Peachy Kisses

31 Weeks
Baby girl tried peaches and squash and loved both. She better love peaches or I might not be able to claim her as my child. Extremely helpful when getting fed solids. Lainey likes to grab the spoon and help guide it to her mouth. Then usually she doesn't want to give up the spoon so normally we have 2. One to feed with and one to play with. Using a sippy cup for water like a pro. Went on first to library with Grandma Simpson while I worked out. Margaret said she was very observant during their walk. It used to be only the doggies could get Lainey to laugh now lots of giggles for Mommy & Daddy. Rhett can really get her going when he tosses her in air. I swear one morning she said Mama but it was 3 am so I may have been dreaming or hallucinating it. One evening Lainey did speak her first word but I'm not sure if we can actually count it.... The 3 of us are just hanging out in the living room. (Rhett in his recliner, me on couch, and Lainey standing between us) All of a sudden she awkwardly blurts out very loudly MIME. (pronunciation like the silent clowns with white faces) Yes my child's first word was mime. Not sure if she was trying to say Mom or mine. HAHA! I think I might wait to fill in the baby book on that one! Never the less it was quite random but amusing. We enjoyed a fun trip to the Rendezvous. I grew up in Rocher so as a kid we always attended this event. This is an extremely busy time of year for Rhett with work but this particular week on Monday he announced we were having a family day. This is a rare but welcome occurrence. We went to South County to eat out at Shoguns and also went to the taxidermist shop. Last time there I was in my last weeks of pregnancy. Boy was this trip different. Lainey of course did not want to sit in the high chair and thoroughly enjoyed the game of throw everything on the ground over and over. The joys of eating out with children!!! This week started making a snorting noise and loves making fart noises by blowing on people's arms/legs. When we say give us kisses Lainey will open her mouth and lean in for a kiss. Melt my heart!!!!!

Loving on Auntie Jaimee

 32 Weeks

Celebrated Rhett's first Father's Day! Even though it was a week late I made him this video. It wasn't much of a day considering I was at work until 4 pm and then he hauled hay all evening but that's just the way it goes sometimes. For our gift put Lainey's footprint on a canvas and made it into a tractor picture. I honestly knew before she was even born that I was going to do this on Father's Day. It turned out soooo cute. I left it on the counter so when Rhett woke up it was waiting for him. He said it was adorable. In 13 years of being together don't think I've ever heard him use that word to describe anything. *Daddy's little Girl* The obsession with plastic bags or anything plastic is just a little scary. Any and everything goes in this child's mouth. Still sucking on her 3rd and 4th left fingers often. (more when sleepy) Also obsessed with shoes which is probably one of the grossest things that could go in a mouth. My Mom took Lainey for a visit to her Mom's house. She got to meet Great Uncle Tom Shinabargar (he lives in Minnesota). Great Grandma sent home a little rocking horse that has probably been at her house forever. Thanks Grandma!! Lainey looks like a cheerleader in her new sitting pose lately. She tucks her little legs underneath her. So sweet. Following in Mommy's footsteps already! I'm already envisioning the high ponytails with bows and French braiding her hair. One evening when I came home from work their was a surprise waiting for me in Lainey's room. Rhett & my Mom had moved the crib down to its lowest position and removed the mobile. My sister said it looks like a little jail. The good thing is if I have to run downstairs to switch laundry I can put her in crib now for a few minutes and not worry she will fall out. Bad thing is my arms are short so putting her in crib after she has fallen asleep ( and keeping her asleep) can be a bit of a challenge. I think the first few days I felt like I was tossing her in but now weeks later we don't have any issues.



