4 Month Well Check

I hate vaccinations.  I know its best for her to have them, but definitely heartbreaking having her to go through that momentarily pain.  She didn't mind getting her weight nor length measurement today.  She usually cries during that part.  I thought possibly the whole visit would be the same.  Once the Dr. came in and started checking her, she started getting fussy.  It was like she knew something bad was going to happen.  

She took the Rota, the grape flavor oral, like a champ.  Glad she didn't mind that.  The shots on the other hand, not so much.  Thank goodness they are quick and she won't remember that pain, but still hard on the both of us.  Poor little girl cried from then on out until I laid her down for her nap.  The drive home was dreadful.  Scream cry.  Not fun.  

I'm glad she had a good report.  We still need to continue working on tummy time.  I think she will be sitting up before she figures out how to use her arms to push up.  Or, she'll be one of those babies that scoot on their bottom instead of crawling.  That would be cute.  I didn't crawl. Grant it, I had tummy time mastered by 7 weeks...partly because in the 80's parents were told to put us on our bellies to sleep.  I did start walking at 6 months.  Yes, that led to a little bow-leggedness and I don't want that to happen to Vivy, but I turned out fine skipping the crawling phase.  I wasn't delayed in life.

She did mention we needed to start her on iron.  I tried that after her 2 month well check and she hated it.  Maybe I'll try it again.  I don't want her to become anemic and low IQ (her Pediatrician said low iron intake could be a factor in IQ level).  Not sure how true that it, but may give it another try.  I want a smart baby girl!

Miss Vivian is growing beautifully.  She weighed in a whopping 12.8 lbs (her 2 month check she was 10.4 lbs), she measured 24.5 inches in length (up from 21.5 inches) and her little noggin is on the small side at 38.5 cm (5th percentile).  Her weight she's in the 28th percentile and her length she's 45th percentile.  She's right on track overall.  That's all a Mother wants to hear!!!  

4 Months Old

 

Look at that little smirk.  Isn't she the cutest?!  4 months old.  I cannot believe it.  My baby is growing up too fast.  Just a little FYI, she looks plumper in pictures but in person she is a tiny little thing.  Per my Mother.  Anywho, she is going to be a hot mess when she gets older.  She will definitely be a busy little bee.  I just love watching her discover new things.  This week she has almost mastered holding her feet without my assistance.  She'll kick those little legs up and grab her little piggy's.  

She is the cutest when she goes and grabs a toy or something with both hands together.  She does some serious concentrating.  Absolute cuteness!!  

On Sunday, Oct 20th, we had her Baptism.  She did so well...did not make one peep.  I thought she was start crying during the ceremony, but nope, she was a perfect angel.

She looked so sweet in her Christening gown.

I am so ready to dress her in her Halloween costume.  Her and Brody will be coordinating.  I'm not going to say what they are going to be...I would like to leave that as a surprise.  I guarantee it will be precious.  You know Brody is looking forward to his favorite holiday :)

Vivian's Likes

• Her doll, Lucy.  I'm not sure if its the size or what, but that loves that little baby doll.  She's so excited playing with her first thing in the morning.
• She loves when I sing, "Five Little Monkeys."  She thinks its the funniest thing.  Especially when I go into deep for voice, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed."  She just giggles.
• She likes when you blow on her little tummy.
• She like peek-a-boo. Well, for a short period of time.
• Still loves eating on her little hands.  
• Still loves bath time.
• Sleeping at night.  We are blessed with a great sleeper.  If I still didn't have to get up at 1:30 am to pump, my life would be golden!  Those 1:30 am's are killing me!!  Hoping I will drop that pump after or during December.  
• Being carried in the baby carrier.  I'll sometimes carry her in that instead of the stroller when we go on our walks.

