T-minus 4 Months Till 12 Months

9-days old

9-months old

I can't believe how quickly time goes and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Happy 9 months Alana! In 4 short months you'll be turning 1, and I'll probably cry a little. I'm already making mental plans about what we're going to do for your party. But until then, I'll give you an update on what the last month of your life has been like :-)

Your teeth seem to be stubborn. You are relentless with the chewing and the gnawing, but those teeth, they just don't seem to want to cut through! You still only have your two front bottom teeth, but I have no doubts that they'll be here in time for you to enjoy your birthday cake. Your teeth aren't the only thing that is stubborn. You, my dear, are very strong-willed and stubborn. I see a lot of myself in you already. These traits will take you far in life, so long as you learn how to use them appropriately. That's what your family is here for. We are your trial run for your social, intellectual, character, personality, and maturity development. I know there will be times a head where you and I will battle over the traits that we share. But always know, I love you, regardless of what happens. 

With the ever consistent developmental process of your personality, your motor skills are also in a continuous state of growth. You have mastered the art of crawling. You are swift and quite agile and I find myself chasing you down many times throughout the day. I hear, that it's only going to get "worse" from here. You have become bored almost with the idea of crawling and sitting, and have also mastered pulling yourself up. In the last week you have begun walking along side of, or around the objects you use to help you stand. I predict that the next entry I make I will be telling you of how you're making attempts at walking. Don't worry my dear, your long desired independence is not that far away. 

I can officially say that you know who is Mama and who is Dada, though my name continues to be "Mamamamamamamamama" and Daddy's name continues to be "Dadadadadadadadadadadadadada" the above assigned names are said appropriately. I can't seem to get you to say them on request yet, that is my next goal. It is clear that you have a passion for talking and it has also become clear that you like to "sing". Generally it is a drawn out "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

in a monotone manner that accompanies a song you hear, but I take it as singing nonetheless. You also enjoy "singing" along with Mommy when I sing to you at night. I believe that this is more a failed tactic at trying to stay awake than it is a desire to sing with me. I DO hope that you do want to sing with me someday.

There are so many big changes coming up in your life! It's bitter-sweet for this Momma though. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished and a big part of me is looking forward to what you'll do next, but the extremely nostalgic side of me wishes you were still that little 7lb 15 oz little bitty newborn. Onward to greater things!!

**parting words**

I pray that you will be exactly what you want to be, I pray that you cultivate the gifts God gave you, whatever they will be, and I pray that your Father and I will be the very best that we can be for you!

You are loved!

((Also, Happy St. Patrick's Day))

8 Months - Two Teeth - and Laughter All The Way!

8 Days Old

  I can't believe how much time has passed and how quickly it has done so! I'm not fooling myself, I realize that things will only speed up from here. I feel as if you've taken a nose dive into the pool of milestones, as they seem to be happening one right after another. It's almost too much to keep up with and keep straight in my head. Luckily, I have been able to take pictures of each one! I even have managed to get videos too, which I will naturally use to embarrass you when you bring your first date home to meet your Father and I. 

As a new Mom I found my self being incredibly overzealous and being too anxious over your achievements, or the lack there of. I will admit I found myself stressing over the fact that you had not decided to crawl yet. It wasn't until I got your 8-month pictures done that you decided to show me your skills! I blame it on the fact that we had no carpet, and the discovery of a stable crawling surface inspired your mobility, because you've been doing it ever since. However, with this new found freedom, comes such phrases as: "Alana, no!", and "Alana, Mommy said no!" The latter of the two seems to strike fear into you the most, because that phrase is usually followed by your tears (lasting mere seconds). 

With the discovery of the crawling, came the exploration into the mode of crawling. You've experimented with three different kinds: 1) pictured to the right, didn't last very long. 2) you began crawling with a mixture of one foot and one knee, and 3) the "normal" mode of crawling. You seem to have settled on the 3rd for the most part, but every now and then we see this --->

I can't help but laugh when I see you do this, because it makes me think of a monkey!! 

One of your milestones, forced upon you, was the development of two bottom teeth! And while you look so adorable with your teefers, they sure do hurt!! Hence my failed attempt at implementing the "be gentle" lesson. It's still a work in progress; I'm not giving up, and as of today I'm see some signs of improvement!  Two pearly whites on the bottom and a nose that still runs like a faucet, makes me wonder if you're not trying to make some more show up! With the incoming of the teeth came the realization of chewing. This was also helped by a visit to the Vanaman's, who's son (7 days younger than you) is a chewer! And now here we are, just days later, and you're munching on 'puffs', small pieces of crackers, and whatever else we'll share with you! I'm picking you up your first real toothbrush tonight so that we can start practicing proper oral hygiene, which is very important!

