12 Week Picture

Yesterday was 12 weeks with our little Gwen. It's been a bit since Gwen wrote everyone a letter. Hopefully, she will let everyone know how she is doing soon!

Survival!

We'll call this post survival because we've survived some milestones this past week!
Gwen (well really Mom and Dad) survived her first time being left with someone other than Grandma and Grandpa. Mike and I went to his cousin Katie's wedding last Saturday night. It was a beautiful wedding and we actually allowed ourselves to relax and have a great time. Mr. Prieb even wore a tux -- I failed to get a picture of him in it though.
Our good friends Cyril and Teri Russell were kind enough to come over and stay with Miss Gwen for SIX hours. They said she was great, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't tell us if she wasn't. :-)

Teri sent us proof that she was having a great time!

Second part of survival is that Gwen started day-care on Monday and I went back to work full time. I have to admit there were a few tears (from me -- just smiles from the girl), but after three days, I'm happy to report it's getting much easier and I'm actually enjoying being back at work. Our schedule this week is that I drop her off before work and Mike (who's on his midnight shift) picks her up around 4 pm -- I think Mike's getting the better end of the deal this week! We're feeling great about our day-care choice, Jacque has been in business for a really long time and definitely has passion for kids. What makes Jacque's even better is Gwen's friends, Brody and Bre Hutts, (remember the Monkey and the Chicken from Halloween?!) go there too! We're sure they are looking out for her and showing her the ropes. Mike said when he went to pick Gwen up on Monday, Jacque was changing her and a little boy was holding her hand. So sweet, Dad had better watch out, the boys are already after our little cutie pie!

A few weeks ago -- when Gwen's colic was in full swing -- we had family pictures taken. Gwen was not full of smiles yet and didn't exactly cooperate the best. Diana did an awesome job and amazingly managed to get some great pictures!

Mom and Dad staring at Gwen -- our favoite pastime these days!

Sleeping Beauty

Already has daddy wrapped around that tiny finger of hers!

Our sweet little angel.

Our SCREAMING little angel!

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas . . . we're thinking Gwen will have to share her thoughts on this special time of the year very soon!

Gwen's 12 Days of Christmas

Gwen's version of the 12 days of Christmas. Rather than repeat every verse, Gwen says, just go through it once!

On the twelfth day of Christmas Gwen gave to us... 

Twelve filled up diapers

Eleven unused 'onesies'

Ten tiny toes

Nine months of prepping

Eight baby bottles

Seven solid hours sleeping

Six dirty burp cloths

Five doctor bills!

Four grandparents adoring

Three months of colic

Two exhausted parents

And One Healthy Happy Baby!

Gwen has already met Santa! 

December? Where did November Go?

What has happened since Thanksgiving?! Last Saturday, Gwen went to her friend, Lilly's, 3rd birthday party! What a fun time Gwen had at the party. There were so many kiddos running around, and delicious cake and ice cream. Gwen of course didn't get to have cake, but enjoyed seeing all of her friends.

Tamie sent me this picture while I was at work this week.  I'm sure some of you have already seen this picture on Facebook; Grandma couldn't help but post it.

Monday, Gwen had another Upper GI test done. She was, as always with doctor visits, on her best behavior. Not only was Gwen good for the doctors, she also had great results! There were no signs of re-flux and it showed she is digesting her food much better. Tamie and I are continuing to give Gwen the mixture of breast milk, formula and rice cereal, if it's not broke don't fix it, right?! This mixture seems to keep Gwen happy and full. 

Gwen lifting her head on her boppy pillow! 

Thursday was Gwen's 2 month check up. We are happy to report that Gwen has surpassed the 10lb mark! She weighed in at 10lb 3oz, 22 inches long. Not all of the appointment went well. Along with weighing in, Gwen had her 2 month shots. She did NOT appreciate the shots!  

Gwen already has an Ipod, but she likes her Ipeed better.

Today Gwen got to meet yet another new friend! Lakin Vianne! Lakin is the daughter of Jenny and Eric Rector of Hillsboro, and was born November 17th. Only six short weeks apart from our little one. It was great to visit with parents who are going through some of the same struggles and fun times we are going through. 

Biggest smile we've been able to catch on camera!

Along with digesting her food much better, came so many SMILES! It has been hard to see our girl cry and fuss so much, without any smiles as she struggles with Colic. It seemed like this week Gwen took a huge turn for the better. Gwen has been sleeping 7-8 hours at night, waking up for breakfast, then easily laying back down for another nap. Such a relief for two tired parents!

Gwen all dressed up to go to church!

On non baby related news: Tamie and I have to prepare our home for an open house on Sunday. We've had three different people look at our house. All with the same response, 'It's too small'. Yes, Tamie and I both agree it's too small! We'll keep being patient for now. We can't get this house sold soon enough!

Waking up and playing with her toys.

8 Week Picture

Gwen, again with her Cubs teddy, posing to show how much she has grown.