Vivian's Dislikes

• Sitting in one spot for a long period of time.  She gets so mad.  You can't just sit with her on the couch or chair...you have to be standing.  Its the damndest thing.
• Tummy time.  Child still has not figured out how to use her arms to push up.  Kinda concerning.  She has a strong neck and can hold her neck well without wobbling, but she does not want to use those little arms.  I'm weak in my arms, but strong in my legs...maybe she'll be the same way
• Not a fan of her car seat.  Although, its starting to get a little better.  I adjusted her straps a little better so doesn't constantly cry.  We've managed to venture out a little.  Plus, my Mom has been here visiting and riding in the back with her.  I think that's been a little helpful :)
• I've discovered she likes her hood up on her car seat when we go on walks.  I had it down the other day, which normally its up, but thought maybe should would like a little airflow.  She cried about half way through our walk and couldn't figure out why.  She's happy on her strolls.  Well, I pulled the hood up and crying stopped.  Amazing.
• Does not like wearing head boys.  She'll wear it for a little bit, then wants it off.  Hence why she is constantly mistaken for a boy.  Plus, it leaves imprints on her head and I don't want to mess her little head up :)
• Doesn't care to be cuddled.  You know when you have a baby resting their little heads on your shoulder.  Nope.  Doesn't like it.  She has to be facing forward to see what's going on.  Again, she's going to be a hot mess when she gets older.

She is an absolute sweetheart.  We are so blessed to have her in our lives.  You love that little stinker!!!!

Vivian's First Pumpkin Patch

Even though we have been up since 9 am, we decided to hit the pumpkin patch at 1:30 pm.  4.5 hrs without a nap and had not had anything thing to eat since 11:30 am was going to be a doosy.  She had her usual breakdown in the car.  Constant crying.  That's why we never go any where, but as soon as you take that child out of her seat she is fine.  The tears and screaming stop.  How about that?  Little trickster.  

Every year, minus last year, Brian and I go to Wesley Methodist Church to their pumpkin patch.  I've always loved seeing families with their little ones taking pictures next to the pumpkins.  Well, this was our year to take you little pumpkin to have her pictures taken.  She even got a baby pumpkin.  She wasn't the happiest camper.  She has the look of, "I really don't want to be here guys."  Nonetheless, she's still stinking cute!

 Pumpkin Onesie,

Baby Jeans

Vivian's 1st beach trip

Last week, Brian and I finally decided to take Vivian to the beach.  We live 10 minutes from there and never go.  Only time I go is when I have my family to visit.  Terrible, I know.  It was a beautiful day and the weather was still warm out.  Also, tourist are gone so it was perfect timing.  

Sunglasses, bathing suit from Baby Gap, Shorts from Old Navy, Bonnet by  Magnolia Baby

She was a little of unsure of what was going on.  This remained her expression the whole time.

 

I think as she gets older she will enjoy the beach.  I can't for building sandcastles in the sand and watching run and laugh in the water.  Those moments will be priceless!  Until then, we have a pouty face that doesn't understand why this bath tub is so big :)

Easy Taco Soup

I have to say this is one of the best soups out there.  Not only is this yummy, it's quick and easy to make.  This is perfect for a cold evening!

Ingredients

1 lb of Ground beef (you could also use chicken or turkey)

1 Onion - diced

1 Taco seasoning packet

1 Ranch dressing dry mix packet

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

1 15.5 oz can red kidney beans

1 15.5 oz black beans

1 11 oz whole kernel corn 

For Topping

Fritos

Cheese

Sour Cream

Guacamole 

Directions

Brown your ground beef and diced onion together.  Drain...unless you use lean or extra-lean meat, then you don't have to drain.  Put mixture in a large pot on medium heat.  Add your taco season packet and ranch dressing packet.  Blend together.  Here comes the hard part.  Add your diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans and corn, all undrained.  Mix together and heat to desired temperature.  I heat mine for about 10 minutes or so.  

Put in your bowl and add Fritos, that's a must.  You can also add cheese, sour cream or guacamole or all 3 if desired.

This makes a large quantity.  Great for leftovers or you can freeze the remaining.  You are going to love this hearty soup and I'm sure it will be a staple in your household.

Side note:  Vivian is getting ready for her first Halloween :)  She already wanted to wear her glow-in- the-dark Halloween jammies.  Spooky, scary!!!