Firsts!

I'll post a recap of the last few days in a bit. In the meantime, Laura did so many new things for the first time today!!

For starters, Laura went to the zoo for the first time. My dad was down for the day and we wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather. We packed Laura up and drove to the Maryland Zoo. The animals were all out in full force. Laura seemed to enjoy her stroll, although she was fairly unimpressed by the actual animals! When I asked her what the elephants say, she made the exact right sound. I was very impressed (and quickly realized she was hungry).

After the zoo, Granpy, Laura and I enjoyed the late afternoon sun on the porch. I started playing with Laura's cute little toes - and she started laughing! A real laugh! It was such a surprise to hear her sweet little laugh. I tried to get it on camera, but was not sucessful. Like her smiles, Laura is very stingy with her laughter. I hope we hear it again soon!

Later this evening, I gave Laura a bath. It was such a hot day, I thought it would be a relaxing way to end the day. Laura has always enjoyed her baths, but today was special. Today, she kicked her feet a little. The splash surprised her, but she kicked again. She kept splashing, getting this shocked look on her face, then smiling! She got the idea after a few kicks, and started kicking and splashing up a storm! No laughter, but she was all smiles! I had just as much fun splashing the water as she did.

What a special, fun day!

Two Months!

Laura is two months old today! I can hardly believe it's been 8 weeks since she was born. Time flies! It really does. So here's a brief recap of what we've been up to!

* Caitlin took (and passed!!) the big comprehensive exam for her master's degree on March 12

* Laura made some new friends at playgroup

* Laura went with mom into work - her first train ride!

* Riesling got her spring haircut and looks like a new dog

* We hung out all afternoon with Chris and Luke watching Day 2 of March Madness - Laura's first trip to the bar!

* Laura met Caitlin's best train friend, Jun, and his family

* Laura went to work again, and then over to GWU to meet mom's professors - her first metro ride!

On Thursday, Laura had her two month check-up. She is now 11 pounds 2 ounces, and 22 3/8 inches long. She has grown a lot and is perfectly healthy. She didn't care very much for the vaccines she recieved, but who does?

Where is Laura?

Up, Up, and Away!

Laura has had quite the adventure over the last few days. She flew to Massachusetts! We pakced our bags, gave Daddy some good-bye hugs and kisses, and hopped on a plane. Flying with a five-week-old wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Everyone was extremely helpful, and she slept the whole flight!

When we got to Massachusetts, we had a big agenda filled with lots of friends and family to meet. Most importantly, Laura got to meet her Great-Grandmother! Not too many kids can boast a great-grammy. I had two growing up, and now Laura does too! She's a very lucky little girl.I had lots of fun showing Laura off to so many relatives and friends in the area. She rolled with it, and was held by many admirers. We missed Daddy and Riesling, so we finally packed up again and flew home. I was very glad to get home, but so happy to have had such a great first trip!

One Month & More Visitors!!

Can you believe it's been a month? I can't... Four weeks ago, I was sitting at home wondering when this baby would arrive. A few hours later, I was in the hospital looking at my 7lb, 12 oz bundle of perfection. Four weeks later, I still stare in wonder - but at a 10lb bundle of cute!

Laura got to meet more friends this weekend, too! Saturday afternoon, Chad & Amy came over with their 18 month old, Owen. He was hilarious - and a good reminder that we still need to baby-proof the house! We weren't planning on any evening visitors, but Laura's fiance, Jackson, dropped by with his parents that evening. Jackson is full of smiles and so cute!

And while there aren't any pictures, my dear friend Guzel came up to meet Laura this afternoon. It was so nice for Mommy to one of her dearest friends... and Daddy is a big fan of the cinnamon buns she brought! Grandpa Mike stopped by for a quick visit too.

It was a busy weekend, but so much fun. We are very lucky to have so many friends!

Visitors!

We had more visitors this weekend!

Laura got to meet her Aunt Liz and soon-to-be-Uncle Vin on Saturday. She loved them both, regardless of what her facial expressions might be!
On Sunday, Laura got to meet her mom's friend, Becca, in the afternoon. Becca brought very yummy dinner - food is always appreciated!!

Matchmaker

This year for Valentine's Day, we introduced Laura to her fiance, Jackson.It's a match made in heaven, for sure!

We also, sadly, said "goodbye" to Grammy, who had to head back north. We were so lucky to have her around for the first two weeks!! We hope to see her again soon!

Happy Two Weeks!

Two weeks! How can Laura already be two weeks old?! She already seems so much more grown up than she was a mere two weeks ago. For instance:

Laura can hold her head up!

She has a real belly button! (an innie, thank goodness!)

She is crying real tears! (pathetically cute for the moment)

She is looking around!

She's been getting bored! (but is, alas, still too little to shake any toys)

I am torn between wanting her to stay so little, and excited to see what her personality will be. So far we have had a very serious baby on our hands. Alertly & suspiciously, Laura tries to figure out the world around her. "What on earth is that huge furry thing that keeps sniffing my head?" seems to be a common question in her big, dark eyes.

Snow Fairy

It has snowed no less than three times since Laura's birth. And more snow is headed our way! We have a little snow fairy on our hands!!

We had the good fortune to be snowed in with my parents, older brother and younger sister this weekend. Dad and Parke were a huge help in shoveling us out! The pile they made just inside the fence is high enough that Riesling has an easy way out of the yard. We'll be supervising her time outside for a while now!

The Best Weekend Ever!

Laura Rose was born at 8:08 Friday night after a long delivery. She was 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and 20 1/4 inches long. With a TON of hair! I hope to post some pictures soon. You may notice that this blog becomes more of a Laura brag book than anything else! We love her so much!