Baby's First Christmas

Brynn had a wonderful first Christmas :) She received many wonderful gifts from her family and of course Santa. She made her first ornament for her grandparents (the first of many many more!) and got her first cell phone (also the first of many many more).

From the top: Uncle Andrew and Brynn, my cousin Matt and his wife Melanie (come visit again soon!), Great Grandpa and Grandma with some new xmas toys, the grandparents on xmas morning, Santa comes to visit the Vold family Xmas, Brynn and her new rocking horse, and Great Grandpa Vold with Brynn examining her new silver bell.

Baby Led Weaning

Brynn had been interested in our food a few weeks prior to her 6th month but we held off until then at the recommendation of our doctor. Baby led weaning in a nutshell is skipping the jar baby food and purees and giving baby appropriate "real food". Even though this might come across as a "new" concept it's really technically an old concept as this is how babies were fed prior to the Gerber generation. The concept works best with breast-fed babies as they are used to the concept of managing their intake where bottle fed babies are used to being given a set amount. The other principal is that "food is fun until 1" which means she doesn't actually need any calories from food until then. Instead it's a sensory and fun experience!

I read this book and took the experience of a girlfriend who had also followed this concept. The biggest benefit is that you don't have to make anything different for baby you just modify what you are already cooking to avoid spices and salt.

Brynn has tried the following:

• Pears
• Avocados
• Apples (in her mesh feeder)
• Broccoli
• Sweet Potato

She seems to like everything but really liked the broccoli probably due to the fact that she could really hold onto it. We can even confirm she actually swallowed some :) but I'll let you figure out how!

Update: We had more broccoli tonight and it still a clear winner in Brynn's book! She was a big fan and  chewed away at the florets :)

Wordless Wednesday

Brynn: 27 weeks

Merry Christmas!

Top Baby Picks: 3-6 months

Most of my picks from birth to three month are still in use! These months are all about keeping baby entertained and our life a little easier :)

1. The Baby Einstein Jumper: I'll admit I didn't register for one of these but you need one. Brynn loves to jump around and it entertains for a long period of time. We occasionally switch out the toys to keep her engaged.

2. Chewbeads. These little necklaces are meant for babies to chew on and I decided I had to have one when Brynn was about 4.5 months old and putting everything in her mouth...and dropping everything on the floor. We'd be out to eat and she'd go through all the toys we'd brought by dropping them on the floor. With this necklace it stays clean because it's around my neck. I always get compliments on it and some people don't even know it's meant for babies!

3. Woolino sleep sack. This thing is pricey but worth it. It grows with baby saving you from buying multiple sizes and it made of merino wool so it's safe. Fleece gets far to warm at night and overheating is a SIDS risk so wool is a good choice. We've used it since 3 months. The downside is that you have to wash is separately and line dry or on low but it doesn't have to be washed frequently

4. BOB jogging stroller. Even though we haven't actually jogged with this stroller (you should wait until 8 months before running with a baby) it works really well on our city sidewalks. It also is necessary for going for walks with the snow (even though right now only the Ergo works for getting over the snowbanks!). I look forward to using it in the spring to actually go for a run!

5. Green Toys Twist Teether. We got this toy from Stork Stack which is a monthly subscription service that delivers a surprise box of baby things to your door monthly. I subscribed during my maternity leave mostly because it was fun to get mail! The company makes the toys from recycled milk jugs and have a whole line sold at Creative Kidstuff in the Twin Cities.

6. Medela Breastmilk labeling lids. I'm not shy to announce that nursing is the best decision I've made and not just because I lost the baby weight while eating everything in sight :) These little lids are super helpful when I come home from work and can't remember what time I pumped each bottle.

Wordless Wednesday

26 weeks and teething (number 2 is through as of today!)

6 months!

 Brynn- You are such a joy. If I could pause time this is the month I'd pick. You have such a little personality yet remain mostly immobile ;) It's easy to get you to smile and when you laugh it melts our heart. You had a very busy month with your first Thanksgiving and plane ride to Florida. Six months really caught me off guard..time is just flying by. We won't have stats on your for a few more weeks as your doctor was pretty booked up this month. You learn things so quickly now, one day you're barely sitting up and now you're a pro. You got your first tooth (bottom right) over our trip to Florida, you were a little more fussy than usually and had some pretty impressive diapers but overall it wasn't too bad. You are a very strong little girl and like to lunge back and forth which I assume will lead to crawling. We have big plans to start some solids and celebrate your first Christmas as well as your second trip to Florida for New Year's.

