Spring Break Baby: Day 2

Sunday morning, we said our good-byes and headed over to see our Zellner family. Papa Z and Grammy were anxiously awaiting our arrival. Two of Auby's favorite things this weekend are loving on puppies and making raspberries or spitting noises. This picture is such a perfect example of her sweet raspberries. I also love Papa Z's face. He is so in love with baby girl.

Our Sunday fun day was filled with so much excitement. We enjoyed family time, special visitors, and delicious family dinner. Enjoy some pictures of our Zellner Sunday and Spring Break Baby Day Two together.

Sweet Smiles for Grammy and Papa Z

Naps with Grammy

Snuggles from Aunt Becky

Kisses from Aurora

Aunt Rachel Love'n

Aubrey also met some very special ladies this visit home.

{Joyce and Aubrey}

{Aubrey's great grandmother}

{Sweet Nana Smiles}

{Aubrey's great aunt Sally}

It was such a special Sunday. I loved all the sweet visits with family as baby girl has grown a ton since their last visit. But sadly as you can see, poor baby was not herself toward the end of the day. She was exhausted from waking up every few hours, constipated from rice cereal, teething not that any have shown up just yet, and later a fever. But hey I'll take those extra cuddles and of course those beautiful baby smiles any day.

Spring Break Baby: Day 1

For months, we counted down the days until Spring Break so that we could travel home to see our families. With busy schedules, an extra snow day, my school Open House, and all the craziness that fills our life these days, I had completely forgotten to make a packing list. Good thing I had one put to memory (or really just ran around my house searching for baby must haves).

This is only a small glimpse of our beautiful mess that we took home with us. From suitcases, a bumbo, boppy, diapers, toys, blankets, bottles, and bags... oh my. Let me say that the Prius was packed to the brim. That morning we said good-bye to the pups as they would be staying home and going to doggy daycare. At 3:30 with bags packed, we left for home. We were so proud of little Miss as she slept the whole 5 hours. It gave mommy and daddy a chance to chat and catch up. Once we arrived, we said our hellos, gave our love, but quickly turned into bed as we had an exciting morning ahead of us.

Saturday morning,we woke early and spent some fun play time with Oma and Opa. I just love watching my parents love on this sweet baby. This trip was extra fun as baby girl has fallen in love with puppies. Here is a very cute and unexpected video of baby girl laughing and "playing" with Aggie, my parent's pup.

After some fun play and a quick nap for the babe, it was time for a wardrobe change. We had some very special lunch plans at Larry's with my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin Danny and his wife Jessica. But I had to take these sweet pictures of our big girl with her grandparents before our departure.

On a quick side note, I wanted to mention that this rocking chair was used to rock both my brother and I. What a fun sentimental note that baby girl will also be rocked just the same.

A little before noon, we met up with my family so that they may meet Auby. It was so special to watch them love on her. Here are a few pictures that my Uncle took of our afternoon together. Thank you to my amazing family for making this lunch so very special.

{Great Aunt Alice and Great Uncle Don}

 

 

 

{My cousin, Danny, and his wife Jessica}

{Oma feeding baby}

When we arrived home, daddy had some fun daddy/daughter play time. But sadly after a busy day, and a bit of fuss, it was time for her afternoon nap. 

After our nap and some love from Oma, baby girl was ready for a fun afternoon with the family. We had such a relaxing afternoon and evening of movies and play time with baby. It was truly a perfect beginning to our Spring Break with Baby.

Aubrey's Month-iversary Series: Five Months

Hey beautiful baby! Happy FIVE months! Thinking back, I cannot believe that five months has past since the day you were born. There are days it feels like yesterday and then others, it's as if I can't remember life without you. You have changed our lives forever and we are beyond words thankful for you. I have really enjoyed seeing your sweet personality shine this month.We have had our ups, downs, and of course everything in between. Being a parent has been the greatest gift I have ever been given, but let me tell you... I've learned that parenthood is an absolute guessing game. Once I've figured it all out, everything changes. The things I can count on are that beautiful smile, your ability to melt my heart each day, and that time is just flying by. I've loved every new stage and look forward to updating this blog about all that you have been up to.
I am so excited to capture these sweet month-iversaries and share these special moments with those we love. I cannot wait to see what this next month has in store for us.

