Friday, May 29, 2009

5 months old!

Happy 5 month Birthday to Sophia!!!


It has been a long, but wonderful 5 months! Some days the time goes by so slow while others it just flies! She is getting so much more playful and interactive each day!!! I love it!! She wants so badly to sit up on her own, but isn't quite strong enough yet! She has become quite the talker these days!! She "talked" to Grammie and Grampie Kiesel all morning today while I worked a shift at the Meijer Pharmacy! She was probably reminding them over and over again that it was her 5 month birthday!! :)

Allyson

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Visiting Columbus

Hi everyone!!! Aren't I just too cute? See my toes are curled? They are always curled!! Just like mommy did as a baby!!!


We started off today on an excellent note. Sophia slept from 7:45pm last night to 7am today!! I felt so rested this morning without having my sleep interrupted! This is unheard of in our house and let's hope it continues since she will be 5 months old on Friday!!!

Sophia finally got to meet all of daddy's coworkers today!! We made a trip down south!! Our first stop was to visit Erin, the boys, and precious baby Laurel!! We had a nice time visiting! It was too short though, always need more time together!! Laurel is such a sweetie!! She has got the best baby hair in the world!!

Next stop was Cummins Mid Range Control building in downtown Columbus!! We picked up daddy and headed to lunch. One of Nate's coworkers met us for lunch and we had a blast talking!! Sophia was the hit of Penn Station!! She was hamming it up for all the ladies eating lunch!! At the end of lunch, Nate had Sophia sitting on the table with her legs dangling down and all of a sudden we heard some major rumbles in the jungle if you know what I mean!! It was hilarious!! Sure hope they washed that table after we left!!! After lunch we headed up to Nate's floor and Sophia got to meet Nate's coworkers! She was exhausted by this point in the game that she was very somber. Kind of acted like she was in a transe.... so his poor coworkers didn't get to see her cute smile!!! But they noticed her big beautiful eyes!!!

We are pulling for another awesome night of sleep!!!

Allyson

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Slightly disturbed....

I am slightly disturbed by this article!! A British Woman is expecting a child at the ripe age of 66!! Are you kidding me? Can you even produce breastmilk at that age without all the normal hormones working in the body?

She might look like this taking her kid to high school!

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/babys-a-bonus-at-66-20090524-bj2q.html?page=1

Things that make ya go hummmmmm....

Allyson

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!!! We want to thank all of those that served and are currently serving in our forces to protect our FREEDOM!! THANK YOU for ALL you do! You are not forgotten!!

We had a nice long weekend, although it went too fast!!! I always love when Nate is home for an extended period of time!! Sophia's loves her daddy time!!!


Daddy and Sophia chatting it up!!! She sure loves talking to us!! I often wonder what is going through her mind!!! What on earth could she be thinking???

We visited Great-Grandpa Kiesel today!! He loves holding Sophia and singing to her!!


How do you like my biking head sweat band? Or should we say Grampie Kiesel's?? I made the comment that her feet and head sweat, so when I came downstairs, my dad had put this "head sweat" cap on her head!! So funny!!!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!! I know those of you that are teachers are counting down the days till FREEDOM!! My sister said, "Summer can't come soon enough!"

PS. To clear things up for one reader who didn't sign their name --- I always enjoy time with my daughter, minute after minute, hour after hour, day after day.... the only time I am on the computer is when she is sleeping!! Since she sleeps a lot, it gives me time to get things done around the house and spend time "wisely" on the computer. I make it a priority to research important topics to keep our family the healthiest it can be!

Allyson

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Myth? Quite Possibly...

I have had quite a few people comment on our food selections and order of introduction. I thought I would give a little background to our decisions! The comments range from, "Why are you doing "real" food before infant rice cereal?" "How can you make homemade organic brown rice cereal?" "You really shouldn't have started bananas before veggies b/c she will get a sweet tooth."

