap, but a lot of times we're out at about - errands, church, etc. so you nap in the car or as needed. Afternoon naps are better because it's nap time for everyone - Linnea doesn't nap usually, but we all need rest time! It made me feel better looking back at my notes about Linnea at this age, and realizing it was the same way with her.

Britta, we are halfway to a year. I just can't believe how fast it's gone. It's cliché, but we really can't imagine our lives without you. You fill our hearts in a way we didn't know was possible. You are such an awesome baby, and we love you to bits!

We love you!
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Five Months!

Once again, I'm mega-late in posting. Britta is almost 6 months old (say whhhhaaaatt?!). This time around, I blame the holidays. I should just start writing the next month's post as I post the previous month's.

Anyways, as of December 17th, Britta was 5 months old. She's becoming more and more her own little person, and it's amazing to watch.

Britta Alice,
I am in disbelief that you are already 5 months old. Seriously. Where has the time gone? It is such a joy and pleasure watching you learn and grow, little one. You are such an awesome little lady - loving, sweet, content, happy...you bring so much joy to our family. I hope that as you get bigger you always know that.

We've had a good month...

You celebrated Thanksgiving...
I think Grammy was looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with you from the moment she knew you were on the way. Seriously. The big reason is because when your sister was a baby she was our Thanksgiving centerpiece. She sat in the Bumbo seat in the middle of the table for our Thanksgiving dinner. It was very cute. So Grammy was set on having you be our centerpiece this year.

Unfortunately, Grammy and Uncle C.J. were under the weather a bit on Thanksgiving, so we had to postpone. Thankfully, since Grandma and Grandpa live so close and were hosting, we were able to celebrate with them. We had a very nice evening with the Broste side of the family.

By the day after Thanksgiving, Grammy and C.J. were feeling better and had some antibiotics in them, so we were able to have a second dinner with them. It was a bummer because Uncle Ethan, Auntie Rachell, and your cousins couldn't make it that day, so it was a bit of a quiet celebration. But you, my love, were of course the Thanksgiving centerpiece in the Bumbo. Adorable, of course.  We had a great holiday!

You became a rolling pro!
Last month I was posting about how you were learning to roll - tummy to back. Well... this month, you became a rolling pro - both ways.

I forgot how quickly learning can come with you little ones. You had been working and working on rolling. You were doing pretty well tummy to back, but you weren't able to do back to tummy. You'd get most of the way, but then get stuck.

Magna mentioned a couple times that she had seen you go from back to tummy, but I hadn't seen it. But then one night, right as you were turning 5 months, you rolled so fast I didn't even see it. I put you down on your back, looked down for seriously 30 seconds - and then there you were on your tummy! So of course I put you back on your back so you'd do it again - and you did! So fast... just like that! You want to be a mover, Britta Girl. There will be no stopping you soon!

You saw Santa...TWICE! (among other holiday festivities) 
This stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas is me and Daddy's favorite time of the year. Lots of festivities and fun. We are big into traditions, especially around this time of year. We've so enjoyed adding you to the mix.

So far we've done some decorating around the house, caroled with our faith group, and met Santa - twice! First, you met Santa at our neighborhood tree lighting. You did not freak out at all (again, you are so chill), but you were totally underwhelmed. The pictures I got were hilarious - Linnea was all smiles, and you had this "who is this guy?" look. Too funny.

We saw Santa again at Bachman's. We discovered an awesome little play there. The show was about Santa and his head elf. You didn't get much out of that, of course. I hope to make this a new tradition - so hopefully in years to come you will enjoy it more! After the play, Santa took pictures with all the kids. Same underwhelmed look from you. I know you'll learn to love him!

I'm looking forward to more Christmas fun with you!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
We're in between well baby visits (your last one was on November 18th, your next one is scheduled for January 20th. As such, I don't have a whole lot of concrete measurement information. I do know this - you are a solid little nugget of baby love! You are sturdy, with lots and lots of baby rolls. You'll hate me for this when you are older...but I quite regularly stand you up when you are naked just to admire the adorable chunkiness. You love being naked, so you are happy to oblige!

