in her dad's arms

Look at this. Isn't it just precious? In between outfits changes Nate was holding Minden and I just knew I needed to get a picture.

I am constantly being reminded about how quickly she is growing and changing. I mean just look at that adorable baby chub. She expresses opinions now, chats up a storm and tries to wiggle herself out of our arms. Cooper has even become more weary of going near her. Those sweet little hands can now grab fists full of fur.

This particular image holds a very special place in my heart. I love seeing Nate hold her, watching them cuddle together, and witnessing the bond between them grow. I dream of the days to come, and watching them together. There is something so special about the relationship between a father and a daughter.

Minden and I are very blessed to have him as our husband and dad.

*snow*

 

Saturday, February 23, 2013, Minden laid in the snow for the very first time. This was not our first snow of the season, but this was the first time I felt like it was "warm" enough to introduce her to it.

I bundled her up in her soft light pink snowsuit sized small at 0 to 3 months. It was a tight fit, but we made it work. I scooped her up and ran her outside for a few quick photos in the snow. Cooper came with and sniffed around the area to make sure everything was in place. 

We were only outside a few minutes; just long enough for Minden to look around and gave me a few smirks. Although there were no snow angels this year, I know there will be many in the years to come.

Also, this weekend we went for a quick walk. We were able to get out for a stroll or two right after she was born, and before it was too miserably cold, but our little family is definitely ready for some warmer weather and nightly strolls. Especially Cooper. Nate and I have always enjoyed using that time to catch up on our day, it will only be even more enjoyable with our new addition.

help with the laundry

 

Minden lended a helping hand with her laundry this weekend, and Momma was super appreciative.

dreamland

Sleeping baby Minden is sweet and peaceful. Those beautiful full eyelashes pressed together, her little snores and sighs, all cuddled up next to me. What is there not to love about watching a baby sleep?

About two weeks ago now, I decided it was time to move Minden to her room and crib. Up until now she has slept in the bed with us, along with her brother Cooper (who thankfully is only six pounds). It has been wonderful for those nighttime feedings. And oh the snuggles are sooooo sweet.

I reached a point when I just knew we needed to move her to her crib. I felt like Minden could sleep longer if she was in her own space. She is a bit of a restless sleeper so she was also keeping me awake during the night. On a couple occasions she would also get woken up by Cooper licking the back of her head. Not the time to show your love little dog. Not the time.

So I put on a brave mommy face and made the leap. The first two nights I slept on the floor next to her crib. She did great. I was up about every hour to check on her and was left with a stiff back, but she did great. Since then every night she has been doing better. I am even able to nurse her and lay her down somewhat awake. She even did two nights in a row without waking up. Amazing. The crib seems to be a success, thus far.

I missed her in bed with us those first few nights. I missed her snuggles and her sounds, but she is growing and I am so proud of how well she handled the change. Luckily it seems like she handles change much better then her momma.

We did what worked for us, and I am glad we did. None of this nonsense of other people deciding what is right for my baby and I. Everyone is different. Every child is different. This is simply what worked for us.

when did those feet get there?!

Little Miss M has found her feet! This past week she has really started to pay attention to them and focus on them.

Her favorite activities with her feet include; playing this little piggy during diaper changes and after baths, watching momma try to eat them and squeal with delight as she does, watching them move while propped up and rubbing them together while being nursed.

Now it's just a matter of time before she tries to put them in her mouth.

4 months of Minden

Little Lady,

At four months you weighed in at 16.4 lbs and added two more inches to your height bringing you to 24 1/2 inches long. It's unbelievable how fast you are growing.

Lately you are most amazed by your hands and feet. You can get you hands in your mouth when you want them now, and I catch you staring at you feet with this serious face that says, "Are you seeing these, Mom? Where did they come from?".

Your have made leaps and bounds during tummy time. You actually try to hold yourself up and look around now. No more laying there and licking the blanket.

You are very talkative little lady. You coo, squeal and screech at us. Mrs. Katie, your daycare provider, says you love talking to the other kids. Your laugh is more of a squeal followed by a grunt. It's adorable.

You love to smile the most in the mornings, and whenever Cooper barks. I tell you not to encourage his bad behavior, but it's also cute to see you two team up.

You definitely have different cries now too. Currently you are giving me your tired cry from your swing as you drift into a nap with a yawn and a sigh.

Speaking of sleep, you are now sleeping in your crib. It has officially been a week and every night you do a little better then the one before. You really haven't fought it, but you have been giving me longer stretches of sleep each night. It was definitely a harder transition for me than you.

You still eat every few hours, and prefer to nurse heavily when I get you home from daycare. You have been drooling a ton, so maybe a tooth is on it's way.

Each month is getting more and more fun as you learn new things. You are holding onto those baby blue eyes, and your wispy blond hair is at a standstill with growth.

We love you so much. You have brought so much joy to our lives. Keep growing big and strong.

Love always,
Momma

sleepless

The last few nights have been hard for a number of reasons. Friday night Coop and I had it out. Nate was gone to a wrestling match, and when he leaves Coop turns into quite the protector. He barked, growled and barked again. After he woke Minden up a few times I decided he needed some kennel time. Which resulted in two more hours of panic barking, and me receiving the cold shoulder from him the next morning.

Also, I have decided to start transitioning Minden to her crib. I don't mind her in bed with us the least bit (so much easier for nighttime feedings), but she is a restless sleeper and it was starting to affect my quality of sleep.

Well, I couldn't just leave her in her crib in a room by herself, so I have been sleeping on the floor next to the crib the last two nights. I know, I know she will be fine and I will too. I just need a little time.

Unfortunately, this all comes at the same time as a congested nose for little lady. Seeing your baby sick is heartbreaking. I feel so helpless, and I just wish it was me instead of her. Every time I laid her down she just began coughing (Do you hear that? The sound of my heart breaking). Finally, the swing helped sooth her to sleep and eased up the coughing. 

I am hoping for a much better night of sleep for her tonight (and myself). Hopefully this yucky nose illness sees itself out of my house soon!