We're back!

It was a trip of firsts: first plane ride, first swim in the pool and toes in the sand, and first tooth! But now we're home and knee deep in snow. 

Wordless Wednesday

Santa Baby!

She looks a little tired no? This will probably be the best shot we get for a few years as many kiddos start to be pretty fearful of jolly ol' Santa Clause after the age of 1. We went to Macy's elf display with both sets of grandparents for the big meet and greet. Kyle and I both agree that the Macy's display is nothing like what is used to be...maybe we're getting old...or maybe Macy's is cutting lots of corners....but it's probably a combination of both. We bought Brynn in the Ergo carrier as we didn't know how busy it would be and if you've tried to navigate a stroller in a busy place you know it's no fun. It's also nice to use a baby carrier and you can use escalators as it's a huge pain to always have to find an elevator. We had a nice dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery with both sets of grandparents to finish off the evening.

Baby's first foods...

...will start at 6 months :) But since Brynn has been so fascinated with what we are eating we decided to give her a little treat! We set up what will be her high chair (an early Christmas present from us!), the Phil & Teds Lobster, strapped a bib around her neck and gave her a momsicle. What's a momsicle you ask? Why it's frozen breast milk! We froze some milk in an ice cube tray and put it in one of those little mesh feeding bags and she really enjoyed it. Sure it was messy and she dropped on the floor a few times but that is going to be the story of lives when start real foods in a few weeks. On a side note the P&T lobster seems really nice. It folds up small enough to hide under our little kitchen table and is a necessity in our small house. I got it at the store Pacifier which opened a new location not far from our house and as it turns out the store manager is someone I knew in high school! We'll see how it goes using it on a regular basis but since high chairs are so big and unattractive (except for the Stokke Tripp Trapp and the Nuna Zaaz. Those are so pretty and so pricey!!) I'm not sure why more people don't use a smaller option like this.

Our lil' monkey

I don't know where this nickname came from but Brynn is our little monkey :) As luck would have it Brynn got a surprise gift of the softest cutest stuffed monkey! Even though she hasn't attached herself to any stuffed animal or blanket (I'm sure it'll happen eventually) I wouldn't mind if she picked this one. It also helps that I know where to get a second one just in case it were to get lost someday down the road.

Wordless Wednesday

Brynn

23 Weeks

Brynn says...

Looks like someone has become a sitter! Of course she gets a little tipsy at times but for the most part is pretty solid!

So thankful...

..for this little turkey and her handsome daddy :)

Wordless Wednesday

Brynn: 22 weeks

Brynn: 5 months!

Brynn you are growing into such a fun little girl! You are very curious to your surrounding and like to be busy! I imagine this is only a taste of what is to come in terms of "busyness"! :) Everything goes into the mouth and you are beyond curious when we eat. You like to try and grab whatever is on the plate and put in your mouth but you have to wait one more short month! You continue to yell/sing at quite a loud pitch which we still find endearing. The best noise by far is your baby belly laugh. Your dad and I work very hard to make you laugh because there is no better sound to our ears! There is nothing like a happy baby to make you smile and remember what really matters in life. You continue to be very strong and enjoy time in your bouncer. Everyone likes to tell us that you'll walk early because you like to stand so much. You have really started to notice Magnus and if he gets too close you like to take a handful of fur or try to put his leg in your mouth (along with everything else!). 

We won't see the doctor until your 6 month appointment but you are obviously growing. You are thriving at home while mom goes to work and even though she misses you so much we've found a good balance of work/family life. 

This next month will bring your first plane ride (wish us luck!) and your first Thanksgiving. 

Wordless Wednesday

21 weeks

You know you're a landlord when...

...you look forward to the first of the month!

As Income Property's Scott McGillivray says "taking checks to the bank"....until you have to repair something. If you can't tell the envelope says "November Rent" and the check was actually enclosed so I had to take it away pretty quickly. I'm sure the bank takes checks soaked in baby drool...

