Sweet Potatoes Round Two

Contrary to what you might think - more went into my mouth than onto my face!

Saela is finally starting to eat "solid" food. "Solid," I feel, is a questionable definition of the pureed foods that come out of these jars. Regardless - we are finally getting our baby girl to actually open her mouth and accept the food without the earth shattering gag-a-maggot sound she would make with all previous trials.

Saela had her first viral illness (not counting her first two weeks of life) last week. She developed a fever on Easter Sunday (Happy Belated Easter) and it lasted for three days. She was a trooper through the event - really only acted tired and a little fussy. She is back to her smiley perky self this weekend - which we are all thankful for.

My second week of work went more smoothly than the first and I suspect that trend will continue. My mom is visiting this weekend through the middle the week - Saela is looking forward to spending Monday and Tuesday hanging out with her. I think that is all for news.

We hope all are doing well!
Love,
the Greens

Saela and Me

Returning to work for the second time since Saela's birth was much more difficult than the first time. Now she smiles, laughs, recognizes and reaches for me and my heart melts over and over again. We had so much fun spending our days together while I had time off between residency and my "real" job. We experienced her first Target run and airplane ride, her six month well-baby check, and six month photos. We spent time learning how to sit and also enjoyed taking long afternoon naps with Jax and Jilly. I found myself trying to memorize every detail about her because she changes everyday. She is growing more hair by the minute and is coming very close to crawling now!

This week was exceptionally challenging and I am exhausted - but I made it all in one piece. With time, the routine will settle in and it will be hard to remember how crazy life has been for the last few months. Saela will be seven months old tomorrow - where does the time go? All I can say is I love my sweet baby girl more everyday - more than I ever imagined was possible.

Saela and Grandpa

My dad was able to visit us for a few days earlier this month. He was able to spend much quality time with Saela - singing songs, reading books, watching the fan etc. We sure had a great time and hope that he comes back SOON! We love you Grandpa!

What Saela Would Rather Eat

Saela does not particularly care for solid foods. Per our pediatrician's recommendation we did rice cereal for two weeks and then tried sweet potatoes. Saela prefers milk, other people's fingers, paper and just about any inanimate object to food. We'll try another veggie this weekend to see it it goes any better.

No more sweet potatoes please...

...mmm towels are yummy and...

...these bibs feel good on my gums!

Have a great weekend!

The End of Saela's First Trip to Minnesota

...and we were finally able to see Grandma!

We had a wonderful trip home seeing family and friends. Saela likely won't remember much - but we'll be able to show her pictures and tell her stories. We look forward to when we can see all of you again!

Saela & Joe Puppy

Joe Puppy belongs to my sister, Kara, and my brother-in-law, Ben. Joe Puppy has ruled their roost for a number of years now. Having Saela around was good experience for Joe as Ben and Kara are expecting their first child at the end of July. We are all very excited to find out the sex of the baby which we will know by the end of the week!


This is Saela saying - that is a very small puppy Mommy - however am I supposed to play with that little fur ball? This is Ben showing his happiness that Joe interacted very well with Saela! We were able to spend quite a bit of time visiting Saela's Aunt Kara and Uncle Ben and we will cherish the memories - always!

Saela Meets Zachary...

...and

...gets her FIRST KISS!

(She seems a bit shocked not realizing that it was a bit staged.)

Zach belongs to my friends Michelle and John. We all went to high school together - but Michelle and I have known each other since pre-school. They graciously hosted Saela and I for three nights while we were in MN. It was good experience for Zach as they will be welcoming their second son in June. We sure miss them already and wish them well!

Google Error

Hello All-

Just wanted to let you know that I've been trying to post pictures for the past couple of days and keep getting a Google Error - so I will keep trying.

Hope you are all doing well!

Saela's Room

The Theme: What Happened After Mom had a Mild Anxiety Attack in Target

I was in Target a few days ago rushing around so I could get home and unpack the never ending sea of boxes in our home when I came upon this bedding set. I had noticed it a number of times thinking I should just get that someday. All of a sudden, I panicked thinking my poor daughter is going to go her whole life with nothing on her walls while I wait for "someday." So I cruised through the Target aisles like a mad woman and this is what I came up with:

The wall lettering is hard to see in the picture but it says "Sweet Dreams". The bedding is "Olivia" by Dwell Studio - you can see it more closely on Target's website if you are so inclined. The wall stickers match the bedding.

When you walk in the room the crib is on the same wall as the door just to your left and you are facing the window. The left wall as you are facing the window has the dresser pictured above. The right wall has the closet and the "S" you'll see pictured below.

