runny nose

Britta's little runny nose has made her a bit fussy this week. One night Matt was dancing and singing in front of her to cheer her up. She thought it was so funny, but was also feeling sad. She went back and forth between making her frowny face to smiling and laughing several times. It was the cutest thing! She just couldn't decide what to do! That girl sure knows how to make me smile. 

A little sad despite looking cute with her big bow.

Sitting up so BIG in her bumbo seat. 

3 months

To celebrate Britta's three month birthday we took a trip out to the Pumpkin Patch. The day was just perfect for taking a little drive and spending some time outside. Temperatures were in the 70s with sunny clear skies. Leaves are falling here like crazy now, and even though we don't get as many pretty colors as the Midwest, it is still a beautiful season.

We stopped at McAllister's to fuel up before heading out of town. I just can't get enough of their salads. Why do salads taste so much better when someone else makes them?? Britta took a bottle while we were there, and of course received many compliments about her hair and her precious little face. She does so well out and about. I think she must be an easy baby, because I have heard from others that they worry about taking their little ones out in case of accidents or crying or....other what ifs.... I don't ever feel worried about that sort of thing with Britta. I probably shouldn't even say that since she's only three months old and there is time for all this to change, but so far she is SUCH a good baby, and I will celebrate that!

Once we all finished our lunches we headed over to the Pumpkin Patch. It was the most organized Pumpkin Patch I've ever been to. There were pavilions for birthday parties, yard games like bags, twister with the colored dots spray painted on the lawn, mini tractors for the kids to pedal and ride, wagon rides, tire swings, food, and of course many varieties of pumpkins. We tried to take some pictures of Britta on a pumpkin, but she was very resistant of the idea. She did not want to bend her legs to sit on it. It was so funny.

She finally did relax, and we were able snap a few quick shots.

Although Britta is a GOOD and EASY baby, she does live up to her moody muffin nickname. She channeled that side of her personality when I tried taking a picture with her on a bench.

When we got back home Matt and Tessa worked outside to pull down some of the weeds and vines growing on some of the trees in the front yard. Matt would love to have a more manicured lawn where I on the other hand do not prioritize the visual appeal of our yard... He spends quite a bit of time working on it, and although he denies that he enjoys it I think part of him does!

Inside, Britta and I had a little photo shoot to document her 3 month birthday! She really has grown, and although it may not be as quickly as the doctor would like to see, I think she is doing fantastic!

She has little rolls on her thighs now, and her double chin makes an appearance once in a while too.

As Britta grows out of the newborn stage, and she becomes more active there are a few things I'd like to remember:

*You make the sweetest little noises when you eat. "Eh... eh... eh..., ah... ah.., ..uh"

*We almost made it three months with breastfeeding, and then you took to the bottle and formula like a champ! Everything you do comes so easily for you. You're a natural! I knew breastfeeding was coming to an end, and tried really hard to cherish the last few times. Spending that time with just you in the rocking chair was special.

* You love to suck suck suck. Right now as a type at my laptop you are laying on your tummy sucking your thumb as you sleep. You've mastered sucking your thumb now, and it can find your little mouth pretty quickly these days. For a little while you preferred your pacifier since your thumb was so little it kept missing your mouth or falling out.

* Speaking of sucking your thumb, I always know you are tired when the thumb on your right hand goes in your mouth and your left fist grabs and holds onto the hair on the back of your head at the same time.

*Lately when we lay you down on your back you roll right to your side or tummy. This of course worries both Daddy and me. We've read too much and probably worry too much.

* The little pats you give on my back is one of the best feelings in the world. It feels like you are hugging me as I hold you up against my shoulder.

* You've begun to (help) hold your bottle. The first time you did this really made me realize you're getting big!

* You're smiling more and more all the time. Mornings seem to be your favorite, and the look I get from you as I pick you up from out of your crib, or when I change your diaper is the BEST! That gummy grin of yours starts my day off perfectly. I look forward to waking up each morning because I know I get to cuddle with you.

* Rides in your stroller are so much fun. You have been staying awake longer and really seem to enjoy going outside. Your eyes get big as you look around at the trees, and you seem to listen so closely when you hear the leaves falling, or a dog barking. I can tell you are soaking in everything you see and hear!

I am so proud to be your mom Britta! I love watching you grow!

Fall Break

This weekend we have been enjoying the cool fall weather and the time we have together. I am on Fall Break which means a four day weekend! 

So far, we have caught up on some cleaning around the house, we have opened the windows to air things out - which is really nice, and we have relaxed outside. Matt built us a fire yesterday. It was the perfect day for it. 

We also went out to dinner. I've noticed (from the two times we have gone out to dinner as a family of three) that it seems to be old people and couples with young children who go out to eat at 4:30. I guess we all assume that if our babies cry during the meal the fellow young families will be empathetic, and the older folks won't mind too much.... 

Britta really seemed to enjoy the fire. She looked so cute in her little pink jacket, and we snuggled her in a blanket. The warmth from the fire put her into a deep sleep after sitting out for just a little bit. We decided that was as close to camping as she is going to get this year. It was nice to pretend. :) 

The time outside also did Tess some good. She was so content to just hang out with us on the back patio. It was a moment where I really felt like we are doing a good job at the whole family bonding thing!

I'm hoping to just soak in as much Britta time I can tomorrow and Tuesday. I really appreciate my days with her even more now that I am back to work. 