You have officially outgrown your 3 month clothes. You're in a mix now of 6 month clothes and - get this- 9 month clothes! I had gotten a few 9 month long sleeve onesies when I realized that you would need them (since Linnea wore 9 month clothes in the Spring/Summer). I put one on you one day, sure that it would be quite big. But it fit! Wow!

We ended up getting size 3 overnight diapers since you were leaking so much overnight. That has helped a lot. You're still in size 2 diapers, but they are getting really small. The next pack of diapers we buy will FOR SURE be size 3s.

As always, you are so observant. It's so clear that you are REALLY paying attention, trying to figure everything out. Generally speaking, you are content to just sit and watch the world around you. Your favorite thing to watch is Linnea. You love watching her do ANYTHING, and she can make you laugh more than anyone else. I love it.

You continue to smile with your whole face and body. You are such a happy baby! It's so fun to catch your eye, say your name, and watch your huge smile spread across your face. Happy girl.

Your hand control has gotten a ton better this last month. You are grabbing for things like crazy, and are much better at getting things on the first attempt. We have to be really careful these days if we have you on our laps at the table. You'll grab at our plates - and start to pull them towards you! I think you are ready for food (though we haven't started anything yet - soon, little one!).

Your eating is the same - consistently 5 oz. each bottle. Just like the last couple months, depending on when you last ate in the night, you sometimes nurse in the morning. You have 3 bottles at Magna's/Grandma and Grandpa's - around 9:00, noon, and 4:00. Then you nurse usually just once before bed.

You're usually ready to get ready for bed by around  6:30 or 7:00. Usually down by 7:00 or 7:30. I have given up trying to figure out your bedtime sleep. I know that it's totally normal, but your bedtime sleep is so frustrating. You are almost always up twice...sometimes even three times. You're usually legitimately hungry...so you're eating a lot overnight. You've also had some gassiness, which I really thinks affects your sleep. You had had a bout of constipation shortly after Thanksgiving. Once you finally "cleaned out your pipes" you had some of the best nights of sleep you've had in a long time - straight through the night. I'm trying to take it all in stride, and know that "this too shall pass," but it's hard. Sleep deprivation is no joke!

Naps continue to go great at Magna's. I'm so thankful for how well she does with you - and how good you are for her! Magna always has nothing but good things to say about you. I'm so glad! I'm learning how to just "go with the flow" on the weekends - recognizing that it's not realistic to keep your schedule the same as it is during the week. I'm getting there... :-)

Britta, I can't believe you are 5 months old. Who told you you could grow up so fast? You are beyond a joy, Boo Boo. Your smiles, your laughter, your silly antics...they all brighten our days so much. We've had a great month. I can't wait to see what next month has in store for us...

Love you so much,
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Four Months!

As of November 17th, Britta was 4 months. I've had this post in the works for a while. Time to post (before she turns 5 months!)!

Britta Alice,
Each month goes faster than the last. I find myself so torn in my emotions...on the one hand, it's so fun to watch you grow and become your own little person. You change and develop every day. It's such a joy. But on the other hand, it's going so fast. You very well could be our last baby...I'm in disbelief that each of these exciting firsts could be the last time I experience them first hand. Moral of the story...one day at a time - both surviving and savoring, I suppose!

It's been another big month...

You were baptized!
What a special celebration! Like your big sister, you had the privilege of being baptized by Grandma. Words can't describe what an incredible gift it is to watch her baptize you girls. It's very emotional for all of us.

While we had a nice celebration, the service didn't quite go off without a hitch. In the days and weeks leading up to your baptism (October 25th), our baptismal font at church was having issues. I LOVE our font. It's HUGE, and always full...with a little waterfall feature. It's really beautiful. Anyways, it was having some issues as we approached your baptism. Grandma kept reassuring us that they were fixing it. However, when we got to church before the service, she came up to us to let us know it had sprung a major leak, and we'd need to go to plan B.

Plan B was a little stand set-up in the front with a simple glass bowl filled with water. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed, but I tried to focus on the most important thing - the baptism itself.

We made it in the sanctuary just in time for the ceremony after getting you fed, changed, and dressed.You did great during the baptism...some tears were shed during the ceremony - but not yours! You were content the whole time.

