Super Trooper

Last Friday found us at The Aquarium for our Friday morning playgroup (without my camera). Long story short, Laney definitely gets the 'Super Trooper' award for the week. I often lug her around for Carter's activities, and last week was no exception. Needless to say it was H O T outside, and she was working on about a 15 minute nap (or whatever she was able to get in the car on the way there). She made it through a broken train ride, a tour of the aquariums inside, walking to and from and lunch at Hard Rock, and our trip home. I think she did manage a quick nap in the Baby Bjorn while we walked to the restaurant. It was close to 2 before we got home (having left before 10). Carter was out like a light. I fed Laney one last time and put her down for a nap. At 6:30, I figured it was time for her to get up. However, that wasn't an easy task. I think it took me about 10 minutes just to get her eyes opened!

Carter had a great time and was so well behaved. I know he enjoyed all of the activities and being with his friends. I always enjoy getting some "mommy time" with my friends, and sweet Laney Bug even got to hang out with her BFFs, Hailey and Claire.

I took a few shots of her while she slept as I was hoping that may make her stir. Nope. But doesn't she look sweet?

No Pictures, but...

We did have a great - though busy - Father's Day weekend. My dad and Sheryl came in Saturday for the night, and we enjoyed a great dinner at Lupe Tortilla's. Lupe's was fantastic as usual - and NO ONE was there. It was really nice! Sunday evening was swimming and dinner at Mike and Janet's. Carter had a great time with Daddy jumping in the pool together. Buggy hung out with me (hence no pictures) as we watched everyone splashing around. Joel and I celebrated FD early with a night out to see Glenn Beck while he was in town. Awesome show! We had a quick dinner afterwards.

I've heard the phrase 'Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.' I totally believe that to be true. Joel is so great with the kiddos. Carter gets so excited when he hears Joel's truck pull in the driveway, and he races over to the door and starts knocking. I love watching Carter and "Fun Daddy" play - though sometimes I get a little nervous! Laney likes to snug with Daddy, and I am trying to teach her how to say 'kitty' and 'pony' before her first birthday :) We'll move on to 'new shoes' and ' Visa' after that. I know I've said it before, but it really is the biggest joy to see them all together. I know this time won't last forever. We love him very much and appreciate the sacrifices he makes daily for our family.

Anyway... Happy Father's Day to our special daddies. We love you all!

Cereal, Schmereal and More of Laney's Latest...

The first attempt at cereal went over like a lead balloon. Carter got in on the action though and thought it was really fun to feed Laney. I'm not QUITE ready to turn that task over to him, but... he did great with her. I think it entertained them both more than anything.

After a while, of course, it turned into a game of "Who is Faster? Mommy scooping it in? Or Laney spitting it out. (Yes, I switched bibs for the pictures. I know, I know... but the cereal wipes off of the other one, and the dog one had gotten too messy at this point. Besides, doesn't she look cute!? Thanks Karalea and Allison!)

She's not eating cereal every day, but she is getting better each time. It's so runny by the end from wiping the cereal drool off of her face that she kind of laps it up like a cat! The (short) video is of her second attempt. You can tell she certainly loves to hear herself make noise, and she loves to laugh! Please excuse my dorky self in the clip.

She is such a happy baby. We are usually all on Carter's schedule since he seems to be the busy bee, and Laney goes along with it all pretty well. She likes to be in the baby carrier where she can look around and grab whatever is near - sometimes she even takes a little cat nap in there too. She has been to splash pads, the zoo, and everywhere in between with Brother. From what I've been told, the second child's schedule is usually that of the first's! She adjusts well from our activities and is on a good schedule at home otherwise.

A few more fun shots...

Like It Was Just Yesterday...

Doesn't seem that long ago that I put Carter in the Bumbo for his first attempt at cereal. In fact, it wasn't even a year between his picture and when Laney was born. Neither of these are great photographs, but I tried to pick two that looked similar in position and background. I think there is only about a 2 week difference in age.

Everyone says they both look like Joel, but they don't look anything alike! I think they are a good mix of us both - just different mixes!

Laney had her 4 month appointment last Friday. We're so thankful for another healthy baby as she continues to grow and develop. After learning of so many others who are not as fortunate, we don't take that for granted.

Her percentiles have tapered off a bit... She had quite a growth spurt from birth to 2 months, so the doctor wasn't surprised that she's starting to level off.

Length - 26 inches (19.25 at birth)
Weight - 14 pounds, 6 ounces (6 lb., 9 oz at birth)

And her head is still in the 95%!

Carter is "helping" me a lot more with her now. He fed her a bottle for about 5 seconds the other day before he got bored. He brings me blankets when I hold her and races to her door when she cries. He likes to kiss her, too. Granted, we still have some 'attention getting' moments, but all in all he's really sweet to her. Hopefully it will last for a while!

Fire Station Celebration...

Though I don't expect he will be saving kittens trapped up tall trees anytime soon, Carter did have fun at the fire station today for Michael's birthday party. I did get a little nervous when he made the truck's computer terminal beep while sitting in the driver's seat. I saw a few of the firemen throw a quick glance his way. Of course, this was met with a, 'hmmm... no one else has discovered that yet" from a nearby fireman.

No party is complete without a water bottle collection...

The Boys of Summer...

Wonder what this crew will be up to 10 years from now?