In the Summertime...

This summer has been fun, but the past few weeks have been extremely fun-filled for L'ie Bear!  We are very fortunate to have so many friends and family in the area...and have had a great time visiting with everyone!

We started off with a trip to the German Gourmet, a local German market, follwed by a playdate (for both the grownups and the babies) with the Ackermanns.  It was fun filling up on German goodies and spending time with such a great little family.  Their daughter, Sophie, is a little older than L'ie and we always enjoy watching her experience future milestones...after this last playdate, we have gotten a brief glimpse of what needs to be child-proofed when the Bear starts to crawl.  Also, L'ie has begun to notice other children and was quite interested in Sophie!  And in true nine month old fashion, Sophie was more interested in crawling around and taking in new sights.  Despite their differences now, I foresee many successful playdates in the future for these two sweet little girls!

L'ie getting to know Sophie!!

Last week, we decided to drive home to Salisbury to continue in the fun!  We stopped off at Chad's parent's house first.  It was a wonderful visit and I especially enjoyed seeing L'ie with her granny and great-grandmother!!  She was able to spend a lot of quality time with them and when she got fussy, Grumpa, AKA Chad's Dad, saved the day with a bobblehead!  She could not take her eyes off of it and Grumpa was more than happy to show off this new baby whisperer trick!! 

L'ie meeting one of her Great-Grandmothers

Next, we headed to my parents house so that L'ie could visit with her Mee-maw, Grandpa, and Aunt Sarah!  It was quite relaxing until we decided that the Bear needed to giggle!  Then we spent a lot of time trying to see what would work...who knew an old beloved childhood toy would do the trick!

Also, while at home in Salisbury, we were able to steal away to Ocean City to spend time at the beach with Uncle John, the Levys, and the Shafers.  Despite the hot and hazy weather, we had a fun time!  L'ie spent most of the time either passed around from friend to friend or relaxing in her new pop-up tent.  The tent, which went up quite easily,  provided plenty of shade during our stay, and I was very happy with the purchase (especially after the hassle we had with our umbrella during the last beach trip)...until it was time to take the tent down and fold it back up!  With instructions in hand, it took four adults multiple attempts to fold the silly thing away and if it hadn't been so hot, it would have been quite comical.  

L'ie chilling out in her pop-up tent on the beach!

After beach time, we walked back to the townhouse and were able to get the first beach photo of the kiddos together.  L'ie was a bit worn out and did not want to cooperate, but it was a cute photo!  And I have no doubt that she will be fully prepared for the chaos of future beach vacations with our friends.    
 

L'ie, E & Matthew posing for a "first beach trip" photo!

Finally, in case we hadn't had enough fun already, we headed home to see Daddy in time for the weekend.  Uncle John stopped by and we hung around the house on Saturday.  L'ie even took a nice long much-needed nap in John's lap.

Then this morning, we headed to the National Zoo for a visit with some friends from out of town.  While there, L'ie got to meet some more sweet kids and saw Elephants, Pandas, Monkeys and a bunch of icky reptiles!  We were hot and worn out by the end of the trip, but enjoyed every minute.  Even at four months old, L'ie seemed to enjoy it, and although she was not aware of which animal she was watching, she did notice when they moved around.  Chad and I are looking forward to taking her to the zoo when she is older and can appreciate all of the different animals.      

L'ie and Daddy enjoying the Great Apes exhibit at the National Zoo!

As I write this, L'ie is fast asleep in her crib and Chad and I are exhausted...but we wouldn't have it any other way!  Seeing the world again through L'ie Bear's eyes is such a gift and we hope that it is a gift that keeps on giving!!

4 Months Old

L'ie Bear turned 4 months old today, and yet I was the one who received a gift.  Today she gave me the wonderful gift of sleep!

This morning Chad flew out to Portland, Oregon for a friend's wedding and I was anticipating an exhausting weekend.  The past few nights, we started pushing L'ie Bear's bedtime up to 7:30 pm in an effort to start sleep training.  Since she was used to going to bed around 9:30, she fought the early bedtime and would wake up every few hours throughout the night.

Last night, we put L'ie down at 7:45 pm, and I wondered if I could handle an entire weekend of sleep training by myself...sleep deprivation is always easier whenever Chad is around to help with the parenting duties.  But, I was pleasantly surprised this morning.  L'ie slept through the entire night!  She woke up at 5 am to eat and even went back to sleep until 8:30 am.  As a result, I woke up well rested and ready to face the first day of our long weekend alone!

And the day did not disappoint!  Today, L'ie rolled over from her back to her stomach for the first time, she took two long naps (approximately and hour and a half long) for the first time, and we even got in a four month photo session!!  To top it all off, she went to bed again at 7:30 this evening.

I am so thankful for the sleep I received and hope the rest of the weekend goes as smoothly as today!!!  Happy Four Months L'ie Bear!!!

Four Months Old

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

L'ie Bear's first baseball game!

Last weekend, Chad and I decided to take L'ie Bear to her first baseball game.  Since the weather was gorgeous and it was an evening game, we ventured out to see the Potomac Nationals play the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  Although the game was played in a smaller stadium than we were used to, we had a great time!

The sun was still quite bright when we got there and we were worried about keeping L'ie Bear from getting burned.  So we stuck around, under an umbrella, in the concessions area and enjoyed some hotdogs, nachos, and chicken tenders.  While there, L'ie began to "talk" and we even heard what sounded close to a giggle.  I think she was having fun, but judge for yourself....

Once the sun set, we ventured out to our seats to take in the rest of the game.  Everyone around us fell in love with L'ie and it was fun enjoying some more "firsts" with her!

L'ie Bear's first 7th Inning Stretch!!

L'ie Bear's first fireworks show!

We did get home fairly late for L'ie, but she fell asleep in the car and still got a good nights sleep...which meant that mommy got a good nights sleep.  All in all, it was quite a successful evening!

Twas the last Tuesday in June!

Twas the last Tuesday in June, and  waiting in our house

Was our sweet Little L'ie Bear, as quiet as a mouse!

All afternoon she glanced around, without a care

Wishing her ability to talk soon would be there!

As she relaxed in her bouncer , glad it wasn't her bed

Intense conversations played out inside her little head!

With each failed attempt to speak, the silence was bliss

But then L'ie opened her mouth and all we heard was this.....

I guess it's time to say goodbye to our mostly quiet days and embrace the coos and screams!  So far it has been quite fun, and I have enjoyed trying to figure out what she is talking about.  Although I know she will eventually have questions about EVERYTHING.  My top three guesses for what she is asking right now are...

1.  Why all of her friends (aka toys) refuse to speak to her?

2.  Why we insist on taking so many photos/videos of her?

3.  If we are sure she is our child?  Maybe there is hope that she is adopted?!?!

With time she will learn that most toys only talk whenever children are not around (duh), that she is doomed to a lifetime of endless photos/videos, and that life as a Pali-Fisher can be pretty fun!

So happy "talking" L'ie Bear.  I cannot wait to watch you discover the world, and I just pray that I will be able to answer all of your questions in the future!!!