We had a nice little reception at church after the service - just a little gathering of friends and family for cake and coffee. It was such a joy to look around the room and see the loved ones who support you and our family. You are so loved!

You celebrated your first major holiday...Halloween!
This month brought your first holiday - Halloween. We had a wonderful time celebrating. Before you were born, Grammy found a cute bumblebee costume for you. Leading up to the day I was nervous it wouldn't fit, but because you have been growing like crazy, it was just right by Halloween.

You were so cute in your costume. We called you "BumbleBritta." You got to partake in a few celebrations.
First, you came along on our annual trip to the Crosstown Covenant Church party. The church is just a few blocks from our house, and we've gone the last few years with our friends the Winters and the Olsons. It's awesome - just a couple years ago it was just three kiddos, now between the 3 families we have 7 kiddos! So it's a little crazy, but a lot of fun.

You actually slept through most of the party (in the carrier), which is impressive because it was pretty loud. It will be so fun to bring you next year - I imagine you'll be running around by then!

You also celebrated Halloween at Magna's. She reported that you loved watching the other kids dance around, and were completely baffled by her Minnie Mouse ears. Hee hee.

Finally, we had a great day on Halloween itself. First, we went to a Trunk or Treat event at church - people decorated their cars and did trick or treating in the parking lot. You got lots of oohs and ahhs at how cute and cozy you looked. After the event at church, we headed over to the Getchius' house for pizza and trick or treating in their neighborhood. You slept through most of trick or treating - I liked having you as a little snuggle buddy as we went house to house. Once again, it will be fun to the contrast next year - I'm sure you'll be running around trying to keep up with the big kids by then!

You scared us with a fall...
Oh Britta Girl, you gave us a scare. On a normal night early in November I was getting you ready for bed. Linnea and I were in your room...I was at the changing table getting your pajamas on and Linnea was just behind me on the chair in your room. She needed help to put the foot rest up.

I turned for just a second to help her and turned back just in time to watch you go head first off the changing table. My eyes well up with tears and my stomach ties in knots just to type it now. I hadn't realized how strong you had gotten - you didn't roll...your kick was powerful enough to propel you right off the end of the table.

You fell right on your head on the wood floors below. I have never heard you cry so hard. I picked you up right away and managed to get you calmed down after a minute or so. Once you were calm you just sort of whimpered. I could tell it really hurt you - and probably scared you too. To say I felt horrible is quite an understatement.

We needed to get you checked out to be sure you were okay - so we all went to the ER (I was too shook up to take you myself). It scared me because you were falling asleep, and I didn't know if you had a concussion or something.

Thankfully, you were 100% fine. You absolutely charmed the nurses and the doctors at the hospital. They talked about how sweet and alert you were. They were so confident that you weren't seriously hurt that we didn't need to do any scans or other tests. Thank God!! I don't know what I would have done if you would have gotten hurt. I'm so beyond thankful that you are okay.

You started rolling (with consistency)...
I have to laugh a bit. I took you in to the doctor's office after your fall (they wanted to do a follow-up appointment just to be sure you were okay). The nurse who saw you said to me, "Watch out for this one." She explained that she could tell you are very strong, and very much want to be on the move. She said it likely wouldn't be the last time that you surprised us with your strength and independence.

We are definitely seeing that. You love to kick and move your legs. At a very early age you could get yourself over to your side. This month you started rolling! So far you're just rolling from your tummy to your back, but I'm sure back to tummy is just around the corner. And then, just like the nurse said, we better watch out! There will be no stopping you!!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
We had your 4 month well baby appointment on November 18th. You continue to rock the 95th+ percentile in all of your measurements. Your measurements were: Weight: 17 lbs, 8 oz. (95th percentile), Height/Length: 26 1/4" (98th percentile), 17.2" (99th percentile - big head for big brains I say!).

Dr. Khan said you were doing great! You are growing just as you should be. She told me, "People will tell you she's big, and should can say 'Yup, she's big...but she's just what she should be!" That made me feel good...I'm so glad you are healthy and thriving. People can be a little insensitive, and make comments that can make me feel a little insecure. But what's most important is that you are healthy!

