T.G.I.F.

Just wanted to amaze you all with a second update this week!! I'm not sure what's gotten into me... so don't get used to this. I've tried to take more pictures, but forcing candid moments with a 5 month old doesn't always work.

Here are a few from today and yesterday. All of them are just before a nap, so she looks a little sleepy. She enjoys mommy and daddy's big bed!

We're going to enjoy the rest of our lazy Friday, and look forward to the weekend! Addison can't wait to see Grandma Lou next week and then visit everyone in Peoria! Happy weekend!

Baby Steps

NO! Addison is obviously not walking yet. I'm referring to myself with today's title. I'm finally taking baby steps toward regaining my sense of "self." But I guess it's a new version of myself. I never used to iron Matt's clothes, but last week I did; and I'm trying to "cook" a couple of meals a week; and I've started working again - a little. The last few weeks I've worked half-a-day each week. This week I'm planning 2 half days, and maybe a full day next week. It feels good to be a PT again. I really do love that job. But being Addison's mom is still my favorite job in the world. One day a week is going to be enough.

Addy's drinking her bottles much better these days. I discovered that a "fast flow" nipple is much easier for her, now that she's such a strong "sucker." She's not, however, consistently eating solid foods yet. She seems to like squash better than sweet potatoes, but the last few days she likes to spit it all out. Not just push it out on her tongue, but forcefully spit it out. To the point that I should probably wear a bib as well. She's doing that even when she's not eating too. Kinda cute, but at times frustrating.

We went for a walk yesterday... Addison's big enough to ride in the stroller without the carrier. She looks so big in it!

The rest of these are just kinda random... I tried to get a couple of Addy and me together. Most of those didn't turn out very good. The flash on my camera makes capturing a smile challenging!

"Hats Off to Addison"

Addison turned 5 months old this past Monday. I really can't remember where the time has gone - likely due to sleep deprivation the first 3 months. But now time needs to slow down. My little girl is so much fun!

Matt got lots of compliments on his hat Sunday at church, so when we got home, I took some pictures... but Addy got the hat!

I've tried to capture some of the many attempts Addison is making to grab her toys. She's strong enough and coordinated enough to grab the dangling toys on her activity mat and pull the entire archway down to her face! She's also mastered the art of grabbing the dancing animals on her bouncy seat.

She's also getting pretty close to sitting up. I've been propping her in the corner of the couch with some pillows. We're also just waiting for the day she decides to roll over in her crib. She's gone from back to tummy in the living room a couple of times, but then gets stuck... and not happy. Don't misunderstand me though - I'm not in a hurry for any of these milestones. I would love it if it took years for her to grow up any more. But as you will notice, I haven't been any more successful at slowing down time than any of you!

Here are a few of her latest smiles. Some are in her crib - I love it when I go in to wake her and she's already awake and happy. The smile just gets bigger when I say "Good Morning!" There's not much better than that in the whole world!

Frozen... and Thawed

We have weathered the ice storm of 2009 and seem to be none the worse for wear. Other than the poor maple tree out front. We'll have to wait and see if it will come around. And, I guess we're also cutting down the 2 trees on the side of the house that showered our yard and fence with most of their branches/limbs. It's a miracle our roof wasn't damaged. We were blessed to only be without power for 13 hours, most of which were "sleeping" hours, and out gas fireplace kept the living room plenty warm for our cozy little family.

In the mean time, Addison has been practicing her laundry skills and swallowing rice cereal. She got to eat in her high chair for the first time this weekend; we had to go without the tray on top - it was too hard to get to her "moving target" of a mouth.

I know her hair looks wet, but it's not. I've been trying to keep baby oil on it to help the "cradle cap" issue. Not sure if I'm doing any good, but it makes me feel better. I can't believe how big she looks in that high chair... she's growing too fast already!