Standing Up!

Dear Quinn,
You're getting so big! Your latest trick is standing up without support.  Your record is about 30 seconds before you lose your balance and fall on your butt.  I'm so proud of you!

You are learning so quickly, and are beginning to make connections between objects and words.  It's fascinating to watch your little wheels turning!  Whenever you discover the name of something you love to have it repeated over and over again.  You look back and forth from us to the object and then give this very sly knowing smile as if we are in on some kind of secret together.  I get the feeling that you understand far more than you let on.

You continue to get great reports from school.  You are no longer getting food from home - you eat school lunch every day.  Here's a note from your teacher: "Quinn eats like she has been getting table food her entire life - she's an eating champ!"  We are not surprised at all. 

You are down to taking only one nap at a designated time at daycare.  In an effort to get all the kids to sleep, they put you all in your cribs and turn off the lights.  You earned the nickname Mariah Carey  because you think this is your cue to begin your high-pitched singing. You only do it at nap time and the teachers think it's hilarious. 

You are getting so close to talking.  The other day as I picked you up from school, one of the teachers from the infant room walked in.  You became very animated and kept looking back and forth from me to her while making all kinds of excited sounds.  I was pretty sure you were trying to say, "Look mom, it's Miss Anna!  I want to go over and say hello!"  I brought you over to her and you immediately gave her a huge smile and one of your famous headbutt "hugs."  It was so sweet. 

You are such a pleasant little person.  You bring joy to everyone you meet - even strangers can't help but smile at you everywhere we go.  Every day we talk about how awesome you are and how lucky we are to be your parents.  We're excited to spend the long weekend with you!

I understand what's going on -I'm about to get food!

I love running around in my towel after bath time!

Listen to this story, Mommy!

Check out my Daddy's face in this picture - somebody's in love!

I'm allowed to watch the Phillies if I sit on Daddy's lap.  I get to man the remote!

Checkin' out the features on my fancy new car seat - thanks Mom Mom and Pop Daddy!

And thanks for clothes too, and taking me to lunch in the city!

Banging on my makeshift kitchen drums!

Transition

I made this at school!

Dear Quinn,

Last Thursday when I picked you up from school, the principal was waiting for me at the door.  She wanted to let me know that you weren't in your usual room that day.  Instead you were across the hall, spending some time in the "infant transition" room.  She explained that you will spend a few hours there every day until you are moved up permanently some time in the next couple of weeks.

I remember seeing this room when I was pregnant and your Daddy and I toured the daycare.  Unlike the calm environment of the infant room, this place was much more rough and tumble.  The "babies" were so big, and most were on the move. They eyed us curiously and crawled around our feet.  They climbed over one another and pulled themselves up on the furniture.  The prospect of you being one of them seemed so far away at the time, but now you are almost ready to join them.

I walked into the "big girl room" and introduced myself to the teachers. (By the way, I love saying, "I'm Quinn's Mom!")  You were busy playing, but gave me a big smile when you saw me.  I asked how you did and all the teachers said that you were wonderful.  "Most kids cry," they said.  But not you - you enjoyed watching the bigger kids and playing with all the new toys. 

We are so proud of you and how well you are doing at school.  Every day we hear about the excellent progress you're making there through the notes sent home by your teacher.  "Quinn holds up her bottle on her own."  "Quinn is doing a great job sitting up!"  "Please send in a sippy cup so that Quinn can practice."

On Friday your teacher asked if we wanted them to start feeding you "puffs" so that you could develop your fine motor skills.  I was incredulous when I told your Daddy about it.  "They suggested puffs!!  Can you believe that?" 

He could believe it.  He thinks you're ready.  You are lucky he is around to advocate for you, because sometimes my natural instinct is to resist all this change, and try to make you be my baby forever. 

That's when it occurred to me.  The reason your principal was waiting for me at the door.  The reason she spoke so gently while assuring me that they would ease you into your new routine slowly and gradually.  I couldn't help but think that this transition phase is probably much more necessary for me than it is for you.  

Here are some pictures of my big big girl: 

"Quinn's bin"
Apparently you won't let any of the other kids play with these toys at daycare.

Exhausted after a long day in the big girl room

I can finally get my feet in my mouth!

Playing with Rao in my sleep...

I'll try the carrots and cereal, but only if I can check it out first...

First Annual South Street Festival

Admiring a sculpture across from Three Bears Park

First time in a big girl swing! 

Whoa! I better hold on!

Long day of fun...needed a bath!

Party Girl

Dear Quinn,
You had a big weekend! Even though Friday was March 1st, you got a reprieve from sleeping in your nursery because you were so tired after a long week of daycare.  This is what you looked like when I came to pick you up:

Passed out in a bouncy seat

Notes for the record:

1. I unbuckled you before I took this photo.  Your teachers always use the straps.
2. That is not the outfit you were wearing in the morning. You had an "accident."

On Saturday we took you to Neumann University to go to your friend Roy's first birthday party. You had so much fun with all the kids!

 And the adults had fun too:

This was not your first party - I forgot to post the photos from your buddy Nathan's 3rd Birthday a couple weeks ago. Here you are meeting some of the other kids: Thomas, Henry, Evan, Nathan and Grace:

I love this picture of Daddy helping his old buddy from high school carry his new triplets to the car:

After the party your Daddy put together your jumperoo - you loved it!

The first thing you looked at when we put you in it was the book:

We also readied your nursery for your first night.  This involved moving all your stuff, like the humidifier and white noise machine.  I made you another mobile for your crib that is bigger than the one over the changing table.  Here is your Daddy climbing on your crib to hang it up:

Spiderman!

