4 Months Old!

My apologies for the lack of posts...Isabel has been "on the move" and keeping me even more on our toes. No, Isabel isn't crawling yet (thank goodness that doesn't happen for at least a few more months), but she has put her skills of rolling from belly to back and back to belly together, and loves to roll from one end to the other of the rug, bed or whatever soft surface she is placed on. Its pretty funny to watch, as each roll definitely requires a certain amount of determination on her part. She also has become a tummy sleeper. We place her on her back into her crib, but she immediately flips herself over (whether awake or asleep). Occasionally she tries to do multiple rolls, but those pesky crib sides get in the way.

Isabel doesn't seem as interested with her activity mat, as I usually place her on her mat and toys, and she winds up at the end of the rug, where the chair is the only thing stopping her from rolling further.


She seems to be rather pleased with this new skill of hers :)


We had a fun 4th of July weekend and traveled to Cumberland, MD for the wedding of our college friends Dave and Barb. The weekend started off with a low key BBQ rehearsal dinner, where we got to catch up with old friends and enjoy some BBQ from a place called "The Crabby Pig." hehe Saturday Geoffrey had to make a quick shopping trip for some shoes, as he forgot his black dress shoes at home, and we didn't think that the Nike/Suit look would be approrpriated. Dad is still working on processing his raw photo files, so these couple of jpgs will have to do for now.


Uncle Romes headed to Charlottesvill this month to begin his new job. He stopped by the house on his way out to say goodbye to his favorite neice.
This past weekend Isabel and I traveled to the Eastern Shore of Maryland for Martha's bridal shower. As you can see, Isabel was quite excited about her latest trip. After the shower Martha's dad took us on all on boat ride. He is restoring a mega yacht and it was pretty darn cool. We ended the evening with a bbq and lots of girl/wedding talk.

My new favorite thing has got to be my Maya Wrap Sling. I bought it last week and it has freed up my hands and Isabel is in heaven. She loves riding around like a little joey (this is called the kangaroo carry), and often falls asleep in the sling, at which point I rotate her within the sling and continue about whatever I am doing.

Although Isabel prefers her tummy sleeping, when she is coming out of her deep sleep she tends to toss and turn a bit. I heard her waking up from a nap on Sunday and found her like this. I'm beginning to think cribs need to be bigger with all the movement that happens within them.

And finally, Isabel got to try out a jumper yesterday. Our friend Nicole has been kind enough to let us borrow a variety of baby things, including this jumper. She was in heaven and loved twirling around on her little toes.

cen

Isabel, Isabel, How Does your Garden Grow?

You might remember from an earlier post, that Geoffrey spent a lot of time during his paternity leave working on terracing the side of the house. Once the yard was terraced he brought in bags and bags of new soil, that already had organic matter mixed in, and mulched the beds to prevent weeds. When the weather was warm enough I planted the tomatoes, squash (yellow and green), cucumbers and assorted herbs I had started from seed. We must have done something right as the garden is insane. The squash and cucumber plants are huge, the herbs are growing like crazy and the tomatoes are full of flowers. The squash and cucumbers started flowering a couple weeks ago and tomorrow I should be picking the first of the cucumber. You can't get more local and organice than produce from your own yard. We plan on adding a third row of terrace this fall and next year will expand the variety of plants.

Almost ready to pick!

The squash leaves are HUGE!

The yellow squash still have a ways to go before they will be ready to eat.

This is what we are calling the squash explosion. Last year we had a much smaller garden, and apparently missed picking a squash. It must have rotted and seeded itself, as this spring Geoffrey discovered a mass of baby squash plants growing together. We decided to leave it and just see what happens. It actually has flowers so hopefully it too will produce some yummy squash.

This week has been a crazy one, as we had hardwood floors installed and will be having the steps stripped of their carpet and refinished on Friday/Saturday. We spent a good part of the weekend packing up everything from the closets and inside of all the furniture in preparation for the task. Last week, the floor was delivered (all 79 boxes) to allow it to acclimate. Monday morning a crew of 3 showed up and it was off to the races. Furniture was moved, carpet was torn out and the flooring began. We went with a 3 1/4" wide maple plank in a butterscotch stain with an "Extreme Finish." The finish was developed by a Canadian company to withstand just about anything. I tried scratching it with a key and sandpaper (well the sample) and you couldn't see a thing! The new floor looks amazing and the before/after pictures certainly don't do it justice. The pugs haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but I'm loving it and actually looking forward to cleaning it, as the pug hair and dust should come right off!





