Gillian's 4th Birthday Party and family pics

I thought it would be fun to compare some generations. From left to right Dad, Me, Lilia.

Cute Babies

These are some of the cutest little ladies around. I forgot that we took these pictures when we were there last. I love Vivian's hair. She just had her pigtails taken out and has the cutest hair-do.

Lilia's First Supper

Well, earlier this week we went in for Lilia's 4 month appointment and shots. She did great for the shots, only crying a little bit after the very last one! But, we did find out that she isn't gaining weight like she ought to. At two months she weighed 9 lbs 12 oz and was in the 25th percentile. At 4 months, they said she weighed 10 lbs 12 oz - only 1 lb gained in 2 months. She dropped to the 5th percentile, and the doctor was very concerned. He told us we needed to start supplementing with formula. At first we were both concerned but also doubtful - we had needed to find a place that would accept my out of state insurance, and the place felt pretty ghetto. Anyway, after much deliberation (including talking to her old Dr. in Utah) we decided to give her formula to replace two full meals at night when I'm the lowest in milk supply. Things have been going ok so far. We bought a scale off craigslist and when we weigh her here she's about 12 lbs. So I don't know if they just messed up at the Dr.'s office, or if she has gained over a pound in less than a week, but either way we're pretty happy about it - it puts her back in the 25th percentile!

We figured that we may as well start working on her with solids. The sooner she can master eating solids, the sooner we can add some more calories to her diet. Anyway, so I've been reading up on giving solids, what to start with, how to start out, etc. Almost everything I read and everyone I spoke with told me not to expect much the first time - no more than a teaspoon or two and most of that to end up spit out onto the bib. She's been staring at our food, watching us eat, opening her mouth and making chewing motions when we have food, etc. for several weeks now, but I was just sure she'd spit everything out.

Boy was I wrong! She did screw her face all up and was kinda wierded out at first, but by the end was actually taking food in - I was very impressed. Tonight was her second night and she ate a full tablespoon of cereal (minus the inevitable drops onto the bib)! I can hardly believe she not only is eating so much, but that she likes it so well. When I didn't get to her mouth fast enough with the next spoonful tonight, she would bend her head down and lick the stuff that had fallen to her bib. Hilarious!

She's doing very well - is a very happy girl, loves to laugh, grab for toys, babble all the time, and generally only cries when she's sleepy. We are very lucky parents!

The pictures below are of the first solids experience for Lilia. At the very bottom if you click on the picture in the box, it is a link to Adam's picasa web album to see the rest of the pictures and a short video.

Lilia's First Solids

Reupholstery

I wanted to show everyone what a great job mom did on this reupholster job. This chair was always comfortable but it was also very unattractive. The new look looks great in our apartment and we couldn't be happier. Thanks again.


We love you.

We Finally Bought a Crib

We got it for a good price (a little more than the price range we were seeing on craigslist). It's solid wood but not too heavy. The color looks great with the futon, which is nice since they are in the same room. It takes up more space than the play yard did but the difference is small. The mattress we got from mom and dad seems a little small but I thought they just used a standard size on these things. I think its safe to use but I want to be careful just the same.

This was fun for me and I just wanted to share.

We love you.

Dante's progress

Dante had his four month well-baby doctor visit earlier this week. He's doing really well and every time the doctor sees him he always says, "Wow, he's so strong!"

All of Dante's percentages increased from last visit. Here are his current stats:

Weight: 12 lbs. 13 oz., 15% (up from 9%)
Height: 23 3/8", 10% (up from under 3%)
Head: 16", 20% (up from 15%)

The biggest increase was his height. He was still in the "under 3%" category at his 2 month visit.

Spring break

I love the idea of getting the ball rolling early. Being a planner myself, I love the early planning. :)

We have several issues with the proposed plan. Firstly, our spring break is a different week. It is the week before.

Secondly, we are working over the next year or year and a half to get our family financially back on solid ground. With a few month of unemployment this year and a new addition to the family we can't realistically plan any traveling for a while.

That doesn't mean the rest of the family shouldn't travel, though! If it works for everyone else, go camping! Have fun! :)

We do like camping and we'd love to go camping again in the future (if the family so chooses).

That's our "two cents".

Sarah and Stephen