It's my birthday!!!

HI!

This is going to be a long one- get ready!! I am having a hard time believing that Mira has been here for nearly half a year already. It's completely amazing. Five months...crazy! She loves to stand up with you holding on to her. Her smiles are so easy now- she loves everyone and everything!! She's very very good- I give her a bath around 7:15, then we do a bottle, and then she plays until bed time, around 8:15-8:45. She likes it best if I just lay her down and turn the aquarium on- she goes right to sleep. Sometimes I make her suffer through the rocking just because I want to :) She wakes up on her own around 7 or so, I have to get her up earlier if I am working. Probably about once every two weeks she'll wake up in the night upset (not very often!!) I think my mom thought I was lying- she was here until nearly 2 am the other night and the next morning asked, did she wake up after you got home? I said, of course not! You're in for it if you break the routine though- I've only done it once, and I won't do it again!She plays and plays, everything goes straight to her mouth- no teeth yet, but I can feel them under there. I wish she'd just get them already! She's so big now- she talks and talks. She loves to say, "ba ba ba..." She has started this little scream too, and she does the fake cough. She thinks it's funny when you do it back to her. Here she is in the middle of her little scream:

She is eating cereal almost every day now- it's going MUCH better than last time. No tummy troubles. I put prunes in it sometimes when she gets a little stopped up- she loves it! She wants to eat more and more, but I'm really not sure how much she's supposed to have. It's cutting down on the formula though, so I guess that's good.I love prunes!Look at these little diapers- these are the rumpsters. There's one more kind I have that I'll get up soon. I'm sure you can see why we're going cloth- so cute! It's really no trouble at all, I just haven't figured out how to wash them right just yet- you have to use so little detergent, it doesn't take hardly anything to get them clean, but it's hard to get all of the soap out and then they don't absorb very well. I'll get it figured out. I haven't braved cloth at night quite yet. We're starting slow.Bye Bye!

Genius!

Here's our new Bum Genious! Diaper (we're going cloth!) Pics of other kinds to follow....Mira loves it! Dad is in the hospital, so updates may be few and far between for awhile!

Scrubs

Mira just wanted you to all know that she wants to be a nurse like her Mommy and Grandma Sarah.....and Grandma Susan too!

But right now- this is more her speed.

My Weekend

Well, this weekend was pretty fun. On Friday Mom, Grandma and my cousins took me out to eat lunch and then we went to the park and played. Here are a few pics of us playing! Reese and I can fit in the same swing! HA!

Later on, we went over to the cousins' house and ate dinner and played some more. Watch out Reese, I'm catching up!! The rest of the weekend was pretty fun- Dad and I spent our time with Grandma Lana and my cousins. My mom had to work two twelve hour days in a row this day, so she didn't get to see me very much, but Grandma took good care of me.Dad was there too- we played outside a lot. Look at my hair blowing in the wind!!!I found that by Sunday afternoon I missed Mira so much it was nearly physically painful- perhaps this has something to do with me not being very busy at work. I had a lot of time to think about what I was missing- but I've never been away from her for this amount of time days in a row. I would call and hear her talking in the back ground or fussing around. It's so hard to be away from her. I wonder if she misses me when I'm away.
We are doing the formula switch to Generic- so far it's going well- no spit ups or fussiness! Yay! We'll save so much money. Well, I guess that's the weekend in a nutshell!!

Friends

Well, Mira had a pretty good time at our play date- most of the kids were bigger and could run around and play, but it was fun watching them!!

On the swings with Jackson:

Talking to Joseph:Checking out baby Macy:Sophie and Matt were there too, but they were too busy playing for pictures with Mira.

Check this out:
You can thank my friend Josie for this one....HA!

What else?

Really, what else is there to say?

Jump Johnny, Jump!

Today our friend Jen gave us their Johnny Jump Up for Mira to try out- let me tell you, it was funny!! She loves it! I took some video, but I don't know how to load it, so pics will have to do. She gets a little surprised every time she jumps. We don't have a good place to put it, so I had to hang it in the door of the guest room, and i just sit in the hall and play with her- it's not exactly ideal, but still fun. She is getting more and more fun to play with as the days go on. Today Mira played with her cousins in the morning while mom went to the gym. Mom and Mira went shopping a few places today, but didn't end up buying anything- just looked around. Mira loves to shop! This evening Mom and Grandma took Mira for a walk. She just sits up and looks at everything! The weather was GREAT! Tomorrow we have a play group with some friends as long as the weather is good- cross your fingers!!

