Kayleigh: 7 Months

This Month's Highlights:

* Lots of talking and sticking your tongue out ("blah, blah, blah!")

* Tried (and enjoyed!) carrots, green peas, and mangoes (although, they're pretty sour)

* First fever & ear infection so Mommy stayed home with you (12/5)

* Met Santa Claus at school (weren't bothered a bit!) (12/5)

* Saw Christmas lights with friends Brian & Tiffany (12/7)

* Aunt Micah's graduation (you were more patient than most of the adults!) (12/13)

* Small group Christmas play date (12/17)

* Balanced yourself standing by your exersaucer (12/18)

* Got much better at sitting by yourself (12/18)

* Pajama day at school (12/19)

* Stayed home with Daddy & I on Christmas break (12/22-1/2)

* Made hand print ornaments (you kept wanting to squeeze the dough!) (12/24) 

* First Christmas! Celebrated with Daddy's side of the family on 12/24 & 12/25, and Mommy's side on 12/26

Mommy's Favorite Moments:

* You talking to me in the mornings as I get you ready and on the way to school

* Picking you up from school and getting kissies (you give the best big kisses!)

* Feeding you baby food (such a good eater!)

* Nighttime feedings (our special time together)

* Your smile that seems to get bigger every day (such a happy baby - everyone says so!)

* Watching you play with Daddy (you sure do love him!)

* Seeing you smile when I come to get you out of your crib

* Watching you entertain yourself in your crib/on your mat just talking up a storm and trying to eat your paci

* Watching you explore all of your new Christmas toys - sitting in your big girl chair, playing music, "reading" books, and knocking over block stacks

Stats:
* Weight: 15 lbs 1 oz
* Length: 25.2"
* Eating: 5-6 oz. every 4 hours for the most part (usually a 6-hour stretch at night, until the end of the month when you started teething)
* Diapers: Size 2
* Clothes: 6 month onesies, pants
* Favorites: snuggling, being propped up on someone's shoulder, practicing standing, bouncing/dancing, sleeping on your side,  Gerry the giraffe on your car seat, TV, giving big open mouth kisses, getting kisses on your neck or belly, your teachers at school, making new noises (you're so proud of yourself), sticking out your tongue, blowing bubbles, eating your paci like a lollipop, splashing in the bathtub, giggling at Mommy & Daddy's funny faces, pat-a-cake and watching Mommy clap in general; eating the tags on ANYTHING
* Least favorites: teething, being put to bed, pedicures (it tickles!), manicures (too busy to sit still), waking up cold/hot
* Skills: sitting up by yourself, putting your paci in your mouth, mimicking sounds, knocking over blocks, blowing bubbles, sticking your tongue out, standing and leaning on something

Memories from this Month:

{Week 28: Meeting Santa; ear infection;

staying home with Mom with fever; 

going to see Christmas lights with Muellers}

{Week 29: Playing with puppy; Aunt Micah's graduation; 

reading on our tummy; hugs for Mommy}

{Week 30: Small group kiddos; standing by yourself;

pajama day at school; Santa baby photo shoot}

{Week 31: Sporting your sneakers;

Dinner with Grandma Beck & Mac; 

making hand print ornaments; 

ready for Christmas Eve service}

{Week 31 Christmas Edition: 

In your big girl chair; with your first baby doll;

checking out your toys; with Grammy & Pops}

Kayleigh: 6 Months

This Month's Highlights:

* LOTS of talking and grunting (your goal is to be LOUD now)

* Fall Festival at church (10/29)

* First Halloween at school (everyone dressed up for the parade and you were Minnie!) (10/31)

* Becoming a pro at eating rice cereal (by 11/6) 

* First cough (cold) so Mommy stayed home with you (11/4)

* Started sucking your thumb (no!) (11/6)

* First visit to the Dallas Arboretum (11/8)

* First flight (you slept most of it!)  (11/23)

* First visit to Weslaco to meet family (11/23-11/29)

* First case of bronchitis and had to do breathing treatments (started 11/24)

* Sat up from propped up position in Mac's chair (11/26)

* First baby food (sweet potatoes!) on Thanksgiving (11/27)

* Getting much better at rolling over (tummy to back)

Mommy's Favorite Moments:

* You talking to me in the mornings as I get you ready and on the way to school

* Picking you up from school and getting kissies (you give the best big kisses!)

