An almost 4 month old...

Oh those rolls.

Sorry Mabes!

Things I don't ever want to forget

- Her bashful smiles. Mabel can be so stingy about giving smiles so when she does we get very excited.

- The very fake cry she does when we leave the room and she wants attention. The second we come back in the picture she gives a huge smile. I have a feeling she will do this for a very long time!

- The way she holds on to me when she needs to be rocked in her nursery. No matter how much needs to be done, time stops and when she tells me she needs to be held.

- Tummy time. And how much she can't stand being there for too long.

Before:

And we have had enough:

- Her strong grip when she grabs onto your finger. 

- Her curiosity with Penny. One day these two will be best friends, but for now she is this four legged thing that constantly cleans her ears.

- The way she tries to talk with her pacifier in her mouth. I need to get this on video. I never want to forget that sound.

- Traveling while she is so small. On our flights I watched exhausted parents chase their kids around the airport as I was able to hold Mabes in her carrier. Those days are just around the corner, I'll hold her tight whole I still can.

- I also never want to forget even the most challenging moments. Even when I feel like I can't handle a second more of crying and no method seems to be soothing, I swear that's when Mabel decides to calm down and fall asleep peacefully in my arms. I learn the most about myself in those moments.

Oh how I melt for you my love.

Explosive Poops and Spit up

Seems to be the story of my life these days..

But hey she feels better afterwards so it's worth the mess!

We have been taking our little Mabes on lots of adventures, even taking her up a mountain (Palm Springs) to a brisk 32 Degrees. Cold doesn't seem to phase her, of course we bundled her up in so many layers she was probably burning up.

A few weeks ago, I learned truly what it meant to be a mom. Mabel had her 2 week check up and had 3 shots. I was not prepared for that. She cried so hard not even nursing would calm her down. I was so heartbroken to just sit and watch her in that much pain. She had her worst night and cried for hours with her legs bunched up. Poor thing. She then slept like a champ and woke up with a smile and it seemed the storm had passed. Thank goodness. Her 4 month check up seems to be coming up too soon for more shots. Below is the picture before shots. (Picture a screaming baby for the after shot!)

These days I am enjoying everyday I get with my little cuddle bug before going back to work. I give credit to all moms out there. Everyday presents new challenges, but I am in awe with its rewards as well. 

I can't believe...

My baby girl is 2 months old!

Where did the time go?? 

In many ways, I feel like each day went by so slowly and then suddenly Mabel is 8 weeks old.  Next week she has her 2 month checkup and I vividly remember making this appointment thinking it was in the distant future and I could not imagine that day ever coming.  Of course, I was three days in with a newborn so just getting through the day was a victory.

I am absolutely in love with Mabel.  Sure, there are days where I feel completely overwhelmed and would do anything for 15 minutes over complete silence, but then Mabel looks me in the eyes and I melt all over again.  My favorite time with her is in the morning.  She is all smiles and is such a happy little camper.  It makes me feel like I might be doing something right! Even if it's temporary.

3 things I have been helpful for these past 2 months:

• Pacifier - Who knew this would be such a wonderful thing?! Mabes took it from the first day we popped it in her mouth.  It works wonders and I am not going to worry about the consequences today.
• Husband - I could not ask for a better husband and father for Mabes.  He is such a natural.  Things were not easy those first few weeks and Jeff jumped right in and took the reigns.  I didn't have the mental capacity to try and control what happened so having Jeff to figure everything out with me was wonderful.  
• Family, Family & More Family - This is the best thing about marrying into such a large family! There is always someone to help out.  And having Mabel during the holidays was stressful yes, but having people VOLUNTEER to change her diaper?! Works for me! So thankful for such a loving family.

I feel like Mabel grows up so fast right before my eyes.  She is starting to babble and smile more and more each day. Yesterday was the first time I saw her blowing bubbles.  I keep telling her to slow down. 

Dear Mabel,

I can't believe you are two months old.  You are getting bigger by the day. I never imagined something so small could make me feel so much love.  I want to hold you in my arms forever and rock you to sleep every night.  

Your cute personality is starting to show.  Your Dad and I know you will challenge us everyday, 

but we are more than okay with that.

You are a beautiful, healthy baby girl.  
We could not ask for more.

Well, maybe just one thing,

Stay this little forever.

Love,

Mommy