Date: 3/7/14
Age: Five Months
Measurements: We will find out at her 6th month appointment. I am guessing she weighs around 14+ pounds and seems to be going through an additional growth spurt.
Clothing: Clothing is all over the place. We typically are in 3-6 month and 6 month onesies. You are in 3-6 month shirts and pants. I love putting frilly socks on you as they are the only kind at this time that you are unable to pull off and are super cute. 
Eating: Wow! Girl you can eat. We have been making four 6 oz bottles for daycare. You typically eat.all.of.it excluding maybe an ounce or two during the day. Then we get home and feed you an additional bottle. We began rice cereal about a week ago because you were waking up every few hours in the middle of the night starving. Our first attempt at rice cereal was absolutely hilarious as you tried to knock the spoon from my hands sending rice cereal and water all over the place. The only downside of rice cereal is that is has really affected your tummy.
Sleeping: This has been our biggest challenge sweet baby. You are not typically a fussy baby, but oh girl... this past month until now has reminded me of your first weeks as a newborn. You have gotten up every few hours the past month. You are congested, a bit fussy, and starving. Rice cereal has really helped and even gave us two perfect nights where you slept through both nights. I felt like a new mommy. But then sadly we mixed up your schedule with daylight savings time and a trip home. Your poor schedule was completely off. We are excited about getting you back on track. First your evacuation to your crib has come. I know you are 5 months old and only now leaving mommy and daddy's room. But it's time sweet girl. I never thought you would be in our room this long. I can think of so many great excuses from laziness as I hate putting you all the way upstairs and across the hall, saving money and not turning on the heat upstairs, being sick and congested... and so forth. I am just having a hard time letting you go. But I know that it's time and we will sleep so much better. So more shall be updated soon in regards to sleep. Say a little prayer please.
New Activities and Random Tidbits:
- lots of new facial expressions. I swear you can raise at least one eyebrow like our Zellner side of the family and maybe both
- sitting up on own for longer periods of time (not quite independently)
- more babble sounds (what sounds like...) da, ga, o, hey, mmm, and others. Really you give a variety of random squeals and then silent smiles. You love blowing raspberries and spitting
- pulling feet to your mouth and sucking on toes
- love to put everything in your mouth including fingers, hair, toys, blankets, bottles
- You like to watch your bottle being made and will pull it to your mouth.
- can hold a bottle of 4 ounces and attempt to feed yourself
- pull blankets from your face during peek-a-boo

- mimics some sounds (all by choice)
- plays with face and hair while eating. You enjoy watching the person who is feeding you.
- likes airplane and being lifted into the air upside down
- You truly love cheesing for the camera and smile for almost anyone you see. You have no problem being held by anyone.
- You love petting puppies and laugh when they play.
- You have noticed the toy animals above your swing and enjoy batting at them with both hands.
- Aubrey you love being on your tummy and love to roll from your back to tummy. At times you act as though you have forgotten how to roll from your tummy to your back and will fuss if you can't do it.
- You do not like having anyone touch your nose. You will fight all bulbs and the nose frieda. I've definitely heard some screams when we sadly have to clean it.
- This month you began to play and splash in the water during bath time. You seem to be a bit more cautious. I can't wait for you to really love to splish splash in the water.
- We enjoyed another ice day at home together. We also enjoyed a few days in the 70s and took a couple of fun walks to the park with the puppies.
- You respond to your name quite a bit, but we are unsure if it is our voice or your name. We will continue to work on this.
- Aubrey you LOVE music and singing. We sing lots of songs all day and every day about anything that we do including a good morning song, a dressing song, etc. We so love for music to be a big part of your learning.
- you help put on your clothing by stretching out both your arms and legs. You began this around 4 months but are becoming a pro by month 5. Love the extra help sweet girl. It makes putting on clothes (minus the wiggles) a bit easier.
- You may seriously be one of the happiest babies. You love to smile for everyone. You have also perfected the lower lip pout and have been a bit more fussy at times during this month due to sleeping and eating issues. Regardless you are a definite keeper.
Likes: crinkle toys, plastic rings, loveys, blankets, puppies, walks, fans, lights, television light,
Dislikes: car carrier and seat belts, required naps, pacis,

Watch sweet baby girl grow!



