Show and Tell with the Takalas: October 2013

It's hard to believe that two months have flown by since our little Ashlynn came to join us! This month has had it's ups and downs for sure, but overall, things just keep getting better. Our girl is so sweet and beautiful. At times she can be a bit high maintenance, but I'd still say she is an easy baby. One thing is for sure...she is a Mama's girl! It's sweet and difficult at the same time. It will only last a short time, though, so I'm soaking it all up while I can! Right around four to five weeks, Ashlynn got super fussy for a few days. We aren't sure if it was tummy related or what, but we're over it now. It was fairly short lived and during that time we discovered pure magic in a bottle. It's called gripe water. I had heard of it with Emily, but we never used it. Ashlynn loves it, though. When she is fussy it is an instant calmer. We've used it quite a bit this month! Our days are looking pretty similar. She usually goes to bed around 10:30 or 11:00 and gets up around 4:30 or 5:00 to eat, then I put her back down for a couple hours while I get ready and get Emily up and ready. She eats again around 8:00 and then catnaps off and on throughout the day. No real schedule yet, although I'm ready for one! On Tuesdays and Thursdays we take Emily to school and run errands. On MWF, we usually find something to do, whether it is visiting family or going on playdates. Soon we will be starting back up with Jazzercise, so we'll be pretty scheduled throughout the week. Saturday will be our only (much needed) "off day."

A few firsts:

Smiling: Ashlynn started smiling consistently right around six weeks. It's just about the most precious thing ever! (9/19)
Cooing: The cooing came right along with the talking. One of our favorite things to do is for Ashlynn to lay in my lap, propped up with the Boppy and we just talk and smile at each other. (9/19)
First bottle: Ashlynn finally got a bottle from her daddy this month! She did great with it as well as the few bottles she has had since then.

We went to the doctor and Ashlynn is finally putting on some good weight! She is 10 lbs, 5 oz (20th percentile,) 23.6 inches (90th percentile,) and her head is15.47 inches (70th percentile.) She's up almost two pounds in three weeks, which is wonderful! She's still a skinny one, but her legs are getting a bit chunky!

Ashy Kate,
I never thought there would be another girl as sweet as your sister until I met you! You are precious as can be and I LOVE being your mommy! We are all smitten with you...especially Emily! She can't wait for you to get bigger so she can play with you! You are our precious angel baby and we love you more than life!