Milestones

At Adeline's four month appointment, we completed a checklist of her "milestones." The list includes motor and social skills, among other things. She has met all the expectations of a four month old, and then some. She's ahead of the game so far! Yay, Addie!

At home, we're seeing her become a little lady with a big personality. She has started waking up in the morning screaming with glee. She loves to play with us and grab our faces. She's a pincher!

A bittersweet milestone has been packing away her 0-3 month summer clothes. It's wonderful that she's healthy and growing; but the fact that she'll never be this little again is hard to grasp. As I was folding and packing the clothes, I kept thinking, "We'll get these out again next summer for her. She'll be so cute." And then, "Oh wait, that's not how it works with baby clothes!" She's been so well dressed thanks to our family and friends. Hopefully, we can maintain your standards now that we'll be buying her clothes on our own. :)

This picture doesn't represent a milestone, but it's so darn cute. I noticed that daddy and daughter were both in their "sweats."

A delightful new trick Adeline is learning is laughing! What a wonderful sound to hear (and a lovely contrast to crying). And okay, I'm getting a little crazy with the video posting; but my family appreciates it! So, this is a little video of us trying to get Addie to laugh. She's so cute. I think we'll keep her.

A First Time for Everything

Adeline had her first taste of rice cereal this evening. She had been sleeping really well at night but has recently been getting up more frequently to eat. Thus, we thought we'd give the cereal a try. She may not be ready yet but we'll try it again soon.

This One's For You, Mom. You Had it Coming.

My mom is turning into my her mother. What I mean by this is that she is losing her verbal filter. I told her I would punish her by posting her comments on my blog. But that's only because I told her I was going to Dr. Phil and she said she would not join me on the show.

Exhibit A: (As background information, I will tell you that I have been quite the hypochondriac lately. I call often to have my parents talk me out of my latest fatal illness.) Today, I called to tell her that I found a lump on my neck. Her comforting response was, "Well, why don't you just get cancer and die? Would that make you feel better? To just get it over with?"

Exhibit B: Adeline took a very long nap at daycare yesterday, basically sleeping the day away. (She has a cold and the kids there totally overstimulate her, so this wasn't too concerning to me. In all other ways, she was completely normal yesterday.) Anyway, my mom expressed her concern by asking, "Do you think the daycare lady is drugging her?"

Oh Mom, I love ya. I do, I do. I feel warm and fuzzy. This is just my form of a blog spanking to you. Seriously though, you're a wonderful mom. Remember the post I wrote about you? You're great. I wouldn't trade you for anything. Besides, I'm turning into you. So, I better enjoy it.

For Her Fans

Addie Rose is four months old! Where does the time go? She's a sassy little girl! She's got a temper, especially when we try to put her in her car seat. She'll arch her back so hard she slides right out of the seat. We have to wrestle her into it! Adeline is also very chatty in the morning. It's so fun to hear her little "thoughts." Sometimes she wants to talk so much that she'll neglect her morning bottle to gab with us. Here are some pictures for those who love her.
I'm trying my hand at posting a video. I took this one about a month ago now. Adeline was talking and flailing about. It might bore the average reader, but I think family will appreciate seeing her sass. :) Enjoy!

We're Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo....

On what may have been the last summer-ish weekend for awhile, we went to the zoo with Adam, Maria, and Delia. We went for the last hour it was open, but man!, it was busy! Maneuvering two strollers through the crowds (and other strollers) made looking at the animals a secondary thought. Also, it was Addie and Delia's first zoo experience, so we had to document it.

Gerrit and Addie near the flamingos. It was obvious to me, and I think you'll agree, that they were her favorite. Just look at that expression of joy and enchantment.

Am I a bad mom if I think Adeline looks a liiiiiittle bit like a monkey? A really cute one though!

This is our first Maria/Delia with Cassie/Adeline picture! Hopefully, the first of many. Oh...and Adam was there, too.

Just giving ya a hard time, Adam! You're a cool guy.