The Sweetest

Here it is- the picture I've been waiting for for weeks...so so sweet. I went in to see her right before I went to bed (if I don't I can't go to sleep) and there she was- I couldn't resist- even with the risk of waking her and having to work a 12 hr shift today- I had to have it. I'm sure you can see why. Mira is back to herself now- slept all night like usual :) Mom and dad started watching a movie last night and she was out before 8- she's moving around in there now and talking to herself, but hopefully for Brooks' sake she'll go back to sleep for awhile when I leave. If not, I'm sure he can handle it. I hear Brooks and Mira have a big day planned- building some shelves for Grandma and hanging out at Mike's for dinner. I'm sure she'll be perfect as usual....

JD

Mira wore her John Deere outfit Aunt Ann bought her today. It's been hanging in the closet all this time- easy to forget about. It fits perfectly!! Actually, I didn't think I was going to like it because I mostly like cuddly outfits, but this one is ADORABLE!!! So we did a photo shoot, as you can imagine. I totally love it. The onezie has the logo on it too, but you can't see it, so she'll have to wear it separate from the overalls sometime. The hat is hilarious- she's been wearing that for awhile. Daddy calls it her skull cap. It has the little logo on top.

I can hardly get a picture of her on her tummy these days. She immediately tries to roll over, but she hasn't figured out how to roll the other way (back to tummy). She also can't figure out that she needs to move her arm if it's in her way- I figure it'll come.

Mom and dad packed lots and lots of boxes today from the kitchen and spare room- we got a lot done!! This is the last weekend we'll be home together before we start working on the new house and then MOVE!! Mira played by herself for about an hour and a half while we worked! What a good baby!!


I can't say the same for last night- Mom and Grandma went shopping at Oak Park and Mira was soooo good for hours and hours, but she didn't get her bath last night and she went to bed later than usual---there wasn't much sleeping involved in the night. Mira cried and cried and kept waking up. We ended up in the guest room together to catch some Z's...it's very sweet to sleep with her, but I don't actually get very much sleep. I wouldn't be surprised to see a tooth pop out in the next few days, but we'll see! We hope she sleeps better tonight- mom has to work 12 hours tomorrow!!!

All Mira wants to do now is stand- she hate's sitting down, and only wants to lay for a short period. I am hoping to get a Johnny Jump Up from a friend soon- I think she'll love it!

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JEANS!

Mira wore her first jeans today- they finally fit! The only thing that's no good is that our camera is taking blurry pictures latey :( Good thing she's still cute! Anyway, I love the jeans- she might have to wear them every day until it gets warm again- I'm sick of most of the other outfits!






Look at this little ET after her bath! So cute!! She was splashing like crazy in the bath tonight. She loves looking at and sucking on the wash cloth- gross probably, but it's not going to kill her and she likes it! Well, that's about it for today- mom worked 12 hours, so we didn't spend too much time together...

Day with Mom

Mom and Mira spent the day together. Reese came over and played some this morning. She is getting so close to walking! We had a great time together!! We had two showings of the house today- we ran some errands for the first one, and then went over to Aunt Casey's tonight. Mom got her hair cut and Mira took a bath with Reese and the kids.
Mira is SHOCKED! We actually got an offer on the house and accepted it!! Pray it works out and this house is SOLD!

Happy Easter

Mom had to work today- Mira was so pretty in her Easter dress...mom is very sad she had to miss it.
Mira spent the day with her Grandma Sarah. They went to church and then they went to St Joe to eat lunch with Grandma Betty. She got to play with her cousin Max who is just one month younger (but he is a boy so he's bigger!).
When they got home, Dad picked her up and they went over to Mike and Theresa's to play with Delaney for awhile. Mira was exhausted when mom got home-just time for a quick bath and then bed time! Mira is very excited to get to see Pepper tomorrow morning!!!