(From http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/bananababyfoodrecipes.html)

Interestingly enough, "bananas are an excellent source of nutrition and as such, are another perfect fruit to be one of baby's first foods. Bananas are often called one of nature's perfect foods because they are said to contain everything a person needs to survive. One of the most important nutritional components of Bananas is that they contain potassium and fiber. Bananas are also high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin B2. The Potassium in bananas often gets a bad rap due to the confusion with sodium (salt). Potassium contributes to healthy blood pressure as well as healthy heart functions. Some studies have suggested that people who consume bananas and other foods high in potassium are less likely to develop atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Bananas are also known as one of nature's own antacids. They are known to help protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. The reason for this seldom known and almost odd fact is that bananas contain "mucilaginous bulking substances". They help the intestines with producing a mucousy lining and are very very easy to digest."

Also, "avocado makes a great first food for baby due to its texture and creaminess as well as its high nutrient content. Avocados are often called one of nature's perfect foods because they are said to contain everything a person needs to survive. A wonderful "good fat" food for baby's brain and physical development, try an avocado as baby's first food instead of refined cereals! "Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain."

So. after doing quite a bit of research on baby foods, many dietitians and nutritionists are actually saying that the order food is introduced doesn't matter.... also there is freedom in choosing the first foods.... most of the "food guidelines" are based on myths and not true science. I found an interesting article on MSNBC.... I have included it below! I have found a few websites that suggest waiting until 6-8 months to begin introducing spices!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9646449//

Experts seek to debunk baby food myths:

Little evidence supports ‘any particular way of doing things’

Ditch the rice cereal and mashed peas, and make way for enchiladas, curry and even — gasp! — hot peppers. It's time to discard everything you think you know about feeding babies. It turns out most advice parents get about weaning infants onto solid foods — even from pediatricians — is more myth than science.

That's right, rice cereal may not be the best first food. Peanut butter doesn't have to wait until after the first birthday. Offering fruits before vegetables won't breed a sweet tooth. And strong spices? Bring 'em on.

"There's a bunch of mythology out there about this," says Dr. David Bergman, a Stanford University pediatrics professor. "There's not much evidence to support any particular way of doing things."

Word of that has been slow to reach parents and the stacks of baby books they rely on to navigate this often intimidating period of their children's lives. But that may be changing.

As research increasingly suggests a child's first experiences with food shape later eating habits, doctors say battling obesity and improving the American diet may mean debunking the myths and broadening babies' palates.

It's easier — and harder — than it sounds. Easier because experts say 6-month-olds can eat many of the same things their parents do. Harder because it's tough to find detailed guidance for nervous parents.

"Parents have lost touch with the notion that these charts are guides, not rules," says Rachel Brandeis, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Babies start with a very clean palate and it's your job to mold it."

It's easy to mistake that for a regimented process. Most parents are told to start rice cereal at 6 months, then slowly progress to simple vegetables, mild fruits and finally pasta and meat.

Ethnic foods and spices are mostly ignored by the guidelines — cinnamon and avocados are about as exotic as it gets — and parents are warned off potential allergens such as nuts and seafood for at least a year.

Yet experts say children over 6 months can handle most anything, with a few caveats: Be cautious if you have a family history of allergies; introduce one food at a time and watch for any problems; and make sure the food isn't a choking hazard.

Parents elsewhere in the world certainly take a more freewheeling approach, often starting babies on heartier, more flavorful fare — from meats in African countries to fish and radishes in Japan and artichokes and tomatoes in France.

The difference is cultural, not scientific, says Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' nutrition committee who says the American approach suffers from a Western bias that fails to reflect the nation's ethnic diversity.

Bhatia says he hopes his group soon will address not only that, but also ways to better educate parents about which rules must be followed and which ones are only suggestions.

Rayya Azarbeygui, a 35-year-old Lebanese immigrant living in New York, isn't waiting. After her son was born last year, she decided he should eat the same foods she does — heavily seasoned Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush.

"My pediatrician thinks I'm completely crazy," says Azarbeygui, whose son is now 13 months old. "But you know, he sees my child thriving and so says, 'You know what, children in India eat like that. Why not yours?'"

How to introduce healthy children to solid food has rarely been studied. Even the federal government has given it little attention; dietary guidelines apply only to children 2 and older.

In a review of the research, Nancy Butte, a pediatrics professor at Baylor College of Medicine, found that many strongly held assumptions — such as the need to offer foods in a particular order or to delay allergenic foods — have little scientific basis.