What 79 boxes of hardwood floor looks like.

Work in progress.

The finished living room. All of the furniture is sitting on carpet squares until we get felt furniture pads to go underneath everything to protect the floors.

And it seems that Monday is Isabel's day for trying new things. On Monday Eric came over to hang out while his car was getting tuned up and sat and played with Isabel while I packed up the office. He called me to come quick as he thought Isabel was going to roll over...back to stomach, and sure enough, she did! After she tired of being on her tummy she flipped herself onto her back. It was fun to watch and also means that we have to pay extra attention to her, should she decide to put these skills together to roll across the room. It is just amazing to me to see how quickly a baby develops and learns new skills. In addition to working on her rolling skills, Isabel has also become quite vocal and is experimenting with new sounds. Geoffrey and I try to imitate her sounds back to her, which always gets a grin. Even funnier is that she responded back to a recording of her voice with glee, when I was playing back a video I took of her "talking."

Isabel definitely takes after her Dad's love of flying. She makes the happiest noises while swooshing around the dad-plane.

CHEESE!

Bye Bye Grandma & Grandpa

Isabel here again. Mommy has to do some "real work" today, and Dad is working late, so I decided to take blogging over, to make sure that everyone can be updated on our wonderful week. I'm still not sure what this real work is, since I think I'm plenty of work by myself.

Grandma and Grandpa Schaeffer left for Aiken, SC this morning and I was sad to see them go, as I had such a great time with them the past two weeks. On Mommy's work days we always started the day with a walk, and some days I even got to go on two walks! Grandma taught me quite a few new songs, my favorite being "Boop Boop Diddum Daddum Waddum Woo." Mommy kept calling home to see how I was doing, and sometimes I got to say hi. I've been told that Dad will be watching me on Mommy's work days next week and that we'll be getting hardwood floors installed. I'm not so sure that hard floors are a good idea, as they sound pretty uncomfortable, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Mommy's first week back I thought that if I refused my bottle, Mommy might come home sooner. Well, my plan didn't work so well, and by this past Tuesday I realized that the bottle wasn't so bad, and was much better than not eating while Mommy was at work. This seemed to make everyone happy, especially Grandma and Grandpa, who didn't have to hear me get up 3 times at night :).

I'm continuing to work on my rolling skills, and more importantly, have avoided Mommy and her camera for the most part. Wednesday I wasn't quite fast enough and Mommy did manage to capture the second half of my rolling over on video.

Wednesday I went to Maggiano's with everyone. I hear a lot about this place and was hopeful that I might actually get to try some of the food. Mommy wanted to take some pictures, but nobody seemed interested in cooperating. She took some anyway :).

I actually spent most of dinner sleeping, but did wake up just in time for the entrees to be served.

When daddy moved me to his lap I thought for sure the plate was for me. But he didn't let me try any of the food, so I decided to go back to sleep.

Mommy forgot my diaper bag, which had a blanket it in, so she used an extra napking to help keep me warm while I slept.

Well, speaking of sleep, I think its time for me to take a nap, as Mommy just caught me and says I'm acting a bit cranky.

Roll Over...Roll Over

After spending 12 wonderful weeks at home with Isabel, I returned to work last Tuesday. I had been dreading this day for quite some time, but it wound up being easier than I thought it would. Not that it was easy, but after getting used to putting on my "work hat" I was able to focus on my job, and not fixate on the fact that I wasn't at home with Isabel. I even felt a little guilty at first, as I didn't have to worry about anyone but myself while I was at work...a very weird feeling after putting myself second for the past 3 months. Isabel was just as happy as could be when I got home, gave me some smiles and then went back to battling it out with her octopus friend. She is enjoying her time with her Grandma and Grandpa, except for that awful bottle, which she still isn't fond of. Here are some pictures from this past week.

Isabel really enjoys grabbing burp rags and playing with them...including cover up her eyes. She also has figured out she can use her legs to wack all of her sea creatures.