You are mostly in 6 month clothes. 3 months pants are definitely too short. There are a few shirts in the mix that are 3 months or 3-6 months that still fit...but 6 month is better. The 6 month sleepers are already getting really short, so I think I'll big digging out the 9 month clothes soon. I can't believe that you are already wearing that size! Growing girl!

You are in size 2 diapers. They're fitting okay, but starting to get a little tight. Diapers are problematic at night - you leak a lot, so we might need to go up a size so you don't soak through.

You are as observant as ever. It's so awesome to see. When you are awake, you are focused, curious, and observant. I can't wait to watch you learn and grow. Your mind is so active already, little one. It will be amazing to see what you are capable of.

You are smiling a lot more readily now. Grandma and Grandpa were in Israel for 10 days at the beginning of the month. When they came back, Grandma made a comment that your smiles were the biggest difference she saw since they were gone - that they were more regular, bigger, etc. I just love your smiles. They are huge, and come so easily - sometimes just when I look at you or say your name. Daddy and I often comment that you are such a jolly baby.

You are discovering your hands and learning to grab things, and it's. blowing. your. mind. Utter bafflement and wonderment are regular emotions to come across your face. It's so funny to watch - you look shocked (and slightly concerned) by your hands. You're still learning to control them - sometimes you'll accidently smack yourself in the face, or your hands will work against each other - one hand will be trying to get to your mouth, and the other will be pushing your first hand away from your mouth. You'll get there in no time!

Your eating is about same - although now consistently 5 oz. each bottle. Like last month, depending on when you last ate in the night, you sometimes nurse in the morning. You have 3 bottles at Magna's/Grandma and Grandpa's - around 9:00, noon, and 4:00. Then you nurse usually just once before bed.

You're usually ready to get ready for bed by around 7:00. Usually down by 7:30. Bedtime sleep continues to not be great...although I keep trying to remind myself that you are more typical than your sister was. You are always up once - usually twice. Times vary. Since last month it shifted a bit - to earlier...like 10:30 or 11, and then again around 2 or 3. There's not a whole lot of regularity or consistency with it, which is hard for your Type A mama, but I'm managing.

Naps go great at Magna's. You take a nap sometime mid-morning (around 9:30-10:30) for about an hour, and then take a solid nap in the afternoon (usually around 2 1/2 to 3 hours). You also tend to have "car naps" on the way too and from daycare, which I think is part of the reason you don't go to bed super earlier (which I like because I get more time with you!). Naps on the weekend are harder because your schedule varies more. Often you sleep as late as 8:00, so your morning nap is shorter, and usually in the midst of stuff we're doing as a family. The last couple weeks we seem to have missed your nap window in the afternoon so we have to be flexible (which is, again, hard for your Type A mama. I'm a work in progress, and so are you I suppose).

I say it every month, and I mean it more every month. You are a joy. You bring us all such happiness with your smiles and sweetness. I can't believe how fast these last 4 months have going, and how big and strong you are already. I look forward to seeing what our next month brings.

I love being your mama, sweet Britta Boo.

We love you,
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Three Months!

I say it every month, and I'm sure will continue to say it for forever, but time is just flying. I can't believe that, as of October 17th, is 3 months old!! A quarter of a year!! Cue the mama tears. I just want to put the brakes on a bit, and be able to savor each moment.

Yes, this is ridiculously late. Yup, she's less than a couple weeks from 4 months, but I want to be sure to document these monthly updates.

So here we go...

Britta Boo,
3 months. 3 months?! It seems like yesterday that you were born...and actually just yesterday that I was pregnant with you. You've had a big month...lots of changes and milestones. More and more we are realizing what a content, peaceful baby you are. It will be so interesting to see your personality take shape! Here's what you've been up to in the last month...

You started daycare!
Probably the biggest transition this month for you (and me...and the whole family really)... I went back to work on October 8th, and you started at Magna's that same day. The combination of you being an all-around rockstar baby, and Magna having some sort of awesome voodoo magic skills means that you have been doing AMAZING!

