A BIG day

Today was a big day for Riley. We started out by heading to the doctors for our 4 month appointment. We have done quite a bit of growing over the last few weeks. Riley's stats are currently:

Weight: 15.5 (87%)
Height: 27" (99%)!!!!

They could not believe how long she was, nor could I!! She got the same four shots she got at her 2 month appointment, along with the oral vaccine. She didn't like the shots at all, and to make matters worse the nurse hit a "blood vessel" on the last shot, so it was a gusher. I was not able to pick her up because the nurse needed to put pressure on the blood. So she just had to lay there crying and looking at me. Granted it was only a few seconds, but when she is crying, it seemed like forever. But once I picked her up she was ok, but totally did not want to let me go. Once we got home she took a 2 hour nap and woke up happy as ever.

This evening was another big event, we started solids. Well, we started watery rice cereal. We put her in her highchair and she immediately hated it and started to cry. I think that it was because 1. it didn't have enough support to keep her upright yet and 2. She was hungry so she just wanted her bottle. But she ate some and then really just wanted to bottle. So I fed her the bottle and then we went back to the cereal and she seemed to enjoy it much more. I also put her in the Bumbo chair instead of the highchair. Overall, I think the first day went well with the cereal. Next up......I am going to try to make my own baby food.......I will let you know how that goes!!

Chatty Cathy

For the last few days Joe and I have been awoken at 7:30am sharp. We are awoken by our daughter who is chatting it up with herself in her crib. Every morning she lays in her crib for 30 minutes "talking, laughing, and swimming". We hear her through the monitor having a grand ol conversation with herself and laughing at her own jokes. We can also hear her moving her arms and legs all spastic. Finally, at 8:00 on the dot her laughing and talking starts to get a frustrated sound to it. And then she is sick of laying in bed alone and starts to cry. The second one of us gets in there she is all smiles again and she starts talking all over again. What a little Chatty Cathy!!

Just figuring things out

So it only took 4 months to REALLY figure Riley out. And I am sure I never will!! As I am writing this post she is currently laying on her play mat (where she is happiest), playing with Mike the Monkey, Pete the Parakeet, George the giraffe, and Ernie the Elephant. (all names I just made up a few days ago for her). She is talking away and farting all at the same time.....this is her favorite pass time.

We had a really rough go of things last week and so I keep a very detailed log of her days, feedings, amounts she ate, and naps. I figured that if I did this I would see some pattern and figure out what makes her the happiest. I would also be able to see if she was cranky due to her possible teething. Well......I quickly realized that there is no method to her madness and that she REALLY needs naps. I don't mean a 15 minute nap on the way to the bank, or a 20 minute one while mommy shops. Riley needs a 1 1/2 to 2 hour nap at least 2 times a day.....and these need to be in her crib. She will not sleep straight through (we are still working on that) but rather will wake up about half way through and cry. Sometimes her cries are ear piercing and non stop for about 10 minutes (just hold her closer and walk in circles in her room) But within 5 minutes she is right back to sleep. It has only taken me 4 months to figure out exactly what she needs.

We had to the pediatrician on Wednesday for her four month check up. This will include: 4 shots and one dose in the mouth, discussions about starting solid foods, and how best to help her with her gas issues. We will have a very busy appointment!! I will update you more after the appointment.

Keeping her Happy....

First off.....Happy Birthday Ri Bear!! You are 4 months today!!

Now, we have found the trick to keeping Riley happy....Joe sings to her. Here is a video of him singing the song he wrote for her. Enjoy!!

Here is Riley waking up from her morning nap......so happy and chatty!!

Tummy time is not so bad anymore!!

Is It Possible?!?!

Well.....I am giving in and I am starting to think that Riley is taking after her good friend Hailey and teething early!! For the last week or so she has been really fussy, EVERYTHING goes in her mouth, she drools all day/every day, and the only time she is not crying or fussing is when I am holding her and she has something in her mouth or she is laying down with something in her mouth. Could it be possible that two days shy of her 4 month birthday she may be teething?!?! My other idea is that she is getting bored with her toys ad the house. I have begun taking her on LONG walks, she loves it and will talk for part of it and sleep for the rest. But my legs are tired and I don't want to have to keep doing that.....but whatever makes her happy.....and heck, I will lose the rest of the baby weight along the way!!

Still Her Protector

So Riley was laying on the floor after I changed her yesterday and Buster walked over and laid down next to her. Then rested his head next to hers and took a little nap. I have also recently found him sleeping on her closet floor while she naps. I guess he is not so sick of her after all!!

Hormones or Good TV!?!?

So, on Thursday nights I have my new favorite show.....Hopkins.This "real" drama is based on doctors at John Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. I have enjoyed watching it and last Thursday had me in tears from beginning to end. I am not sure if my hormones are still out of whack or if it is just part of motherhood now. But there was a little boy, Peyton, who was brought in for an enlarged heart. Peyton was 2 years old and soooo adorable. After the doctors ran some tests they prognosis was not good. Peyton was going to die soon if he didn't get a new heart. One of the hardest parts was watching the doctors tell the mother and father that his outcome was not good. I lost it. I had to pause the show to catch my breath. Needless to say, after a donor heart was not capable with what Peyton needed, he was saved by a great heart!! Although this show is "real" tv, these are true stories and real people. In one of the previous shows a woman from southern Virginia needed lung transplants and news channel 7 just caught up with her and she is doing great. She said that it was weird to watch her new lungs being transplanted into her on tv. If you have not seen this show I would suggest you checking it out......it is good stuff!!