We love you so much little lady. Continue to grow, to laugh, and to snuggle. We love every moment and are so thankful for each of them. Happy five months sweet angel.

Look WHOoos Enjoying our Sunday Snow Day!

As we made our way out of church, we felt the frozen ice pellets hit our face and knew the prediction of snow was actually possible. After we arrived home, we started to hear thunder and sleet. I love SNOW or anything that looks like it! I quickly grabbed little girl's owl hat as this would be the first time she would be able to fit it and made our way to the door. Quickly snow, sleet, and rain started to fall, so we decided that we would do the snow thing from indoors this time. My weather app read 25 degrees with a low of 12 and a high of 28. Talk about cold and a huge difference from the 70 degree weather that we had the week before. Aubrey really enjoyed looking out the window, tapping her hands on the glass, and watching the sleet/snow mixture that continued to fall. Enjoy some pictures of our Sunday Snow Day!

 

My Pink Little Leopard

I cannot believe our pink little leopard will be turning 5 months this next week. She is the light of our life and makes our heart absolutely smile. One of my favorite things is watching her explore and learn new skills.

We usually put two toys in front and have her choose. As of late she's taken both. Everything goes straight to her mouth. That may include your finger or even a large clump of your hair. She's also found her thumb but usually thinks a whole fist is a better option as well as her little piggies. Rattles, her rings on her car carrier, and her rattle ball are her current favorites. She's still a fan of her crinkle book and crinkle toys as well as her little loveys. We are even attempting to sit up on our own. Some days are better than others, but she has gotten more control over it as of late. Ah she's just getting so big;)

She is so expressive which has been a huge source of entertainment at the Zellner home. Aubrey has definitely found her voice. She loves to mimic singing sounds. She may need a little more work;) At school they say she loves to "talk" (like mama?) but it is usually when all the babies are asleep. She of course is all smiles. 

Lately we've had some difficulty in the sleeping department. She usually tires herself out at daycare and falls asleep quickly in the car, but the moment we get home, we are all play and eventually turn fussy. The past few weeks have been a little hard on our little. But we're working through it. We are so excited about our little trip home. It will be so fun to catch up with family and see all the fun changes that our pink little leopard has made.

Happy days ahead and many more updates to come.

Food Trucks and Baby Fun in February

Sunday afternoon, after a wonderful church service, we decided to spend our family day at Klyde Warren Park for some Food Truck and Baby Fun. I love this little treasure in the middle of downtown Dallas near the Arts District. Our afternoon was absolutely perfect! It was a nice break from the growing list of to dos and a great little afternoon getaway. We purchased grilled cheese sandwiches from Ruthie's, laid out a blanket, and let the little lady explore. The weather was gorgeous and actually a bit warm at 75+ degrees. I could not have asked for a better day. Enjoy a few pictures of our afternoon of food trucks and baby fun in February.

 After several hours of play, a fun family photo opt, some great drum performers in the park, and a delicious afternoon lunch, we decided to make our way back home. I can't wait for more afternoons of food trucks and baby fun!

Cute As A Button Baby Shower

 

On Saturday, February 22nd, Kristin and I had the wonderful opportunity to host a baby shower in honor of our sweet friend, Stephanie, and her baby girl, Haley, that will join us in mid April. The shower's theme was Cute As A Button!

 

And boy will she be! We are so excited to celebrate these special friends. We love the addition of this sweet girl to our little group. I cannot wait to see our babes grow up together. Enjoy some details from our super cute day!

{Kristin, Stephanie & baby Haley, and me}

 

Our theme colors included pretty in pink, purple, and lime green. Details ranged from a keepsake signed memory box, diaper wreath, paper plate buttons, an adorable Haley banner, a purple framed picture prop, and of course some delicious treats. Our eats included a fruit platter, queso and chips, hummus, Haute Mama minis, sherbert punch, and lemonade.

 After the guests arrived, we enjoyed a fun photo opt and played several baby shower games. 

Then it was time for gifts. Little miss was showered with so much love. Her family and friends absolutely adore her already. She received cute little outfits, stuffed animals, and baby essentials.

To our sweet friend,
We are so excited to celebrate you and your sweet baby girl. We love you dearly and can't wait to meet little Miss Haley! She'll surely be as cute as a button!