Close-up of Saela's Jungle Friends

This "S" was made for us by our friend Jen who lives in the Chicago area. It fits in perfectly!

Saela's Furry Friends (including Jax & Jilly) hanging out in her window seat.

All in all I don't think it turned out too badly. It's simple and neat - just what I like and there are no nail holes in the walls so we can easily change her to a different room down the road.

Saela and Ben

Ben belongs to my longtime friend Ronni and her husband, Chris. Ronni and I met in fifth grade and have recently reconnected, much to my delight. Ronni and Chris welcomed Benjamin in December of 2007. Saela and I were able to spend time with them while we were in Minnesota. Here is one of the conversations that Saela and Ben shared...as you will see, Saela did most of the talking!

Dude, love the boppy - where did you get it?

Hey little man - the camera is over here.

There you go - now you are getting the hang of it!

Best get used to this little guy - they, "aka our parents", think every moment is photo worthy :).

I'm Thinking That...

...yes, I'm quite certain that...

...this blanket looks yummy enough to eat!

1318 State Street

In college, I lived with four other girls during my junior and senior years. We lived at 1318 State Street and have all remained friends since our graduations. Saela wore her "1318" onesie (handcrafted by Michelle with additions by Jenny at my baby shower last June) for our lunch date.

Here are Nyla, Samantha, and Saela. Nyla (Jonna's daughter) and Saela were originally due only two days apart in September 2007 - but Saela came early and Nyla came late - so they are actually one month and four days apart. The only "1318" girl missing from the photo is Shaylin who will turn ONE this month. She and her mommy, Jenny, live in Wisconsin like Nyla and Jonna. They are Packer fans. Michelle, Samantha, Saela, and I are Vikings fans - that made for fun times when Green Bay went to the Superbowl TWICE while we were in college. We have another Jen to round out the roommates but she has yet to step into the parenting ring...maybe this year?!?!
As most babies do - Nyla has taking to chewing/sucking on her clothes. Saela here is offering up her wrist for some new flavor. (Either that or she is trying to push her out of the way for more space in the picture.)
Here are 3 of the 5 roommates with our daughters (Back Row: Myself, Michelle, Jonna Front Row: Nyla, Samantha, Saela).
Clearly Nyla and Saela were more interested in something in front of them than in looking at the camera - what was so mesmerizing - scroll down to find out...

...the TinyLove green ring donut monster thing.

Saela Meets Samantha and Jaxson

Hanging out...

...group HUG!

Saela had the opportunity to meet many of my friends and their children while we were in Minnesota. My former college roommate Michelle was the first of the roommates to delve into parenthood. Samantha just had her 5th birthday at the end of February. (Saela and I were able to eat pizza and cake at her HANNAH MONTANA party - we had so much fun.) Jaxson is 2 1/2 - he loves to chatter away and have "muffins" for breakfast. (Muffins = Lil' Fudge Bites - of course provided by his daddy.)

Poll Results

Hello All-

Thanks to those who voted. I am slowly learning everything that you can do with this blog.

Saela's Six Month Visit:
Length 25 1/4 inches (75th percentile)
Weight 18 pounds 2 ounces (92nd percentile)
Head Circumference (97th percentile)

Thus those who guessed 18+ were correct! (Mom and Dad both got it wrong!)

I will continue to catch up with our trip to Minnesota as the week goes on...stay tuned.

Our Little Bunny

Still sleeping Mom - still sleeping.

That's better - at least I am dressed now.

Whoa - where did my toy go?

It's amazing how much fun can be had after a trip through Target's dollar aisle!

From First to Last

Kenny Rogers - very front row...Bon Jovi - very last row. I thought I would share that I do enjoy a variety of music so Saela will grow up on more than "The Gambler". I went to the Bon Jovi/Chris Daughtry concert with my friend Emily (who loves Bon Jovi as much as I love Kenny) and we were in the very LAST row of the upper deck. Upside of this seat - no one behind you to tell you to sit down. Bon Jovi put on a GREAT very energetic show - definitely worth it even up in the nosebleeds.

Chris Daughtry

Bon Jovi

Clearly we watched the Big Screen!

Saela Says Hi

Saela and I have returned from our trip to Minnesota. We had a great time visiting our family and friends. Forthcoming will be many updates and pictures. For now Saela wanted to say a few words...

Hi! I had a great time seeing/meeting all of you while I was in town. I miss you already! (Short pause) I would also like to say hello to "Da Da" while he is away on business. Mom asked me to demo my rolling skills for you - so here goes.

Love and Hugs to All!

Saela