Strawberry Picking

With Instagram being all the rave these days, I always forget that I should post on here more than just Nettie's monthly updates. Oops!

We went to Bellevue Berry Farm today with a few of our favorite gals. It was a first for both Nettie and I, and we had a blast. The strawberries were pretty picked over, but the weather was great and the fellowship was just what we needed!

Nettie was very quick to test out the goods. I looked down for a second, only to hear a curious little babe chomping away. She had snatched up a strawberry and stuffed the whole thing in her mouth! She was so pleased with herself. Plus, her strawberry-stained lips were just too cute. 

Photo bombed by a chubby baby hand and foot. Best kind of photo bomb. 

We love Aunt Brig!

Little pals. 

Proof of a fun day!

Nettie Jean: 10 Months

This gal is just a hoot. She does so many hilarious/adorable things every single day.
 "I just can't take it" or "She's just too much" are some of the comments Seth and I find ourselves making over and over.

We spend a lot of our days together with our faces super close, making silly noises or faces. She loves interaction and my undivided attention. Sometimes I just can't handle it. She loves letting us use her paci or blankie. She's learning to share! She's really good at showing me what she wants by motioning to things/places or making noises. Lately, she has been motioning to her crib when she's tired, and she get so pleased when I plop her in with her paci and blankie. Her go-to words right now are 'go' and 'car.'

She has THE best fake laugh. (One day I finally got my phone out and coaxed it out of her. It's a shame I never catch the best stuff on camera.)

She loves to blow kisses.

She loves to shake her booty to music, or just on command.

(I mean.)

She has 8 teeth (Seth says he sees 9). She is starting to prefer our food over her smooshed up food, and loves to feed herself.

She has taken 4 steps at a time, but still no official walking. She is such a tease!

(Delicious bedhead is a perk of her ever-growing, luscious locks.)

We have entered the clingy phase. It was only bad when she was sick, otherwise she's learning to be content with someone else when I'm around.

She loves making noises, imitating sounds/faces, shaking toys/things. (One day she figured how to do this all on her own. It amazes me how observant and quick-to-learn little babes are.)

She loves people watching and waving to anyone and everyone. Whenever anyone enters or leaves our house, she is quick to give them a wave and a 'hiiiiiii.'

(Chatting on the phone is a regular activity of choice.)

She is very flexible. She just loves doing whatever I'm doing or going wherever I'm going. She is just so content being with people. Her absolute favorite is when it's the 3 of us (daddy, mama and Nettie). That's when she's her happiest.

(Her little Winnie the Pooh band-aid from giving blood- tough girl didn't even make a peep. She was so intrigued and kept trying to eat it.)
We had our debut at the ER this month. We had a little scare with a high fever and convulsions. It ended up not being anything serious, and she's back to her normal self, but it sure was exhausting!

(We got lots of snuggles when she was sick.)

My two favorite things this month:

Watching Nettie interact with other babies melts my heart. She has developed a soft spot for one of her dear friends, Emma Jelinek. She gets so excited whenever she sees her- she scurries over to her side and 'gently' (she's still learning on what gentle means) touches her. She gets dramatically bent out of shape whenever she hears Emma crying. It's like she has Emma's cry engraved in her mind like a mama with her babe. She won't calm down until she sees that Emma is okay. It is the sweetest thing to see the two of them interact and love on each other. Seriously cannot wait to see Nettie with siblings. She is going to rock the big-sister gig.

This month has been my very first time in all of my marriage and motherhood that I haven't had to work outside of the home and/or be in school. And, let me tell you, it is the bees knees. I'm still pretty nervous about this whole stay-at-home-mama thing. When I had school and work I would always have an 'excuse' if something was neglected or messed up. It would always be because I had a busy or stressful day trying to fit in school, work, God, the home, the husband, the child, family, friends, myself, and all the extra stuff that always gets piled up. I was still so new at most of it, and it was way too much to be able to do it all well. That was sort of was a relief to me, because then the expectations were lower and it was harder for me to 'fail.' But now I have no 'excuse' when I procrastinate or waste hours of my day. I know this pressure is something us women put upon ourselves, and it's totally unrealistic- it's definitely our sneaky sinful nature poisoning our way of thinking. My hope is that I can let go of the fear of failing and simply enjoy each precious moment at home. Because I am doing what I was created to do, and I absolute love every second of it.

Nettie Jean: 9 Months

Nettie was 9 months a couple weeks ago. This month has been full of lots of new fun things.

9 Month Stats:
20 lbs.
29 inches long

Her little nose just kills me.

