Olivia: 17 weeks!

MONTH: 5
WEEK: 17
WEIGHT: 15+ lbs
LENGTH: 25+ in
HEAD: 42 cm
MILESTONES: Today we had family pictures. The photographer is a friend of ours, Melinda, and she asked if Olivia would sit up so she could take her photo. I said she had never sat unassisted. I was holding her hands and she let go and sat all by herself for about 20 seconds!
OBLIGATORY ADORABLE PICTURE: Today Olivia was all smiles.
EATING: Olivia has been struggling on one side so I hope she can focus and get back into a routine.
VISITS/OUTINGS: Today we took family photos and had a blast hanging out with each other as a family.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Olivia has really taken to playing in her jumperoo and still loves that silly pink playmat of hers.
MOMMY FEELS: Shocked that almost 4 months has gone by since Olivia joined us. She has already changed so much.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO: Seeing the photos that we took today.

    

A tradition is born.

Being December, it is time to start decorating for Christmas. It's my favorite time of year and usually Justin is a huge Grinch. This year, however, is different. It's Avery's first Christmas. Whenever I ask him to do something holiday related instead of getting complaints he is totally on board.

Today we decided to go get our Christmas tree. Instead of just going to Target or even to a lot we wanted to have a full on Christmas experience. So we got in the Jeep and drove 35 minutes to the mountains just past Calistoga to Pochini Family Farm.

When we got there we got a saw and a cart and trekked up the mountain in the mud (with Avery in the Ergo!) to find the perfect tree. We got to a spot that had a great selection and as soon as we stopped Avery started wailing. So I walked back to the trail so as not to drop her when I took her out of the Ergo. From the trail I helped Justin pick out a tree that looked perfect. He cut it down and I calmed Avery down. Once he got the tree back to the trail we put it on the cart and headed back down the mountain.

He stood it up to look at it in all its glory and we realized that only half the tree was perfect. The other half looks like Charlie Brown's tree's long lost brother. It's so sad looking. I can't help but love the tree even more. It was so fun to go out, pick a tree and cut it down. It is for sure a new family tradition that I cannot wait to continue.

Mrs. Avery Claus...

At Thanksgiving Justin's Aunt gave us a gift for Avery. It was this adorable Santa towel. As soon as we got home I washed it so we could use it right away. Once it was clean I folded it, put it in the closet and promptly forgot all about it.

Until the other night. I got it out for bathtime. A loved her new towel! And I love how absorbent it is. I think we will use this well after Christmas.

Ho Ho Ho!

17 Weeks!

MONTH: 5

WEEK: 17

WEIGHT: 13lbs 14.5oz

LENGTH: 26 2/3 inches

HEAD: 16 inches

MILESTONES: No significant milestones this week, but she is growing so fast!

OBLIGATORY ADORABLE PICTURE: 17 weeks in daddy's chair. She's really starting to fill it in!

EATING: A got the okay to start solids whenever we feel she is ready!

SLEEPING: She is sleeping great. Last week she slept 4 nights in her swing because she was very stuffy and it helped her breathe to be semi-upright. Now we are back to sleeping in the bassinet and everyone is more comfortable. 

VISITS/OUTINGS: Avery had her 4 month appointment today. She is growing so fast. She is on track to be tall and skinny just like her daddy. (And cousins, Kayla and Maddie.)

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Sleeping, playing with her toys and listening to mommy read her books!

MOMMY FEELS: like there aren't enough hours in the day. I work all day and come home and I just want to play with Avery, but there are things to be done. Le sigh. 

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO: Even though the doctor gave us the go-ahead I am still not sure Avery is ready to start solids -- BUT I am looking forward to when she is ready and we can experiment. Until then, I am looking forward to getting our first Christmas tree together and making our stockings!