* Feeding you rice cereal (messy, but fun!)

* Nighttime feedings (our special time together)

* Your smile that seems to get bigger every day (such a happy baby - everyone says so!)

* Watching you play with Daddy (you sure do love him!)

* Seeing you smile when I come to get you out of your crib

* Watching you entertain yourself in your crib/on your mat just talking up a storm and trying to eat your paci

Stats:
* Weight: 13 lbs, 4 oz (during rash appointment on 10/17); 14 lbs, 3 oz (during cold follow-up 11/25)
* Length: 25.2"
* Eating: 5-6 oz. every 4 hours for the most part (usually a 6-hour stretch at night)
* Diapers: Size 2
* Clothes: 6 month onesies, pants
* Favorites: snuggling, being propped up on someone's shoulder, practicing standing, bouncing, hiding your face while you sleep,  car rides, sleep sheep, Gerry the giraffe on your car seat, TV if it is on, giving big open mouth kisses, smiling with Mommy & Daddy while being changed, finding yourself in mirrors, your teachers at school, mimicking Mommy and Daddy's faces to try to talk, making new noises (you're so proud of yourself), chewing on your paci and taking it out of your mouth, splashing in the bathtub, giggling at Mommy & Daddy's funny faces
* Least favorites: not being able to get your paci back in your mouth, not being upright to see the action, pedicures (it tickles!), manicures (too busy to sit still), waking up cold/hot
* Skills: intentionally reaching for things and putting them in your mouth, great balance while you're propped up, sitting up well in your bumbo, following voices and objects, smiling big gummy smiles, & lot of "talking," standing with someone helping you balance

Memories from this Month:

{Week 23: "Up" themed Trunk or Treat with Minnie Mouse;

feeling Daddy's beard; snuggling with Nonnie; riding a bull}

{Week 24: Home sick with a cold; 

big kissies for Mom once she is feeling better;

sucking her thumb; arboretum}

{Week 25: Trying out our new winter gear;

lunch with Megan; 

babysitting adventures with Uncle Ryan & Aunt Micah}

{Week 26: Goofing around with Daddy; 

playing in a toy bin; first plane ride; meeting Nana}

{Week 27: Breathing treatment for bronchitis; 

playing the piano with Mommy;

stroll in the neighborhood with Mac;

trying sweet potatoes (first baby food!) on Thanksgiving}

Kayleigh: 5 Months

This Month's Highlights:

* Fun with Grandma Beck, Mac, Uncle Rhino & Aunt Micah (9/26-9/28) 

* Baby Dedication at church (you did great!) (9/28)

* LOTS of talking (you have sure found your voice!)

* Introduced to Sophie the Giraffe (teether) (10/1)

* Started eating rice cereal (10/12)

* First rash appeared and had to be picked up from school (10/17)

* Discovered you can splash in the bathtub (10/18)

* Rolled over from tummy to back (10/18)

* First repetitive giggles with Mommy's kissies (10/18)

* Got an exersaucer to play in at home (10/25)

* Giggled with Daddy playing peekaboo (10/26)

Mommy's Favorite Moments:

* You talking to me in the mornings as I get you ready and on the way to school

* Picking you up from school and getting kissies (you give the best big kisses!)

* Feeding you rice cereal (messy, but fun!)

* Nighttime feedings (our special time together)

* Your smile that seems to get bigger every day (such a happy baby - everyone says so!)

* Watching you snuggle with Daddy (you sure do love him!)