Much like with your big sister, Magna managed to get you on a schedule right away. You take 3 bottles at daycare (9:00ish, noonish, and 4:00ish) - between 4 and 5 ounces each time. You take a morning nap around 9:45/10:00 for between an hour and an hour and a half. You take an afternoon nap from around 1:00 to 3:00/3:30.

Magna reports you are happy, very chatty, and snuggly for the vast majority of your days there. You are getting better at tummy time each day, and love watching the other kiddos play and interact.

We had a bit of a scare right before you started daycare - you were refusing to take a bottle. I panicked BIG time, but discovered just in the nick of time that it was a temperature issue. You are a bit of a diva, and like your milk REALLY warm (body temperature, thank you very much!). Daddy and I had a date night for our anniversary the week you started daycare, and you cried (LOUD) for Grandma for most of the 2 hours we were gone. You are SO chill usually, but will definitely let everyone know when something's wrong.

Thankfully, we figured it out just in time and you have had ZERO issues with bottles. Wahoo!!

In addition to starting at Magna's, you are joining big sister for what is now "Linnea AND Britta Day" at Grandma and Grandpa's. I think it's a bit of an adjustment to have two to take care of, but they are enjoying it.

You took your first vacation!
We've had a few overnight out-of-town trips before this, but this month was your first REAL vacation. We had planned long before you were even born to take a trip up north. Since I was still on leave we took our usual trip to Grand Marais with Grandma and Grandpa, and then headed over to Bayfield, WI for another couple nights.

Admittedly, it was a bit crazy. Almost a week gone...staying in three different places (we stayed in Duluth the first night)...sleeping all in one room. Sleep was never really great...you had a bit of a cold, and didn't sleep super well in the pack 'n play.

All of that said, we had a really good time. It was so fun to introduce you to all our favorite places up north. We look forward to many, many more years of time up north as a family. I look forward to throwing rocks in the lake with you in a few years.

You started laughing!
This one took me by total surprise! I was "chatting" with you before dinner one night when we were in Bayfield. You were smiling and cooing (per usual), but all of a sudden you were laughing! It happened so fast that by the time I realized what you were doing, it was over! I called Daddy over to try to get you do it again, but I didn't have any luck.

We've had a few more little laughs since then, but not regularly quite yet. It was like a little gift for mama, to have the laugh from my Britta girl!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
You continue to be a big, happy baby!!

We haven't had a doctor's appointment since the beginning of September, so I'm not really sure how big you are. I won't be surprised if you are well over 15 pounds by your next appointment mid-month. You are regularly mistaken for older than you are...which doesn't really surprise me. I think you look older than you are too...not just because of your size, but because of your head and neck control, and level of alertness.

You are still squeezing into some 3 month clothes, but are mostly in 6 month clothes. Pants and sleepers in particular got too short/small practically overnight. It's a bit of a bummer, because I think we'll end up being off the right seasons with the clothes that Linnea wore as a baby. I suppose there are worse things, but it's fun to be able to give new life to old clothes.

You are fully in size 2 diapers... well actually, we found a few 1s here and there and used them to get rid of them - crazy how quickly they went from fitting fine to WAY too small!

You continue to be alert and attentive. Nearly everyone who meets you/spends any sort of time with you comments on that. You are SUCH an observer. Maybe it sounds silly, but you can tell that even at 3 months you are just wanting to take everything in.

Like I said before, we are realizing more and more what a content baby you are. It's rare that you will cry or get upset. When you do it usually means that we aren't feeding you soon enough...or you have a little gas bubble...or are a little overtired. But as soon as your needs are met you calm down. Even when you wake up at night you don't cry...you just grunt and fuss a bit to let me know you're hungry.

It's fun to watch your relationship with Linnea continue to develop. She loves to talk to you and get you to smile - and she's good at that. She loves to lay with you and say sweet and silly things to you. She gets mad at Daddy and I if we "hog" you too much. It's so fun to watch how sweet she is with you. I can't wait to continue to watch you become friends!

You continue to eat well. Depending on when you last ate, you nurse a bit in the morning before Magna's. You take 3 bottles there (between 4 and 5 oz.), and then nurse once or twice before bed.

Your bedtime has moved up again this month...usually between 7:30 and 8:00. It's nice that you stay up a bit later than your big sister did at this age because it's nice to have a bit of time with you when we all get home for the night.

