Catching Up

Annelise has been in Kindermusik since she was about 9 months old.  We have both loved taking the classes.  During the summer break, Drew and I debated about whether or not we should re-enroll her in Kindermusik, or if we should sign her up for another class that is a little more physical.  We ultimately decided to sign her up for a gymnastics class.  We started that earlier this month.  She has absolutely loved it!

I have been the one in the class with her, although Drew and Harrison have come and sat outside in the viewing area.  At this point, I think that Annelise just thinks it's one big playground, and I usually have a very difficult time getting her to listen and focus on what she's supposed to be doing.  I'm hoping that after a few more classes, that she'll relax a little bit and start working on some of the skills that they are trying to teach.

If I'm being honest, I miss Kindermusik classes.  The instructor has started doing a First Friday Playdate and I think that I'm going to take Annelise to those.

Annelise has developed the habit of climbing out of her crib.  At first, I thought it was just a fluke and I tried explaining to her that we don't climb on the furniture, or out of the crib, and it seemed to work.  For about a day.  After a couple days of her climbing out of her crib, I realized that it was now a habit and there was no going back.  We even tried dropping the mattress all the way to the floor and that didn't deter her much.  So, this happened:

Yep, the toddler bed.  She usually goes to bed around 10 PM and will get up between 7:30-8:00 AM.  The first night in her toddler bed, she didn't go to bed until midnight and she was up at 5:45 AM!  Needless to say, the transition has been a little rough.  She's been up around 6:00 AM since we set it up.  We bought a gate to go in her doorway to try and contain her a little bit, although she has already scaled that once.  Toddlers, nothing but trouble I tell ya!  This morning I did manage to convince her to go back to bed for a little bit and she slept for about an hour longer.

Harrison has been growing like a weed!  I've transitioned him to 6 month clothing and I put him in size 3 diapers yesterday.  I stepped on the scale with him and he's about 14 pounds!  Have I mentioned that he's not even 3 months old yet?  He's a tank!

We all went to the Madison zoo on Thursday.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day and there were hardly any people there.  Perfection!

Both of the kids were so good.  Annelise walked the whole time since Harrison rode in the stroller.  She loved being able to see the animals and roam around.  With the exception of a small battle in the parking lot to hold our hands, she listened very well.  It's so fun to take her places when she's happy and well behaved.  I love to watch her as she grows and learns things.

Drew started a new job at O'Hare earlier this month.  He commutes with a few other guys that work the same shift as him.  He really seems to enjoy the new job more than his last one.  I'm happy that he's happier at work.

I've been second shooting weddings and I absolutely love it.  It gives me an opportunity to get out of the house and "work" some.  It doesn't really feel like work though.  I really enjoy shooting and I enjoy working with Kristen.  October is going to be such a busy month and it will probably fly by.

Two Months - Harrison

Dear Harrison,

It feels like you should be so much older than two months.  I can't remember what it was like before you were here.  Well, I do remember that it was a little quieter, and I had a little more free time.  But, both are changes that come with a new baby and you are so worth it.

Sleep is still going very well.  I'm so thankful that you sleep as well as you do.  I almost hate to talk about it because I don't want to jinx it.  You can put yourself to sleep often, and that makes me very proud.  Basically, you sleep all night.  Some nights are harder than others to get you down, depending on how overstimulated you are.  Once you're asleep, you usually sleep until at least 5 AM.  Most of time, you sleep even later.  Typically, you will fall back asleep after eating and sleep for a couple more hours.  Honestly, you really do sleep all morning, with a little awake time if I really force it on you.  However, once you wake up in the afternoon, you're generally up until it's time for you to go to bed.  This needs to be fixed.  You get so cranky at night from both overstimulation and exhaustion.  Buddy, just take a late afternoon/early evening nap and we'll all be happier!

You started smiling this month.  I had forgotten just how absolutely thrilling it is for a newborn to smile.  I feel like you love me so much when you give me that huge, gummy grin.  You've even started to coo a little bit as you smile.  It's small and quiet, but you'll say "Ahh" and I just melt.

Mommy went back to "work" this month and you've stayed with Daddy all day.  I miss you so much while I'm gone, but I know that you're in great hands, and that it's good for both of us for me to get away a little bit.  I was fully expecting you to nurse like crazy when I got home, but you didn't seem to miss it that much.

Daddy got the Bumbo out yesterday and put you in it for the first time.  You really seem to like to be able to sit up and see everything.  You smile and look all around.  After a little bit, you start to slump some and I know that you're over it and we need to switch to a different position.  I can't believe how strong you are already.  You hate tummy time, of course, but we need to work on it more so that you can work on rolling.

Annelise still adores you.  One day, she decided that she would pick you up out of your swing and put you on the couch.  Daddy discovered you both.  I was a little terrified when he told me.  I'm so thankful that she didn't drop you, and now we're watching her even closer.  I never thought that she would actually pick you up.  You are starting to watch her even more and you have a look of contentment on your face.  However, you save all the smiles for me.  I won't be selfish, you can give your sister some too!

You weigh 12 pounds 15.5 ounces (73rd percentile) and 23.5 inches long (65th percentile).  You are in a size one diaper, and 0-3 month clothing.  You are 1 pound 13 ounces and 2 inches bigger than your sister was at her 2 month appointment.

Harrison, I knew that I was going to love you, but I never imagined that it would be this much.  It's amazing how much my heart just swells with love when I see you.  Watching you grow and get bigger and reach new milestones is so bittersweet.  With your sister, I was so anxious to have her grow up and do new things.  With you, I know how fast it goes and I want it to slow down.  It's so crazy how different things are, but different in such a good way.

Love always,
Mommy