Thanksgiving 2015

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we enjoyed.  We had a successful drive to B's parents, Joanna's first road trip.  She napped for an hour and forty minutes until Vivian woke her up from whining trying to get out of her car seat.  That child.  Thankfully Joanna was continent the remainder of the way.  Drive time total is 2 hours 15 minutes.

The food was wonderful and the company was even better.  The girls got plenty of attention.  Vivian was able to try out the neighbor's tricycle.  She had a difficult time understanding the concept of peddling.  She'll get there!  She also loved playing with the wind chimes that his parents have in their backyard.  She would make it play the sound and run around in circles.  She was a happy girl!

Joanna was content and happy.  She didn't make a peep.  Just sat pretty, smiled and took everything in.  B's Nannie sure did love spending time with her great grandbabies!

Our drive back was successful as well.  Vivian did wake from a forty minute nap that woke Joanna up again.  Again, Joanna was content.  We got home around 6:30 pm.  The trip turned out a lot better than expected.  I thought for sure we were going to have several stops for Joanna like we did with Vivian when she was her age.  Joanna handles the car seat a heck of a lot better!  Thank goodness!!

 

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

Well Joanna, I blinked and you're now 6 months old!  How's that even possible?  I want time to slow down, but yet I'm excited for what the next months will bring us.  

You're a petite thing like your sister. You currently weigh around 14 pounds, but will know your definite weight on Dec 1. You're still wearing a size 2 diaper and 3-6 months clothes.

You've had a big month.  You discovered your feet, can push up on your arms during tummy time, took your first stroller ride in the neighborhood and started eating solids.  You like sweet peas and squash. 

 You are still nursing around every 2 hours with the occasional stretches to 3 hours while awake. You do however become very distracted while nursing.  I can't speak at a normal tone or have Vivian dancing/playing around you.  You rather see what's going on vs eating.  Mommy has to go in another room with no distractions which a lot of times is impossible.  

You are the queen of 30 minute naps.  You take 2-3 naps a day and if you miss your 3rd nap, night time sleep is a mess.   You become overtired and wake multiple times a night and sometimes it can take anywhere between 1-2.5 hours to get you back to sleep.  If I can get you to take that 3rd nap, you wake 1-2 times at night.  Your in bed between 6-7 pm and sleep until 6-7:30 am, but lately you are up for the day at 6 am.  I do leave you in your crib close to 6:30 if all possible.  I guess I have two early risers on my hands!

You like Elmo, Sofie the Giraffe and books. Your favorite is 'That's Not My Lamb'

 

Sweet Joanna, you have the most contagious laugh.  Your entire face lights up and those dimples come out.  Truly melts my heart.  Vivian is the best at getting you to laugh.  You both look at one another and the laughter begins.  Music to mommy's ears!!

 You really don't have too many dislikes sweet angel.  You tolerate your car seat, but you don't love it.  I wish you would stay asleep anywhere we go like a lot of babies I  see!  You do get upset if you are awake too long.  You aren't a fan if mommy isn't in the same room as you and there are days you want to be held the majority of the day.  

You have been a true blessing sweet angel.  I love more than you'll ever know sweet girl. 

  

Joanna's First Food

On Sunday, Nov. 15, I took the plunge and gave Joanna a taste of her first food, sweet potatoes. That's what I started Vivian on, so I figured we'll do the same for buttercup.

  I have a Beabe Baby Cook that is now used to make Vivian's smoothies. It was great and easy to use making Vivian's food and I had every intention on doing the same this time.  Well, I added my diced sweet potatoes and started the steamer.  About 5 minutes in, I heard a loud whistling sound.  I came into the kitchen and the baby cook was leaking water and steam was all over the place.  I made the mistake of popping the top, while holding Joanna, and it was like a bomb went off from the pressure being released.  Thank God the wall of steam didn't smack Joanna in the face!  After that, I added the potatoes to a pot to boil.

Once the potatoes where finished boiling, I added them back to the baby cook to puree.  I think I had a little too much water that made the potatoes so bland tasting.  I also added a little frozen breast milk for a familiar taste.  I did try a little...not going to lie, I wasn't a fan.  I decided to give some to Joanna since she didn't know the difference, HA!  

When she saw the spoon coming towards her mouth, that girl was excited.  She was reaching for the spoon trying to get it into her mouth.  After that first taste she wasn't too sure about it.  She did continue taking bites.  Vivian wanted to try, but she spitted it right out LOL.  

After giving Joanna a few bites we called it quits.  I had to make a trip to the grocery store and decided to pick her up a few containers of food.  After she had a taste of the store bought sweet potatoes, she took a liking.  

Vivian didn't really like solids until about 8 months old.  I'm happy Joanna is ready to jump the gun with food.  Definitely a fun milestone!  Plus, Vivian can now help out and feed Joanna a little :)

 

Leafing Around

Fall.  What's not to love about this season?  Cooler weather, long sleeves, warm drinks and leaves.

At our previous home (our first home purchase), we had only pine trees.  Boo.  I really hate pine trees, simply because of the needles. This home has great trees producing awesome fallen leaves.

B had to rake the yard and made a large pile of leaves for Vivian to play, jump, have a grand ole time.  Amazing how the simplest things bring the biggest smile on a child's face.  I wish (pray) she keeps her innocence and always find happiness in simple things in life.

Here's to the first time jumping in a pile of leaves and definitely won't be the last :)

  

^^ loves blowing bubbles

^^ I can already tell she's going to be the sweetest and kindest little girl

^^  Daddy swinging Vivian into the leaves

 ^^ where did Vivian go?

  

^^  here she is!