Go Gophers!

Gopher basketball started last Friday and they play again tonight! Brynn doesn't know it yet but she is destined to cheer for the Gophers...or at least be dressed in maroon and gold :)

Brynn says....

Deer hunting opener 2012
Brynn 20 weeks

Feet: The built-in toy

A few weeks ago Brynn found her feet. Before that she'd grab them every once in a while but now she is full steam ahead. She especially likes to have both feet in her hands during diaper changes which makes them a little challenging! Babies in general are really good and removing socks. Tiny babies can houdini themselves out of most pairs and Brynn was no exception. You'd commonly hear her little feet moving back and forth ::swish swish:: while she rode in her car seat and when you go to the backseat to get her out the socks were off!

Happy Halloween!

Weekends are for photos!

Ever since returning to work my camera hasn't seen as much action. Evenings are not the best time to capture the moments with no natural light and the need for a flash. My new fancy camera did come with an external flash but I have not taken the time to learn how to use it. Since Brynn is growing so fast I want to make sure I take the time to get quality photos (besides the 100s on my iPhone!). We did two little photo sessions 1.in her halloween costume which I'll save for tomorrow and 2. just because (which are above). My new goal is to start bringing the DSLR wherever we go and document more "real life" photos vs planned shots in our living room. Wish me luck!

The working mama

a preview of our weekend photo shoot (love the drool!)..more to come tomorrow

As I start my 4th week (time flies!) back at work I've had some time to think about how I really feel about returning to work. Prior to going back to work the last four weeks were by far the best of my leave, Brynn was much easier to pack up and take to the store and much more content. I think I accomplished more in the last three weeks than I did my entire leave when it came to craft and house projects! But as my first day back got closer and closer I didn't feel as devastated as I thought I would. Since finding out about baby I thought I would want to work part time..or stay home for at least a year. IF I could have taken a longer leave and still returned to my current job I would have..but I don't live in Europe :) From the very beginning I set up myself up to think I was going to be devastated to return to work. As in teary eyed/sob fest/begging Kyle to let me stay home.

But it didn't happen. I was ok.

I do miss seeing Brynn during the day but for the most part I keep myself busy enough that the days fly by. I especially like the days I start at 7AM because Brynn doesn't usually wake up until 830 (or later sometimes!) and I'm home around 345/4 so I have the rest of the afternoon and evening to spend with her. One of my favorites times of day is in the morning when I wake her up to nurse before I get ready. She's so content to just snuggle and fill her belly with no distractions as I fight the urge to not fall asleep with her. When the clock will no longer let me delay the inevitable I lay her down, heavy with sleep and sneak out to shower. Of course it's hard to leave a snuggly baby but it's easier than an awake baby who has to watch you leave them behind.

I think working gives me the time to myself that I don't get when I'm home and allows be to have another identity besides mom. I also no longer think my day centers around work, work is now simply apart of my day, more of a task to achieve so I can be with my baby. Or as another working mama friend said "my day starts when I get home." When people first asked how I felt about my return I told them that I was ready but "to ask me in a few weeks" because I thought I'd have a better grasp on my true feelings. Well here we are and I still feel like it's the right decision but again "ask me a few weeks".

5

Five years ago Kyle and I met. I know there are many events that led to our actual meeting but when it comes down to it the combination of Katie Book's birthday and Brett and Michelle Medin's wedding rehearsal dinner led to the perfect night! Four years ago today we were engaged and now we are a family.

I always knew Kyle would be a wonderful dad. He was already an excellent cat and dog dad so adding baby into the mix came naturally. I love watching the two of them interact and I love the smiles I think she saves just for him. I love that when I sneak back into the bedroom before leaving for work he has moved over to sleep closer to baby and comfort her back to sleep. I love how he "looks forward" to his Fridays with you. The quote above sums up my feelings perfectly, there is just something special about a dad and his daughter.

The suspect has been identified...

Crime? Walking on the baby blankets.....with feet that should have obviously been wiped before coming inside! Whoops :) Almost everytime we lay a blanket down for Brynn to play on Magnus will sneak over so he can share in the blanket or if we leave it on the floor after play time we'll find him laying on it even though he has the rest of the rug or his chair to choose from!