After laying in bed on Thursday and thinking about what I would do if Riley were in a similar situation I realized how luck I am everyday to have her. I really should not complain about the "bad" days and the fussiness. Joe's family is currently going through a tough time with a family member and I have begun to do a lot more praying. I am not a particularly religious person, but when you feel like you are lost I find that praying at night seems to give me a bit more strenght to carry on. I also look at Ri and realize that she is such a blessing.

Ok, Ok, Ok....enough of the sappy stuff!! Yesterday I went on a bachlorette party and 9 lovely ladies headed up to Solomons Island to rent a boat and cruise around, tan, and drink some beer. It was a perfect day and a much needed day away. I defiantly feel recharged today. Joe on the other hand is feeling a bit worn down. He was on daddy duty all day (8am-9pm) He handled it without a problem.....which I had no doubt he would!! He, Riley, and Buster went to his parents house and spent the day with Joes dad. (His mom is currently in South Carolina visiting her mom and some family). It was the perfect recipe for Kevin.....a happy distraction for these hard times he is going through. I don't know what made him happier.....talking with Joe, spending time with Riley, or giving Buster "tickles on his rear". But, whatever it was, I hope it brightened his day of just a bit.

Hope you are all having a great weekend!! Stay cool.

E.

Lots to post today!!

We are: 16 weeks and 1 day!!

Well, I have a few more pictures to share and a video. I am getting sadder by the day to think that in a month or so I will be heading back to school and leaving my little Ri Bear. She is getting cutier everday!! Man I love her sooooo much!!

I have added 3 other posts this evening, so check them out below too!!

Seeing more friends....

We had a pretty busy Sunday. It started at a BBQ to see our good friends Heather, Blane, Taylor, Mister, and new baby girl Landon. It was great to see them and can't wait for them to be back in a few weeks!! Here are a few pictures from the BBQ, there was a baby pool, slide, and plenty of sun!!



Following the BBQ we headed over to Joe's parents house to have dinner with some extended family. Aunt Sherly was in town and it was great to see her. We also got to see Joes Aunt Ginnie, Uncle Tom, Cousin Anna and Cousin Dwight. They all got to see Riley for the first time. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Hangin' With Cousin Gavin

On Friday Riley and I went to my sisters house for a professional photo shoot. Riley was only happy when she was naked!! Go figure!! Riley loves hanging out with her cousin Gavin and Aunt Nicole and Uncle Mike. We also went to the pool with Aunt Nicole on Saturday. Overall, we had a great time this weekend with them and hope to do it again soon.

Lunch With a New/Old friend

Yesterday Riley and I went to eat lunch with an old friend of mine (new friend to Riley). Cyndi, Riley and I met at TGIFridays for some lunch and to catch up. Riley met Cyndi a few months ago, but she was too little to remember. So this time they got to talk and share some smiles. Riley really enjoyed it, but mommy was pretty tired (Riley was playing her paci games the night before....spitting it out to get me to come see her!!)

Our little butterball

We are: 15 weeks and 1 day!!

Joe and I took Riley to the doctor last evening, due to a little rash on her face. It turned out to be eczema....but she also has a little thrush again!! So annoying. So we are on med for the thrush and we have to rub Vaseline on her face a couple times a day. So not only is she greased up like a turkey, but she now weighs 14 pounds!! That is 2 pounds less that the Giere twins who are 8 months!! I can do 14 pound curls and get some nice arm muscles in no time!!

Daddy's girl....I ASSume!!

Today Riley was playing on her mat and talking away. So I grabbed the camera to take a video. The first video was cut short.....do to some gas issues....FROM RILEY!! Not me! She definitely has some of her daddy's traits! She would be very embarrassed to know that I am showing everyone this....but it is really cute. Enjoy!!

Now here is one of her talking while playing.....no toots this time!!

We have also been having a rough week....unlit last night! Sunday, Sunday night, Monday, Monday night, and Tuesday have been horrible....until last night. Last evening we left Lisa and Travis's in a hurry, Riley was having a breakdown. We got home and went into turbo speed. Joe ran her up for her bath, I got her bottle ready. She was screaming the whole time. I could tell that she was exhausted. So, after Joe bathed her and I gave her her bottle, she was sound asleep by 8pm....not to be heard from until 5:30 this morning!! 4 ounces later she was sound asleep again until 8:30 this morning. I don't know if she was just so tired from being cranky for 3 days or what, but I finally got some much needed sleep!! I sure am hoping that it continues for a while.

4th of July Weekend

We enjoyed our 4th of July weekend together as a family. On Friday we just relaxed at home. Joe and I shared a bottle of wine. Actually my first full glass of wine. I have never enjoyed wine, but this one was great. So I enjoyed a second glass!! It was very good and we both ended up with a bit of a buzz and led to a discussion of how we could become millionaires!!