Take rice cereal, for example. Under conventional American wisdom, it's the best first food. But Butte says iron-rich meat — often one of the last foods American parents introduce — would be a better choice.

Dr. David Ludwig of Children's Hospital Boston, a specialist in pediatric nutrition, says some studies suggest rice and other highly processed grain cereals actually could be among the worst foods for infants.

"These foods are in a certain sense no different from adding sugar to formula. They digest very rapidly in the body into sugar, raising blood sugar and insulin levels" and could contribute to later health problems, including obesity, he says.

The lack of variety in the American approach also could be a problem. Exposing infants to more foods may help them adapt to different foods later, which Ludwig says may be key to getting older children to eat healthier.

Food allergy fears get some of the blame for the bland approach. For decades doctors have said the best way to prevent allergies is to limit infants to bland foods, avoiding seasonings, citrus, nuts and certain seafood.

But Butte's review found no evidence that children without family histories of food allergies benefit from this. Others suspect avoiding certain foods or eating bland diets actually could make allergies more likely. Some exposure might be a good thing.

And bring on the spices. Science is catching up with the folklore that babies in the womb and those who are breast-fed taste — and develop a taste for — whatever Mom eats. So experts say if Mom enjoys loads of oregano, baby might, too.

That's been Maru Mondragon's experience. The 40-year-old Mexican indulged on spicy foods while pregnant with her youngest son, 21-month-old Russell, but not while carrying his 3-year-old brother, Christian.

Christian has a mild palate while his younger brother snacks on jalapenos and demands hot salsa on everything.

"If it is really spicy, he cries, but still keeps eating it," says Mondragon, who moved to Denver four years ago.

That's the sort of approach Bhatia says more parents should know about. Parents should view this as a chance to encourage children to embrace healthy eating habits and introduce them to their culture and heritage.

"So you eat a lot of curry," he says, "try junior on a mild curry."


Anyone have any thoughts?

Allyson

Sophia’s Shades!

My mom found some adorable little pink sunglasses for Sophia!! We tried them on her and she actually didn’t mind them too much!!! She looked so cute!!! Sophia also got a little swim diaper and shade hat for when we go to the Danville Pool this summer!!


I love sitting on Grammie's lap in the sunshine!!!


Peace dude!!!


Aren't I just the cutest thing?


Trying out my new shades to see if they actually work!!


Time for a walk!!! My hands are much neater than the camera!!!


Here is an adorable video of the first time she had her sunglasses on!! The end is great!!!





Have an awesome Memorial Weekend!!

Allyson and Sophia

Friday, May 22, 2009

Adventures in Baby Food Making!

Wow, 2 posts in one day!! :) Accomplishment huh?

I have checked out a few books from the library on homemade baby food and also have been reading, “Super Baby Food” by Ruth Yaron! I love that book and highly recommend it to others considering making your own food! Another website that is awesome is http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com. I have had a blast making the food. I found a recipe for organic brown rice cereal so I made a small batch of that and it is awesome!!


Sophia LOVES her bananas, does pretty good eating her avocado, and did well on day one yesterday of our homemade brown rice cereal!!

You may say, “I don’t have time to make our baby food!” Honestly, it doesn’t take much time at all. I take about 20 minutes to make up a batch of food and freeze it in my Fresh Baby Food trays. Then all you have to do is heat up the cube!!! Easy as that!!! I can’t wait to start using my Beaba babycook!!

PS> I also learned that an avocado is a FRUIT and not a veggie!! So, I apologize for the incorrect information a few posts ago!!

Allyson and Sophia

Nate's 35th Birthday

Yesterday was Nate's 35 birthday and I wanted to do something extra special for him this year!! He needed a good surprise!! All I told him was that he needed to wear "outside" clothes and we had a babysitter!! He knew nothing else!! He kept trying to get any information possible out of me, but I didn't budge!! Wednesday night, we packed a lunch and I secretively packed the car with our hiking boots, walking sticks, chairs, books, etc.... everything for a relaxing day in nature!! Thursday morning we met my parents in Mooresville to swap Sophia, and I told him which direction to head... Once we had been driving for about 20 minutes I told him that his birthday surprise was a trip out to Turkey Run or Shades State Park... His choice!! The perfect thing was my parents got him an annual park pass for his birthday, so we could use it yesterday!! He was thrilled and said, "I'd like to go to both!!" So we headed out to Turkey Run first and did a nice long hike! The weather was perfect and we didn't seem many people out on the trails!! After lunch on a picnic table, we headed over to Shades for another hike!! After that hike our legs were pretty exhausted and so we headed home!! My parents, sister, and grandpa came over with Sophia and mom cooked an awesome birthday dinner for both of our birthdays!! We had such a nice day!!