Bedtime sleep has not been as good as it was previously... I'm not quite sure what to attribute that to. You are pretty much always up once, and usually twice. Times vary a bit, but are usually around midnight and then again around 4. Those times are my least favorite times because it breaks up my sleep in a bad way. However, I am thankful that you continue to go back to sleep very easily. You wake up, eat, and are back out without much of a peep. That makes it a bit more manageable.

Naps have become more consistent now that you are at Magna's (yay Magna for helping me get you on a good schedule!). Like I said before you have a shorter nap in the mid-morning, and then a long nap in the afternoon. (It's awesome that you and Linnea nap together in the afternoon!). We can't get you to nap quite as well when you're home with us on the weekends (like I said, Magna has some sort of awesome voodoo magic).

You are so awesome, Britta! You are sweet, observant, strong, and calm. I love learning who you are...I love being your mama...I love watching you learn and grow.

You have brought so much joy to us in your short little life!

We love you so very much, Britta girl!
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

An Interview with a Four-Year-Old

I have a four-year-old! Crazy! Linnea (for the most part) is SO much fun these days. She's goofy, curious, sweet, and loving, and we love her to pieces! She's got a little edge of sassiness, but she's really SUCH a sweet girl.

I'm a little late with this, but wanted to continue the annual interview I started last year. One thing I've really enjoyed about this age/stage is watching Linnea discover who she is, her likes and dislikes, etc. In case you're curious, our interview from last year is found here.

Here's our interview from this year. (I added my thoughts in italics.) It was very cute - she was quite serious about the whole thing. More thoughtful than last year, and answers came much easier.

1. How old are you? Four!! (She is so proud of this. In the weeks after she had her birthday, she'd tell strangers, "I'm FOUR now." She doesn't really have her Rs, so it's more like Fow-a.)
2. What is your favorite color? Purple and blue (Purple has been pretty consistent. I have expected her to say sparkly something, or rainbow, as she has cited those in the past.)
3. What is your favorite toy? (She had to think about th(is one...) My firetruck (A bit of a surprise, as she hasn't played with it for a while. She got a garbage truck for her birthday that she's played with quite a bit. She also likes to play with play food A LOT.)
4. What is your favorite food? Mushroom stroganoff!! (True story, and both Jeromy and I love this about her because it's so unique. She loves going to Noodles for it, and also LOVES when Jeromy makes it at home. Other favorites are pizza, any type of pasta, egg wraps - our creation...basically just scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a tortilla, and fish).
5, What is your favorite snack/treat? Cheez-its (Another surprise. We never really have them at home. She chose to bring cheez-its to preschool this past Friday when it was her turn to bring snack, so maybe it was fresh on her mind. She likes pretzels, goldfish crackers, craisins and raisins. She loves chocolate and ice cream as treats.)
6. What is your favorite TV show? (Lots of thought about this...) Ummm...Mickey Mouse [Clubhouse]. (We've been trying to cut down on TV at home. Not that we think it's awful or anything...it just was getting too excessive for us. I know she watches different shows at daycare, but Mickey does tend to be the one she wants most with us.)
7. What is your favorite movie? Frozen (Yup...still. We haven't watched in a while, but she definitely still loves it.)
8. What is your favorite animal? (Some thinking...) A pony. (Interesting to see the similarity from last year. We did go to the Renaissance Festival again, where she once again rode a pony. I don't know if that's what she was thinking about or not...)
9. Who is your favorite friend to play with? Raia (Again, same answer as last year. This one was a bit of a surprise. Not that Raia isn't a good friend, but they haven't played together in a while. She does, however, very much look up to her and had an adorable "over the fence" conversation with her around the same time I did this interview.)
10. What's your favorite thing to do outside? Play on a swingset (Very accurate. Girlfriend could swing ALL. DAY. LONG. It was the best thing ever when we A) bought her a swingset for our yard and B) she learned how to pump.) 
11. What is your favorite thing to drink? Ice water (What a diva...ha ha ha. Over the summer we started drinking stuff with ice - which we don't do very often. Needless to say, she liked it.)
12. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My ballerina story...my baka! (I have to laugh about the ballerina story. She just got the book from a church friend and it is her latest obsession. It's a book that looks like a purse and has several stories about little girl ballerinas in it. Her baka is her beloved blankie that ALWAYS needs to be in bed with her.)
13. What is your favorite song? Okee Dokee Brothers (We've istened to their stuff for awhile, but just recently borrowed the CD from the library. They're really great. I don't mind this obsession.)
14. What makes you happy? (She leans in close and almost in a whisper) Icccccceee cream. (That's my girl. Ha ha ha!!!)
15. What makes you sad? (Became very thoughtful.) When people hit me? (I asked her who would hit her and she shrugged her shoulders.) Maybe doesn't talk to me?? (I guess it's good that she can't think of a whole lot that makes her sad.)
16. What is one thing you love about mama? (She gave me a huge hug.) That you love me!!! (Cue mama melt...)
17. What is one thing you love about daddy? Just because I love him... (I tried to get more out of her...I think she basically meant she loves everything..)
18. What do you want to be when you grow up? A "fighterfighter" (Again, same answer as last year. She LOVES fire hydrants and will come running from anywhere in the house when she hears the firetrucks - which is regularly because we live right by the fire station. She loves watching them drive by.) 

