1/2 a year old.

That's right, Maija is 6 months old today!  She has changed so much since coming into the world in February.  She is a smiley, chatty, stubborn babe who we just can't get enough of!

 

Birth Day

 

6 months old and lovin life!

Maija has been movin and a shakin!  This morning she was a little too far away from her rattle so she tried to crawl [I think it will be any day now!] and will rock herself until she can get whatever it is.  Now, we have a lot of toys for her but she seems to prefer EVERYTHING else more.  Whether it is our cellphones, remotes, books, bags, waterbottles, baskets, boxes... you can't leave her too long or you come back to this...

 

Kicking the breast pump

 

New texture!  yes, please

Maija [and Ryan] had a major first this last week... MN State Fair.  I know, everyone has fairs and everyone thinks they are the best, but really MN has the BEST State Fair!  We met some of my friends from HS and took off with Maija in the BOB.  We ate so much food, went on a few rides, played some games and took off around 10pm when the rain started and Maija stayed awake pretty much the whole time!  I mean, there was just so much going on, she really couldn't help it.  We had a really good time and Ryan wants to go again this week but I think that is part of the fun, it comes every year so just go once and leave on a high note and in anticipation for next year.  [This is one of the best places EVER to people watch!]

 

Checking out some seadoo's with dad

 

Corn dog and pacifier

Little Miss "I've been awake almost 5 hours"

 



 

Fair fun with daddy

Tonight we have BIG plans to celebrate.  We are going to the Twins Game with my parents!  They are playing the Mariners so that was perfect.  Ryan thinks Maija is going to cheer for the Mariners, he's confused.  However, she is ready for the Seahawks season and so excited that we all bought tickets for the game in Seattle December 23rd!  Woo Hoo!

 



 

Gotta love those leg rolls!

So I hired a sleep specialist...

I did it.  I needed to.  I have been talking about it for weeks so finally 2 nights ago I purchased and filled out Maija's profile and our sleep goals.  It will take a few days until we get information and a plan back, but I am ready.  She has gotten good at taking naps [well sometimes it takes an hour but...] yesterday she only took 2 naps, in her defense, they were both over 2 hours long, so I wondered how she would sleep last night and it was the same.  Woke up MANY times!  URGH.  Bring it on sleep specialist, let's see whatcha got!

how does she sleep like this?  face in the bumper, arm twisted.

bottom's up!

25 Weeks

We had a great week at the lake with my mom, Em, Mark, & Abby [plus dad for a few days too!].  The whole family came up on Saturday which was awesome!  Unfortunately it wasn't the best weather and both of the girls got colds which they passed on to Emily and I but all and all a good week of just hanging together.  We got our daily walks in, played a new game [Ticket to Ride] and just enjoyed being together.  Mostly enjoyed watching the girls fail to notice each other but laughed at Abby as she could hardly sit still she was so excited every time Chloe came around. 

Babes in shades.

Stylin.

That little face I love.

Ryan got home late last night.  Glad to have him home.  It's hard being a single mom even with Grandma, Em, Mark and dad helping all week, still draining [might have been the cold as well]. 

Bass fishing king!

"Stop taking pics mom"

Watching the Liverpool game with Uncle Mark and Aunt Emily

And now Maija is sitting semi by herself!  What a big girl!

Big girl sitting without support

She is rolling everywhere.

Today was a good day

This has been one of those days that I just treasure.  Maija has been great at napping and when she is awake she has been so happy, giggly and fun to be with.  [After a very crabby day yesterday, I will take it].  Today she fell asleep on me and I just watched her sleep, so peaceful, so precious.  So lately, I've been considering going back to work.  I love being Maija's mama.  I love spending time with her, watching her grow and develop, being a part of these milestones she has conquered but I have been lonely and if I am being honest, bored.  Talking with one of my SAHM in CA before we moved she said, "Being lonely is one of the things SAHM don't talk about".  It's true.  I thought I was the only one.  She mentioned taking the long way home, just so you had something to do.  I guess a major conflict is that I always wanted to be a SAHM, my mom, mother in law and sister were/are stay at home mom's so why don't I feel like it is for me? 

