Lauren Models Winter Fashion

Lauren made an impromptu trip to the American Royal BBQ Competition on Friday night because our babysitter wasn't able to make it, and thankfully friends who have been generously funneling us clothes as they no longer need them happened to drop off this snowsuit on Friday as I was leaving work to pick Lauren up. Good thing, because until this weekend we didn't have any winter clothes for Baby L. She tolerated the Royal for about an hour, and that was it, but she looked cute even while melting down in front of co-workers. And Sean's ribs were delicious.

Lauren turned 5 months old on Sunday. Very very hard to believe. She is still trying to crawl, but isn't quite there yet. She can also sit by herself for short periods of time, although that hasn't quite taken off yet. She has taken to getting her arms out of the swaddle in the middle of the night, rolling over on her stomach, and then screaming for help. To all of those parents out there jealous because she started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks, take heart. We are paying now. Lauren (and Sean and I) love her new daycare. They take such good care of her, and she's even taking two long naps during the day, which make for a much happier baby at night. They've been instrumental in getting her used to eating rice cereal, so we are eternally grateful.

I forgot to post Lauren's 4 month stats, so here they are:
Weight: 14 lbs, 3 oz (70th percentile)
Height: 25 inches (80th percentile)

Besides night wakings, the Power House is doing very well. Lauren's current fascinations are Miller, John Coltrane and rolling over, then screaming.

This is for You, (Great) Aunt Jane

This is the hedgehog that Aunt Jane painstakingly knit and felted for Lauren. Besides Miller, the hedgehog is her favorite animal. It's nothing personal, Aunt Jane, Miller licks her, which she loves. And which Sean and I hate. I mean, it's cute, but the dog eats his own poop. We wash our hands every time we even think about touching her, and then she gets licked by the dog who eats his own poop. Such is life.

Lauren's First Cereal!

Lauren turned 20 weeks old on Monday and we decided to start trying solids. This is her first attempt, and while she didn't swallow much, she seemed to know what to do with the spoon. Yes, I know the wipe the cereal off the chin and re-feed it to the baby trick, but I decided that for Lauren's first foray she should have pure cereal unspoiled by spit. Because that's just the kind of mom I am.

Daycare Nanny Cam

Lauren is at daycare now, and while it's hard, these cameras above the crib make it easier. We can watch in "real time" while she's napping, and if we miss the nap we have a still shot like the one above. She's only at this daycare another two weeks, as we made it into the daycare closer to both of our workplaces, and the new place doesn't have the cameras, but it's been fun watching.

4 Months Old!

Lauren is laughing all of the time now. Incidentally, the blankie she is laying on is one that my mom made for me when I was a baby.

16 Weeks Are Up

My 16 weeks of maternity leave ended about two weeks ago, so I am officially a working mom. It was rough at first, but is getting easier, and I must admit that I am enjoying the adult interaction. I enjoy getting home at night even more, though. We hired a nanny for the first two weeks back, which eased the transition, and tomorrow Lauren will go to daycare for the first time. I took her to a Gymboree class on Saturday and she loved looking at the other babies, so I think she's going to enjoy being around other babies her size.

Lauren currently loves looking in the mirror.

Cheap fun with burp rags.

Lauren likes to have both a hand and a foot in her mouth at all times.

We took Lauren to the Kansas City Airshow a couple of weekends ago and got to walk across Broadway Bridge, which was cool.

We didn't appreciate how noisy it would be (not so cool).

Lauren sending Doug Dahl off to D.C. in style. Lauren hearts Vespas.

Being a working mom is exhausting for both of us.

Picnic at the Nelson

Last weekend we took Lauren to Loose Park for a stroll and a look at the ducks, and then to the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for a picnic. While Miller has generally become a second-class citizen, this time he was invited. Miller and Lauren patiently wait in the Rover. It took about an hour and a half to gather, pack and load the necessities needed for a day in the park and picnic with baby and dog.

Lauren did lots of tummy time, which she tolerates now that she can roll over on her own.

Sean and Lauren engaged in much "Super Baby!".

Above, Sean napping while Lauren and I took a walk through the sculpture garden. Super Baby is exhausting. Miller, as always, kept guard. Of the picnic basket.