Vaccinations, SAHM, biggest hike ever!

A week ago today, Michelle got her first round of vaccinations at the pediatrician. It was terrible. She remained touchy and cranky most of last week. However, despite the drama of vaccinations, I am happy to report that we consistently have what I would consider a "good night-time sleeper"! We started swaddling her again before bed and with a big bottle to tank her up, she has consistently slept for 6-7 hour stretches before waking. I feed her, and then she usually sleeps for another 3 hours or so!

I also officially quit my job last week. I took Michelle into the office to show her off before saying goodbye to Gentiva. They were sad to see me go, but happy that I am able to stay home with my baby. Barry and I decided that while Barry's job demands so much extended travel, the best option is for me to stay home with her for now. I feel so fortunate that we can afford for me to be a SAHM for awhile because it really is the BEST job ever!

Since Barry had to leave early yesterday morning for a week of business travel, Michelle, Io and I came up to Tammy's Saturday night. We did a wonderful hike off highway 2 in the Cascades called Johnson Ridge. The hike was 8 miles round trip with stellar views. Not a cloud in the sky. Michelle LOVED the fresh air. She was totally relaxed the whole time. She did have a "Red Alert" moment in the car on the way back, but nothing that a boob couldn't fix. Barry gave me a new camera but since I didn't bring my connector, I;ll have to wait until I get home tomorrow evening to post photos. We'll stay with Tammy again tonight and I'll spend my birthday in Seattle tomorrow with my wonderful nursing school friends, Denae and Stephanie.

Too damn cute!

Something remarkable happened this week. Michelle realized that Daddy is the good guy! Yeah! That's right. Good things come from the bottle guy, the bath guy, and now of course, the book guy! She is even soothed by him now when he holds her. What relief. Definitely eliminates some of the mommy-stress!

Michelle was completely amused with herself on her little play-mat when I snapped a bunch of pics. This one melted my heart!

Uh-oh! Pukaroo!

Io says "I'll take care of that!"

Happy anniversary to us, Michelle at 8 weeks!

It's been 3 years since our beautiful wedding in the winds. A busy 3 years for us! Moving to Washington, paying off student loans, starting a family. Wow. All that love an commitment from that day continue to grow stronger with each passing year. We don't have anything big planned for today. We did go on a hike yesterday which was nice, except neither of us were paying attention to the trail-head and didn't quite end up on the hike we intended. Ahhh, the adventures! Barry took Mon-Wed off this week after returning home from his fishing trip. Michelle has turned a corner and is really interactive now. She is giving daddy many more pleasant play-time moments and much less screaming...which we ALL appreciate!
Michelle and Barry take in the sunset.
Daddy's little angel!
Future backpacking buddy!
Eating on the go!

7 weeks- a week of "firsts"!

Michelle mastered her first plane ride to Utah and back. Barry was bumped to first class on the way to Salt Lake and relinquished it to Michelle and me. On the way back, we had an entire row of seats to ourselves. She was so quiet, a few people remarked that they didn't even realize she was there! It was a very nice reunion. Michelle got to meet all of her aunties and uncles and cousins. Mostly, she cried whenever someone else held her, although as you will see, she definitely had some permissible moments.

Ethan takes Grandpa by the hair!

Thank you Grandpa for watching "the kids" so the adult kids could go out to dinner!

Memories flood of bath-time for mommy and auntie Cory in the same blue tub.

Auntie Chan steals a quiet moment...Michelle puked all over her seconds after this photo!

Cory tries on a baby for size. Cory likes this one...the kind you give back at the end of the day.

Grandma Linda knows how to rock-a-bye baby!

Today, I took Michelle on her first hike with the Bjorn. Not sure how far we went, but we were hiking for 3 hours. Michelle snacked and slept along the way and even took in the scenery for some time.

A post-hike diaper change in the back of the Subaru.

6 weeks old, a smile appears!

All week, Michelle has been working on the smile. I would see it in her eyes, and then a twitch of the cheek. But this morning we had a hit! Naked on her changing table which is clearly one of her preferred locations, Barry and I witnessed her REALLY smiling as she moved her little naked butt back and forth, kicking her legs. SOOOO PRECIOUS!!! Sorry, couldn't get a picture of that one, but I'm sure there will be plenty more where that came from!

No, it is not an attractive picture, but this is what happens when you puke on mommy's chest and then do a face-plant in your own vomit. She has actually has had much worse, but this time I had the camera nearby. My cleavage didn't fare any better!


In 6 weeks, I have become a pro at wearing my baby while nursing so I can get some things done around the house...not to mention a daily walking work-out with the Moby wrap. Tuesday, I couldn't take the pantry anymore and threw out the plethora of expired food items that were lurking in the shadows. All while Michelle nursed and napped in the sling. Barry came home and exclaimed "This is better than any gift you could have ever bought for me!!!" Io really appreciates that his bisquits are all in one place...on the bottom shelf...for easy access. I probably could have planned that location a little better!

Today I am trying to get everything organized for our trip to Utah. A lot to put together for such a small person...Michelle I mean. Though I have to say, 6 weeks into the game, I am wearing several of my size 6 pre-pregnancy shorts and capris. Not bad!