The Sappy Psycho

There are many days that I feel like a sappy psycho. As you can most likely guess, today would be one of those days. The wonder that the perfect child laying in her crib napping is mine- I made her inside of me. It's completely amazing and unfathomable. Why has God chosen me to care for this perfect being and call her my own? I certainly don't deserve this. I suppose every mother has feelings close to this, I imagine that they do. There is absolutely nothing more precious than her smiles- I wish I could catch more of them on camera. They are completely and unconditionally full of love. How can I protect this perfect being? How can I make sure that she has everything she could ever need and more (without creating a horrible brat, of course)? The pressure is definitely on, and the feelings of inadequacy are huge. I am amazed every time I see her face that she grew in me. She's so smart. I just can't believe it.
On another, more serious note... DO YOU WANT THIS HOUSE????? We have simply GOT to sell it. Doesn't it look wonderful and nice? Fairly priced even!! The complete excitement of moving into my perfect new house is overshadowed by our continued ownership of this one! Please pray to whatever being you pray to that it will sell and soon!

A fun few days

Well, it's been a few days, I know. Mira's life has been busy as ever! Wednesday Mira and mom went to see Gianna (who we had the baby shower for) and baby Addyson! It was a lot of fun. Addyson slept the whole time!! She was very sweet and reminded mom of just how big Mira is getting!




Mira is chewing chewing on everything!! She likes this little rattle from the Tiny Love gym the best right now. There is always slobber everywhere, but no teeth yet! She now wants to always be sitting or standing so she can see everything. Laying down isn't nearly as fun as it used to be. I want to get her a J0hnny Jump up or exersaucer so she can stand on her own!

It has gotten cold here again this week- I had to get out all the winter stuff again, but Mira's head has grown quite rapidly and her old hats don't fit too well. I found this hat in some stuff from Aunt Casey's- I LOVE IT! It's really hilarious.Daddy calls this my jailbird outfit!

Mom and Mira went to Kohl's today to get our friend Landon some outfits for easter. Landon has spent his life in the hospital- he's so cute and sweet and right on track with his development despite all of his hardships. Mira can't wait to play with him when he gets better- you can check him out: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/landondody

I miss my Pepper...

My Pepper is sick- in the hospital!!! Mom says I can't go see her because then I might get sick, but I miss her so much! It's been well over a week since she played with me! I made her this sign and mom took the picture to her yesterday to cheer her up. I've been staying with other people this week while Pepper gets better- it's making me feel kinda weird. No one takes care of me quite like Pepper, but I appreciate how much everyone loves me and wants to take care of me. Thank goodness we have so much great family and friends!

Mira's tummy has been bothering her again- even though we stopped the cereal. We let her sleep on her tummy last night for the first time! It made me nervous, but she did sleep very well, so perhaps it helped. Happy as ever this morning! One thing that cracks me up every time- she catches herself in the mirror and stares at me through it. I can always make her laugh that way. It's pretty funny. It's cold here today, so I guess we can't go for a walk :(
Really, that's about all!

Touchdown!!

Mira almost always sleeps with her hands above her head- many times I'll go in and her hands will be under her head- it's hilarious. I was afraid this picture would wake her up, but I'm sure you can see why the risk had to be taken. I've started giving her this little blankie when I lay her down and I turn on her "fishies" (ocean wonders aquarium) and it puts her to sleep every time. I usually go in later and she has the blankie covering her face. I swear she's the easiest kid on earth. She is also a genius- she can turn herself upside down in her crib without rolling over!!

We have been struggling with fussiness these past few days. Mom doesn't think Mira can digest the cereal yet- her tummy has been in knots for days. She would start drinking her bottle hungrily and then scream in pain. It was awful. She also started having blow out diapers with cereal undigested- gross I know. I haven't given her any more cereal for 2 days and she is just now starting to normalize! I think we will be waiting a few more weeks for more cereal. The hard part is that it's so fun to feed her!! She loves it!

We had a great weekend. Yesterday mom worked, but was able to leave at about 4. Carly and Addison's bday party was at a gymnastics place so we went and jumped on the trampolines- Mira wasn't too thrilled about the jumping, but she tried it out. Today was a great day- very windy but warm. We went outside a few times- she always smiles when the warm wind hits her face. She loves it!! Mom and Mira took a long nap together in the afternoon. Grandma Sarah came over and we took a walk.

Every day with Mira is better than the day before. I'm not sure if I would constantly feel this way if I was home with her every single second, but my job allows me to be gone just enough, but not too much (usually). She is growing so fast- I hardly remember that she really did look like those first baby pictures! So tiny. It's hard to not wish for the early days again just because I feel like I blinked and missed it all, but she's so fun now to interact with and watch her discover new things. She has started to discover that she has feet- it's pretty funny watching her grab at them. My Mira- the most perfect thing in my life...