* Seeing you smile when I come to get you out of your crib

* Watching you entertain yourself in your crib/on your mat just talking up a storm and trying to eat your paci

Stats:
* Weight: 13 lbs, 4 oz (Rash appointment on 10/17)
* Length: 25.2"
* Eating: 4 -5 oz. every 3 - 3 1/2 hours for the most part (usually a 6-hour stretch at night)
* Diapers: Size 1
* Clothes: 0-3 month onesies
* Favorites: snuggling, being propped up on someone's shoulder, practicing standing, bouncing, hiding your face while you sleep,  car rides, sleep sheep, Gerry the giraffe on your car seat, TV if it is on, giving big open mouth kisses, smiling with Mommy & Daddy while being changed, finding yourself in mirrors, your teachers at school, mimicking Mommy and Daddy's faces to try to talk, making new noises (you're so proud of yourself), chewing on your paci and taking it out of your mouth, splashing in the bathtub
* Least favorites: not being able to get your paci back in your mouth, not being upright to see the action, pedicures (it tickles!), manicures (too busy to sit still), waking up cold
* Skills: intentionally reaching for things and putting them in your mouth, great balance while you're propped up, sitting up well in your bumbo, following voices and objects, smiling big gummy smiles, & lot of "talking," standing with someone helping you balance

Memories from this Month:

{Week 19: Fun with Ryan & Micah; 

Being dedicated at church; 

reading at night with Mommy; eating Sophie's legs}

{Week 20: Amazed with bubbles; trying rice cereal; 

tummy time and reading; 

sitting up like a big girl in the bumbo}

{Week 21: Snuggled in sleep sack; doctor's visit for rash; 

playing with Daddy; family in turquoise}

(Week 22: Proud of yourself in the exersaucer at school;

trying hard to eat Ellie's hand;

eating cereal off my finger to get the hang of it; 

watching everyone put together your exersaucer)

Kayleigh: 4 Months

This Month's Highlights:

* First Aggie football game (you slept through it, but we won!) (8/28)

* Trip to San Antonio with Grandma Beck, Mac, Uncle Ryan & Aunt Micah (8/29-9/1)

* You made a Grandparents Day craft at school with your footprints (9/2)

* FaceTime with Daddy while he traveled for work (and almost hung up on him!) (9/2-9/12 weekdays)

* Road trip to Austin with lots of playtime in the car (9/13)

* Babysat by Grammy & Pops in Austin while Daddy & I went to a wedding (9/13)

* Started sitting in the bumbo

* Lots of talking and a few giggles

Mommy's Favorite Moments:

* You talking to me in the mornings as I get you ready and on the way to school

* Picking you up from school and seeing you smile at your teachers (you love them and they LOVE you!)

* Talking and reading books in the evenings (you love the pictures!)

* Nighttime feedings (our special time together)

* Your smile that seems to get bigger every day (such a happy baby - everyone says so!)

* Watching you spin around in your crib (you love to do 180's in between feedings)

* Seeing you smile when I come to get you out of your crib

* Reading about your day on the summary sheet from your teachers (tummy time, mirror time, riding around with Mia ("the princesses") to see the school)

Stats:
* Weight: 12 lbs, 6.5 oz (4 month appt)
* Length: 25.2"
* Eating: 4 -5 oz. every 3 - 3 1/2 hours for the most part (usually a 6-hour stretch at night)
* Diapers: Size 1
* Clothes: 0-3 month onesies
* Favorites: snuggling, being propped up on someone's shoulder, practicing standing, hiding your face while you sleep,  car rides, sleep sheep, toy "owlie" on your car seat, lights (especially the TV if it is on), kissy noises, smiling with Mommy & Daddy while being changed, finding yourself in mirrors, your teachers at school, mimicking Mommy and Daddy's faces to try to talk, making new noises (you're so proud of yourself), chewing on your paci and taking it out of your mouth
* Least favorites: not being able to get your entire fist in your mouth, not being able to get your paci back in your mouth, not being upright to see the action, pedicures (it tickles!), manicures (you'd rather suck on your hands!), being in your car seat if we aren't moving, being gasy
* Skills: grabbing things and pulling them to your mouth, holding your head up longer while walking around, following voices and objects, smiling big gummy smiles, & lot of "talking"

