Five Months

Sweet Miss is FIVE months!!

A wobbly sitting-up pose...

Look Ma! Found my tooties!!

Tummy time!! (Still not a big fan)

Playtime with Daddy and Sister

Daddy's Baby Girl

Madison turned five months and her little personality has just exploded! She is just the sweetest little love, and enjoys falling asleep in people's arms, snuggling and watching her big sister.  Maddie has been busy this month... she's traveled to two states, discovered her feet, tried cereal and been sleeping 4 or 5 hour stretches!

Daddy fed me my first bite of cereal mixed with breast milk...

Going for the spoon...

Hmmm... not quite sure about it.

Stats:
Weight.... 15 lbs
Length.... Not sure, but is in 6 month clothes, and getting close to wearing 9 month footie jammies.

What she's been up to:
*Eating... Big Girl has been eating cereal in the mornings the past week! While we were in NC and NJ, she was grabbing for our food and imitating chewing, so when we got home we knew she would be ready to give solids a shot. We started her off with two tbsp of cereal mixed with breast milk. At first she was a little unsure, but by the end of the bowl, was loving it! She has been still exclusively breastfeeding, and when she is 6 months we will introduce her to veggies and fruits.
*Sleeping... With two weeks of traveling and co-sleeping, I was worried about her having problems going back to her crib. As soon as we got home, she was so glad to be in her own bed, she only woke up once! Well that ended pretty quickly, and on a good night, she goes to bed at 7pm, then I feed her before I go to sleep at 10pm. She will wake up around 3am, and go back to sleep until 6:30am. Since we have been home, she has been taking a 1.5-2 hr nap in the morning and afternoon, with a 45 minute cat-nap around 4ish.
*Vocal... Boy, this girl loves to talk. She just goes on and on, and just adores the sound of her own voice. She's been cooing and smiling, and listens very carefully when you talk to her.
*Hair & Eyes... Her eyes are still green-blue, and her hair has lightened up to a honey brown. It sticks straight up like her Daddy and Sister's hair at this age.
*Sittin' Pretty... Maddie can sit for a few seconds unassisted, and has been scooting everywhere on her back. The other day I was cooking dinner and noticed she moved off her exercise mat, across the room on our hard carpet.. pretty sure she had rug burns on her little head..LOL.
*Hand/Eye Coordination... We noticed her coordination has gotten better this week- she has been grabbing and pulling things to her mouth, and studying her hands for a while. We noticed that she favors her left hand, and has grabbed my hoop earring and a french fry (got it before she put it in her mouth)! Sometimes we will catch her chewing on her thumb. Perhaps she is pre-teething? I am sure a tooth will come in the week we are packing....lol.
*Favorites... Right now Madison loves bath time (and sucking on the wash rag), snuggling, when Daddy tickles her and watching her sister play. Lindsay can always distract her when she is upset, and will lay on the play mat and talk to her... I think it's the beginning of a sweet relationship. The other day Lulu got so upset before we went somewhere because she thought I was going to leave Madison all by herself. She said, "Mama, don't forget about Maddie. She goes too!!" Love them.

Eating breakfast with Sissy and Daddy

She was really into Sissy giving her a bite.. she opened  wide!!

Sweet reward... got to play with the spoon after eating her cereal

Love that sweet face!!

Farewell Malibu, Hello Princeton!!

We are thrilled to finally announce that Jarrett has accepted the position of Assistant Dean of Students at Princeton University!! It has been a whirlwind few weeks, and with being on vacation, house hunting and packing, all before Jarrett's start date of August 13, we are excited, tired, and a little scared all at the same time. God has been so good to our family, and through this entire process, it has been so clear how He has opened (and closed) doors in this great adventure.

We visited Princeton last year while we were in Philadelphia... little did we know :)

Learning to walk... and will be running in the courtyard next month!