Here are a few pictures and a video of our day!!




I noticed this little bug on the rock during our hike in Turkey Run!! We couldn't believe all the legs!! A video does a much better job of showing this little guy in action!!




More pictures to come of Sophia!!

Allyson

Monday, May 18, 2009

Super Daddy!

This past weekend I worked at Meijer and Nate was in charge of Sophia!! He did an awesome job!! I think she really enjoyed her "daddy and me" time!!! It was really good for me to work both days, but I was so thankful to be done and to be home with my baby!! I think working just a few shifts/month makes me more appreciative of my time at home with Sophia and also makes me realize the blessing of our little daughter!!!

I think the hardest thing about being "Super Daddy" all weekend was finding stuff to do with her! He said he felt like he kept running out of options!! They took two runs on the Plainfield Trails, played outside, danced to TobyMac, read books, ate bananas together, and played with lots of toys!!! Saturday morning she didn't want to go to sleep for her morning nap and "fought" it for at least 30 minutes.... I told Nate she was just protesting b/c she wanted her mommy!!

Overall, things went well for the both of us! Although, I think Nate was happy to go back to work today!

We went to our weekly BF group today and little Sophia was 14 lbs 3.5 oz! That is a 8.5 oz gain from last week!! I was shocked when I saw the scales b/c I stopped my Reglan last week! I needed a break from taking it and thought for sure my supply would decrease, but it must not have!! YIPEE!! Such a comforting feeling!!!

Here are a few pictures of our time on the deck last Friday!! She was such a ham that afternoon! Isn't her hat adorable? Still a little too big, but she will grow into it... remember, her head is already in the 90%! Ha!


"I am starting to put everything I can get ahold of in my mouth! For some reason though I can't figure out how to suck on a pacifier!"


We have an awesome week to look forward to in terms of the weather!!! Can't wait to get out and do daily walks with Sophia!! Nate has to travel for work this week, so that means lots of mommy and Sophia time!!! Good thing my parents are helping me out and giving me a break some!!!

Until we "type" again...

Allyson and Sophia

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Bananas... YUM YUM

Yesterday at Sophia's 4 month check-up we were given the OK to start solid foods. After talking with the doctor and getting her approval, we decided to skip cereal and start on "real" food. Since Nate is a monkey and LOVES his bananas, we decided that bananas would be the first food to try! The doctor advised us to wait 2-3 days before introducing a different food. Her first veggie will be avocado due to the immense amounts of healthy fats which will help her brain development!! :)

Sophia did pretty well for the first time. I mashed up an 1/8 of a banana with a little bit of water. As expected she wanted to push the food out of her mouth with her tongue. She swallowed quite a few bites eventually... but I think most of it ended up on her outfit as you will see below! We will keep trying bananas until she gets the hang of swallowing with each bite!!

Here are a few pictures that should put a smile on your face!


"Hum... not sure what I think... it is fairly sweet like mommy's milk!"


"Ok, this isn't too bad!! I might smile a little bit!"


"Check out my face and my outfit! I think most of my bananas ended up there instead of my tummy!"


Here is a cute little video of our first experience!





In other news my babycook babyfood maker came in the mail today!! YIPEE!! I can't wait to start making Sophia's babyfood!! Anyone want to come over and have a babyfood making party? This should be the next hot trend for freezer meals!! :)



Happy "babycook-ing"

Allyson and Sophia

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mother's Day 2009

4 Generations - Debbie Lewis Kiesel, Lillian Georges Kiesel, Allyson Kiesel Long, and Sophia Long

May 10, 2009 -- The day I realized the true meaning behind Mother's Day. Until this year, I always looked at Mother's Day as special, but also as "another holiday." With only 4 months under my belt as a mother, I realize the reason we formally celebrate and cherish our mothers! A mother is the person that always loves you no matter what, celebrates your growth and development every step of the the way, hurts when you hurt, and on and on and on!

