First Comes Love...

Hanging out this morning in her final newborn sleeper, helping me pack  This week I've started saying goodbye to many of Abigail's newborn clothes... and I've been oddly sentimental about the whole process. She still fits in her newborn onsies and pants, but the tiny sleepers I cuddled her to sleep in those precious first weeks are now being packed away. My most favorite, cuddly sleeper So here's to the first two months and all the memories those tiny clothes held. First day at home wearing newborn clothes. After seeing this, we bought her some premie wear She was so little that she'd tuck both legs into one side of her sleeper A perfect fit Cuddling the morning of my birthday in her pink monkey PJs One of the only newborn summer outfits that actually fit her. She never got around to wearing all the larger  0-3 month summer clothes- they were too big. Abigail, you will always be our Littles, no matter how big you are!  xx

What a fun week! Kevin's Mom came in town Monday night to spend the week with Abigail. Highlights include an adorable pumpkin hat and booties, hanging out with Lucy and Oscar, a multitude of diaper blow outs (and lots of baths as a result), making and freezing several dinners for us to enjoy over the next few weeks, and a trip to the pediatrician on Friday. We loved having Mamie in town!   Abigail's been a bit cranky the last few days (which is not normal for her), so we think she misses her Mamie already... Bath #1 Bath #2.  I think she prefers Auntie Anne's sink over our bath tub.  She was in heaven! The "look"  (usually given when unsure or not amused) Seriously adorable hat an booties made by Mamie Although she's typically not a hat fan...  maybe once the weather gets cooler she'll change her mind Mamie and Abigail at the doctor's office Amy, we are so glad you came and spent the week with us.  We cannot WAIT for ...

Not me! Although that's not a bad idea; I could use it... Kevin decided a few months back to train for the Seattle half marathon in November.  Training just started last week, so we've seen lots sweat and sore muscles around here lately. And while I am not partaking (I will be there on race day as a cheerleader), I decided to contribute by turning our kitchen chalk board into a training calendar for Kevin. A fun way to help him stay on track while keeping my infamous to-do list at bay (funny how taking those tasks off the board helps me relax).  It's a win/win! And as a fun addition to the calendar, I added a motivational section at the bottom: Every week, Abigail's cut-out shares a few words on encouragement to Dad (I know, I have too much time on my hands...) So wish Kevin luck on his training; it's going to be hard, but I know he can do it! We'll update you again in November, post run!

...not that kind of swinger! This kind... Who'da thought attaching the lion and giraffe would do the trick? But it works like magic (keeps her interested and occupied while she's awake), then the swinging kicks in and wa-la, we have a sleeping baby! This morning alone I've been able to do a few loads of laundry, drink my coffee and check emails hands free (seriously a first!) and just enjoy a little time to myself. For a while, the swing was on the "Abbie hates this" list (which, while short, is definitely clear), but miraculously, since adding the jungle peeps, it's become a favorite. In other news, Kevin and I had our first non-Abigail outing this weekend and it went really well. Headed out to host a pub crawl on Saturday while my Mom babysat Abigail.  We were gone from 11:30-5pm and she did great!  Just slept, took a few bottles, and hung out with Grandma.  A great relief for us... which gave us the confidence to do these things more often. ...

My new, and most favorite thing to date: the  Angelcare  baby monitor! I tend to "obsess" (as Kevin would say) over Abigail when she's sleeping.  It's probably due to the scare of SIDS, mixed with first time Mommy worries, but hey, it is what it is... However, we were recently visiting friends who had a this monitor and I knew I had to have it.  Essentially, it's the same as a normal monitor but with the ability to tell if the baby stops breathing.  And I have to say, while a bit nerutoic, it's amazing peace of mind! And yes, I risked waking a perfectly sleeping baby all for the sake of a blog post.... :)

While searching for a bit of first-month-birthday party inspiration, I came across a balloon wreath.  It was perfect for our glass front door and a fun way to welcome people to the party! It's super easy to put together; you just need a Styrofoam wreath, and approx. 150 small sewing pins and balloons. Just take the balloons, fold them in half, and secure the pin into the wreath through the balloon. It took me about 45 minutes to put together.  Quick and easy, yet super cute for birthday party decor!

Last night we gathered family and friends to celebrate Abigail's one month birthday. Festivities included pizza, party hats, sparkling cider, balloons, and a funfetti cake! Abigail finally got to meet her second cousin Oskar (who was due exactly a week before her) and hang out with her future friend, baby Clayton. Abbie and Oskar! Abigail and Baby Clayton! Abbie's crazy party friends! Oskar (16 days older than Abigail) The birthday girl! It was a fun party!  So much so that poor Abigail was a bit overstimulated come 9pm (note to self) But hey, such is the life of a party girl  ;)

Happy one month birthday Abigail!  Dad and I love you so much!

The plan was to lay low and relax this weekend... at home. However, it was decided at the last minute that, "surprise!!" we're headed to Pacific Beach for the weekend (this was the call I got from Kevin at 3pm on Friday). So, off we went! It turned out to be perfect.  A weekend away, nothing on the agenda; just us, a cottage, and the beach.  Plus Abigail got to see the ocean for the first time... on the exact day she turned 4 weeks old! Thanks for pulling us away for the weekend Kev; it was much needed!

They taste a lot better than they look... Witty title, eh? Sometimes we sit around joking about new blog titles, and this time, Kevin won. Usually I win....   ;) I found a receipe earlier this week and whipped up a quick batch.  I made a few adjustments to the receipes, but it's noted below. Seriously a good tastin' blueberry muffin; and the brown sugar/ butter concoction on top is to die for! Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 1 cup fresh blueberries Topping's Ingredients 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup butter, cubed 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.  2.  Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill...