Gwennie is growing

Gwennie is doing great! She is bigger, stronger, and smarter and is still so, so happy. She has been sleeping through the night for about two weeks now. She eats 3 - 6 oz. bottles at Ronnie's, and still eats good for me. Every morning she wakes up and talks to herself in the crib for awhile before calling for us. He voice is so loud and clear now many times Greg and I aren't sure if it is her or Jon yelling! When I go get her she is hungry, her diaper is wet, and still, she smiles. She smiles so hard that her whole body has to move with it. Not only does she likes smiling, but she also loves hugging and kissing. When I kiss her she moves toward me too with her mouth open to give a big juicy one. As I hold her I can feel her little arms grip me in a hug. We are so thankful to have Gwen!

Nice November

We have had a few nice days in November. Last weekend we celebrated by Dad's birthday. After breakfast at Old Country Buffet we went to their house. Jon, Sarah, Mom, Steph, and I went for a walk. Jon still loves, loves loves being outside and was excited to show me the walk he often takes while with Gramma. Sarah liked being outside too and was sweet when she gave Jon a walking stick "so he won't fall down." We went to the big rock, looked at some moss, tried to get apples from a high tree, and just enjoyed the day together.

Halloween

Halloween 2009 was a good one. Jon had a really hard time deciding what he wanted to be. I think the concept was still kind of out there for him. We looked at ideas online and I think that made it even harder. His desires ranged from Superman to a Monster. One day, well into October, I was at Once Upon a Child and found the perfect pumpkin outfit for Gwen. At that very moment Mom and Steph called me from Target, they found a cute pumpkin costume for Jon. I told Jon that Gwen was going to be a pumpkin, and asked if he would he like to be one too. He was sold! He liked the decorations, had a great time at Ronnie's Halloween party, loved jumping in the hay while we picked out pumpkins at a church in Roseville, and looked forward to Trick or Treating. When the day came the weather was not too bad, and Gramma and Grampa came over too. We went to Great Gramma's house first, for only a second. Gwen rode in the back of the double stroller looking super cute, and not making a peep the whole time. Jon walked most the time. Since the rule was no candy until we get home he was ready to get home after only a couple houses. Luckily we persuaded him to make it through all our favorite neighbors' houses. We even saw Patty, my new neighborhood friend that I got my amazing birthday ring from. After Trick or Treating, and handing out some candy, we ended the night with a scary movie at Mom and Dad's. It turned out to be a great day.

Playdate

I was lucky to spend Monday with Alex and Millie. Jon and Gwen came too! It was a great day.

Booya Number 2

It was Jon's second Booya last weekend. Dad was working so Auntie Steph, Gwen, Jon and I went. We both brought home pots of soup for the boys and we each got a bowl to eat there. Jon did not want Booya, or a wiener, and said "I want to watch you and Auntie Steph eat Mom." That was until he saw a man sit down with a piece of carrot cake. So Jon had cake and crackers, we had soup, then we went to check out the fire engine and carnival. The fire man said Jon could sit in the driver seat of the engine but he got a little nervous when Jon started touching things and he asked him to stop. The sucker tree, go fish, and cake walk games were a hit but after 15 seconds in the "jumping thing" a fire man had to pull Jon out. To make up for it he got his face painted. The lady doing the painting encouraged him to choose an easier item to paint, but Jon insisted on the flag. I told her he would be glad to sit still since he loves makeup and is a pro at doing it at home with me. It was a great time and brought back good memories of doing it as a family when I was little.

My Gwennie

Gwen is my little love. From the moment she was born I felt ultra connected to her. Right away I knew she knew me and loved me as much as I knew and loved her. From the start I was able to read her cues and know what she needed. As she has gotten older that bond has only intensified. The first night in the hospital we slept together in my bed, I fed her when she cried, and talked and cuddled with her as we laid there in between sleep. Even after such a transition to the outside world, just that care, and being held, made Gwen happy. The days turned into weeks and her ability to be soothed by being picked up and loved only increased. At first she cried when I put her down, but soon she began to realize I will be here for her no matter what. Now her personality is becoming as apparent as her sweet nature. Her smiles are electric, making me anxious to hear her laugh. I am so, so lucky to have Gwen. Everyday with her has been a joy. As I go back to work I will miss our slow, comfortable mornings in bed together. I will miss being the one to change her diaper. I will miss the time I had to share her with family and friends. I will miss long afternoon feedings while watching TV. I will miss days home with her and Jon together. I will miss feeling like a team. Luckily she is mine, and I will be there for her no matter what. Our routines will change, our time together will be more precious then ever, but our love for each other will only grow stronger.

Animals