Kisses

Daddy Post: 3 posts in one day! Just a few additional pictures of sisterly affection that we thought you might enjoy. Ruby is learning how to love her sister without being too rough, but Billie has been a good sport and soaked it all in. In the first pictures Willa decided to wake her sister up as a surprise. In the following pictures Ruby decided to return the favor.

Mother's Day

Momma Post: On Mother's Day, Matt got the girls up and made breakfast inspired by his mom (crescent rolls with ham and cheese). I was thrilled that he had planned a family outing in the Columbia Gorge with stops at Multnomah Falls and the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery. Spending quality time with my family is the best gift. And, both of us are so relieved we found our camera (in my fleece pocket), so we could post these special pictures.

Ruby was impressed with the big water and feeding the trout. She had a scary encounter with a hungry female duck who was targeting the fish pellets that Ruby held, but this only providing conversation for a couple of days (Duck...Bite...Owie). Willa took in all the events with her big eyes and happy feet. All in all a lovely day with my wonderful family.

Happy Half Birthday

Momma Post: Willa turned six months on May 5th. We commemorated the day by taking her to the doctor for her Well Baby checkup and another round of shots. Willa weighed in at 14 lbs. 4 oz. and was 26 inches tall. She's a tall and lean baby (75th percentile for height and 25 percentile for weight). Dr. Lin looked up Ruby's six month stats and she was roughly 17 lbs. 6 oz., but Ruby has been in the 90th percentile for both height and weight consistently. A day after the appointment, Willa's two bottom teeth finally broke through. Between recovering from the shots and teething, it was a rough week with a fussy baby at night.

Willa is starting to sit up on her own. Not for long periods of time, but she strengthening her core muscles and improving her stamina each day. She is still scooting around like crazy and has added getting up on her tippy toes and hands to her skills. Willa also has become really grabby with most items headed straight for the mouth.

We have been introducing all new types of baby foods. So far Willa has had rice cereal, sweet potatoes, squash, pears, apples, bananas and cheerios. Willa's feet kick up and down right before and during the meal. We call them her happy feet. Willa also insists on holding her own spoon, so she gets her own and whomever is feeding her has the other.

We are so blessed to have her and we love what she brings to our family.

April Whirls into May

Momma Post: The past month has been a whirlwind, due to a lot of social engagements that were important to our family. Between toddler and family birthday parties every weekend for four weekends in a row, Cousin Jani's graduation celebration from George Fox and a visit from Steve and Joan last week, we are just now trying to find our routine again.

The regularity of our posting definitely needs improvement. The girls keep changing, making us laugh and making little discoveries so worth noting here. For example, Ruby was using the potty pretty fairly consistently, but now is on a potty strike. Although, Matt and I have become adept at knowing when our daughter is hiding, she's probably needing privacy to poop. Our crazy schedule hasn't allowed for the routine required for us to sit her on the toilet several times a day, but we're turning over a new Spring leaf in the month of May.

Last week was also a time of transition for Willa. Prior to her turning six months old, I wanted her to start sleeping in her crib and wean her off nursing at night. Two nights of us using the "cry it out" method or "Ferberizing" her were rough. Thursday at work I was exhausted and went to bed at eight that evening. Everyone slept really well on the third night. We've been doing well with her sleep schedule, until last night when Willa had a upset stomach (and impressively foul smelling diapers). Hopefully tonight will be better.

Happy Birthday to Grandpa Steve and Happy Mother's Day to Grandma Joan!