I thought I would wake up on my first Mother's Day and feel different and somehow "extra special," but I didn't! I felt the same way I always do.... tired but curious what the day may hold! I guess I had envisioned Mother's day as a day to kick back, relax, and be pampered! Treated like a queen bee! Isn't this what we always tell our Mom's on Mother's day??? "Don't worry about anything today, b/c today is YOUR day. I will take care of it for you." It isn't that way though, is it? As a mother (I am quickly learning), your job never ends.... you are always on call... always the one people turn to when there is trouble or chaos... the one with the solution to the problems.... the one that knows what is ALWAYS going on.... the one that runs the "mothership" and keeps it afloat? You can't turn "on and off" the mother switch because once a mother, always a mother! And today after some reflection ... I am OK with that! I don't want to turn off that switch.

Ever since 2006 when we were married, we both had a strong desire for a family. (Ok, I must confess I wanted a family a little earlier than Nate.) Everyone told me, "Your life will never be the same..... Be careful what you wish for.... Kiss your sleep goodbye .... you can't ever go back to the way it used to be." My usual reply, "I know, I know (but thinking to myself, yeah right people, don't squash my dreams!)."

In reality, I had no idea what "being a mother" would entail. I completely underestimated the amount of work that a baby brings, but incredibly underestimated the love that grows daily for your child! How can so much work be so rewarding? All of that being said, becoming a mother has made me a better person! It is teaching me how to love unconditionally and to die to my selfish wants and desires and seek those for the greater good!

I love Sophia more each day, and also find myself loving my dear husband more and more each day! He is an incredible man and an amazing stronghold!!! I couldn't be the mother I am today without Nate standing right behind me! I am quickly learning that a family is one of God's greatest gifts to us on this Earth!

Finally, my own mother made my Mother's Day VERY special with a wonderful gift: A Mother's Embrace white gold diamond necklace!! This is a gift that has such special meaning, and I will cherish it forever!

Sophia found much enjoyment playing with the toole that mommy's Mother's Day present was wrapped in! The littlest things in life bring such pleasure!! Don't we sure miss this aspect as an adult?


Three Generations: Nate Long, Delores Long, and Sophia Long


Great-grandma and Great-grandpa Kiesel and Sophia Long!


In other news, today was Sophia's (past) 4 month check-up at the doctor's office! :) Dr. Gill didn't even recognize her b/c she had grown so much!!! She was 13 lbs 11 oz (45-50%), 25.5 inches long (75%), and her head was 17 inches (90%). She is growing like a weed!! I told Sophia there is nothing to worry about with a head circumference in the 90% b/c that means she has lots of large brain cells working to retain information!! Basically -- She is going to be a smarty pants!!! She was comforted by this fact and kept smiling!!

She also received many compliments on her cute watermelon dress that Grammie Kiesel picked out for her!! As you notice she is sitting pretty in the first picture.....


then she does what is becoming a habit.... lifting her dress!! Guess this means I am going to have to always have a onesie on her!!! Daddy said hopefully she will stop this action by the time she is 2-3 years old and won't start back up until she is married!! :) HEHE Funny Daddy!!


Until we "type" again....

Allyson and Sophia

Friday, May 8, 2009

New fun toys!

Wednesday I decided to pull out Stage 2 of our Exersaucer Triple Fun: the actual exersaucer!! Stage 1 (her arch with the 3 toys dangling) has been our little "miracle" toy!! It will keep her occupied for a long time! She loves watching the lights, hearing the sounds, and batting at the toys! My parents were up for my birthday so the three of us tackled the assembly!! I think a new rule needs to be in place for toy companys such as Evenflo ... the instruction manual has to be 3 pages or less... 17+ pages is WAY too many for a kids toy!!! Give me a break!! After what seemed like an hour or two, we had the finished product!! Sophia had her first glimpse at it with Grammie and Grampie while Nate and I were out to dinner! They said her eyes were "quarter" sized the whole time and she just looked around at everything!! The past two mornings I have put her in it and she LOVES it! She is able to turn on the lights and music herself! She is so much more interactive these days and it is so neat to see!! Since the seat is HUGE and she is SMALL, I have to put blankets in front and back of her so she doesn't fall over!! This new toy should keep her mind working for hours on end!! Hopefully itCheck out the video below!