Linnea is SUCH a personality, and is coming into her own more and more by the day. It's so fun to watch her grow. She is such a sweet little girl, and we love her to bits!

Two Months!

I'm a bit late in posting this...but better late than never, right? Britta turned 2 months on the 17th. Time is just flying...

Britta Alice,
Time just goes faster and faster. You are now 2 months old, and I've loved watching you learn and grow this last month. We say all the time you seem SO grown up already! I don't know if it's just because you are big for your age, or if you are just that much more alert and aware, or maybe a combination? Either way, there's been lots of change this month...you are really coming into your own.

We love you more and more as each day passes. Here's what we've been up to the last month.

You started sleeping through the night!
It's not consistent just yet, but you've had SEVERAL nights recently when you've slept 7, 8, or even 9 hours at a time! Wow! Rockstar!

The first time you did it was such a surprise. It was the night you got your shots (Sept. 4th). I actually was fully expecting your sleep to be disrupted because I could tell you were sore. But a dose of tylenol in you and you went from 5 hours as your longest stretch to sleeping around 9 hours! Wow! I thought it must have been a total fluke, and it was for a bit but since then you've been doing it again.

Just within the last couple days you've started breaking out of your swaddle, so I've been leaving your arms out at night. Your startle reflex is much less than it was when you were brand new, but you still flail a lot in your sleep, so you haven't been sleeping quite as good as of late. I'm hoping this is short lived.

You started smiling!
I forgot how gradual this comes... Daddy and I (and Linnea for that matter) were watching closely and started seeing little grins the end of August/beginning of September.

As the weeks have gone by they've become more and more frequent. You have very sweet, smirky little smiles. I love it! You are also cooing up a storm. Lots of fun noises. We've started having "conversations" with you. We talk to you, and you'll coo back at us. So fun!

You went to fairs and festivals...
It was a busy month for us in terms of fairs and festivals. We love hittin' a bunch up, and we were excited to take you with this year!

At the end of August you went to the State Fair - twice! You, me, and Daddy went on opening day (WOWZA Auntie Rachel and Andrew were in town, so we went with your WOWZA aunties, uncles, and "wousins"). You did awesome! It was funny because a couple people made comments about how ambitious we were - but we knew you'd do great! You slept a lot, woke up to eat, and observed contently the rest of the time. We went again as a family (with big sister this time) that Saturday, and once again you did great. It was SO fun to do our annual photo booth picture with 4 people this year!

We also love going to the Renaissance Festival. This year we went on Labor Day. It was a beautiful day, and we had a good time. You stayed content in the carrier pretty much the whole time - a mix of sleeping and alert time. We got a little hot near the end of our time there (it was warm in the midday sun), but we managed just fine. I'm excited to take you in future years - I bet you'll have a great time riding ponies and seeing fairies with your sister!

Finally, we made our annual trip to the Monarch Festival. This one is right by our house, which is fun. We had a good time wandering around, and taking in all the festivities.