Our experiences at Pepperdine have been wonderful, and it is really hard to leave our sweet friends, cozy apartment and who can forget that ocean view.  Some might think that we're crazy, but when this opportunity presented itself, we knew that it was meant to be. Jarrett was really never on an all out "job search," but we agreed that if a job had the right title at a great school, he would apply. I would check the online job boards, and would occasionally email an opening to him.  He was pretty selective about the jobs he chose to apply for, and last year he applied for one job at UNC Chapel Hill. He was offered the position, but at the last minute decided that it wasn't the right decision to move his newly pregnant wife and little girl across the country. This was news to me, because I totally thought it was the perfect job --- it was really hard for me to let it go (those who know me also know I am pretty stubborn!). We had to trust that God put the interpretation and fear into Jarrett's heart for a reason, and I had to trust (and submit willingly) that as the head of our house, Jarrett knew what was best for our family.

Then, earlier this summer, there were three dream jobs that came available at great universities. For two of the three jobs, Jarrett had an "in" where he actually knew people in the department, or his reference knew the hiring manager.  We were so excited when he got phone interviews with both in the same week! We thought, "Oh my gosh... this is what we we've been waiting for!" And then, we waited... and waited.... until the next week, as one right after the other he received the dreaded "No Thank You" email. It was hard to hear "No", especially when we thought it was a sure thing.  One of my favorite Jeremy Camp songs kept replaying in my head, "I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see." And not surprisingly, God has such an amazing way of comforting us.... the day after he found out he didn't get the jobs, Pepperdine offered J a promotion. We thought, "Praise God!" We were still disappointed about the other jobs, but had a sense of hope and peace knowing that God was with us.

We had all but forgotten about Princeton, especially since Jarrett didn't even know anyone there, and he thought if the other lower ranked universities didn't want him, then a # 1 ranked, Ivy League university surely wouldn't. You know the quote, "Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans." Little did we know there was a completely different plan for us.

We had settled ourselves into enjoying another year at Pepperdine, and I signed Lindsay up for gymnastics and our Bible study. Jarrett got an email the following Tuesday evening, and to our surprise, it was from Princeton; and though it was pretty short, they wanted to set up a phone call for a "short chat at your earliest convenience." Well the next day, after an hour and a half phone call, he was scheduled for a face-to-face on Tuesday! Jarrett said he was nervous until the day of the interview, then a peace came over him. After a marathon day of interviewing at none other than Woody Woo's (what Princetonian's call Woodrow Wilson's campus home while serving as University President), Jarrett received a phone call on Friday night that would forever change our lives. On the other end of the line, the dean said "Welcome to Princeton!"

Since that email came in, we have been just blown away at God's perfect timing, and provision. As Christians we do not believe in coincidences, but in His ideal plan. Jarrett and I are so humbled, and completely grateful for all the blessings in our life. It is crystal clear to us, and I hope to you, that God uses our lives for His glory.... HE is the heart of our marriage, children, and careers. I wanted to share our story with you because it is a testimony for how BIG God is --- He opened doors and created a path that we couldn't have even dared to dream. First with Pepperdine, then with Princeton.  As we make this huge move across the country, away from family and the familiar, my heart is sad, yet excited too. My sense of purpose and walk with Jesus has grown here at Pepperdine, and more than anything, I know He has been preparing me to be the wife and mother that can make the transition possible to "Tigertown!"

Gymnastics

Last week we enrolled Lindsay in gymnastics through Malibu Parks and Recreation for a 10 class trial to see if she liked it. She really wanted to do ballet, but the age requirement is 4 years, so we have to wait a couple of years. This is a beginning gymnastics class, and they did light stretching, and then an obstical course with fun things like a trampoline, balance beam, and slide. She even did somersalts in her very first class!!

For the first class the coach wanted to take the Mommy-and-Me approach. You can tell by what I am wearing that I wasn't expecting to be doing gymnastics with her, but I got some good stretching in, or as good as jeans will allow :)

She took the class very seriously, and listened and followed intructions really well. Much better than a lot of kids older than her. The coach commented, "Wow! She is so focused for a two year old!" She is definitely our child. LOL

Lindsay Bridge

Run run run

She is such a little peanut, so much smaller than all the other kids, even ones her own age.