She also has been trying to hold her bottle on her own! She loves to have control of it... however, her hands get tired pretty quick and she ends up dropping it!! She has yet to hold it for a full feeding!!


Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend and enjoys the weather! It is supposed to be another great weekend here in Indy!!

Allyson and Sophia

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Broke the 13 lb mark!

Greetings!!! We bring you good news from the Avon homefront!!! Sophia broke the 13 lb mark! She weighed 13 lbs 2 oz yesterday at our BF group!! I was thrilled. She is up from 12 lbs 11.5 oz last week!!! We have her 4 month check up next Monday, so Dr Gill should be thrilled!! She won't recognize my little princess b/c she is getting so big!! Although I find it hilarious lots of her friends that are younger than her hit the 13 lb mark a LONG time ago!! Oh well, she is still my little long and skinny baby!!! Just like her daddy!!


"I am getting ready to roll over!!"



"This is still my favorite toy, hands down! I can pull down the bee all by myself now!! Sometimes I don't realize my power and when the toy makes it's noise, I startle myself!"


Sunday Sophia came outside with mommy and daddy and watched us pull weeds. At the end of the evening, we tried to have a photoshoot b/c the lightening was awesome, but Sophia was pretty tired and ready for bed!! We didn't get that many great shots!


"I am reaching for one of my toys that daddy has in his hands!!"


Hope everyone has a wonderful day today, enjoy the beautiful weather (if you are in Indy!)

Allyson and Sophia

Sunday, May 3, 2009

"Under Cover"

Greetings to those in blogger world!!!

Nate and I survived the Indianapolis Mini Marathon yesterday. Although, I am REALLY hurting today. By about mile 5, I was reminded OFTEN that I just had a child 4 months ago. Today I felt as though I just gave birth yesterday!! I think every muscle from my belly button down is sore today!! Most people probably think I am crazy for doing this, but it was fun! (Well, sort of!) Crossing the finish line hand in hand with my husband was the best part!!

Oh well, we did much better than expected considering the lack of training, mostly on my part. The only training I did was a 5 and 6 mile run/walk the past two Saturday's. Going from 6 miles to 13.1 is a HUGE difference!! We ended up running about 70-75% of the 13.1 miles. Much more running than I had expected and we finished in roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. Even though our running seemed to be slower than a turtle at times!

Sophia had two excellent babysitters for the Mini! My sister was a brave soul and came at 6am and Apryl was a pinch hitter at 9am!! I was so appreciate for their help!! It is always comforting to know your child is in excellent hands!!! Thanks guys!!!

One of Sophia favorite things to do is get in mommy and daddy's bed under the covers. Sometimes when we are in the bedroom together, we will bring Sophia with us to play on the bed!! She likes to play with the sheet!!! You can't help but smile watching this video!! Enjoy!!





This mama needs to hit the sack early tonight to keep herself on the road to recovery!!

Allyson and Sophia

Friday, May 1, 2009

Friday's are the best... especially in May!

Isn't May one of the greatest months we have??? I love all the green trees, flowering shrubs, flowers and flower pots!! Happy May 1st everyone!!! 5 more days till this mama's birthday!! Another year wiser!! Still won't be reaching the big 3-0 for another year though --- whew!!

Sophia forgot to tell everyone that this week she gained 9.5 oz and was up to 12 lbs 11.5 oz! Yipee! we are ALMOST at 13 lbs!! Should definitely be at her 4 month check in <2 weeks. Dr. Gill isn't going to recognize my little baby since she isn't so little anymore!! My dad took this picture this past week of Sophia!! I love it!!



Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL first weekend of May! I sure hope the rain holds off and we can have a DRY mini-marathon! I will be so glad for this race to be over!!

Allyson and Sophia