33 Weeks
This week was busy. Lainey took 6 steps-new record. New food-baby spinach. I started getting outfits together for 8 month photo session. Holy crap 8 months!!!!! It seems like we were just getting her 4 month photos taken. Good luck Anna because this little bug doesn't sit still. Rhett has a pair of cowboy boots from when he was a baby and planning for her to wear them. They were a gift from his Grandma & Grandpa Jefferson. Went for our first summer swim in the lake with Roxy & Meghan. I think it took longer to prepare than we actually swam! Aunt Jaimee came down for a visit with souvenirs from her Florida vacation. She even joined me for my workout session with Brandy. Lainey did so good playing during our session. I had to do a few arm exercises with her hanging on my leg but hey it worked! I truly appreciate Darla letting me bring her along for my workouts. I usually don't because besides work it is my only time for myself but both Grandma's were busy. Allie, Avrie, Lainey, and I went for a visit to Alicia's house to meet Baby Asher. She was of course adorable and sooo tiny. We had a wonderful visit. Loved holding a tiny baby again! Great Aunt Nancy gave us a huge pile of fake food and Lainey is in heaven. Her favorites are the slice of cheese and corn on the cob. She is most definitely my child! That piece of cheese is so real looking and she crawls around with it in her mouth constantly. She tries taking bites out of it too. I'm afraid one of these days she is really going to get a chunk. Really doing well with balance and taking steps more and more each day. So close to being able to stand up without holding onto anything. My Mom swears she did it twice but I have to see it to believe it. Mommy Denial! On Saturday evening we went to dinner at Reid's in Chester. It was quite the eventful trip. Lainey got a nice big handful of my salad and attempted to eat that. After her toys, a spoon, and two straws were not enough to occupy her any longer I handed her a sugar packet. Lord knows what I was thinking, I should've known better. Immediately Rhett says "seriously a sugar packet". Before I could even attempt to take it away she rips it open with her mouth and sugar goes flying through the air everywhere. The Mother of a family sitting a few tables over was dying laughing and reenacting the whole episode. I really didn't think she would get it open and definitely not that quickly. Finally I ended up giving her a butter container in hopes that her two tiny teeth couldn't puncture the foil covering on it. I'm so happy we could give that family of 6 a good laugh. It probably made the Mom & Dad reminisce back to their days of babies. The youngest of their 4 children being well past that stage!

Our Baby Girls!!!

The Little Social Butterfly

28 Weeks (It was a busy one!)

We went on Lainey's first official field trip. Aunt Tracey asked if we wanted to tag along with her & Maggie and who says no to a field trip. I even took the day off of work which made it that much better. Big thank you to Megan for covering for me. Although it was a cool rainy 60 degree day for May The Butterfly House was nice and toasty. We enjoyed looking at all the pretty butterflies/plants, rode on the carousel, and played on the playground. Instead of eating our packed lunches we opted for Imo's on the way home. (or as Maggie would call it Finding Nemo pizza) I guess to a 4 year old Imo and Nemo sound quite similar. She is such a sweetie! The time finally arrived for Rhett to put up the baby gate at the top of our stairs. Our little crawling machine started venturing down the hallway so safety first. Moved the walker around like crazy at Grandma's house. In the past had only ever moved backwards but not anymore. I decided to bring up walker from basement and just like that up and down the hallway, around the island, chasing the dogs. Good thing we have lots of wood flooring. Gave Ms. Lainey a sippy cup for the first time. She understood concept of picking up with both hands but not getting it to her mouth. Now at 33 weeks she is a pro and loves water! I typically only give to her when she is getting solids. For 6 1/2 months this child has tolerated all the hair bows on her head and now that is growing up in the world she has discovered how to rip them off! Before having a baby I used to look at the huge hair bows Moms would place on their kids and think how ridiculous they looked. Now I am guilty of being that Mom! We love hair bows in our house. Daddy even says she looks so cute with the bows. My Mom kept telling me that Lainey was getting her balance and taking a step. But of course it's always when Mommy is at work. I was in denial anyway and said no way she's not doing that. Later in the week lo and behold she took 3 steps and I actually got to witness it. Jaimee was over too and we were all cheering her on. They were extremely ungraceful but they totally count. I have a feeling once she is really walking she is not going to slow down for a second.