Well, Quinn - we both survived.  You slept in your crib until about 4:30 a.m., which is a pretty normal night for you.  The bassinet is still in our room for now, so after I fed you I brought you back in with us.  Here is a picture of you this morning, all smiles after your first night in your nursery:

Tonight you went to sleep in your crib at your normal bed time without any fuss.  It is nearly ten o'clock and you are still sound asleep.  I don't know why I bothered to read any books about "sleep training."  Like so many things - you made it easy Quinn.  Every day your Daddy and I feel like the luckiest parents in the world.  We are completely convinced that you are the most awesome baby on the planet.  

I can't wait to see what this new week will bring.  Goodnight, baby Quinn!  We love you so much!

Valentine's Day - Part 2

Dear Quinn,  

Happy first Valentine's day baby girl! 

Normally we don't make a big deal out out this holiday, but having you around makes everything worth celebrating.  We had so much fun taking pictures and sending Valentines to all the special people in your life.  

Here is the card you sent to family:

And here are the chocolate roses you gave to your teachers at school:

We also baked three different kinds of cookies from scratch for the rest of the people at your daycare:

Yes, we are kissing butt and vying for teacher's pet a little bit here,  but I am willing to do whatever it takes to win you some extra cuddles. 

(By the way,  the whole domestic goddess/supermom thing I'm going for is still a work in progress.

Not pictured: Me scraping burnt cookie bottoms off with a cheese grater; Daddy frantically trying to quiet the smoke alarm; pan that turned into one giant cookie; etc.)

Of course, you also got a little something for your true Valentine, your Daddy. 

This past weekend you met a bunch of his old high school buddies. They were all teasing him about which one of their sons would end up being your boyfriend.   He didn't think it was funny- at all.  He is insistent that you don't start dating until you turn 30 (we'll work on him later), but right now you are both happy with him being the only man in your life. 

You have always been Daddy's little girl.  Before you were born you would kick in reaction to his voice, and now your eyes follow him wherever he goes.  You calm right down whenever he holds you, and you always save the biggest smiles for him.

I don't blame you, Quinn - I love him too.  Sure, he is funny and handsome and smart - but he is also one of the kindest people I have ever met.  He is, by far, the most patient person on the planet.  I didn't think I could love him anymore than I already do, but my heart swells every single time I see you guys together.  He is such an amazing father.  We are so very lucky to share such a wonderful valentine.

This holiday is all about love, and this year we have more of a reason to celebrate than ever before.  Every day, our love for you grows exponentially. We love you so much, Quinn!  Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. - Everyone loved the pictures from your Valentine's Day Photo Shoot, but just for fun - here are some hilarious outtakes.  

When Does This Get Easier?

Dear Baby girl,
You are doing so well in school!  All the teachers are very impressed with how easily you are adjusting.  We are getting good reports about you smiling, napping and drinking all your bottles.  We are so proud, Quinn! 

It is still hard for your daddy and I, but we are hopeful that it will get better.  It is times like these that I look to your Mom Mom, Grammy, and some of my friends who have balanced work and motherhood.  I have more respect for them than ever before - because this is hard.  

I am lucky to have so many strong women to look up to - and I have to remember that part of the reason we are doing this is so you can have the same thing when you are older and ready to pursue a career of your own.   

I enjoy my job very much, but please believe that my whole office is covered in pictures of you and that I am out the door at 4:59 and running across the city as fast as I can to pick you up.  I feel like I can hardly breathe until I see your little face and can hold you in my arms. The smile you give me when I walk in the door is the best part of my day. 

It helps (a little) to know that you are learning and being stimulated.  We know this because you are totally exhausted.  Last night you came home, ate and then went to bed immediately afterwards - at 7 o'clock.  

I wish you would stay awake longer.  An hour a day is not enough time.  Last night your Daddy and I hung out with you and watched you sleep for awhile, but it just isn't the same.  I miss you so much, Quinn.    

I don't want to end this post on a sad note, so here is a video of me tickling your feet: 

And some photos: 

 Your friend Anna is going to be in your class very soon!

Quinn and Anna out on the town

Quinn and Benny!

 

Playing at school 

I love you, little one!

Daycare: Day One

Dear Baby,
Today was your very first day of "school."  I think that you were nervous, or could sense our anxiety, because you woke up at 5 am and never went back to sleep.  

We fed and dressed you, and by 7 o'clock we were on our way.  My sweet little Quinn, leaving you with strangers was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  For your part, there were no tears shed - but I cannot say the same for myself.  

I made your daddy late for work because he did not want to leave me crying on the street.  He was strong as usual, but just as upset to leave you there. We were very, very sad.

I missed you terribly all day long, but was proud of myself for only calling twice to check on you.

All the teachers said you did very well, especially for your first day. I am not surprised that you took it in stride. You are a very impressive little person. 

I can't believe we have to do it all over again tomorrow and the next day, and the day after that. The general consensus is that it gets easier and I certainly hope that is the case. 

This seems like it has been the longest day of my life.  Both of us are exhausted, which is why I am writing this post on my phone, in bed, at 8 o'clock.

Last night you screamed through the Superbowl, utterly refusing to go to sleep. Tonight you drifted off within moments of being placed in your bassinet, nearly an hour earlier than usual. 

I hope you sleep well in preparation for another big day tomorrow.  I'm sure I will knowing that you are right beside me where you belong. 

Goodnight, my love. 

 

A familiar face, my Seahorse!