Hiatus Over?

Over the last couple months I've been reminded a couple of times that I never update the blog anymore. I really enjoyed trying to document our lives in a different way, so I am making a goal for myself to try and update at least once a week. We are settled (and have been for a while) into a nightly routine, so I figure now I just need to commit some time one night to blogging. There are lots of pictures and memories that have been missed over the last year that I will never be able to catch up on. I will probably try and go back through the year and highlight some of the most special events or some of my favorite pictures.

Rebecca's First Birthday

Open Wide

After Rebecca's four month check up we got the all clear to start giving her rice cereal; followed by vegetables and fruits, if she seemed interested. For a couple weeks she has been watching us while we ate and occasionally grabbing for stuff so we thought for sure she was ready. The first time we tried to give her the rice cereal she got it everywhere, but her mouth. Clearly not interested. Jordan and I have both tried it and it doesn't taste very good, so I can't blame her!

Unsuspecting, enjoying the high chair.

Unsure of what is happening, but willing to play along.

Over It!!

 We tried a couple days later and it was a little better, but still didn't seem ready for it. After a week or two break we tried again and now she seems to be enjoying it. Rebecca will eat up (or cover herself with) all the cereal I make for her and then we follow it up with a bottle.

Clearly enjoying herself. Likes the rice cereal and love getting messy!

We are going to be starting on the veggies soon and I am going to attempt to make at least some of her baby food!

Monthly Pictures and a Date Night

We've been taking monthly photos of Rebecca and I thought I'd do a quick recap of the first four months. I look forward to seeing the progression through the year. At first I didn't notice a big change between months 2 and 3, but now I can see that is when her personality started to come out!!

Right before leaving the hospital - 4 days old

Trying to figure out what we are doing and why we are making her lay on the floor alone

She gets it now,  "just lay here for pictures and don't cry and it will be over sooner..."

"I'll smile if it means you'll pick me up soon!"

All smiles now -  "I love being the center of attention"

This past weekend, Labor Day, Jordan and I had a rehearsal dinner and wedding to attend. Jordan's parents had the privilege of watching Becca both nights. I hated having to leave her, but it felt good to have some grown up time. Especially since we got to dress up. I know we need to make an effort at date nights (or days) for Jordan and I, but I feel like with us both working the time we do have with her is so precious!

New Tricks and Sweet Sounds

People are right when they say that babies change and do new things every day. And I think every month I myself has said this is when she has made the biggest change. Of course at the time it feels like it, but there is a noticeable difference daily. To me, every milestone is a bigger change because it means she is one step closer to being a walking talking person.

<3

In the last 3 weeks she has learned to roll over (back to front) and loves playing with her feet. She has been trying to roll over for about a week and was getting so frustrated when she couldn't get it. It finally clicked and now she loves to roll over, look around and loves sleeping on her stomach! She had found her feet a while ago, but never took an interest. Now she loves playing with them and sticking them in her mouth!

They really taste good, mommy!

 We also caught some real laughs on video. I was changing her diaper and burped (and excused myself), she thought it was the funniest thing ever. We tried to recreate it and couldn't get the exact laugh again, but did get some good giggles out of her!!

Back to Work

I was extremely lucky to have such a long maternity leave. Becca was almost 15 weeks old before I officially started back to work full time. Throughout July I worked one almost full week and then a few half days here and there. All of those days, my mother in law, Joyce, kept Becca. It made it a little easier knowing she was with family and she was right around the corner. The first day that Jordan had to take her to his mom's house I was an emotional wreck. It seemed like she would be do much further away and I wouldn't see if her for much longer. We both made it through the day though!!

Gigi and Papa BS love Becca, even when she is being fussy!!

At the end of the month we started taking Becca to day care. I was holding it together pretty well while we were dropping her off, but then she started crying and I lost it. I felt like I was deserting my baby. It was a rough morning, but the day care called to let me know that she stopped crying soon after I left. Plus I knew that she wasn't crying because I was leaving her, just because she was having a fussy moment. The next week was easier, but I still hate not getting to see her smiling face throughout the day. Now by the time we all get home from work/daycare the hours are so short until bedtime. It is nice to know that she still gets to split time between Gigi and daycare!

Mommy and Becca - First day of day care

Becca and Daddy - First day of day care

Becca seems to be adjusting just fine. She is usually tired when we get there in the mornings so she is usually really quiet and when I pick her up at the end of the she is always happy. I wasn't sure how I'd feel coming back to work, but for now I know this is the most logical next step.

Delaware

It was important to me to take Rebecca to Delaware early on, so that she could meet her family and friends up there. We took the first trip right before she was 8 weeks old. The drive up was relatively easy and luckily she slept most of the way. We stopped at a rest area to feed and change her and she fell back asleep until we got stuck in traffic with about 20 minutes left. The weekend was great! We spent time relaxing and visiting with family and friends.

Stopping for a bottle and practicing the self portrait!

Bottle from Grampy

Bottle and spending time with Mia and Aunt Maggie

Meeting Babche - Four generations!

Every July we take a trip to our beach house in Dewey. I was so excited to take Becca to some place that I have such great memories of growing up. We left late on a Friday evening and she slept the whole way. It was a long drive for Jordan and I, because it was late and we had long days at work. Right before we left for this vacation Becca had just started consistently sleeping through the night, so that was such a nice perk of the trip too!

Becca helping to raise the flag

2012 Family Picture

We had four full days at the beach house and packed a lot of stuff in to our time there; the Starboard's annual Bull Run, shopping, lots of our favorite restaurants, my birthday dinner, and lots of firsts for Becca. Jordan and I were lucky enough to get a couple of afternoon dates in while my parents watched Becca. This was the most they've got to see her since she was born so I was happy they got to spend some alone time playing with and holding her!

Date afternoon, beer and a grapefruit crush!!

Worn out!

Is it 9am yet, I'm ready for a drink

Guess this will have to do for another 20 years...

First time at Funland, getting ready to ride the carousel!

First time at the beach, toes in the sand and water!

Is this supposed to be fun?!?

Pro Pictures

Throughout Becca's first month we had the opportunity to get some professional pictures taken. The hospital has a photographer on staff that takes pictures that you can purchase. We took Becca down to the nursery area and took a few pictures of her and of her and us. They immediately put the shots into a slide show and like any new parents we were emotional as soon as we saw pictures of our baby and bought the package!!

Courtesy of Chesapeake General Hospital

Courtesy of Chesapeake General Hospital

Courtesy of Chesapeake General Hospital

 

 

 

 

 

We also had a couple other photographs taken by Holly from Shutterfly {Sweet} Photography and by a friend of ours from work Harold. Becca was not a happy camper while Holly was taking pictures, but she was able to get some nice shots. We had Harold take pictures a couple weeks later and she was a complete angel! Never know what you are going to get with a newborn.

Courtesy of Shutterfly {Sweet} Photography

                                                               One of my favorites!!

Courtesy of Shutterfly {Sweet} Photography

                         
                We hope she will enjoy lazy Sunday afternoons watching football, but seriously doubt it!!

Courtesy of Harold Yates

Courtesy of Harold Yates

Courtesy of Harold Yates