Bright eyes

A friend took these pictures of Mead the other day. So alert... just taking everything in!

Fun friends

Laine has made some great friends during our time in Gulf Drive. We're going to miss the immediate proximity to these friends, but we're glad to still be able to have them over to hang out once we move. Maggie, Maia, and Mya - we love you!

Evening walks

Before we had kids Penny and I used to take walks around our neighborhood in the evenings. It was a great way to catch up on the day and enjoy being outside for a bit. Well, we've finally gotten back into the routine of walking after dinner, this time with two kids in tow.

Laine is at a great age to be able to walk with us, pushing her own stroller. And one or the other of us normally straps Mead on so she can look around or take a quick nap while we're out.

The top picture is for all you out there who say Mead is "little Penny." Here's an up close comparison. The resemblance is pretty amazing isn't it?

Berry picking!

The girls and I went berry picking at Lakeview Farms last week with Rachel and Caleb. We were looking for a nearby place to go, and this one was only about half an hour away.

Unfortunately the strawberries were a little water logged because of all the rain we've gotten lately. But we were still able to enjoy a few from the patch here and there. Look at that berry juice running down the kids' faces!

The raspberries were at their peak. Caleb was in heaven eating raspberries right from the bushes!

Laine was a great berry picker too, and she even helped fill up a tray or two. I think all of us ate more berries on the spot than we actually brought home in the car. We'll definitely return next year, hopefully in time to get some good strawberries too.

5 months

Mead is five months old already. It's hard to believe!

She is getting more expressive every day. She laughs and smiles easily, but she also has some great stoic faces. Laine gets really excited to see her in the morning, and Mead reciprocates by cooing and kicking her legs. It's really cute to see their love for each other!

We've just started her on baby food, and she seems to enjoy her daily dose of bananas. Next will be some squash, peas, and more fruit.

Mead is sleeping through the night but still eating every three hours during the day. Eventually we'll stretch her to eat every four hours, but for now I'm excited about getting plenty of rest at night!

She is such a sweetie, and we feel so blessed to have her as part of our family. Isn't she just adorable in her little sun hat?

A place to live

For those of you who haven't heard, we found a place to live. Really, the place "found" us. We are going to be able to rent a house from the church, and it is only two doors away from Covenant Pres! We are really excited about this opportunity to live nearby, especially as Penny can walk to work and we can walk Laine to school.

We are in temporary housing for the summer, but we plan to move into the house over July 11 weekend. Hopefully by the end of July, after some painting and unpacking, we'll be pretty much settled in our new home. Come visit us some time!

Making music

Laine has an ear for music - at least she loves to sing and make music whenever she can. It is especially cute to have her sing hymns with us every night at bed time. Who knows what her musical interest will develop into eventually.

We are also happy to report that we will be acquiring a piano in our next home. Time to dig out those old piano books from my childhood and put them to use again!

First food

Mead tried rice cereal for the first time this weekend. She did okay... as you can see from her expression, she was a bit surprised to find something in her mouth.

Ah, the joys of messy meals! Time to bring out the bibs!!

Water slide

Pool time increased in it's excitement... by adding a slide into the pool.  Check out the sheer joy on Laine's face!

Craft time!

A friend recently told me about this website that gives craft ideas for toddlers and kids.  Being that I am creatively challenged, I checked it out and started using some of the ideas.  Here's Laine's first creation: a garden picture with colorful flowers made out of coffee filters and food coloring.  Check out the site - there's lots to do!

Water baby

After all these pictures of Laine enjoying herself in the pool I figured I'd give a shot of how Mead passes these sunny afternoons... She and I enjoy ourselves under the umbrella most days.  She even has some cute bathing suits, though she doesn't really get them wet!

Beauty Queen

This will be one of those photos that we just look back on and laugh...  How beautiful!!

4 month check-up

I took Mead for her 4 month check-up today.  She looks good overall, and Dr. Mathews said she's a bit ahead of schedule to be as mobile as she is (rolling both ways, grabbing feet, etc.)  Maybe we've got an early walker in our future!  Part of her mobility was attributed to her small size.  

Mead weighs 12 pounds, 15 ounces (25% for weight).  She is 24 1/4 inches long (25-50% for height), and her head is 41 1/4 cm (50% for head circumference).  She's not tiny, but she's not huge either.  Honestly, I'm enjoying my sweet pea being little for as long as I can.  We're thankful she's healthy and look forward to starting her on solids soon.

Love those feet!

Mead has recently discovered her feet.  Here's a bit of the progression of her infatuation with them.  Oh, that we could all be so flexible!