Although Isabel isn't old enough to safely sleep with her duck yet, she enjoys spending time with her during the day under the supervision of mommy and dad.

Isabel figured that if her turtle toy can fit his head into his shell, she might as well try it too.

Naked tummy time! Isabel had a little bit of diaper rash, so we let her enjoy some naked tummy time. She loved it and really started pushing up more than she had.

Isabel also has learned how to email, and surprised Mommy with the following email at work on Friday:

"hi mommy! dad and i are hafing a graet day tooday. i had tummy time and then got to play on my mat with my octipus and wale. i fell alseep after that with dad and he put in my swing, but i woke up and was board in about 5 minits. but then he picked me up again, yay! and i fell back to sleep. i stayed asleep till grandpa came down, and then he held me some. we played some more, and then grandma and grandpa took there walk. i played on my mat some more and then had brekfest about 9-15. i was really really really good and drank 2 ownses. then dad changed me and we watched my airplane mobile--it was realy fun and i laffed and smiled when dad made the airplanes zoom around real fast! then dad read me go dog go. i dont get it. then i played on my mat some more but wasnt real into it cause i was getting tired. so now i think i will go take a nap in my swaddle and crib. bye mommy, i luv you! see you this afternoon!"

We had a wonderful first Father's Day, though mommy was slacking and didn't take many pictures. We started the day with mass, followed by a trip to Dunkin Donuts. Later in the day we watched the US Open, combined with a BBQ and ice cream sundaes. Grandpa Schaeffer started teaching Isabel about golf and Tiger Woods. Maybe in a few years she'll get to give the sport a try when visiting Grandma and Grandpa.

And if you couldn't have guessed it from the Blog title...Isabel is now rolling over! This morning I was getting my cereal together when Grandma and Grandpa called me in. Isabel was on her belly for tummy time and really working her arms and legs. All of a sudden she put it together and flipped over. She did it a second time, and finally I decided to find my camera. Well by that time she had did it a third time and decided enough was enough. She rolled over a couple more times today, but by late afternoon she'd had enough. So a picture will have to wait for another day.

Well, tomorrow is a work day, so its time to go and get those icky bottles together. Hopefully Isabel will become more accustomed to them, otherwise Mommy is in for some long nights of making up for lost milk during daytime hours :).

Stay tuned for rolling over pictures!

Isabel and the 3 Bears

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there lived a little baby girl named Isabel. She spent her days taking walks, listening to music and playing fun games. The land of Vienna was sunny and bright, until one afternoon, the land grew dark and rain poured from the sky. Suddenly the lights went out...a very new experience for this little baby. Soon the house grew hot, so Isabel tried to pretend she was at the ocean, sunning herself.

That was fun, but didn't make her any cooler, so she tried to take a nap with the breeze of her swing.

That worked for a little bit, but the house continued to grow hotter. As night drew near and the house grew dark, the baby Isabel ventured to her Uncles Kevin and Eric's condo in search of a cool place to sleep.

Once she arrived, she thought that maybe sleeping in her carrier would work, but that bed was too small.

Next, she tried out Uncle Eric's bed, but it was just too big.

Finally, she happened upon a familiar sight, the bed she used to use in mommy and dad's room. This bed was just right :).

Ok, so no bears were actually involved, but hey...

DC had some crazy thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon that knocked out power across the region and made for some pretty nasty traffic. It made for a fun adventure for me and Isabel, as Geoffrey was out of town. We joined Anne, Jon and baby Jack for a grilled dinner and luckily Jon sent me home with a head lamp, that made gathering up things at the house quite easy, before heading to Eric and Kevin's. I'm not sure how their condo managed to keep power, but was very happy to hear they had power - and AC. Isabel doesn't seem to like the heat, and it would have been a not so pleasant night at home. Power is back and we'll all be sleeping well (and cool) tonight.

We have a busy weekend ahead, and should have lots to post next week.

Stay cool everyone!

June 10th is approaching fast...

June 10th is the day I go back to work. I woke up this past Tuesday and realized that two weeks from that day, I wouldn't be laying in bed at 8:30, getting ready to go and get Isabel. I would instead be at work. And although it made me a little sad, I think that returning to work with my part-time schedule will be good for me. I do miss the problem solving that I am constantly facing at work, and believe that part of my brain is craving some serious exercise. And I'm hopeful that the transition won't be too bad, as my wonderful parents are coming to visit for my first 2 weeks back to watch Isabel.