You took a few more road trips...
You are already well traveled, little one! Last month you went to Eau Claire for cousin Tom's funeral. This month you took a couple more little road trips.

First, me, Linnea, and Grandma took a little day trip down to St. James to meet your great grandma. You did great in the car both ways, and we had such a nice little visit. Great Grandma loves you (and your sister) SO much. We hung out at Great Grandma's place for a bit, went out for lunch, and had a bit of time at the park before heading home.

Unfortunately, this month brought another funeral for our family - which meant another road trip. Great Grandma Mary Grace passed away following her battle with cancer. We made the drive down to Decorah for the service. I was most nervous about this road trip, as it was the longest so far. No need to worry though - you did great once again. We had another hotel stay (which went pretty well, all things considered). The service was very long, but very beautiful, and you did as well as to be expected during it.

You've grown and changed a lot too...
As I said at the beginning, we are in awe on a daily basis how grown up you seem already. It seemed to happen overnight!

I seriously can't believe how big you are already! You definitely got a "head start" (being so big when you were born), but it's still a surprise. I'm trying really hard not to compare you to your sister, because that's really where the surprise comes from (since I'm used to how big Linnea was as a baby).

We had your 2 month doctor's appointment when you were 7 weeks old (September 4th). At that time, you weighed 13 pounds, 13 ounces and 24" long! All of your measurements were in the high 90s percentile wise. Your head measurement was 99.99%! Dr. Khan was SO pleased with what she saw. She said you were right on track with where you should be, and you are moving right along your growth curve. We're so glad you are so healthy! You got your shots. You got REALLY mad, but you did okay - and it led to your best night of sleep (see above)!

Some of your 3 month clothes are getting a little snug. We're in that weird stage where the smaller size is getting a little small, but the next size up is a little big. So you're in a mix of 3 months, 3-6 months, and some 6 months stuff. Some of the 6 months clothes make you look even more grown up. You wore a pair of Oshkosh overalls the other day that looked so cute on you!!

You are still in size 1 diapers, and they definitely aren't too big anymore! In fact, we talked recently about switching into 2s. We're not there quite yet, but I'm sure we'll be there soon!

I thought you were alert last month - but you are SO much more alert this month. That's one of the first things people notice about you. You seem to pay such close attention to the world around you. You are so curious already. There is such a light in your eyes...it's amazing to watch you take it all in

Your favorite thing to watch is ceiling fans. It's hilarious. Wherever we are, if there's a ceiling fan, that's where your eyes will go. The other week you managed to put yourself to sleep watching the fan at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Linnea is still LOVING her baby sister. I think she's really liking how interactive you are. I'm so excited to watch that continue. I know it's just begun, and I'm confident that you two will be the best of buddies!

You continue to eat well. You nurse every 3-4 hours for the most part. We started giving you the occasional bottle this month - your first on Sept. 12th. It took a bit for you to get used to them, but you're doing alright (which makes mama feel a bit better about having to go back to work in just a few weeks!).

You're going to bed a bit earlier this month. Usually around 9 or 9:30. You continue to do pretty well at night. If you're up you are up once, nurse, and go right back to sleep (there have been fewer "fights" to get you back to sleep. As I mentioned before, we've had a bit of regression - I think at least partially caused by not being swaddled anymore. Even with that, you're a good sleeper, with a mix of sleeping through the night and getting up once. I'm thankful for that!!

Naps are still inconsistent. I try to get you to sleep at least one "good nap" of a couple hours. It varies whether that's in the morning or afternoon. I'm soaking up all the snuggle naps I can get before I have to go back to work .You are such a snuggler and I absolutely love it.  One nice thing about me going back to work (and you starting at Magna's) is that you will likely get on more of a schedule. Magna did a great job doing that for Linnea, and I hope for much the same with you. It tends to make things easier for everyone.

You are doing really great with tummy time. You tolerate it pretty well, and can really hold your head and neck up well. Continuing to live up to your strong name!

What a month we've had! You continue to be a delight in our lives. We are so thankful for you, and can't wait to see what next month brings!

We love you as big as the whole world...
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)