So much to do, so little time

Helaina and I always enjoy our visits to Indiana. Unfortunately, Randy wasn't able to go with us this past weekend. It seems he gets busier and busier, but we're hoping by the end of the summer things will finally be coming together for him in his dental career!
For those of you that don't already know, I have a BIG family. My immediate family is average in size, however, my extended family is a bit larger. I'm 1 of about 30 grand kids and many of my cousins have had or are having children. So it goes without saying that it's almost IMPOSSIBLE for us to make our rounds when we visit. (We try very hard though)
During this visit, Helaina was able to experience a few firsts. My Aunt Sheila and Uncle Kevin have quite the play yard for children of all ages (and the adults too). Helaina went swimming for the first time in their pool on Friday. It was quite an event. I think it took more time to get her "dressed" (swim diaper, bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, blowing up her floatie) than she was actually in the pool. It was worth it though...She loves the water and is our little fish.


The canopy on her floatie was nice. She was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the water with a little shade from the sun.
Mom and Helaina
My cousin Justine and Helaina

Mom and Helaina before a graduation open house
My dad's brother, Uncle Pat turns 50 tomorrow, July 1st. His birthday is just 1 day before mine and also happens to be my Godfather. His family threw him a surprise birthday party on Friday evening, and I am so glad I was able to attend. HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY UNCLE PAT!!! Arriving to his surprise birthday party with a "surprised" look on his face!
All the guests waiting to wish him a Happy Birthday

I'm disappointed that I don't have any pictures to post, but Helaina met my good friends Erin and Jon this weekend. They are expecting a baby in November. Erin's baby bump is ohhh so cute, and Helaina just loved spending time with them. Jon had a crash course in infant care. He helped change her diaper and wiped the spit up she had while he was holding her. I'm fairly certain they are going to be GREAT PARENTS!

Summer fun!

Last week, Helaina had yet another summer play date. Auntie Christina and cousin Isabella came over to the house to visit with us. Isabella is 14.5 months old and will soon meet her new baby sister as Christina is expecting a Baby Girl in November. What a sweet picture...Isabella is trying to hold Helaina's hand.

So...Randy and I are not making much progress in preventing Helaina from sucking her thumb. It's a daily thing she does, mostly for a few minutes before she falls asleep at nap time and bedtime. She is taking to the pacifier a bit better, however, once it falls out of her mouth, then the thumb is immediately inserted. This picture shows how smart our little Helaina is already. This is is her pacifier with her thumb inserted into the opening so when she puts it into her mouth, she's technically sucking her pacifier AND her thumb. Oh boy....what shall we do now?!?The Cubs were in town this weekend to play the Tigers at Comerica Park. It is a house divided...Randy is a 100% Tigers fan while my heart is with the Cubbies (at times I question my sanity though). We had the pleasure of attending the game together, another wonderful date night. It was the FIRST time that Helaina spent the night away from me. Sitty and Sedo were kind enough to babysit last night and today while I worked. It's amazing how much you can miss one person so much. I'm counting down the minutes till I go pick her up and we head to Valpo for the weekend.

Happy 1st Father's Day Daddy!

Happy First Father's Day to my wonderful husband and Helaina's amazing Daddy! And...Happy Father's Day to both of our dads (Helaina's Grandpa and Sedo), our Grandfathers (Helaina's Great-Grandpas), and every other dad on this special day! We love you, and are so thankful for how much you love our family!!!

Helaina and Daddy on his First Father's Day

Our FamilyAll smiles

Summer is here!

Helaina has been attempting to roll over for awhile now. She pushes up on her side from her back, but doesn't really know what to do after that. She often fusses during "tummy time", but I'm persistent :) and lately, she doesn't mind spending the time on her belly. So this past Thursday before her bath, Helaina was playing on her belly. She kept pushing herself up with her right hand and finally, she pushed just hard enough for gravity to send her over on her back. You should have seen the surprised look on her face...it was precious!
BEFORE....
After....she had the grip of death on the towel so it came with her onto her back.
I wonder if she gets tired of playing dress-up?!?

Sedo and Sitty make scrumptious homemade bread. Too bad Helaina doesn't have any teeth yet or she'd be sure to eat every last crumb.

Helaina and Gavin

Miss Helaina is outgrowing her clothes so fast! This summer dress was a gift from a friend. It's 3-6 months. The weather has been cold, and Helaina is growing so fast, that this will be the first and only time she can wear this outfit (so we had to take a picture)! Do you remember this picture from December of 2008. "The tale of 2 Kim's." Kim McFadden was pregnant with Gavin while I was pregnant with Helaina at our work Christmas party. Gavin was born in January, so he is about 6 or 7 weeks older than Helaina.Well today Gavin and Helaina had a play date at the park. Kim, her son Aiden, and Gavin came to our house, and we walked to a nearby park for a picnic. Can't wait to do it more often!
All smiles :) Gavin and his beautiful blue eyes and light hair. Helaina and her beautiful brown eyes and dark hair.

Gavin was stretching out and Helaina didn't mind...in fact, something new for her to chew on. Sorry Gavin, just be thankful she doesn't have teeth yet :).

3 months old

Helaina turned 3 months old yesterday. She's still rockin' the growth charts. At 15.5 pounds and 25 1/2 inches, our sweet "little" girl is in the 95th percentile for height and weight compared to all those other 3 month olds. I spoke to our pediatrician, and we're going to keep increasing her daily ounces as needed, but we will probably have to start supplementing her diet with cereal well before the recommended time because of her size.
Helaina is such a joy to be around. She eats well, sleeps well, and in turn, is a happy and pleasant baby during the hours she is awake. I pray this joyful demeanor continues, because as a parent, it's a blessing to see your child happy.
I thought the day may come, and I believe today was "the day." Helaina found her thumb. I've been trying to teach her to use the pacifier with the thinking that the pacifier is easier to take away/control than the thumb. Randy and I have tried all types and brands of pacifiers...each time, same result...Helaina chokes and gags like we are sticking our fingers down her throat. She's been self-soothing by gnawing at her hands for weeks now, but tonight as I laid her in the crib at bedtime, that little thumb on her right hand snuck right into her mouth. I'm hoping she forgets where she found it by tomorrow morning :).