But enough of that...I still have 11 wonderful days left with our little baby and even after that I'll still get to spend most of my time with her :)

First, a picture that Grandma Buescher sent from her visit last week...

Dad is a pretty silly guy!

Geoffrey took last Friday off so we enjoyed a nice 4 day weekend together. Saturday evening I propped Isabel up in a chair while I prepared to swaddle her. She just looked too silly sitting there in the big chair that we had to snap a few pictures before continuing with the swaddle.

Mommy imitating Isabel

Uncles Kevin and Eric came over on Sunday afternoon for what seemed to be the most perfect day. We sat out on the sun porch and enjoyed the breeze and lack of humidity. Later on we fired up the grill and ended the evening around the fire pit with s'mores. Yummy. We decided that every Sunday should be grill day and hope to have a repeat this weekend. I really think that the Uncles just want to have an excuse to visit with their niece. It melts my heart to see them both with her, and to see them "fight" over who gets to hold and play with her.

And some things never change...like Geoffrey and Gizmo napping

Isabel continues to enjoy her activity mat and has really gotten the hang of the rings. She actively grabs and reaches for them, and is so delighted when she can swing it from side to side. It is so much fun to watch her smile and concentrate on those rings.

Since she enjoys the rings so much, I attached some to her swing. She had a ball with those and was extra excited when a few came loose...and straight to her mouth they went. I suppose that is better than her attempts at shoving her fist in her mouth. Hopefully in the next month or so that "darn thumb" will finally come free.







Here's hoping for another gorgeous spring weekend!

Where is Thumbkin?

Yes, I know, it has been a while. But hopefully the blogging will be picking up again, as Isabel is now fascinated with Ocean Wonders activity mat and loves staring at the purple octopus, mirror and grabbing on the rings. She is currently playing on the mat next to me and kicking her little feet and holding onto a ring attached to a turtle. We are also listening to some fun music...and although I don't plan on ever allowing a baby einstein DVD into my home, I must admit that baby Einstein has some great kid music. Anyways, before I start talking about how much I love children's music and get distracted by dancing away to "Do Your Ears Hang Low"...



So first, a little recap:



We celebrated Mother's Day the night before as Geoffrey had to leave for an out of town trip Mother's Day morning. Isabel and I had a fun week together but were both very happy when Dad returned 5 days later. During the week we went on a few walks and took lots of naps, as I didn't get near the sleep I was used to since my second half was missing :).



Isabel and I celebrated her 2 month birthday by heading to the pediatrician for her well baby appointment and first round of vaccines. Isabel was oh so excited to get 4 shots (2 in each leg) and the rotovirus vaccine in her mouth. She weighed in at 11 pounds 10 ounces and is 23 inches in length. She is a growing girl! No pictures of that, but I did get this shot of her "dancing" in her crib.

This past Saturday Isabel and I headed to Richmond for a girl's weekend, in honor of Carla and her upcoming wedding. We started the day at one of Mommy's favorite places from high school, Bottom's Up Pizza.

Next we headed to Carytown and All Fired Up to paint some pottery for Carla. Isabel did really well and I even did some painting with her in one arm.

A very exhausted Mommy and Isabel headed home Sunday morning. Grandma Buescher was up in DC attending a conference and spent the past 3 days with us. Unfortunately the pictures of her visit are on her camera, and will have to be posted at a later date.

And although Isabel still doesn't love tummy time, she is definitely getting better at it and gaining some good head control.

Monday Isabel really started getting into her activity mat. I set her down on the mat so I could finish icing Geoffrey's belated birthday cake and I turned around to see her holding onto a ring. Thank goodness I always keep a camera close by. She was as happy as could be just moving and staring at the little creatures hanging from above.

And finally, "Where is Thumbkin?" Isabel is still desparately searching for her thumb, and finally discovered it again this morning. She was quite pleased with herself and spent the rest of the day looking for the mysterious thumb.

We'll be sticking close to home for Memorial Day and hopefully will take a lot more pictures, and maybe even some outside if it ever decides to stop raining and warm up here!