98 and Counting

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we drove down to Edwardsville to celebrate Mati's Great Grandpa's 98th birthday. They were both very happy to spend some time together. I believe that Mati is his 21st great grandchild, although I could be wrong. It is hard to keep track of so many!

While we were there, Grandpa showed us some old pictures of himself. This is a photo of his work softball league. He is the handsome, sharply dressed one standing at the top left.

A New Trick

Today is Mati's 3 month birthday. And to celebrate, she learned a new trick! She has now mastered the art of rolling onto her side. This could not have come at a better time because she was really starting to hate sleeping on her back. When we returned from Chicago after Thanksgiving she would have nothing to do with her crib. We have been putting her to bed strapped into her car seat ever since. She began sleeping through the night this way, so I went with it! Have I mentioned how amazing a full nights sleep is? Today, I tried putting her in her crib for a nap, and she rolled right onto her side and went to sleep.

another milestone passed = a very happy baby

I put Mati in her play gym while I got ready this morning, and when I came out she was on her side! That was the first time. When I came up to congratulate her, she plopped onto her back and gave me a big grin as if to say "Look what I did Mommy! Aren't you proud of me?" A resounding YES was my response. I love my little girl so much and it fills me with joy to see her growing stronger everyday. She smiles all the time now, but it never ceases to melt my heart. Everybody always says children are a joy, but I had no idea how much joy they bring until I had my own.

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year. Family and friends, too many to count, that are not too far away. Our health, which I am especially thankful for after the eclampsia drama. Had my BP checked last week and it was 127/72! Never thought those numbers would be so exciting. Blake's job. A roof over our heads and plenty of food to eat. A child that has brightened our lives in so many ways.

This year, we spent Thanksgiving in Chicago with Blake's Dad's family. It was the first time many of them met Mati, and she made quite an impression. So much so that I dont think she spent more than about 5 minutes alone all weekend. The next few days at home were a struggle. Mati did not want to be put down at all, especially at bed time. We had just settled into a pretty good routine with her sleeping in the crib in her own room before we left. Now, she is back in our room again and we are trying to wean her off the attention overload. Just look at all the people that held her. She is pretty adorable, though. I can understand why nobody wants to put her down!