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On a separate note, I want to thank everyone who has reached out since my previous post about my postpartum struggles. I was hesitant to write it at all, thinking that it may be too personal. But it was well worth it. I've received a lot of encouragement and I feel blessed by that. I've also gotten to hear from and talk to others who are struggling or who have gone through something similar. Things aren't completely better, and I know that may take time. But I'm touched by the messages and support I've gotten. Thank you so much. I'll continue to need it. :) I love you all!

A Thousand Words

While Gerrit washed dishes, I attempted to get a good mother/daughter picture. At least one of us had fun.

My favorite :)

From Whence I Came

I had two lovely trips recently. I went home for my old friend, Gayle's, wedding. Then, just a bit later went to Iowa to see my grandma, Rosalie (whom Adeline got her middle name of "Rose" from). On both trips, I traveled alone with Adeline because Gerrit had to work. Am I insane? Perhaps. But she's a good little traveler and the time with family was therapeutic for me. Although, we missed Gerrit dearly (yay for Skype!).

Here is my dad, spending some "educational" time with Addie. Doing some of their favorite thing...watching TV. He was surprised at her strength and called her "a little linebacker." I'm kind of hoping that doesn't turn out to be true, though we'll support her in that endeavor if we must. :)

Here are all the hometown friends that were able to attend Gayle's wedding. So much fun! Grandma and Grandpa Magee babysat. I felt like a teenager there with all my old friends, especially without Gerrit or Addie there. I did turn into a pumpkin early though. Troy, an old friend and the DJ for the night, sent me out the door with "Bye Bye Bye" by 'NSYNC. :)

The Bride and I!

And just for your viewing pleasure, the Bride and I in high school (in opposite order). We were both in the "Music Man," hence the caked on make-up and classy attire.

On to the next trip! My grandma had not met Adeline yet. She didn't even have a recent picture (because I'm a bad granddaughter!). Addie is her 31st great-grandchild! If you think that's amazing, you should know that she can name them all and "loves them all special" (as she sometimes says).

Addie comes from a long line of sassy women. My mom and grandma have spunk, for sure!

It was almost harder to get my grandma to look at the camera than it was to get Adeline to. :) Love ya, Grandma.

On both trips, my mom spoiled me. Before I could do things like clean a bottle or change a diaper, it was already done. I got lots of mom, dad and grandma love. It was so hard to leave. I probably wouldn't have, if not for the love I have for my husband back home. Darn you, Gerrit, for being so loveable!

A bit of honesty...the postpartum time has been rough for me. I needed these trips for my own well-being. I know the blog isn't always the place for dirty laundry. But I just don't feel right about sharing smiley pictures and witty banter, without also sharing that I'm struggling. It wouldn't be honest and it wouldn't be helpful for someone else struggling to think that motherhood has been easy-breezy for me. I cry....a lot. I even moved my grandma to tears. You know you're a mess when your emotion makes Rosalie cry. She's more prone to give a sassy comment. But she hugged me and said, "Give me some of your burden. I can take it. I want to help you and I don't know how." *Cue more tears*

It's more than baby blues at this point. Gerrit has been a saint with putting up with me. He tells me not to apologize for crying on his shoulder (he's got two to use, he says). My mom has been praying her heart out. My dad says just the right thing at just the wrong time (when I'm ready to cry more, that is. Thanks, Dad. Truly.) My sister's send helpful, funny texts. But yet, it's a dark time in my heart, when it should be full of joy. Adeline is beautiful and I'm thankful that I've been able to love her and bond with her. None of my feelings are directed to her. It's very internal. God can seem distant in times like these. I know He isn't, but it's the way I feel at times. I know, too, that He's the one that's going to get me through. He's moved bigger mountains than this. But your prayers are always appreciated.

Sorry if my blubbering is a bit too heavy or a TMI. It's where I am; and it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to. To leave you on a lighter note:

She's pretty stinkin' cute. Note Grandma Gwen in the reflection of her sunglasses. :)