5 Month Update

I can't believe it's been 5 months since I delivered this little peanut. Where is the time going, and can it please slow down?

Weight: Not sure, but I'd say definitely over 15 lbs.

Length: She was 23 3/4 inches at her 4 month appt., so I'm guessing she's grown a bit

Health: Still great... yay!

Sleep: Still sleeping 11 or 12 hours, typically 7:45pm - 7am. We started unswaddling her arms since she's rolling constantly now, and while she has a little harder of a time falling asleep, she's doing pretty well with it so far. Fingers crossed that we are past the 4 month sleep regression threat... I was so worried about that!

Social: Still busy as ever! We've had a good amount of visitors to the house, including both sets of grandparents, gone to may lunches, traveled home for a family get-together, and finished up our mommy/baby yoga classes. I'm thinking things are only going to get busier with summer around the corner.

Diet: Still doing great with Alimentum. She is so fascinated when we eat. I can't wait to let her taste her first "real" food in a month!

Clothes: Still rocking 6 months -- you can tell that a few outfits are getting snug. Ack!

Baby Gear: We added the Fisherprice Rainforest Jumperoo to the many pieces of baby gear in our living room. She's liking it so far (for short periods of time).

Crying: Cries when super hungry (we try not to let it get to that point) and super tired. She is going through a screaming/shrieking phase that is pretty tough on the ear drums. ;)

Likes: Still singing, reaching for and grabbing whatever's in sight (and then promptly shoving it into her mouth), walks, and rolling... especially from back to belly.

Dislikes: I think she's teething so she's most unhappy when she can't shove something into her mouth... poor bub.

Postpartum: Feeling good. :) Still not as "in shape" for summer as I'd like to be, but I'm feeling a little better about that. I recently had a baby... I think I get a pass this year.

Milestones: Rolls from back to belly constantly, is starting to sit unassisted (not for very long yet), more interactive and interested in her surroundings than ever!

Happy five months in the world, my sweet girl! You are learning and growing so much everyday, and daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you. We look forward to waking up to your big smiles every morning. You are such an easy-going girl (for the most part), and so determined to move, grab, do. Your giggles are my favorite sound in the world, I love kissing your sweet pudgy cheeks, and I can't wait to see what this next month brings us. Love you, always!

xoxo, Jen

Weekend Recap

We had a really nice weekend... hope you did, too! As I type this, miss C is sleeping unswaddled in her crib. Such a big girl. I can't believe she'll be 5 months old tomorrow!

On Friday morning, we had our last mommy/baby yoga class. I'll miss it and considered signing up for more sessions, but I think summer will be keeping us plenty busy. Here's Carrington with her sweet little pal, my friend's daughter Josephine. :)

Friday early evening my in-laws arrived and were sweet enough to watch Carrington while Steve and I went to dinner with all of my co-workers and our significant others. It was our second time away from C in 5 months, and while I really missed my girl, it was a fun evening! I might have had a touch too much champagne ;) but got up at 7am (like a boss) with C on Saturday morning, so all's well that ends well. 

Saturday we started the day with Dunkin' Donuts (that's how you know it's going to be a great day!), did yard work, took a walk, took a nap, and relaxed. Saturday night we had another event to attend... our dear friend's surprise 30th birthday party. As reluctant as I was to leave C for a second night (even if it was only a few hours), I think it is good for her to have time with people other than myself, since I'm with her all day every day. I knew she was in the most loving hands with her grandparents. :) The 30th birthday party was a blast! 

Sunday was spent with our girl... snuggling, finishing up some yard work outside, and hitting up Barnes & Noble for a Starbucks fix and some reading. We took C into the children's area and she was reaching for and grabbing almost everything. It's so much fun to see her learn and grow!

xoxo, Jen

A "Hoppy" Day :)

As I've mentioned before, Easter holds an extra special place in my heart since we announced our pregnancy to our families last Easter. We found out we were expecting C shortly before Easter last year and, because of this, her nickname has always been Jellybean. I was so excited to celebrate her official first Easter with us this year, at almost 5 months old. :)

My mom and her wonderful boyfriend, James, came to visit us this year. Admittedly, it was a relief not to have to travel anywhere and I was really looking forward to hosting a simple dinner at our house this year. The day didn't fall short. We started off with an amazing lunch at one of my favorite local places, Turning Point, and then headed to the park for a nice walk. After our walk, we headed back to our home for some visiting and prepared dinner and dessert. Everything turned out great! Ready for picture overload?

