e's new trick

Elia learned a new trick yesterday.

You'll notice that at the end of the video I say that we're proud of her.  We are, for now.  Hopefully we're not setting her up to stick her tongue out at every kid on the playground when she's older.

doctor, doctor

Yesterday Elia went to the doctor for her two-month check-up.  Her exam went great and she's right on track for everything and she received excellent marks in the head control and neurological system categories.  After her physical exam came the part that I was least looking forward to.  Vaccines.

Sweet little thing didn't even know what was coming.

Thankfully, after a second of sheer terror and a few minutes of tears she calmed down with much comforting and fell asleep.  The whole experience seems to be forgotten now and the only evidence that remained this morning were two little Band-Aids, one on each leg.

Weight: 10 lbs. 9 oz.

Length: 22 in.

Head Circumference: 15 in.

Two-Month Accomplishments: Sitting in the Bumbo, Smiling (a lot!), Holding onto Objects, Interacting with Mom and Dad

Likes: Light, Patterns, Kisses, Zerberts, Farm Tails Book, Oball Rattle

two months

Today Elia is two months old.

In the last month we've seen her grow so much.  She smiles at us and can hold onto things, her neck is getting stronger and she holds her head up pretty well, she's lost the floppiness of her first weeks on earth.  She's also becoming more predictable as the days go by, sleeping in patterns.

She has also had lots of firsts - some more momentous than others.

First baseball game
First vacation
First international adventure
First pool party
First Father's Day
First boat ride
First smile
First night away from home
And more...

When you're so new, life is filled with firsts but we still enjoy celebrating each one.  I doubt life will ever seem this novel again and we're soaking it up.

Happy two month, Bug.  We love you!

 To see how much Elia has grown, you can see her one-month pictures here.

eight weeks

Today Elia is eight weeks old. Eight weeks. How life has shifted in eight weeks.

She's been a bit fussy the past few afternoons. Fussy in a way that frustrates me because she's been such a calm, sweet baby so far. Fussy in a way that makes me wonder if she's ill because diaper changes and feedings and cuddling don't calm the bloodcurdling screams that seem to come out of no where.

But today she is calm again. She is snugly and sweet and relaxed, even as the afternoon ticks away into evening.

And so, I am celebrating eight weeks by reveling in the sweetness of a sleeping baby. My view for the last hour has been of the strands of blonde hair that cover my daughter's perfectly round head and her barely there eyelashes and the tip of her nose.

She is sleeping on my chest despite a half-prepared dinner in the kitchen, laundry that needs to be put away, and lots of tidying to be done. I am indulging in this because she's eight weeks and there is nowhere I'd rather be. Because her being eight weeks means that in four weeks I'll go back to work and snuggling in the afternoon won't be an option every day. Because this stage is fleeting and I know she won't always be so relaxed and willing to sleep in my arms. Because we will always find a way to eat dinner but I might run out of chances to enjoy these moments with my daughter. Because I can't imagine anything more wonderful than the warmth of an infant on my chest.

Happy eight weeks, Elia. I'm so happy to be your mom.

P.S. Happy birthday to my dad! Wishing you the happiest of days.

meeting the smith's

Because a week-long road trip wasn't enough adventure for the Neckers girls, we decided to kick off the week by visiting our good friends, the Smith's in Eaton Rapids.  Sarah and Parker picked us up Monday morning and away we went.

While it's always good to see them, I was especially excited to go because Jess just had their second son, Blake, and I was looking forward to meeting him and introducing Elia to their family too.

Blake and Elia "visited" while Owen and Parker played together.  I'm so impressed at how well they get along especially with a two year age difference. 

It's so fun to see my friends with their kids and watching their families grow.  Needless to say, we had a great time catching up - I just wish they lived closer so we could do this more often! 

Update: Jess keeps a blog too and just posted about the same afternoon.  For more fun pictures of our time together visit her blog here.

baby's first vacation

The Neckers family is on the road! We're having a great time visiting family and friends in and around New England. 

After we get home, I'll share more highlights but for now, please visit our TripColor page to see where we've been and what we've been up to.

Spoiler alert: she's been to nine states!