Saturday Joe had to work so Riley and I just hung out at home and waited for daddy to get home. We then visited his parents, cousin Patrica, her husband Jeff and their son Ike. He is now 14 months and completely adorable!! Riley enjoyed seeing them.

That evening we headed to Lisa and Travis's for a little BBQ. We enjoyed ourselves and it was great to see some friends of ours. Today Joe got to sleep in and I watched Riley. Then we switched. I took a much needed nap and he watched Riley. Overall we had a great weekend. Here are a few photos from it.

Oh, and Joe took a picture of me cleaning bottles.....seeing that this is what I do all day long!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Happy 4th of July!! We hope you have a great Independence Day!!

TALKING!!

This evening Riley was having a full conversation....with herself!! Joe and I were sitting at the table eating dinner and Riley was chillin' in her little chair. She was just relaxing after her bottle and before her bath. Next thing you know she started to "talk" Normally she stops after a "word" or two.....not tonight. It went on for about 20 minutes!! I was able to tape it on my phone a number of times and on the tape recorder. Here is a little tape from my cell phone (sorry it is sideways.....I can't figure out how to change it!). Enjoy!! P.S. her shirt says "I don't have to be good, I'm Cute!" Thanks Hollie!

A few more events this week!!

We are: 14 weeks

Last weekend Riley, Buster, and I headed off to my parents lake house. It is about an hour away and very relaxing. Joe had his high school reunion and I was not at all interested in going. So, her went alone....and thoroughly enjoyed himself!!

Riley got to spend some great time with his Grandma and Grandpa O. Although she was very fussy on Saturday when we got there, but Grandma figured it out.....gas. After a few good burps and farts, she was smiles again. We went to the clubhouse for dinner and Grandma and Grandpa were showing her off left and right. Anytime a question was asked I didn't have time to answer before my mom did. Once we got home it was time for bed. I put Riley in the pack-n-play up in a guest room. She was not the best to go down that night. But Grandpa camped out at the top of the stairs to do paci patrol. After about an hour of paci patrol she conked out and slept until 5am. Then slept again until 8:30. And Grandpa was right on it at 8:30. Ready to take her downstairs to feed her so I could sleep more.

Grandpa and Ri had some good quality time together. Then we headed to the clubhouse again for brunch. Riley, Buster and I hit the road again and headed home.....to find daddy a bit "tired". Here are a few photos from the Lake:

On Monday Riley had a bath by her Uncle Tommy. Tommy has been saying that he is ready to baby sit her. So while he was here he did the bedtime ritual, beginning with bath time. He then lotioned her, dressed, swaddled and rocked her to sleep.....all under the watchful eye of Joe!! But he did a great job!! Check out Tommy in action:

Today Riley and I joined my friend Amy at Rio for a bite to eat. Riley needs to understand the importance of Queso Dip and flour tortillas!! She was a great girl during lunch and was very happy to see Amy again. And was even happier to have Amy get her out of her car seat and hold her. Here is Amy and Riley, enjoying the fresh air and smell of fajitas all around us!!

A Walk to Remember

We are: 14 weeks!

Yesterday I was invited to join Lisa and the twins on a walk. So Riley and I were honored to join her. We began on a path that led us to a fork in the road. Lisa knew that if we went to the right it was about a 20 minute walk and she had done that one many times. She had heard that if we went left it was much longer. We were feeling ambitious so we went left. After all, I know that I am trying to lose some lb's so I needed to head for the long path.

We went left and about 20 feet into the path it turned to a gravel path!! Poor Riley was asleep and I think she got Shaken Baby Syndrome!! The twins loved it and didn't think anything of it. Lisa and I however were hating it. We were chatting for a few minutes, but I know that it got harder to talk as I was struggling to push the stroller. Finally a nice older gentleman came walking towards us and we asked if the path was gravel the whole way. To our pleasure he said that the gravel stopped shortly. So we kept right on pushing. Once it ended we veered to the left again with the path.

The walk was very nice and we began our conversations again.....until we came to a small problem:

So, we had two choices.....1. Turn around and go back or 2. Go around the trees. We had already walked for about 30 minutes and had gotten pretty far, so we really didn't want to go back. So..... we went around. If you look closely here is Lisa and the girls in the woods, going around:

Here are the girls after their journey through the trees.

So......after our little tree run-in, we continued on. We saw some deer and kept our eyes peeled for bear. Ok, so there were no bears, but I had just watched the Today Show about some girl out West who got mauled by a bear, so I was a bit nervous.

So after about another 20 minutes we came to the end of the path....at route 29!! We had two more choices.....1. turn around and go all the way back, or 2. Go along 29 to Stone Road and all the way back. Both would be about the same distance and time. So we opted for the path through the woods. At least there was shade and no strange people honking at us.

So....back past the deer, through the trees to get around the fallen trees, on the gravel path and up some stairs. Yep....it was a lovely walk, and I actually would not mind doing it again. It was a great workout and Riley enjoyed the fresh air. What a great time we all had!!