29 Weeks

 This particular week it was like I flipped a light switch and boom Lainey began sleeping well again. What an awesome moment when I laid her in her crib holding my breath that she would stay sleeping and guess what.....she did. Yay!!!!! I also began covering her up with a crochet blanket from cousin Donna Parrone. Thank you we love it! Lots of giggling all the time now. Such a sweet sound to hear. Had a play date with Sarah & Brooke Blind. The kiddos just kinda stared at each other and we adults visited. Eventually in the future they will play together! We had a fun time. Aunt Nancy, cousins Kelsey & Jen, Aunt Jaimee, and Grandma P all came for a play day. It was fun having visitors at our home since all her toys are here and she was in her element for sure. Showing how she plays with all her toys, having a swim in her new baby pool and eating avocado like a big girl. Thank you all so much for coming over because we had a great time. Went on a sushi date with Aunt Erin, Aunt Meghan, & Brooke. Man this week we had lots of fun time with family & friends! My sweet niece little Brookie (not so little anymore) drove us to O'fallon and she did well. It was her first time driving somewhere with distance. I know I have said it before but these kids just grow up so fast. When Rhett & I hooked up Brooke was only 2 and now she is driving her Mom & Aunts places. CRAZY!!! In 15 years I will be shedding tears when it's my baby's turn. Rhett had an extremely busy week and literally went 3 whole days not seeing Lainey awake. She would still be sleeping when he left and by the time he got home from work asleep again. Poor things I don't know who it was harder for him or her. (I'm pretty sure it was worse for him) When they finally got to reunite lots of smiles and happiness.

30 Weeks (7 Months)
Celebrated the big 7 months!!! I enjoy taking the sticker pictures at the end of each month and putting them in the baby book. Grandma Simpson had her last day of school forever. She is now retired. I work out every Monday & Friday at Design Fitness and this week she helped me out with watching Lainey. My Mom watches her Tue-Thurs when I work so this gives her a bit of a break too. We attended a graduation party for my cousin Jennifer Bailey. She is now officially a college student. Also hard to believe she has grown up so fast. Lots of fun swimming in the big pool and visiting with family we don't see often from Missouri & Colorado. Instead of just scraping her teeth on the bed posts our little bug now enjoys doing it on the glass coffee table in our living room. It totally gives me the heebie jeebies when I hear that sound. New foods this week included peas which went over just fine. Feeding solids is actually enjoyable now. We had a play date at Allie's house with Avrie and several cousins. Fun Fun Fun! Lainey enjoyed playing I mean chewing on all of Avrie's toys. Thank you for having us and feeding me supper!! One evening I decided to try and get Lainey to walk behind a push toy that she has. I had tried a few weeks before but she just tipped the thing backwards. Our little mover showed Mommy & Daddy. To my surprise she took off pushing it and did quite well. After she did it once we of course had to try again for the video camera and then again for cell video and then again just for fun! What a joy it is seeing our little angel conquer new challenges. She is definitely keeping us on our toes!

Watch me grow!!



And just like that...........We have a 7 month old. Holy Crap the days are seriously just a blur. I can't even remember the moments where she just laid still in my arms or on the floor. First I'm going to rewind a ways back because several weeks have come and gone since my last post.

 

25 Weeks (aka almost 6 months old) 
 4-24-14 Lainey pulled herself up at the couch for the first time. She then discovered how to do it in her crib as well. Time for Daddy to lower the crib because I was scared to death she was going to fall out.. It honestly could probably be moved down again now weeks later. Started solids at the end of the month. I have decided to make my own baby food and its so simple. My mother in law has a little hand grinder she used for all of her children and she let me borrow it. How awesome is that using the same little contraption for baby and Daddy. Rhett was armed with the video camera & camera while I attempted to get at least 1 spoonful of banana in her mouth. I am almost positive more food ended up getting spit out than staying in her mouth. Very eventful & messy! In addition to banana we have know conquered avocado, carrot, sweet potato, green beans, and apple. Favorite by far is avocado and least favorite green beans. She acts like she is gagging every time I try the green beans. Lainey attended her first wedding (Rhett's cousin Monica). We had fun in the photo booth and attempting to eat dinner as she tried grabbing every single item within her grasp was interesting. I'm still figuring out the whole one handed thing. This kid was a wiggle worm oh my! She did not want to sit still at the table so we spent most of the evening hanging out in the corner so she could crawl around freely. Also does not sit still anymore while getting her diaper changed. The one day she almost rolled off the changing pad. (Mother of the year here) Grandma Phegley found first official tooth. I'm going to contribute any unusual fussiness to it. Definitely had days of that especially in other people's vehicles.



