Baptism and Other Events!

Showing off my bracelet from Grandma Pavelka

I was the only baby who didn't cry!Godparents were Uncle Gus & Aunt KimTalking to Grandma and Grandpa ForstEnjoying a visit from my friend Quinn! My first walk outside with Maya and Roman. It was COLD!Relaxing in the bathtubSmiling for the camera!Beautiful blue eyesMy new favorite position in the swing! Mommy tries to adjust me, but I go right back to hunching over!I love practicing sitting up!I'm quite the flirt already!The pacifier is never out of reach!

Hello everyone! It's been quite a while since my last post. Taylor is almost 3 months old already! We had her Baptism on February 7th at St. Ann Catholic Church in Channahon. It was a wonderful ceremony shared with friends and family. Taylor did a great job - she didn't cry once, not even when she got the hiccups! She loved the attention at the luncheon afterward, and even slept through the night that night! My future sister-in-law Krystle took some amazing pictures - you can see all of them if you click on the link on the right.

Taylor has been growing and developing every day. She discovered her hands recently, and can't seem to keep them out of her mouth! She even tries to put them in her mouth when she's eating or sucking on her pacifier. Hopefully she learns soon that those two don't mix! She's also so much more aware of the things around her. She is fascinated by fabric and colors on people's clothes. This is also a distraction sometimes when I'm nursing her - she will stop eating just to play with my clothing! Her new favorite activity is to practice sitting up. She loves sitting up in the Bumbo chair, and also being pulled up by her hands. Tummy time is still a struggle, and she is nowhere near being able to roll over! She is sleeping through the night sometimes - at least once a week now. But she is still having some bad nights here and there. All in good time!

She has been having a little tummy trouble lately. She is back on her reflux medicine, and I have stopped eating dairy, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, and chocolate (so sad!) to try and ease her tummy. It seems to be bothering her enough to wake her up at night and during naps. We are even considering giving her rice cereal early to see if it helps. Hopefully it's just a phase - I definitely miss my dairy!

Taylor and I have been enjoying our time together, especially since I will be going back to work in less than two weeks. No offense to my wonderful coworkers, but I am really going to miss being home with her. I'm very grateful for the time that I've had at home with her, and even more grateful that summer break is only a few months away!

Think warm thoughts everyone! Spring is right around the corner!

2 Months Old!

First time in the exersaucer......Not quite ready for it yet!!

Relaxing with daddy

She loves watching football with daddy!

We had Taylor's 2 month checkup on Monday - I can't believe she is already 2 months old! Her doctor said that she is right on track with her milestones. She coos and "talks" frequently, and smiles just as often. Her neck is very strong - the doctor was impressed! She said we can start putting her in the Bumbo chair and exersaucer, but when we tried, she was very uncomfortable and cried almost instantly. Maybe in a couple more weeks! Here are her latest stats:

Height - 23.5 inches (88th percentile)
Weight - 11 lb 13 oz (76th percentile)
Head Circumference - 38.7 cm (50th percentile)

Our tall little chubster! Her pediatrician said that since she is breastfed, she is going to gain a lot of weight in the next couple of months, and then it will slow down as she approaches 9 months to a year. She also said that length isn't an indicator of future height until about 2 years old.

She received 3 immunizations, and was traumatized by them! She cried louder than we ever heard her - it was so hard to hear her in pain! That night, she slept from 9pm-4:30am, and 5:30am-8:30pm!! It was wonderful! The following night was back to normal, so we think that the immunizations and infant Tylenol really knocked her out. At least we know it's possible for her to sleep that long - there is hope!

Taylor's Likes and Dislikes...

Her new crib toy - a lifesaver for mommy and daddy!

Laughing!

I am definitely a morning person! This is how I greet mom every morning!

My sad face... doesn't it melt your heart?

Staring at the window - my favorite hobby

Good morning mom!

My tummy time is not very productive...