And the 'Mother' of all milestones you've reached thus far.....((cue drum roll))...... You have said your first word!! And to clear things up with your grandparents, it was NOT the word 'no'; it was 'Mama'. You said it clear as day a few days ago when you were looking at me! I was so happy :-) You've now made the connection that saying that phrase repeatedly will get my attention/response of  "What Baby?" You're also working on saying "dada" and "lana"(short version of your name), but I don't think you know the power of those words yet. All in due time. But I'm so incredibly proud of you! You have also begun mimicking the sounds of singing, and you're good at keeping the right tone, which impresses me! I hope that I can instill in you a passion for music and singing, and who knows maybe one day you and I can sing songs together!

My darling daughter, you get more beautiful every day!

Never forget you are most dearly loved by us, your grandparents, and all your family! 

Life Will....Never.....Be......The......Same

I keep wondering to myself, when are you going to crawl? Then, in the same moment, I think to myself that I don't want you to crawl yet. I want you to stay my itty-bitty baby. As selfish as it may seem, I want you to stay little, that way you'll always have a smile for me when you see my face; you'll always choose me over anybody else, and I'll always be your "safe place". I know that can't happen, but I wouldn't mind it if it did. As soon as you start crawling you'll start trying to pull yourself up, and from there walking, or perhaps straight into running. You'll soon realize that there is a whole big interesting world out there past Mommy-n-Daddy Land.

UNTIL THEN....Happy 7 months Babycakes!! It's so fascinating to see your little mind put together cause and effect. For example: you have now put together the cause of you whining will get the effect of a glance of attention from either myself or your father. May I also note that said whining stops as soon as you get the glance you're looking for and then promptly resumes when what you consider to be appropriate actions are NOT taken. Of course, you're absolute favorite cause and effect is with your toys: the one's that spin, the one's that talk, the one's that rattle, and most favorite the one's that are easy to grab and bang against surfaces.

You may be asking, "but Mom, what is my latest and greatest milestone development?!" Well, in the last month you have become much more mobile, though you aren't crawling yet, you have discovered the art of rolling, army crawling, and slight scooting on your bottom. None of them are mastered yet, but I predict in the next month you'll have those mastered and be well on your way to getting into things that you ought not to. 

OH, I almost forgot! Just in the last week, you have been answering "where's Babycakes?" Ha ha, let me explain. Behind us on the wall above our couch is a framed 8x10 of you, and you've established the understanding that that is a picture of you! You're quite vain as a matter of fact. Anytime you see a picture of yourself you smile, squeal, and bounce with delight. But now, when I ask you "Where's Babycakes?" you search around with a goofy grin on your face till you find that 8x10 on the wall, and once you've spotted the picture you smile and jump up and down!

As you can see in this photo, your eyes are looking more and more like mine. Your eyes are my favorite of your facial features :-) ha ha, not because they look like mine, but because they still shine with joy and delight whenever you smile. I revel in the beauty that is your joy, because I've seen so many faces, adult faces, that even when they smile, there's no light in their eyes. I pray that you keep that joy that lights up your face!

Another major milestone! You, my dear, are cutting teeth. FINALLY! You've been teething for almost 5 months, and just two weeks ago they cut through. Yes, I said 'they'. You are cutting both your bottom front teeth at the same time. I'm so excited to take pictures of your toothy grins when they're all the way in. Also, I would like to thank you, because this was the easiest introduction to teething EVER! Sure you were a tad fussy and your nose sprung a leak, but otherwise you were great! Downside is since they've cut through, you've discovered biting...something I fear we're going to have to get rather stern about.  

Ya know what the best part about all of this is? The amazing memories I'm making with you. I'm getting to be here to see all your 'firsts'. Daddy got one of my firsts; he got to hold you first in the hospital, but that's ok, because I believe you changed him forever. When your Daddy held you, his whole world changed and he has sworn that he will keep you safe always. Every day, multiple times a day, your Daddy tells you how beautiful you are and how much he loves you. And you are beautiful, my dear! Your laughter brightens my days, and your love for us is so beautifully pure.  

 Of all the things you will question in your life, our love for you, I pray, will never be one of them. 

Things may not always be great and times will undoubtedly get rough, but remember this verse below:

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 And remember this: you have our love always, but more importantly, you can have the never-ending, unconditional love of the Almighty Father. Cling to HIM, humans will fail you, your Father and I at some point will probably fail you in some way, but the Lord will never fail you. With Jesus any hard time can be triumphed over and any storm can be weathered.  

The Time?? Where Has It Gone??

