I can't believe this year was my first Mother's Day. It felt very surreal.  I couldn't be more grateful to God for entrusting me with this little spirit. She gives me purpose and makes me want to be the best version of myself. 

 
We tried rice cereal a few days ago. Chloe was not impressed. She was good at opening her mouth and trying it but she would make these faces like she was disgusted and then get the shivers after she swallowed. I mashed some bananas in but that still didn't help. By a few more bites she was pushing it away. We ended up just letting her play with the food and explore. At least it was entertaining for us and she had fun.

I think we will take a break for a week and try again but next time try avocado and banana. I want to try making her homemade baby food so we will see how that goes. 

We have been SO happy to see a week of sun here in Seattle. On Friday we went to the Sammamish slew and had a picnic. Chloe loved to look at the ducks. Those dumb things get so close to you I thought one was going to eat my leg. Saturday we went to the lake with my aunt and uncle (they are our age) for lunch and ice cream after and then went to our pool. Sunday we went to church, went for a long walk and had Devin's family over for a Mexican dinner for Cinco De Mayo.

 I got this thing for her for Easter and she can't figure it out yet.

 She loves to chew on water bottles and glass cups like crazy.

My friend Ali asked Devin and I to take some maternity photos of her. She is 41 weeks pregnant and going to be induced TOMORROW! She has been working as a nurse all the way up until today! Not to mention, Ali was one of my nurses when I had Chloe. She took SUCH good care of me. I feel like I can never repay her for all that she did for us.

We are definitely not professional but it is fun to get creative together. 

5 months

• Now rolling! We find her in bed sometimes asleep on her tummy and it scares me to death. 
• Loves grabbing her feet
• When I hold her she always reaches for my hair and slides it through her fingers
• Her love for reading is insane. She wants me to read at least 5 books to her at a time multiple times a day. She gets super excited and really into the pages.
• Lately she has been wanting me to hold her a lot and take her around the house while I clean. She loves to explore and touch everything.
• Loves to chew/suck on her wash cloth in the tub
• Sleeping from 8pm-6:30am

Most moms get excited to start feeding their baby solids. I on the other hand am dreading it next month, as it is one step closer to her getting older and needing me less. I am a total over the top first time mom with everything. I blame my over attachement on it all the time...and you know what, I don't care! The days are long but the months are short. She is the very best thing to happen to Dev and I. We love you Chloe Mila!

This weekend my dad took us to the Tulip Festival. It's about 45 min. from our house in a small town with fields of all colors of tulips.We got some ice cream and shopped at the local produce store. We stopped and walked around the fields and took some photos. Chloe got bored fast so I rushed back to the car to feed her while Dev finished taking photos. We looked around the town some more and bought some bouquets to take home.
The tulip festival and all the flowers that bloom is about the only thing I like about Spring in Seattle! I have photos of me as a baby at the Tulip Festival and I'm glad I got to take Chloe this year.

We had the BEST Easter this year.
My mom and sister came into town to spend 5 days with us.
We woke up to the sunniest day.
Devin's brother spoke in church.
We went out to our favorite spot in Bothell and took some Easter photos.
I made my first ham and hosted a dinner for my mom, dad, 2 sisters, and uncle and aunt.
We went for a long walk and enjoyed the summer day.

I am so grateful for a Savior that allows my family to be together forever.

I love weekends when I feel like we used every bit of it having fun together. On Friday night we headed over to our friends David and Ali's house for dinner. She is the best cook and I can't wait for her baby to come next month. 

Saturday I woke up and went to the gym for a run.

 The sun came out for once so we headed to the Kirkland waterfront for some ice cream and a walk.

Later we made some delish grilled bacon pesto Parmesan sandwiches and went for a walk around our neighborhood. Devin moby wrapped the babe and we picked up a movie while we were out.

 Today we went to church. The sun game out again so we went for another walk to our apartment pool. Chloe slept in her stroller and we soaked our feet in the hot tub and chatted.

I love fun weekends when the sun actually comes out in Seattle!

4 months

LOVES to hear herself squeal at the top of her lungs all day long

Wakes up every morning with a huge gummy smile

Still loves baths, reading, and car rides 

Starting to giggle

Loves to sit on Dev's lap and watch him eat dinner

Still letting me torture her with bows, hats, and bracelets

I wish time would stand still. Our little squealer brings such a sweet spirit into our home.

 

Chloe loves to read with us. I read to her every day. Lately she has been trying to help turn pages. At first I thought it was just a one time thing but she has been doing it for a few weeks now. I love it!!

currently

watching: Rachel Zoe Project. I love her. Occasionally I also am watching The Walking Dead because Devin is obsessed thanks to my family getting him to like it.

thinking about: Buying a new car. Our trusty 23 year old car that I have had since I was 16 decided it's on it's last limb. Devin started taking my car to work. Chloe and I are going crazy stuck in the house. I hate car shopping. It's so stressful. Luckily I have great friends and my sister who come visit or take us out.

reading: Gathering Blue which is a companion book to The Giver. I am really liking it so far. I am about to start reading The Rent Collector (for my book club) and Jessica Alba's The Honest Life.

celebrating: Chloe's 4 month birthday! She went for her shots yesterday and did great. She is 13 lbs. and we love every bit of her.