Playing on my playmat

Talking to my "friends" on the playmat

Taylor has been so much fun lately! She finally is sleeping better at night - not through the night, but at least in longer stretches. She has more wakeful playing time during the day, and her naps seem more productive in getting her rest. Here is an updated list of Taylor's likes and dislikes:

Taylor likes... taking a bath, playing on her playmat, waking up in the morning, listening to music with daddy, the sound of running water, swinging in her swing, smiling, "talking" to mommy, "talking" to the stuffed animals on her playment, batting at toys, looking at windows and bright lights, staring at her Aquarium crib toy, getting her diaper changed

Taylor dislikes... having the hiccups, anything that goes on between the hours of 7-8:30 at night (her fussy time!), being overtired, burping, tummy time, being in her carrier (before the car starts moving!), getting out of the bathtub

A Day in the Life...

Hanging out with Aunt Kim

Relaxing with daddy

Troy, I stole one of your pictures from Facebook - I love her half-smile, and how drowsy she looks in this picture!

Taylor is 7 1/2 weeks now - I can't believe she is almost two months old! We haven't done much in the last couple of weeks because it's been so cold! This week is supposed to be nicer out, so I might take her out for a walk in the stroller. We're getting anxious to get some fresh air! She did spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Forst last weekend, and had a lot of fun! She also got to see her Grandma Pavelka, Uncle Mark, Aunt Colleen, and her cousins last Friday. She loves visiting with family!

She has been starting to get somewhat of a schedule, although it varies daily. We have noticed that she goes to bed around 10:00 at night, has a feeding at around 2:00, goes back to sleep at around 3, and wakes up around 6:30. This is definitely more tolerable than her previous nighttime habits, which were very sporadic. Of course, we still have the occasional bad night (last night was one of them!) but at least we know that most nights I can get a good chunk of sleep.

One thing that has helped with her sleep time has been our nighttime routine, which we have been trying to stick to as much as possible. We usually give her a bath, play a little bit with her in our bed, and then give her a bottle of expressed milk and rock her to sleep. We noticed that when we give her a bottle before bed, she sleeps a little bit better, probably because she doesn't fall asleep before she is full, like she does when I nurse her.

When she gets a good night's sleep, she is so happy in the morning! We think that she is going to be a morning person like her mom! She usually gives me a huge smile when I come get her in her crib, and is smiley for about a half hour, until she remembers how hungry she is! I've been trying to get a picture but haven't been quick enough! She is very alert, and we've been able to get in more playtime during the day - she loves her playmat, but hates being on her tummy. We still put her on her tummy for at least 20 minutes a day to try and help her strengthen her upper body.

Sam was sick with the stomach flu earlier this week, which threw Taylor's schedule off completely. I think she knew that something wasn't right. Sam is so happy to be better - he missed holding her and giving her nighttime bath.

Time Flies!

Taylor took her first bottle on 12-16, while mommy was out to dinner with friends!

First visit to Uncle Eric & Aunt Krystle's on 12-19 to celebrate mom's, Uncle Eric's, and Aunt Kim's birthdays (all in December!). Grandma and Grandpa couldn't stop kissing her!

Holding Uncle Eric's finger

Staring at Aunt Krystle

Relaxing with Grandpa and Aunt KimHappy Holidays! Don't I look so cute in my Christmas dress??

A visit from Santa!
Hanging out with Cousin Ben - our future babysitter!Christmas morning!New Year's Day- Relaxing with Cousin Ryan and Uncle GusTaylor met Cousin Haley for the first time on New Years Day!Happy New Year!Spying on mommy

Hello everyone! I can't believe it's been over three weeks since my last post - Taylor has certainly been keeping me busy!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

So much has happened since my last post! Taylor took her first bottle on 12-16, which went great! She has since been taking one every other day or so. We visited Uncle Eric and Aunt Krystle on 12-19, which was her first real visit out! She did great in the car, and was very social with the family!

On 12-23 Taylor had her 1 month checkup. She was 9lb 3oz. at that point, and measured in at 22 inches long. She is in the 84th percentile for height, the 54th percentile for weight, and the 34th percentile for head size. We took her to the doctor on Monday 1/4 and she is now 10lb. 4oz. Our girl is completely healthy!

We spent Christmas Eve visiting family on both sides. We spent the afternoon at Aunt Maureen's, visiting with Cheryl's side of the family, and the evening at Grandma and Grandpa Pavelka's, visiting Sam's side. We had a great time at both, and are glad that Taylor got to meet many of her relatives!