6- Days Old

6- Months Old

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!" Alana's favorite 'word'. No more cute "Ma ma ma ma" or "la la la la" while sticking her tongue out. No I've lost that precious child, and it has been replaced with a growling monster! 6 months old and she already has so much to say...or growl rather. This isn't just an ordinary growl, no it, just like the complexity of some English words, has three different meanings. Meaning #1: "Grrrrrrrr" while smiling means, "hahaha, this is fun Mommy!". Meaning #2: "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" while throwing her chest out means, "I DON'T WANNA BE IN THIS SEAT, MOMMY!" (<- that one's followed promptly with a swat on her leg and a firm "no" from me) Meaning #3: "Grrrrrrrrr" while smacking her lips and throwing herself forward during mealtime means, "You clearly aren't feeding me fast enough, Mother!" 

5 1/2 months old

Where did the days of precious moments and endearing "awh's" go? And yet, I'm so proud of her for achieving so much in such little time! From the early days of the discovery of her fingers and toes, to the current days of her exploring the many different ways she can scoot; from the early days of coos and gurgles, to the current days of her laughter, giggles, and squeals of delight filling the halls; and even from the early days of me trying to decipher what her cries meant, to the current days of her being able to tell me exactly what's what through inflection. I have spent all these days, all 6 months of them, in awe of the way God has created humans to develop!  

As Christmas is a mere few days away, I cannot help but grow continuously more excited everyday! Though Christmas is a time to remember the most important thing of all, Christ's life and all He did and is doing for us, it's also a time for the children! It is a time for them to revel in the mystery of the season. To learn with only the special awe, reverence, and humility seen in a child about the life of Jesus, coming to us as a baby! The draw of Saint Nicholas (who was a real person), and the understanding of why his story was kept alive. I'm so overly excited to begin establishing Christmas traditions in my own family, now that I have one! I can't wait to revel in the joy of the season with my baby girl as she grows over the years and along with it her growth of understanding. I can't wait to see her face light up on Christmas morning as we all share together in gift giving. 

Alana my dear, there is never a dull moment with you! As always, Mommy and Daddy love you so very much!

Happy 4 Months My Lovely Alana!!

When you were born, that was the longest 4 days (in the hospital) of my life! I went through a lot of pain, staples, and recovery. Truth be told, I felt absolutely no pain when I would hold you. The same holds true now! When I hold you the pain of my days, worries, or frustrations all melt away. Your smile is electric and your face shines with  happiness when you see Daddy and Mommy(me). 

You have changed so much over the past month! You discover new things almost every day it seems. Your latest discovery is making raspberry noises. It's cute beyond belief, though it is a tad messy :-) The absolute cutest thing you do?? Laugh. You only laugh when you're being tickled and the laugh only happens on occasion, but when it does, C-U-T-E!!! You still try to read to Mommy and Daddy, but now you seem to be more intrigued with the details of the pictures on the pages than voicing your opinion about them. 

I used to think you were a strangely quiet baby, even when you cried it wasn't very loud. Oh my how those days are gone, ha ha. You have discovered the art of yelling to convey how  upset you are. Your lungs are developing their full potential. When you are initially getting upset you say, "Ayyyeeeee" several times and then that turns into full-fledged cries of anger.   Case and point, just a few minutes ago. But now you have calmed down and you are staring at me from your swing, listening to Pandora, and your eyes tell me sleep is not far off for you. 

You are becoming extremely expressive, and I love it! Your smiles, your smirks, your sad face, your shocked face, your contemplative face (generally happens when you are looking at pictures, videos, or books), and your straight face that you see here in this picture to the right. 

You find it incredibly fun to try to mimic sounds that Mommy and Daddy make! You're favorite one is "Arrrrrrrrg"! I'll get it on video once you get more consistent with it. 

I think you have two favorite times of the day: being held and EATING! I started you on rice cereal (a tad early) a while ago because it seemed that the bottle was no longer enough. Since then we have expanded your horizons in the food world. You now enjoy: oatmeal, peas, and green beans. You are a particular fan of oatmeal and green beans (not mixed, of course). I can't let you eat all that you want because that would be too much for your little baby tummy. You are not happy when I have to "cut you off", but you do comply when I give you a bottle; trying to drink it in between small cries of disagreeance that fade quickly. 

Daddy tells me sometimes how he's kind of scared about you growing up. His immediate fear; when you start getting mobile. I tell him all the time, it will be ok. In my opinion, that's my favorite time, because then play time is just that much more fun!! Do I look forward to having to chase you when we're NOT playing, no I can't say that I do, but that monumental step in your life is still a few months away. Until then, I don't mind being able to keep you near me without your protesting. I know there will come a time when you will protest having to be held, having to hold my hand, and having to stay with me, but for now you love being with Mommy and Daddy!

My words of wisdom for you:
Never forget how to smile! Never let your eyes stop shining with joy! Keep your laughter, you'll need it to get through the hard times. More importantly keep your faith always, because during the times when a smile isn't enough, and laughter is silent, God will be there to remind you that you are still loved and that you can know joy again. 