Well, I guess, I am not saying it isn't for me, I am just saying Ryan and I have been talking through me going back to work.  It will have to be for the right job, the right opportunity.  But on days like today, when we do have so much fun, I am not fighting her to go down for a nap and when she even falls asleep on my chest, I second guess the thought of going back to work and knowing that I am a "grass is always greener gal" where does that leave me?  Prayer.  We will continue to pray, seek opportunity and then make a decision together.

Maija went on her first boat ride at my parents cabin.  We found a life jacket probably from the 70's for her to wear.  She didn't love it, she didn't hate it... she had no expression the whole time, which was funny in itself. 

Tonight my sister, husband and Abby come for the week- heading up to the cabin with them tomorrow and Ryan will be going to CA for a wedding this weekend.  I'm sad Ry won't be with us, but he will have a great time at the wedding and I am thankful that as a SAHM I can up and go to the cabin for the week worry-free.

And while playing with Chloe Hoe at my parents, my mom found this snowsuit Krista wore- looks a little big for YaYa but watch out, she might be sportin it this winter!

Words Ryan has banned

I guess I use the same words or sayings over and over again.  In college Ryan hated when I would say, "meep meep" when I was pregnant he band me from saying "braxton hicks" (hello?!  i had them ALL the time!) and now "overtired".  I guess he doesn't realize that Maija will continue to get overtired through High School, plus with siblings, he is in for a real treat of hearing "we need to get her home and to bed, she is overtired". 

So if you think of it the next time you see him, feel free to mention braxton hicks or ask if Maija is overtired ;)  Meep Meep.  (Love you Ry!)

"Hey dad, can I help you with that?"

"Who can sleep when this bumper is so delicious?"

"Hello Mr. Sleep Sheep, I like to cuddle you"

23 Weeks

Still sleep deprived over here but in better spirits.  Got to see Hunger Games with Krista- I don't know why I like that stuff but I am a teenage girl at heart- TEAM PETA! 

Clearly, not in the mood to sleep

Finally asleep with her burp cloth on her head & foot hanging outside- whatever works

Her new facial expression- not sure why but it has been cracking us up!

She has been giving us "kisses"- watch out before she licks you though!

Cuddles.

Little baldy.

Love that smile.

Thankfully even though she isn't sleeping she's still a happy baby and with her extra night feedings she has definitely been putting on some lbs :)

22 Weeks... 5 Months Old!

This was a big week for Maija.  She started solids for the first time.  She can't quite figure it out and just pushes it out with her teeth and makes the most horrific face, so I am not sure if it is just because it is something new or if she really doesn't like the taste!  After trying the last few days, I might take a break and try next week, she might still be too young.  She had her first taste while watching the open ceremony for the London Olympics! 

She has really pushed my limits with sleeping and with encouragement from Susie I decided to let her do some crying when she woke up in the middle of the night last night.  It was around midnight.  Lasted for half an hour and I went in and checked in on her every 10 minutes, patted her, told her I loved her and it was going to be OK and put back in her pacifier.  It was horrible.  It was really sad.  I hated every minute of it, but it worked.  She didn't wake up again until 4am and I am assuming it was because she was hungry- hadn't eaten since 8pm so I fed her and put her back to sleep, she slept until 7:20am!  I am writing this down, so I can remember.  I have created a sleep journal so I can track.  But again this morning for her nap it took her 30 minutes of crying with me checking in 3 times (every 10 min) and she is still asleep 50 minutes later!  I really hope the crying gets less and less over the next few days but I was at a breaking point yesterday and feel this is my only option.  I know people are very vocal about CIO and I never thought I would be a mom who did it, but here I am with my adorable 5 month old and I have no choice.  Like Susie said, getting up 7-10 times a night isn't good for the baby or me. 

So cheers to this next week, praying she sleeps better with each nap and with each day.  Krista is stealing me tonight to go see Hunger Games (thank you Ryan for letting her know I was on the verge of a mental breakdown and needed to get out!).

PS- Had my 10 year HS Reunion on Saturday night, was actually a really good time!