We've had lots of outfit changes lately due to spit up. Britt Britt has developed a little red rash that looks pretty icky around her neck rolls. It is hard to keep that area clean and dry because she is spitting up so often. Changing her outfit is one way I'm trying to help keep that red rash away. Evidence of the outfit changes can be seen below! 

  

travel by train

In my last post I gave a little summary of our two week venture up north. What I didn't share is HOW we got up north! Britta and I shared a sleeper room on the upper level of a train! Us girls had the best time together. I'm hoping this early travel experience will give Britta a sense of adventure and exploration! :) 

Now even though I say we had the best time together, that doesn't mean it was seamless (for this momma at least - Britta did great!) Traveling with Britta for the first time came with some anxiety. Traveling with Britta for the first time without Matt came with LOTS of anxiety and a few tears (again, the tears were from momma, Britta did great).

 On top of that I had never travelled by train before so I had no idea what to expect. The amount of packing necessary with an little one is unbelievable! Whew did we ever bring a lot of stuff. Thankfully there was a train attendant who was very helpful. Even he got out of breath carrying all of our things up the narrow steps of the train. Needless to say once Britta and I got settled in it was actually a pretty ideal way to travel.  Our room was private and the door even locked with a curtain that closed. There was a bathroom, an upright seat, a couch that folded down into a bed, and a top bunk. No, Britta and I did not sleep on the top bunk. Hehehe. The attendant even brought me dinner and breakfast - what service! 

Britta slept better than she ever had before. The swaying of the train really put her into a deep sleep. I got worried and even woke her up to eat - twice. Despite the door locking, I was a bit  very nervous that someone would take Britta if I fell asleep and did not keep an eye on her constantly. Therefore I only slept when I accidentally nodded off, one hand on her car seat at all times. 

When we arrived in Chicago Matt's family picked us up so we could soak up as much family time as possible! 

Baptism and Visits with Family

We just returned from the BEST trip back to Illinois in the history of trips back to Illinois! I am so thankful for the time we had to go up north to introduce Britta to family and friends. Watching each person smile at her, hold her, squeeze her, kiss her, talk to her in a little baby voice, and just simply love on her was just so great. It was something that was important to me, and I will always remember the feeling of pride I had during those two weeks.

Britta with her grandpas!

In addition meeting all the special people in Illinois, Britta was baptized. We had a private service at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday evening - 9/9/15. Family was invited, and I was overwhelmed with how many came! The fact that so many actively chose to witness Britta's baptism into God's family was amazing! Pastor Buss added some really nice personal touches to the baptism which made it extra special. He let me share that the gown Britta wore was worn by my mom, Abby, Jackson, and me. The men's choir was also practicing prior to the baptism, so they joined us in the pews. At the end of the service they lead us in singing Jesus Loves Me and I Am Jesus Little Lamb. It was precious! I loved looking at Abby as she held sleeping Britta in her arms as the water was poured over her. I loved looking at Matt as he held the candle that we will burn on each baptismal birthday. And I loved looking out at our family as they clapped and celebrated God's grace as Britta was introduced as a member of God's flock.

  

The whole time we were away, Britta worked so hard to grow and develop! She kept shuffling her little fist near her mouth trying and trying to get her thumb in to suck it. Yesterday, she FINALLY did it (for about 3 minutes!). She looked so proud of herself I had to snap a picture. She also has started to smile a little bit more intentionally and in response to seeing me, getting kisses, and being picked up from her crib. It is the sweetest little smile and makes me feel so good. It is one of my favorite things right next to the feeling of her little hand going 'pat pat pat' as she lays up against my shoulder. Rolling is also a new skill she is getting down. She rolled from her back to her belly in her crib two nights ago. I was so surprised to wake up to her crying and laying on her belly. I think she surprised herself too! She has been kicking so much and wiggling around though neither of us should really be that surprised. A lot of this wiggling is during her time in her crib or laying on her back or tummy on a blanket on the floor. She is much more content to do this rather than being constantly held now.

Unfortunately Britta has also run into some tummy troubles. Bowel movements are pretty infrequent and this causes her to have gas pains which make her cry. It is the saddest little cry because it is obvious she is experiencing a lot of discomfort. I'm hoping to get some suggestions at her pediatrician appointment this morning. 

I will always treasure all of these moments. 

Britta met her Great Grandma and Grandpa Zierke

 We had fun with friends! 

 Britta loves her cousins Giancarlo and Jackson - and they love her right back! 

 

 Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Verken made a special trip down from Door County to be at Britta's baptism.

Snuggles with Grandma are the best. 

the sun is shining for you today

Somehow this little one is already over one month old. 

We took this montage of pictures on 8.17.15

She makes me happier than I could have imagined possible.

She makes the silliest faces.

She is growing so quickly. 

She loves to spend her days snuggling.

She is beautiful. 

A good one.

"There is no way to be a perfect mother, but there are a million ways to be a good one."

Britta Grace is a happy baby with a forgiving heart. I make mistakes and will never be perfect, but in her eyes I think I'm doing pretty good. She is a snuggle bug who loves to be held. I can do that. She is a good listener who loves to be talked to and sung to. I can do that. She is a growing girl who loves to nurse. I can do that. Her eyes are bigger than her stomach, and she needs spit up cleaned up from out of her neck creases. I can do that.

I can be a good mommy. There are a million ways.  

 “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Now that Britta has safely arrived, my prayers are focused on this verse.