Daddy and I love you immensely, more than you will ever know or understand. So proud to be your Mommy and I am so incredibly excited to watch you keep growing!!

Happy 1/4 Birthday Alana!!

not even 1 week old!

11 weeks old!

3 months old already?! Amazing how time goes by so quickly! You are changing so much, it's hard to keep up. You look more and more like me (Your Mommy) everyday :-) This makes me very happy, because for the longest time you looked mostly like Daddy, I'm happy to see you're taking on some of my more delicate facial features (nose and eyes). Your eyes are beautiful, and they light up when you smile! And that is something you do all the time! You talk so much, I just wish I knew what you were trying to say! 

11 weeks old!

As you can clearly see in the picture to your left, you are already trying to sit up. You think that "tummy time" is a ridiculous notion and will have no part in it. Last night while Daddy was playing with you on your play mat you almost rolled over!! So needless to say, you are extremely active. I think that it has to do with your strong will, as you seem to have plenty of that.

You went on a shopping trip with me on Saturday the 15th. My sole purpose in going on that trip was to try to find you some books, and we succeeded!! But don't worry, books weren't the only things I got you. I found you some CUTE clothes and a humidifier for when you get sick.

Your supply of books is slowly increasing, and you love them all! You smile and squeal with delight at each new page turned! I only hope you maintain this passion for books. I love reading, and I hope that you take after me in that area. I believe you are going to; the way you study the pages, quite intently, as if trying to grasp the concept of the pictures, haha. OK, so I know that's not necessarily true, about the concept grasping, but you really do look at the pages intently, and the face you make, makes it seem like you are trying to make sense of what you see :-) 

You've grown tremendously since your 2 month check up! you are now 2 feet long, and you weight over 11lbs! You're still hanging in the higher end of percentages on your height, which is astonishing considering the lack of height in your immediate family. I wish I could keep you little always, but I know that's not possible. You are learning so much and so quickly! You eat rice cereal already. You've been doing that for about 2 weeks now, and really seem to enjoy that time of your day. The rice cereal is a part of your nighttime routine, which I'm proud to say I have down to a "T". 

7:00/7:15 PM we commence cereal time (you enjoy it, but man it takes a loooooong time)

7:45/8:00 PM we commence bath time (also enjoyable, it's the getting out part you detest)

8:30 PM our night time process begins: drying you off, lotion, cream and powder (on your behind), fresh diaper, and a pair of comfy pj's. (Generally during this time you are crying because you just want to go to sleep)

9:00/ 9:15 PM you are exhausted by this point, so I bundle you up in one of your MANY blankets, give you a bottle, hold you just up until the point where you are ready to doze off, and put you to bed. 

I am blessed, because you are a very easy baby. I suppose it helps that I have you on a fairly steady, daily routine. You officially only get up once in the night and it's at about 4-5 AM, Mommy appreciate's that greatly ;-)  Truth be told you have always done well sleeping, eating, and maintaining a good mood. I'm hoping that, that continues well into your life. 

As always you are well loved and we are blessed to have you!!

Happy Two Months Old Today!!!

2 Days

Where did time go?! It's hard to believe that it's already been two months since you've come into the world my dear Alana. You have made excellent strides on development and you are on the fast track to talking! You started cooing shortly after our visit to Colorado and have been perfecting those sounds for almost a month now. You have a very specific sound you make when you are sleepy and want to be held. Sorry to say, I can't always pick you up when you make that noise, so that noise quickly becomes your very angry and very loud cry. 

2 Months

My favorite time of day with you is right after you wake up from your naps...you have so much to say, you smile a lot, and you have the cutest little baby laugh! For example, right now you are sitting in your Bumbo seat, smiling and cooing at me right now :-) I love it! 

We got your pictures done today, nothing too fancy. The picture to the right is one of them. Look at how happy you are! You've gotten so big and I'm so excited to see how much more you change and grow, and yet at the same time, I want to keep you as a baby :-( 

Mommy's had a rough time these last 8 weeks. Recovering from having you, and then WHAM; I got hit with continual gallbladder problems. I had surgery to get it removed almost two weeks ago and I also had that awful hernia repaired too. That was a very rough time for me, because I had to leave you. I almost cried, but I stayed strong because I knew you had great people taking care of you during the day, and then Daddy took care of you at night because I had to stay overnight in the hospital. My first few days back home were slow and sore, but you were good so that made it easier. I'm now on the fast road to recovery and Lord willing there won't be any more problems. That means I'll be able to spend time playing and having fun with you!!

Uh-oh, by the look on your face, I'll be changing your diaper in a couple minutes. Know this my dear, no matter how many stinky diapers you make, or how many times you cry at night (right when Mommy lays her head down to sleep), your Daddy and I love you dearly and can't wait to see what your future holds!