She can stand unsupported for short periods of time, and has taken a few single steps. We're waiting for the day she realizes that walking is so much faster than crawling!

She always wants a taste or sip of whatever I'm eating or drinking. I feel bad when it's something she can't have because she gets so curious and excited. 

She's already a chips and guac kinda gal. My kinda gal.

She is definitely saying 'mama' now! She also can say 'hi' or 'bye'. (Both are made in a very innocent, soft, high voice, accompanied by a wave. Can't get enough.) She makes lots of other noises, including 'dada', but we're not sure if that is intentional yet.

Way too much going on to sit up front apparently.

She has the cutest fake smile and fake laugh. We love going back and forth, to see who can get the loudest.

She has three teeth on bottom, and two just poking through on top.

We love the after-nap plump, rosy cheeks. Perfect for lots of smooches.

If one of her bamboo swaddle blankets are in reach, she loves to dive at it, snuggle up and 'rest' for a couple seconds. 

She has started snuggling again! She will randomly lean her head against me. She also loves to crawl up in my lap and 'hug' me. My heart melts every time.

Loves looking under the couch for lost toys.

She loves putting her toys in things, and then dumping them out. She also loves throwing her toys. She can spot our phones, the clicker, computer or iPad (basically anything that is ours and she can't have), and will make a beeline immediately. She won't stop until she gets a hold of whatever she is after.

Loves to put her fingers in her mouth and play with her teeth.

First golf outing with daddy. They were both in heaven.

A couple words I would use to describe her personality thus far: determined, rebellious, independent, sneaky, mischievous, aware. 

Very similar to her father and grandfathers. She is already doing things for the attention or just to get a reaction out of someone.

She loves doing 'so big'. We will say, "How big is Nettie?" and she will raise her arms above her head.

Something about being outside just makes babies so happy.

She loves following us around the house. She gets a little frustrated when she's finally made it into whatever room we're in, only to watch us walk right out. But we sure do love hearing her little patter-patter and then seeing her appear around the corner.

She loves giving kisses!!! She even started kissing herself in the mirror.

She is starting to imitate some of what we do or say. Her bath toys are those little animals that squirt water. She has always watched us stick them under the water to fill them up. Now she loves to stick the turtle under the water, then stick the head in her mouth and suck away. It's pretty gross because she actually drinks the bath water! But it is just so dang cute.

She loves to clap, sing and dance.

My two little morning birds, busy yawning.

We dedicated her on Mother's Day, and it was such a great reminder that how we raise her greatly influences her view of God. Every time we discipline her, we are teaching her how God loves and corrects her. Our role as her parents is to create an environment that is conducive for God, and to plant the soil for God to grow in her.
We want Nettie to see that we delight in God and that He is our peace. We want her to see that our life with God is real, and in the worst moments we want her to see that we believe that. We want her to know God's compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, and that He celebrates and delights in her. We want her to find the picture we paint of God so irresistible that it is exactly what she wants. We want to create a positive home where we mostly celebrate and occasionally correct.

 We know this will cost us a lot.
We know that we are putting a good part of our life on hold.
We know it will take a lot of time and energy.
We know it's exactly what we want to be doing.

Nettie Jean: 8 Months

Seth and I have thoroughly enjoyed every stage with Nettie. We fall in love with our little gal all over again every day, relishing in all the memories we have already created, and ecstatic for what each new day brings. She changes so quickly and learns something new every day, but we honestly wouldn't want it any other way. This month has been jammed packed with so many new things, hence a VERY lengthy post. We just don't want to forget a single quirk, noise, face or development of hers!

-Very observant. Nothing gets past her. Random, everyday things that we don't even pay attention to really intrigue her. And I absolutely love that about her. It is so grounding to enjoy the world through her curious little eyes. Plus, she is an avid people watcher- much like both her father and mother. So that's pretty neat too.

-Definitely a morning person. No question about it. Which is actually perfect for me because I am not. So it makes mornings more enjoyable since she is such a delight. Plus, I would much rather have her be more energetic in the morning than at night. If she get's a little cranky later on at night, I can just put her to bed, unlike in the morning when our day has just begun.

(Typical morning-hanging out at the toy chest, 'saying hi' to mama) 

(She plays hard and then crashes)

 

-She seems to wake up every morning with more energy than the day before. If this trend continues, I am going to be one exhausted mama! The days where she only takes one nap the entire day can get pretty trying. But she is very content just hanging out and playing for long periods of time, as long as she can see someone when she pauses to look up (especially if it's Seth or I). She has started to cry if she's playing and looks up and doesn't see anyone around. 

 (I just never want to forget every single facial expression!)