Going for the GOLD!! Not the metal, rather a booger. LOL

Coach "Tom Tom" giving her a good job stamp at the end of class. Let's just say he is quite the character; but he is really good with the kids.

Daddy and Sister came to watch her first class! 

It was really fun to watch her in class. Although it is only one 45 minute class a week, I feel like it is such a big-kid thing to do! It dawned on us that this is the first of trying out many activities.  It's funny; every kid has their own thing: I enjoyed ballet, my sister was a great cheerleader and my brother loved tennis. I can tell that whatever she chooses to do, she will try her very best!  We are so proud of our big girl!

SB Zoo

Saturday before Father's Day we took the girls to the Santa Barbara Zoo. It was beautiful weather, and we had such a great day. I never mind driving long distances together because I love the conversations that J and I get to have while they nap. So sweet! Anywho, here are some of our favorite pics:

Check out the new ride... I got the Baby Jogger Double stroller and I LOVE it.... Seriously L.O.V.E. it. Oh, and so do the girls.

 Happy early Father's Day to Daddy... Can you tell this girl adores her Daddy? She had so much fun with him pointing and talking about all the animals. We took her to the LA Zoo when she was 11 months, and oh boy, it was so much fun getting to hear all the commentary about the animals she saw this time.

My loves.

 Here are a few animal pics...

OK. This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it. You can't see it, but I am holding Lindsay and we are looking at the elephants. To me, it looks like I am by myself staring at an elephant butt. LOL

My little monkey

 We ate lunch at Rusty's Pizza Parlor on Balboa street in Santa Barbara, and walked to the park down the street where they had a carosel. We couldn't leave without taking a spin.

 My sweet Maddie girl was SO good all day long... such a little cuddle bug.

After the park we drove down State Street and got to eat some delicious ice cream at Mc Connell's. I had the Salted Carmel Chocolate Chip and Jarrett had their Chocolate Burnt Almond it was the perfect finish to our day... so delish. If you are in SB, you gotta go there and get some!! This was Jarrett's 3rd year celebrating Father's Day, and he never fails to impress me at the amazing father he is to our girls. Lindsay and him have gotten closer (if that was even possible) since Madison has been born, and as soon as she hears the door beep around 5pm, she yells "DADDY HOME!!" and runs to the door for hugs. Mama plays second fiddle to Dad when he comes home bringing his silly songs and rough housing. Madison gives her best smiles and giggles for Daddy, and one of her favorite resting spots is on his chest. It makes me fall in love all over again with him seeing his love and devotion to our girls. You are irreplaceable and the most wonderful Daddy in the world!! Love you! xo

Father's Day & Aunt Annie's Visit

Well I have a TON of catching up to do on my blogging... so beware there will be several postings before our vacation on Saturday.

Father's Day 2012 was a nice one, and Jarrett celebrated being the Daddy to TWO little ladies. We had a super relaxed Father's Day at home, and I made Jarrett "Reid Tacos" for dinner and we had Crumbs cupcakes for dessert. Jarrett is the best daddy in the world to our gals, and he wanted to simply spend it at home in our pajamas hanging out. We could definitly do that! I have a cute picture we took of Madison wearing the same red onsie that Lindsay wore on Jarrett's 1st Father's day that I will post in her 5 month update. We love you Daddy Bear!! xo

Happy Father's Day Papa!!

 The day after Father's Day, my sister who was in town from Florida came to spend the day with us while we celebrated Papa! Lindsay had fun playing "Hop-on-Pop".

 Madison got some Papa time and cooed and kicked her legs... she likes it when he tickles her feet with his beard!

 Aunt Annie with Madison... it was the second time she had gotten to hold her since she was born! Madison couldn't wait to wear her "My Auntie Loves Me" shirt when she got to see her.

 Silly girl... Lindsay loved all the family attention!

 Aunts just have such a special relationship with their nieces... they have a fun silliness that us Mom's just can't duplicate. Lindsay had so much fun eating popcorn, singing and dancing with her Auntie.

