Two Months with Tee-tee

Tessa, affectionately called Tee-tee by her big sisters, recently had her two-month well check with Dr. Leslie. She tipped the scales at 11 lbs, 9 ounces, and measured 24 inches long.  Her weight put her in the 54th percentile and her length, 97th percentile.  As for her head size, she's in the 81st percentile.  At this age all these statistics really mean nothing, but it's fun to compare her stats with her sisters' stats.

This past month was a pretty big month. Lots of firsts. First overnight away from home, first full night in the crib, first all-girl outing without Dadda, first blowout, first CrossFit excursion while Momma actually worked out, and first all-girl grocery store trip. We also saw more smiles and heard lots of cooing, even when she was lying on her playmat looking up at her toys.  There were three nights in a row where she slept for 6-7 hours, so the Babywise approach is definitely starting to pay off.  And she recently discovered her left hand and frequently has it up to her mouth, sucking on her fist. 

 Who do you think Tessa looks like at two months…..McKinley Ruth???

Piper Joshlyn???

Or neither?

Momma and her girls

We definitely miss Dadda while he's at work, but on the other hand, girls just wanna have fun! 

McKinley dressed both of us.

Thank you Auntie Susan & Uncle Tom for matching sweater sets!

Triple twinkies in plaid tunics and skinny jeans.

Look at those fists.

All dressed up for a walk to the mailbox.

McKinley's 4th Birthday

I can't believe McKinley is a year away from starting kindergarden.  Her turning four means Benji and I have some decisions to make concerning her schooling.  How did four years fly by so fast?
Her special day was very low-key, considering it was my second day alone with my girls while Benji was at work.  But we were able to go to McDonalds for lunch and make it back home before Tessa's feeding without major crying, so it was an overall success!  I took some pictures of the girls in our front yard, and they cracked me up with each silly pose. During McKinley's quiet time we brainstormed responsibilities for a rewards chart I'm going to make her. She requested pizza and mac & cheese for dinner.  Since I'm currently doing a modified Whole30 food challenge with my CrossFit gym, I attempted to make pizza with a cauliflower crust.  It actually turned out amazing!  After singing happy birthday and eating left-over, purple cake she opened her last present, which was a camera.  Her Doc McStuffins bag is now playing second fiddle to her new camera. Never thought that would happen. Infact, we've had to limit her camera time, especially since she found out she could play video games on the thing. Darn!  Happy 4th Birthday Honey.  We love you!

Waking up to four birthday balloons.

Skyping with Gramma & Grampa C.

Her new cash register.

A surprise lunch date at McDonalds, which also happened to be my first outing alone with all three girls. 

Mini-photo shoot after lunch.

Piper, of course, copies every move McKinley makes.

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby.

Happy Birthday Big Girl

Four years ago I became a Momma when Miss McKinley Ruth entered the world. 

Happy Birthday to my big girl.

Back to Reality

After seven amazing weeks home, Benji went back to work.  I'm so thankful that Benji was able to take so much time off as we transitioned from two kids to three kiddos.  But now it's back to reality.  Our parents have come and gone, and we're figuring out our new routine.  Two toddlers and a breastfeeding baby definitely requires a lot more pro-active planning ahead, and I'm up for the challenge.  Below is a random group of pictures of Benji's last two weeks at home.

Tessa and the boys watch football.

While Ahmma & Dumpa were in town, we celebrated McKinley's birthday a little early with purple cake and a few presents.

Go Chargers!

Dadda and his Charger cheerleaders.

When taking a picture where I allow the girls to hold Tessa, I must always take two: one with McKinley holding Tessa and one with Piper holding her.

Tessa is still upbeat despite a loss to the Broncos.

Late Christmas presents came in the mail from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Shannon: beautiful new dresses.

McKinley hasn't let go of her new Doc McStuffins doctor's bag since she opened it during her early birthday party.  Thanks Uncle Alan & Aunt Cassie!

McKinley actually requested I take this picture with her sisters.  Then she asked if I could email it to Ahmma & Dumpa.