Memories from this Month:

{Week 14: Ready for your first Aggie game;

hanging out in San Antonio; 

talking to Grandma Beck & Micah;

finding yourself in the mirror}

{Week 15: Craft for grandparents;

"Wassssup in Canada Dad?";

Practicing sitting with Aunt Micah;

toga family for Alicia's 30th}

{Week 16: Fun with toys on the way to Austin;

dancing on tables with Grammy;

big girl in her bumbo;

"reading" books with Mommy}

{Week 17: Ready for school pictures;
nap time with Daddy; fun with Miss Tiffany;
hanging out with Pops}

{Week 18: Squeaky clean;

Small group dads talking about their daughters as Daddy plays with you;

eating your burp cloth;

fun with Grandma Beck}

Kayleigh: 3 Months

This Month's Highlights:
* Mommy went back to work (7/28)
* Staying home with Daddy (Daddy Daycare) for 4 weeks
* Play dates with Daddy (2 with Richard & Eva Mae Ogle)
* Long walks every day with Daddy
* First pair of sunglasses for your walks (and didn't mind wearing them!)
* Seeing Grandma Beck & Mac on a weekend visit (8/2)
* Going shopping with the girls (Grandma Beck & Mommy) (8/2)
* Seeing Grammy's side of the family (8/17)
* Being babysat by Uncle Ryan & Aunt Micah (8/23)
* You had your first day of school (infant class) (8/25) and LOVED it!
* You made a friend at school, Mia (8/26)

Mommy's Favorite Moments:
* Coming home from work and getting to play and snuggle
* Nighttime feedings (our special time together)
* Your smile that seems to get bigger every day
* Watching you stroke your hair over and over to go to sleep
* Seeing pictures of you throughout the day on Instagram
* Watching you bond with Daddy and smile so big when he's around (such a Daddy's girl)
* Seeing you smile when I come to get you out of your crib
* Reading about your day on the summary sheet from your teacher (wonderful first week!)

Stats:
* Weight: 9 lbs, 10 oz (2 month appt)
* Length: 22"
* Eating: 3 oz. every 3 hours for the most part (longest night was 8 hours!)
* Diapers: Size 1
* Clothes: 0-3 month onesies
* Favorites: snuggling, being propped up on someone's shoulder, practicing standing, hiding your face while you sleep,  walks in the stroller, car rides, sleep sheep, toy "owlie" on your car seat, lights (especially the TV if it is on), kissy noises, & smiling with Mommy & Daddy while being changed, stroking your hair to put yourself to sleep, finding yourself in mirrors
* Least favorites: not being able to get your entire fist in your mouth, not being upright to see the action, pedicures (it tickles!), tummy time, being in your car seat if we aren't moving, getting out of the bath tub (it's cold!)
* Skills: grabbing at objects (including Mommy's hair!), improved hand/eye coordination to grab at things intentionally, holding your head up longer while walking around, following voices and objects, smiling big gummy smiles, making noises (ahhs and ooos, and the first signs of a laugh), purposeful movement (not as jerky)

Memories from this Month:

{Week 10: Standing up;
Nursery Rhymes with Grandma Beck;

Shop 'til you drop; Spinning in your crib}

{Week 11: Fist in mouth; after a rough morning with Daddy; 

one of your walks with Daddy; bonding with Daddy}

{Week 12: Funny times on the changing mat;

Visiting Mommy at work; 

big grins when Mommy comes to get you out of your crib;

matching dresses for church}

 {Week 13: Wearing shades on a walk; 

rubbing your head to go to sleep;

excited for your first day of school; 

worn out after your first day of school}

Kayleigh: 2 Months

This Month's Highlights:
* Meeting extended Hanks family at 4th of July party  
* First restaurant outing - Cheesecake Factory for brunch on 7/7
* First lunch outing with just Mom (met co-workers Kendall & Emily at Chuy's on 7/9)
* Starting naps in your crib (6 weeks)
* First road trip to College Station (7/13- 7/15) 
* Sleeping at night in your crib (7 weeks)
* Activity mat time (finding the rattles and intentionally hitting and trying to grab them)
* 2 Month shots (7/25)
* First Sunday in Preschoolers at the Heights (7/27)