 Earlier this year Papa moved into a new house in Bakersfield and has worked really hard to create a garden in the back yard. We decided the perfect gift for Father's Day would be stepping stones... we can't wait to pick some veggies in your garden this fall!

Lindsay was very proud of the stepping stone she created...

 We had a lovely dinner at Paradise Cove and it was so yummy.

Madison's stone... Mama helped a bit :)

Auntie and Lindsay... such a sweet day! We love you Papa and Auntie! Thanks for coming to visit us... next time we will come to Florida to visit you!! xoxo

Four Months

Precious Girl is four months!?! Here are her stats:

height: 24 1/4 inches (50th percentile)

weight: 12 lbs, 9 oz (20th percentile)

Had four shots at the Dr.'s... sad but brave baby girl. This month I wanted to document all the sweet chub this little lady has gotten (hence the photo sans clothes). Love it!

 Madison's been rocking the bumbo seat these days.. she is trying so hard to sit up. Won't be long!

 Big blue eyes... they look green sometimes too.

 "Who's that cute baby?!? It's ME!" (please excuse the pj no-make-up lady to the left)

What she's been up to this month:
*Eating... Still eating like there's no tomorrow. She has been taking the bottle for Jarrett when we try, but Mama can't be anywhere near. We are trying to push her to eat every 4 hours, which she has not been a fan of so far. She likes to snack, and I fear I have become the pacifier. She is not patient... sound like someone we know? *Wink* They gave me a chart for introducing solid food when we were at the pediatrician, and I was like, "What? Already?". She is not anywhere close to being interested in food... I remember with Lulu we were so excited to introduce solids, but with Madison, we are not in any rush; maybe at 6 months.
*Sleeping.... (I wish) We have been working diligently on getting little miss onto a schedule. Bedtime we have down, but her nap schedule is all over the place. We have been doing all naps in her crib, but they are only lasting 45 mins. to 1 hour. Working on lengthening the time to two, 2 hr naps per day. At night she will wake up 2-4 times...I think this will improve when we get her on a more regular eating schedule...hopefully!
*Appearance... Light brown hair (with a bald spot in back where she sleeps) and big blue/grey/green eyes. They change color in whatever light or clothes she is wearing. She has some chub, which I have been loving. No teeth yet, but she has been drooling like crazy. She has been wearing 3 month clothes, and can still fit into some of her onsies, but is in 6 month jammies and other clothes.
*Physical... Madison's been reaching and grabbing this month. She is similar to her sister in that she has to look at whatever object she is going for with an intense focus, then carefully stick her hand out and grasp it... it always goes one place: her mouth! Maddie loves to suck, chew and play with her fingers and hands. She is still not to keen on tummy time, and is SO close to rolling. She starts on her back, throws her legs over and is on her side and almost over, then she realizes she will end up on her tummy (which she dislikes) and rolls back to her back. This is the opposite of Lindsay, who rolled from her tummy to back at this age :)
*Vocal... To say this child is 'vocal' is an understatement...she loves to coo, squeal, scream, squeaks and what sounds like singing sometimes. She is so loud sometimes we aren't sure if it is a happy scream or an annoyed one. When she cries she lets out terrible sounding shrieks which are downright painful to hear, and oh so dramatic. Our neighbors probably think we are pinching her.
*Smiles and giggles... She is such a sweet snuggle bug, and likes to be tickled. Yesterday Daddy was playing "tickle-your-footie" while she was in her car seat and when he would stop she would lift her leg and put it up again and again to be tickled. Her giggles boil up from her tummy and erupt with such fierceness. You can't help but laugh right along with her.
*Big Sis... Madison loves her big sis. Lindsay will lay down with her when she is on her play mat and will touch her head, or give her kisses and Madison will gaze up and smile and wave her arms. Already besties!
*Funny quirks... Lately while nursing she has been kicking one of her legs (for a lack of better description it look like when someone scratches a puppy's tummy and they move their leg kicking in sync) it has been cracking me up.
Love you precious girl!! You are growing up way too fast for Mama!