She can wave 'goodbye' if I say 'bye bye.' This all started when I designated her sock monkey as her 'changing table toy.' Months ago when she started getting wiggly during changes, I came up with that solution. And it works wonders! She just lays there jabbering away to the monkey while I get all her business taken care of. Of course, her favorite part of 'monkey' is the tag (just like any other toy). So when we are done changing, I pick her up, set 'monkey' back down on the changing table, say 'bye bye, monkey' and we wave. At first I would move her arm for her, but one day I accidentally forgot to do and she started waving! Ever since, she waves on her own when I say 'bye bye monkey', and she sometimes waves at friends or family when they leave our home.

She loves to sing, especially when she hears me singing at church during worship.

-She loves to be outside. She gets so serious as she takes in all the different sounds, textures and shapes.

-Pretty sure we are going to have a walker in the next couple of months. She can walk along the couch or if she's holding onto something/someone. She can also stand all by herself for short periods.

-One of her new favorite activities is emptying out my purse or the diaper bag. Pretty sure she has perfected it so that either are completely empty in under a minute. It's quite hilarious to watch all that focus and determination in such a tiny little person. 

-She's really been into grabbing things lately. She'll grab our legs, pull herself up and 'hug' us. Simply adorable. Or she'll pull at something (her favorite is the hair on Seth's legs, ha!), and then open up her hands, looking at them to see if there's anything in them. Those tiny little hands, and the curious look on her face just melt me.

(She LOVES Grammy)

-She can give 'kisses' if I put my lips right up to hers, make a kissing noise and say, "Can I have a kiss?" She's not always consistent with this (much too busy playing), but when she does, I savor each big, wet kisses.

-Grandpa Randy taught her how to fake cough. Quite amusing to watch. She gets so much satisfaction every time she learns a new noise. Plus, all that attention is just wonderful, right? ;)

-She can squirm her way out of the bumbo. Apparently when you're more mobile, being confined is not cool.

(These two.)

(I could watch these two all day, e'r day)

-Loves snuggling in bed with us, especially when Seth tosses her on the pillows.

-Trying lots of new foods. Her current favorites are peas and guacamole. She especially loves anything off of our plates. 

-We still think she's left-handed like her mama. I know it can change numerous times before it's final, but it has definitely been her dominant hand for months now.

-She LOVES cause and effect when she's playing. It's so fun to watching her explore this.

-Even though she's not really talking, I still know what she's 'saying' with her body language, sounds and facial expressions. She gets so happy when I acknowledge that I know what she's trying to communicate.

-Grammy Barb taught her how to say 'ba' (ball). She loves to experiment with sounds. I think she picks up a new noise every day.

-She flaps her arms like crazy when she's super excited. So cute.

-She is SO social-just like Seth. She absolutely LOVES playing with other babies and watching kids. So all you moms, we would love love love having a play date with you and your babes. Seriously, come on over! Not only would Nettie love it, but I would also be overjoyed. I cherish any time I get with the gals, and I definitely don't get enough!

Nettie Jean: 7 Months

Nettie turned 7 months over 2 weeks ago, but we've been busy over here.

7 month happenings:

-She laughs. all. the. time. She is so ticklish, and that little giggle is the best. Oh, and she now has a fake laugh. If she sees us laughing, she can make herself laugh. Adorable. And don't get me started on her smile. She grins from ear-to-ear all the time, showing off her two little teeth. And we love her favorite face: sucking her bottom lip. She does it constantly, and it is the best thing ever.

-She loves giving high-fives.

-She REALLY wants to walk. She can pull herself up, and get back down. She is constantly trying to stand on her own and take steps. She loves walking around our ottoman or along the couch. That's her little hangout area. It's like she can do it in her mind, but forgets that her little body isn't ready yet. Soon, little babe! She has even started reaching out to us, like she's saying 'hi', or that she wants us to pick her up and take her somewhere. It's fun figuring out what she wants based off of body language.

-We finally gave in and lowered her mattress. Took her about 6 seconds to stand up, but at least we know she's not getting out anytime soon.

-Nap time is going a little smoother than last month. She is learning to lay still while she falls asleep. Sometimes she will accidentally toss her paci out of the crib, and I'll find her calmly laying on her tummy, with her face smooshed up against the crib, peering out in longing for the paci on the ground. so. cute. Also, she has officially mastered the best baby sleeping position ever: on her tummy with her little bum in the air. Seth and I sneak into her room so many times every night, we can't get enough. It's gotta be one of the cutest things a baby does.