The Easter Bunny went a little overboard for C's first Easter

The cutest bunny ever.

My Easter beauty

Momma & daughter selfie

The girl's got sass, what can I say?

Somebunny is very loved.

I die. 

Grandma & Carrie!

Silly bunny. <3

Pink lemonade cake for dessert. Please and thank you.

Our first Easter as a family of three. Such a fun day!

Hope you had a great weekend and a "Hoppy" Easter! 

xoxo, Jen

Five on Friday

It's Friday! Yay!

This week I'm trying something new... linking up with some of my favorite blogger gals, including Christina, for a fun Five on Friday post. :)

-one-

Carrington's first Easter basket from mommy and daddy was so fun to put together. Obviously, she's not going to really, truly enjoy the basket this year since she'll be just shy of 5 months. The basket is a PB knockoff from Homegoods and the goodies include: an Easter outfit from Carter's, a sun hat, bunny ears (love the dollar section at Target), a mini plus chick from last year (how we announced our pregnancy to our parents last Easter!), teethers, and the Berenstein Bears Easter book. 

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I found this total flashback photo of Steve and I from his Homecoming dance, 2003, while cleaning out my closet. I'm 16 and he's 17 and we're both in our really fun awkward teen years. 

-three-

I am obsessed with a new snack: Triscuit Dill, Sea Salt, & Olive Oil dipped in Summer Fresh White Bean Truffle dip. It is so amazing I can't even begin to describe it. If you have a Wegman's super market by you (and I hope that you do), go buy this dip. 

-four-

Have you read this article? If you have given birth (particularly if it was a c-section), read it. I literally cried laughing. 

-five-

I'm always excited for summer, but especially so this year! I keep thinking about all of the fun things we'll get to do with Carrington, from vacation, to picnics outside, to taking her swimming for the first time. Any recommendations on the best swim diapers? Right now I'm learning toward the Honest Co. one! Would love to hear thoughts. :)

Have a great weekend! 

xoxo, Jen

Easter Prep

I can't believe Easter is this weekend! Although it's later this year, all of this winter weather has made it feel like it will never come. Easter always marks what feels like TRUE Spring to me. Flowers popping up, pastels everywhere you turn, warm sunshine. :)

Today miss Carrie visited the Easter bunny! I thought she might scream her head off (and who could blame her? that thing is pretty creepy!), but she did so well... all smiles, that girl. Here's her first official Easter bunny pic:

I also can't wait to share C's first Easter basket. So far she's already received 5 others... yes, 5. That is what being the first baby amongst family and friends will do. Mine looks pretty pitiful in comparison, but I'm still excited to fill it up with fun goodies and take a pretty picture on Easter with her next to it. :) 

My mom is coming to visit us on Easter and I'm scouring Pinterest for some fun, easy Easter dinner recipes. So far I'm thinking either the traditional ham or something different and more casual like pulled pork sandwiches. Garlic potatoes, corn bread pudding, and salad are the sides I have in mind. For dessert? Pink lemonade cake!

What's on your Easter dinner menu? I'd love some ideas!

xoxo, Jen

Our Weekend

This weekend was jam packed, but so much fun.

Friday night we had our friends Sophia and John over for dinner. I worked with Sophia and she recently left to start a new job, so it was so much fun to catch up over dinner. Her husband is in law school, so he and Steve have a lot to talk about. :) Steve insisted on cooking {and who am I to argue? ;)) and made a baked ziti with his famous meat sauce. It was delish. There was a lot of laughing, a lot of food {and a little drink}, and maaaaybe a little dancing. Maybe.

Saturday my lovely cousin and BFF Gina aka "Aunt Gigi" came to visit. She loves Carrington to death and we love her, so it's always fun when she visits. She also came with not one, not two, but three adorable Easter baskets in tow for C. Can we say spoiled?! It was so sweet.

We relaxed and spent time catching up Saturday afternoon...

Saturday evening we headed to our favorite place ever, The Pop Shop, for dinner. My other cousin Brandon and his girlfriend, Sarah, met us for grilled cheeses, fried pickles, french fries, and ice cream sundaes. Pure gluttony. 

On Sunday daddy hung out with Carrington while Gina and I had brunch at another favorite spot, Turning Point, and did some shopping. This white orchard tea is amazing, and they serve their tea with rock sugar sticks. Love. Don't let the healthy tea fool you, though... I had pancakes topped with granola, bananas, and lots and lots of syrup. And bacon. Can't forget the bacon.

I'll leave you with this little munchkin. Love her somethin' awful.

xoxo, Jen