26 Weeks (6 months old)
Found another tooth now both bottom middle ones have come in. Soooo tiny and cute. My Mom found this one also. I guess I don't stick my fingers in my child's mouth often but Gma sure was checking it out. At this point in time she was constantly pulling herself up and started letting go once standing up. It may be only a few seconds of free standing but it was happening. Ms. daredevil!! Along with this came lots of falling down and a few bumps/bruises. It just makes me cringe thinking about it. Went for 6 month Dr well visit. Everything went fine and just a little crying after shots. Length 27.5" 96th percentile, Weight 15.9 lbs 56th percentile, head circumference 15.75" 5th percentile. After the appointment we visited Aunt Meghan's new office. She works on the same floor where we go to Dr so always make it a point to stop in when there.

 

 



27 Weeks
Lainey rode in a shopping cart like a big girl for the first time @ Wally World. Since she has enjoyed numerous trips to IGA. It's like a little field trip for her checking everything out, gnawing on a head of broccoli, smiling at everyone she encounters.

Favorite toy is definitely this one

 



A gift from Aunt Jaimee and & Aunt Nancy. A very inexpensive resale and best money they have spent yet! She loves pulling up, smacking around on the buttons, and falling down. Repeat over and over and over and over. You get the idea! My comment has been good thing she has squishy diapers to guard that flat butt. (She gets it from her Daddy!!! ) I feel that I have an easygoing kid but it seems like every few weeks their is one thing in particular that she dislikes with a passion. At this point in time it was getting strapped in her car seat. Good gracious that was horrible for about 2 weeks and then it just stopped one day. She loves sucking on the armrest of Daddy's recliner chair. My Mom said wait till she punctures a hole in it with those two teeth. Ai yi yi! She now weeks later enjoys scraping her teeth on her crib furniture. Sleeping at night still not a fun time. At times I would be so tired that she ended up just sleeping in bed with us. That is something I swore I would NEVER do! It is amazing how things change and you really should not say "I'm never doing that." I don't mind sleeping in my comfy recliner but it kills my neck so I try not to do it. We had a fantastic Mother's Day weekend. I was off work for 4 days which is always refreshing. My sister & I had a fun day of shopping at Cotton Babies. I wanted to get a diaper sprayer for Lainey's cloth diapers. They also ended up having nursing bras (in my size). Hallelujah! Next door was a doggie bakery so we hit it up for treats for Ammo & Drake. I'm a total nerd but seriously it was the best shopping trip ever. I just kept saying over and over how great it was. Jaimee was probably thinking I need to get out a little more often. It really doesn't take much to amuse me! When I got home from shopping Rhett had done all the yard work including mowing everything. Awesome!!! I typically mow and it takes like 3-4 hours depending on speed. It wasn't even Mother's Day yet and I was so thankful for all these wonderful gifts. On Sunday we attended church at the convent and afterwards spent some time at Rhett's parents house just enjoying the day. In the evening my Mom came over and the day was just complete getting to spend time with her. She so generously gave me several gifts which she did not have to do. One of them was a cute mug with little pictures and names for Lainey, Ammo, & Drake. I instantly started crying #1 because I loved it and #2 I was just sad my sweet Dakota's name was missing. I think that is the first personalized thing I have received as a gift since she left us. It still hurts all the time. Speaking of the doggies....Lainey absolutely loves them so much. She just smiles and giggles at every single thing they do. Even if all they are doing is chasing a Frisbee!

 

 Helping Mom clean the pantry. Not very excited about it!!