In case you need a closer look..

This behavior started early when I was still pregnant as he liked to lay on my fabric when I was sewing things for Brynn's room!

How to: Get laundry done with a 4 month old baby

Get them involved! The only way my laundry doesn't sit in a pile for days/weeks (not that there isnt a giant pile of white socks in our bedroom... I hate folding socks!!) is to combine playtime and laundry time. I usually give Brynn a pile of clothes that are easy to re-fold and she's usually entertained long enough for me to get through the pile.

Brynn: 4 Months!

Once again...growing up too fast but getting cuter everyday. Luckily babies become more fun as they grow :)
Brynn you were a joy this past month and despite your mommy having to go back to work you continue to thrive. You got some fun new toys this month including a jumper and a play table. At first I didn't think you'd be read for the table until you could stand but as it turns out if you take two legs off it turns into a fun thing to kick. And boy do you love to kick it! It's probably the toy that you'll play independently the longest (and anything longer than 10 minutes is a win!). It might be a little noisy annoucing all the colors and shapes in Spanish but you really like it and your mom has already learned the entire alphabet in spanish :) It's fun to watch you in the jumper as your movements have become much more coordinated in the last month. You can move between the stations and actively play with the buttons.

You are so so close to rolling over from back to belly. You'll teeter on your side as you try to look behind you but then roll back to your back at the last moment. I know it's going to happen anytime. You have less interest in rolling from belly to back which is suppose to happen first. You usually happily do your tummy time holding your head up high and then you decide you've had enough by crying into the blanket below you. We know you'll roll when your ready and to be perfectly honest we know the sooner you roll the sooner you become mobile and it's fine with us if you delay that a little longer!
You continue to babble and "yell" loudly. You like to yell the most in the morning.. It's like your saying "hello world! I am so happy!!!"
When I come home all I want to do is hold, nurse, and snuggle you. Not much else gets done! Dad wants to do the same and so we trade off :) because the nursing time is all mine!
You now recognize the dog and like to watch where he goes. We've let you "pet" him which means grabbing a fist full of fur. He doesn't mind... yet. He seems genuinely concerned about you and enjoys trying to get as close as possible in an attempt to give you a lick which is not allowed. Both your dad and I think we lucked out in the dog department.
You also know when you are being set down and we are leaving the room and when you are not happy about it you let us know. You also know when it's time time to get out of your car seat and you help by arching up.. which only makes it more difficult to get you out but I think it's cute.
You sleep well and we still enjoy having you close next to our bed. I feel like it extends the hours in the day that get to be with you.
Your 4 month check up went well! You are right on track and the immunizations a didn't faze you much (mom didn't watch again...) You cried/screamed for a minute but settled down to nurse and had a good rest of the night. You came in at 68.6% for weight (14lbs 6oz) and in the exact science of baby measuring 90% for height (25.5 inches long). Long and not that lean :) The next two months sound like a whirlwind of milestones and then solids at 6 moths. We plan on taking the baby led weaning approach which based on how much you like to grab objects and put them straight to your mouth already I think you'll really enjoy it! Now we just need to find room for a high chair :)
I think your favorite toy is this Taggies dolly. You love to stuff her in your mouth and reach for her during tummy time.

You have many nicknames including, Brynny, Brynn Brynn, and Monkey. I actually think you are starting to recognize your name despite dad's concern that you might respond to monkey :)

The end of an era

Also known as my maternity leave. I was blessed to be able to take 16 weeks off to bond with Brynn and it's been wonderful. We spent so many days sleeping in, going for long walks and occasionally strolling around Target. I'll admit I thought I was going to accomplish more during my leave such as sewing, house projects and gardening but there really isn't time for anything extra except taking care of your baby.
I went into the office last Friday to get myself settled and acclimated back into the work world. The day went well (for me at least..apparently Brynn put up a little fight!) and to be honest it hardly felt like I had been gone for almost 4 months! Luckily I have great co-workers who are really excited to have me back. Ask me again in a few months but right now I'm ready to go back to work, and even though it would be ideal to work part-time (with full benefits and no holidays/weekends of course!), full-time is the only option in this position. Luckily as a nurse I know I have other options if part-time is what we needed to do for our family later on.