(caught her making raspberries)

 -She is constantly making noise. Making raspberries. Talking to herself. Squeals of delight. Even louder squeals to get our attention. Little murmurs while she tries so hard to tell us something. Sometimes she'll even surprise us with a noise that sounds like something we would make. Cannot wait for her to talk!

-She is really good at independent play-time. She gets really into it and has little conversations with herself. Her new thing is picking up a toy and tossing it. Seth and Nettie have a favorite activity where Seth sets up towers of blocks and Nettie crawls around knocking them down. She is so eager and exploratory, and quite the observer- she notices everything. I think this is why she enjoys entertaining herself for so long.

-She definitely recognizes 'no touch' and 'be still.' She obeys them most of the time, but sometimes she will test me. We have had a couple battles of the wills when it comes to nap time and being still. She can get a little rebellious and feisty at times.

-She got her first ear infection this month. It was awful seeing my daughter writhe in pain. Once we figured out what it was, I decided it was time to boost her immunity. My mom suggested Flax seed Oil (she gave it to us daily growing up). If you have ever tried it, you know it does not have a pleasant taste. It is very hard to disguise, in fact. But to our shock, Nettie LOVES it, plain, by the spoonful! So strange, but I can already tell it's helping. So a spoonful a day it is!

-We are currently looking for more educational toys for her growing little body and brain. We have our eye on a couple walkers and little drums, but would love any suggestions on interactive toys that stimulate those creative juices!

-I say it over and over, but she truly is such a joy to have around. She is non-stop with quite the high-energy levels, but I couldn't imagine life any other way. We are thrilled to see the spunky little gal she is growing up to be.

 

Nettie Jean: 6 Months

I thought every month before this was awesome, but 6 months is the bee's knees. This little gal is simply a blast. She's becoming more of a little girl and less of a baby, and we love it!

Things she's been up to:

-Crawling! Like the legit hands and knees crawling...with some army crawls thrown in here and there. And lots of standing! She literally cannot stay still or be silent. She has even started 'dancing' in her high chair when we play music.

-She loves to get into anything and everything. She always wants to be involved with what's going on.

-Lost of new noises. I swear she says 'mama'! (She even says it when I know she wants me, or when she's looking at me) And that 'farting' noise is my absolute fave. (Once again, please excuse the embarrassing commentary. Having a child really brings all the weirdness out.)

-She is starting to throw little tantrums, with the best little pouty lip. They are both hilarious and dramatic. We're are working on finding a method to address these.

-She is in love with Seth. She absolutely adores him and everything he does. She is enamored with his every move the minute he gets home from work. Their favorite activity is running around the house on his shoulders. 

-She is starting to purposely drop her toys. She will hold something to the side, look up at us and then casually drop her toy. So 'sneaky.'

-Loves being outside or looking outside. Looking forward to spring and lots of trips to the park!

-She has started preferring certain people at certain times. Mostly it's me, Seth or my mom. She lights up when she sees us, and even raises her arms or leans towards us to hold her. It makes my heart smile. 

-I often catch her making facial expressions exactly like some of Seth's. It's crazy how similar they are.

-She is still very social. Loves watching/playing with other babies/toddlers. 

-She is a very aware little gal. Most of the time I feel like I'm hanging out with a little kid. She is always watching, studying, trying to imitate, making facial expressions, etc.

-She is ticklish! I have been waiting for this day since she was born, and it is so fun to squeeze those thighs and get a giddy little response. 

-Still a great eater. We are introducing vegetables this week. She loves drinking water from her sippy cup as well as from our glasses.

-Still a good sleeper. We had a little rough patch when she first started crawling. Instead of sleeping, we would find her crawling around her crib giggling away. Super cute, but super naughty!

-Starting to learn what 'no touch' and 'stay' mean. Not necessarily following them, but we can tell she's getting the hang of what they mean. Changing clothes and diapers is becoming a bit more of a task. She is always wanting to roll over and play. 

-Still only 2 teeth on the bottom, but we think she's working on the next 2.

-I am learning more and more that while Nettie develops, so do Seth and I. I am learning how much I need and desire real, uplifting Christian friendships. I am learning how discouraging and unfulfilling it is to be in friendships with people stuck at surface-level or people who like to appear to 'have it all together.' I am learning the beauty of being vulnerable and imperfect, and how God can use me through that. I am learning how destructive it is to compare my life to others'. I am learning to take advantage of every second of my day, because this is it. My life has started and I only get one shot. I am learning to focus on aligning MY heart with God, instead of how my husband 'should' align his. And let me tell you, I LOVE learning. I really REALLY do.

6 month stats:
17.8 lbs.
27 1/2 inches long

-