Mommy's Favorite Moments:
* Playing with a happy and smiling baby as we get you dressed for the day
* Snuggles with you as we rock away those cries
* You grabbing my arm as we walk around to make sure I don't let go
* Seeing you give family smiles on 4th of July weekend
* Sleeping snuggles with your head buried into my side ("spider baby" pose!)
* Watching you wake up and your funny stretches
* Watching you play with Daddy
* Big yawns and little coughs
* Practicing kissy faces with you and seeing you smile at the noises

Stats:
* Weight: 9 lbs, 10 oz
* Length: 22"
* Eating: Every 2 1/2 - 3 hours for the most part (longest night was 5 1/2 hours!)
* Diapers: Newborn/1's (switched around 6 weeks)
* Clothes: Newborn and more 0-3 month onesies
* Favorites: snuggling, having your hair washed, being propped up on someone's shoulder or in a sitting position, hiding your face while you sleep, listening to Mommy hum, walks in the stroller, car rides, sleep sheep, lights, kissy noises, & talking with Mommy & Daddy while being changed
* Least favorites: having a tummy that is too full, hiccups, losing your paci, not being upright to see the action, pedicures (it tickles!), tummy time, being still in your car seat if you are strapped in, and shots!
* Skills: grabbing at objects (including Mommy's hair!), improved hand/eye coordination, holding your head up longer while walking around, following voices and objects, smiling, starting to make noises (ahhs and ooos)

Memories from this Month:

{6th week - 4th of July, playtime with Daddy; 

Mac's birthday; sleeping through her first restaurant outing}

{7th week - Excited to take on the day; foot massage;

first restaurant outing with just Mommy; all dolled up for church}

{8th week - First road trip to A&M; big blue eyes;

shielding your eyes to sleep; sleeping in your crib}

{9th week - First play date with small group friends; funny dreams;

boo boos after 2 month shots; 

kissies for Mommy on her last days at home}

Kayleigh: 1 Month

This Month's Highlights:
* Your birthday!
* Meeting grandparents, aunts, uncle, and some extended family on Daddy's side
* First car rides - home, doctor visits, church, and a few errands
* First nights in your crib (kind of)
* Sponge baths (you love having your hair washed!) 
* First & second doctors visits (both with great reports!)
* Tried a pacifier - ducky
* Activity mat time (favorite is the purple teething ring)
* Tummy time (already have great head control)
* Newborn pictures (you did great!)
* First bottles (6/16)
* First smiles (while asleep (5/30) and awake (6/26))

Mommy's Favorite Moments:
* Seeing you for the first time
* Watching Daddy hold you for the first time
* Daddy's skin to skin time with you our first night
* Bringing you home (5/29)
* You holding my hand
* Snuggling with you in the bunny towel after your first bath (6/1)
* Your first smiles as you dreamed (5/31)
* Sweet snuggles during and after your feedings
* Your sweet milk breath as you drift off to sleep
* Making eye contact with my sweet girl
* Our first family walks around the neighborhood (started 6/6)
* Seeing you smile while you were awake (6/26)
* Watching you play with Daddy
* Big yawns and little coughs

Stats:
* Weight: 7 lbs, 5.5 oz at 2 week appt; about 8 lbs, 8 oz. now
* Length: 20.8" at 2 week appt
* Eating: Every 2-3 hours; "on demand"
* Diapers: Newborn
* Clothes: Newborn and a couple of 0-3 month onesies
* Favorites: snuggling, having your hair washed, bouncing, sleeping in anyone's arms, listening to Mommy hum, walks in the stroller, car rides
* Least favorites: getting into long-sleeved clothes, getting into the car seat, having a tummy that is too full, prolonged hiccups, losing your paci
* Skills: grasping fingers, eye contact, holding your head up briefly, following voices, slowly reaching towards objects, smiling