It really helps to know that  Brynn will be well-taken care of by her dad on Fridays, my parents on Tuesdays and an in-home nanny the other 3 days with Kyle's parents on-call to help as needed. Having a nanny is a great option for us for many reasons:
1. It allows us to have part time care as many center day-cares require full time or essentially charge you the same price for part time as full time.
2. It means we don't have to get up pack her stuff and bring her anywhere. She gets to stay in a familiar environment with all the supplies she needs! Additionally we get to come straight home versus stopping by day care.
3. She gets one on one attention. This was huge for me. Center daycares require a 4 to 1 ratio for infant...which is like having quadruplets...crazy. I need to know her needs are being taking care of as quickly as possible.
4. She shouldn't get sick as much. Enough said.
Eventually we'll transition her to a daycare so she can interact with other children which I think is important, especially after one year. She's on a waiting list for a local spanish language immersion daycare which after touring I would  be more than comfortable sending her to once she can be in the toddler room (after 12 months).
Even though I'm sad to not have as much mommy and me time with Brynn I know I'll savor the time I do have with her after work and on weekends. I'm so lucky to be her mom. Her working mom.

Here's a collection of a few of our self portraits throughout my leave because no one else was around to take picture of us : )

We win! Again!

In order to capitalize on the Viking's recent good fortune we bring you another adorable Vikings post! Brynn recently received this new hat/costume/talking piece as a gift and we knew we would have to try it out during the next Vikings game. It is beyond adorable and is big enough to last for many Vikings seasons. Oh and an added bonus of her new 'do? Something to chew on of course!

In other news we are very proud of our daddy/husband who finished the Twin Cities 10 mile today. We dropped him off at 6:45 AM at the Metrodome as the temperature read a balmy 29 degrees. Needless to say we cheered him on in spirit from the comfort of our bed.

One year ago today...

...we found out about you! Right before our kickball game :)

How to make a baby pumpkin

Step One: Birth a beautiful baby :)

Step Two: Wait until the leaves are turning and pumpkins are for sale!

Step Three: Ask someone more talented than you to knit a pumpkin hat -thanks Oma!

Step Four: Buy a large pumpkin, bring baby along to make sure they'll fit. Ignore people staring at you with concerned looks as you compare your baby's size to that of a pumpkin.

Step Five: Find a helper/accomplice and pick a beautiful day

Step Six: Cross your fingers/pray/find a 4 leaf clover/rub a rabbit's foot that your baby will be in a good mood.

Step Seven: Set the scene, set your camera to burst mode (because you're going to get about 20 seconds to take a photo) and hope for the best!!
Step Eight: Expect that in most photos your baby will look utterly confused...you have just placed them in a gourd in a park after-all...

Wordless Wednesday...kind of

The other week our friends Brett and Michelle invited over for dinner. They have two adorable boys and to document the day we grabbed a picture of the three kiddos (so we can show and embarrass them in the future of course!). The results speak for themselves....

Classic. 

North Shore: 2012

We just returned from a relaxing weekend on the North Shore. Grandma and Grandpa Palmer invited us up for the weekend to the beautiful Grand Superior Lodge. Kyle and I spent a weekend here before and had a nice time and our second visit didn't disappoint.
Day 1: We arrived late afternoon after a few stops to eat and nurse Brynn. Before the sunset we headed out and took a walk along the shore with Brynn in her Ergo carrier. Baby carriers are awesome for situations like this because it would be unsafe to walk with a baby in your arms but the carriers keep them secure and toasty warm! That night we had lasagna in the condo (mom ate after everyone as Brynn wanted her all to herself!) and watched Avengers (even though I think Dad was only one to finish the movie :)).