On New Year's Eve, Grandma and Grandpa Forst came to babysit, and Sam and I got to get out for a nice dinner! It was wonderful! We spent the rest of the evening at the neighbors and had a great time. Taylor slept through most of it, although she did wake briefly to be social!

It's been a busy few weeks, and Taylor has grown a lot! She can keep her head up for longer periods of time, and she will smile in response to your smile (which is mom and dad's favorite!!). She has moved from the bassinet to the crib in her own room, which has been a rough transition. She is getting used to it though, and slept pretty well in her crib last night! She also has had a cold in the past couple of days, which has made her slightly uncomfortable. Overall, she is a very easy-going baby, and is a joy to have around!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

Visitors Galore!

A visit from Taylor's cousins!

We captured a smile during her nap!

Staring at Dad

Taylor's first snowfall - she slept right through it!

Aunt Kim stayed with us this week, and was a huge help!

Second trip to the doctor

Taylor has enjoyed visits from many friends and family members these past couple of weeks. She's met so many people, and has been awake for about half of those visits! Thank you to everyone who has been by to see her - we have enjoyed your company!!

She had her 2 week checkup last Thursday 12-10-09, and we checked her weight - she is already 8 lb 1/2 oz, almost a pound more than her birthweight! I can't believe how fast she is growing! She does have 2 blocked tear ducts, which we have to give her medicine for 3 times per day. The doctor said that this is very common. Hopefully it will clear up soon. She also has some reflux, which has made her a little bit more fussy than usual, especially at night. We've elevated her mattress, which seems to help a bit. Hopefully this is just a phase, and it will get better over time!

Her sleep schedule has been very erratic lately. She sleeps about 3 hours at a time at night, but when she is up, she usually is up for 1-2 hours at a time. We think that this is because of her reflux, and possibly some gas issues. Again, we hope that this is just a phase!

She is getting much stronger, especially with her neck; she can hold her head up for a few seconds at a time now. She also seems to focus on faces and lights around the room. I swear that there have been a few times when I've made her smile, but I know that all of the books say that it's just a natural reflex. I can pretend that she's smiling at me though!

We are looking forward to Taylor's first Christmas, and hope that everyone stays warm and enjoys the upcoming holiday season!

One Week Old!

Proud Mom

Happy Family

Visit from Uncle Eric

A kiss from Aunt Kim

The "coming home" outfit!

Ready to come home!


Home at last!

Cuddling with Daddy

First bath - not her favorite part of the day!

At the doctor's office... thinking hard!
Lounging on the boppy pillow!Napping with daddy!

Thank you to everyone for your visits, messages, cards, and phone calls! We are so lucky to have such supportive friends and family during this exciting time!

We got home from the hospital on Thanksgiving night at around 9:30pm. Her first night was such an experience. Nothing can prepare you for that first 24 hours at home - we felt so unprepared! But Taylor has adjusted to life at home very well! She has not quite figured out her nights and days yet, and spends more time sleeping during the day than at night. Luckily, Sam and I have started to adjust to Taylor's schedule and have been taking frequent naps during the day as well! The doctor said that she should start adjusting to accommodate nights and days within a couple of weeks.

We had our first doctor's appointment on Monday, which went very well. We are very happy with the pediatric practice that we've chosen for her - all of the doctors and nurses have been wonderful. She has gained 2 ounces since being discharged from the hospital, which is great! She is now 6 pounds 15 ounces. Our doctor said she is right on track as far as weight gain goes. She certainly has been eating enough!

We've only had her for a week, but she has already changed so much! Her face is fuller and her pink color has stabilized. Her facial features have become more defined - we can't wait to see who she looks like! We have gotten to know a few things about her personality already! So far this is what we've learned about our little girl:
Taylor likes... eating, sleeping, peeing on the changing table, getting burped, looking at light coming through the window, her pacifier (only at night), car rides, being held by anyone, her soft yellow and green blanket, looking at people's faces, shivering, grunting, sleeping in her fleece sleep sack, and lounging on the papasan bouncer.
Taylor dislikes... when mom and dad go to sleep, sleeping at night, being naked, getting her diaper changed, having the hiccups, taking baths, tummy time, being hungry for more than 2 seconds, and being cold.

We are looking forward to learning more about her and watching her grow even more!