Memories from this Month:

{Hospital - Meeting you; family of 3; 

skin to skin with Daddy; getting you ready to go home!}

{1st week - After first sponge bath; tummy time with Daddy; 

sleepy smiles; family walk}

 {2nd week - On the way to church; meeting ducky the paci; 

activity mat time with Daddy; holding my hand}

{3rd week - Meeting Ellie the elephant; 

practicing head control during tummy time; Fathers Day; 

sleeping in on Saturday with Daddy}

{4th week - Week with Grandma Beck, first bottle; 

Uncle Rhino's birthday; one of your first awake smiles}

{5th week - Nightly prayers; big yawns; 

distinguished baby pose; admiring Mom's jewelry}

Newborn Pictures

The same friends that took my maternity pictures, Andrew and Jacqueline, also came over to our house early Saturday morning when Kayleigh was just 11 days old to take her newborn pictures!  I was so nervous, but after several breaks for feedings, she made it through the outfit changes and made the perfect little subject! 

 

 

 

 

I think they turned out great!  We'll definitely be using Andrew and Jackie again!

Baby K's Nursery

When we moved into our house several years ago, we needed a room dedicated to general stuff that didn't have a place just yet.  The problem was - the stuff just never found a home, so it became a storage room.  Yikes!  We knew that as soon as we found out we were pregnant, the transformation would have to begin to make it into a nursery.  And we had our work cut out for us!  (It was really, really bad....I know!)

{Too much junk!}

First thing's first - getting rid of unneeded junk!  We sold, gave away, and/or tossed a lot of items (i.e. stuff from our apartment that we didn't need in our house, old school materials, etc.).  Something that helped us was that if we had not needed it since we moved in, we probably didn't need it at all!  Items that we did need found a more suitable place.

Once the room was cleared out (for the most part), Colin and his Mom painted the nursery a nice grey color.  We knew we wanted to keep the nursery as gender neutral as possible.  The idea would be that our first baby would get 'promoted' (in a way) to another bedroom, and this bedroom would remain the nursery.  We stuck with white and grey for the bulk of the decorating, and just added in touches of pink once we found out we were having a girl.

{Painting the room grey}

I love white nursery furniture and think it looks great with the grey walls and white baseboards and crown moldings.  I found a low-rise crib that I loved, and since I'm short, I knew it would be perfect for us!  I also knew I wanted a dresser that doubled as the changing table, so I was excited when I found one with the changing table set on top.  We found the a rocking recliner that fit me perfectly (for all of the late night feedings!), and ordered it in a comfy grey fabric.

{Furniture}

For my birthday, Colin took me to a painting class.  What I really liked about this place was that we could paint whatever we wanted - not what they were showcasing that night.  His idea was that we could each paint a canvas for baby girl's room - perfect!  Colin painted her initials on a chevron print, and I painted some flowers in bloom.  I bought plain wood frames and painted them white so we could hang them in her room.  It was a great date night AND helped us decorate the nursery!

{Paintings for the nursery}

The last touches were items like a rug to add some texture, a matching lamp and roman shade to block out the sun during nap time, a mirror, and some crosses I had in college on different ribbon.  We also got a bookshelf for books and toys, and some shelves for her treasures, including the A&M baby booties her Daddy got her when we found out she was a little girl.  Every girl should have some flowers, so I put some in a vase for one of her shelves.  Another shelf has a 'K' wrapped in grey yarn with a hot pink hair clip on it (thanks, Pinterest!).  It turned out cute!

 

{Crib with rug, shade, painting, etc.}

{Bookshelf, bow holder, painting}

{Changing table with mirror & crosses;

rocking chair with side table setup}

{Shelves}

 

It was a lot of fun seeing it transform from a storage room to a nursery for our sweet baby K!  Love it!