Day 2: After a good night sleep we headed out for breakfast/brunch at the Northern Lights Cafe which sits right on Lake Superior. We've eaten here a number of times after camping in Tettegouche state park and it's great for a small town cafe. They even serve lefse but we didn't have any this time. Next stop was the Lighthouse State Park. We tour the grounds (again the Ergo saved the day!) and hiked down to the lake for some pictures. Next was Gooseberry State Park. It was time for Brynn to eat so we found a bench in the Visitors Center. But thanks to a dirty diaper dad and I headed back to the car for a diaper change while Gma and Gpa headed to the falls. I guess we didn't miss much due to the dry summer. We'll bring Brynn back when she's older and can climb the rocks with dad. That night Kyle and I had our first dinner away at the resort restaurant while the Grandparents babysat. It was a nice break and like most new parents our conversation centered on Brynn and our family!

Day 3: We slept well again (love a king size bed!) and woke up to beautiful view. It was time to head home but not before stopping in Duluth to catch the first half of the Vikings game and lunch. We listened to the rest of the game on the radio on the way home and enjoyed the win (yay Vikings! you have the same number of wins right now as you did last year!!).

It was a nice weekend away and we came back refreshed and ready to see the missing member of our family (Magnus) who stayed with Gma and Gpa Vold for the weekend. His report card was good (it usually is..but not always!) and he let the resident chipmunk live another week :)

Thanks to Grandpa Rick for some of the weekend pictures!

Day in the life....

Just a snap-shot of Brynn's day at 14 weeks and 5 days (last Wednesday). For a moment I regretted not doing one of these posts sooner but when all is said done the truth is not much has changed! She naps less and I'm more apt to head out to run errands compared to when she was younger. Our routine will significantly change next week when I am back at work!


3:30 AM: first nursing session and diaper change. She fell asleep about 11PM the night before and it's typical for her to wake up every 4-5 hours at night...sometimes she sleeps for 6 hours straight.
6:45 AM: Second nursing session, dad is up for work for an early meeting.
7:50 AM: Brynn wakes up and is her smiley self. Morning are definitely her best time of the day and I'm going to miss her morning time when I head back to work. She has a quick snack,  and then snuggles with mom in bed.

9:00 AM: Mom hops in the shower while Brynn sleeps (this does not always happen!). She wakes up and eats again.

9:30 AM: Since dad left early, Brynn and mom are on dog duty. We take Magnus for his morning walk and stop at the coffee shot for a decaf coffee for mom.

10:00 AM: After the walk we have some playtime!

11:00 AM: Brynn nurses to sleep and naps for 30 minutes.

11:30 AM: We're off to Home Depot and Cub Foods. We buy pumpkins at Cub Foods and Brynn happily plays in her car seat. Note: Car seats are not meant to be placed on top of carts (where the child seat is). Even though you'll see people do it frequently it actually very dangerous ::see this link::. So even if though you have a lot less room in your carts it just not worth the risk.

We cut the trip short as Brynn starts to get fussy and I don't want to risk waiting for the employees to mix paint if she's cranky

1:00 PM Brynn nurses again and dozes off to sleep, I try to put her down for a nap but she wakes up. We play in her room and in the living room on her blanket for some tummy time.

2:30 PM: Brynn starts to fuss so we head out for a walk. She's asleep within one block. I get home and bring her up to her room and put her to sleep in her bouncer. She takes one of her epic naps lasting 3 hours!! I keep an eye on her using our Drop Cam. I have an app on my phone or I can watch her on the  computer. Even though I can hear her cry before it comes through on video (thanks to our small house and a 2 second delay, it's handy to just peek at her).

 I get three loads of laundry done, wash the dishes (which had been sitting there for two days! :) whoops), and get to relax. She naps like this once or twice a week so I thoroughly enjoy it.

5:30 PM: Brynn is awake and hungry just in time for Magnus' walk. Once it hits 5:30 he is scratching at the door.

7:30 PM: Dinner time. We head out to Keegan's Irish Pub. This is one of our favorite places to go. We use to go at least every 2 weeks when we lived downtown. I get a free meal because it's my birthday week :)

 Mom and Brynn with drinks of choice

9:00 PM: We're home and Brynn is ready to go to bed. We change her into her PJs and play some more on the jungle gym. She starts to fuss to it's time to head to bed to nurse. Usually I can lay her down and Kyle and I spend some time in the living room until we go to bed. Other nights I stay in bed and nurse her to sleep.

10:00 PM: She's asleep! She likes to lay with both hands above her head :)