Thursday, Thursday

What a busy Thursday is was! Gabby and I woke up early (around 5:15 am), ate some breakfast, then began getting ready for the busy day. We visited Dr. Kaminski, our dentist, in Greenfield for my 6-month check-up. Gabby was fairly well-behaved, but did begin fussing while I was having my teeth cleaned. I flopped one leg over the side of the dentist's chair and used my foot to rock her car seat while my teeth were cleaned. Amazing how you learn to multi-task once the baby comes! Then, Gabby made her first appearance at Mt. Vernon High School. I conducted a short rehearsal while Nancy Strickland fed Gabby a bottle. Gabrielle was the highlight of the day as many students and teachers delighted at her visit. They all thought she was just beautiful (of course...like we doubted that!). After a long visit at school, we ventured over to the Stadler's house for a short visit with Joanne and her granddaughter, Clara. Clara (18 mos.) was not so sure what to think of Gabby at first, but within minutes she just couldn't stop muttering "baby" and pointing at Gabby. She sobbed when Gabby and I had to leave. What a cutie! When we got home, we did a little photo shoot. I thought you might enjoy seeing these hilarious shots.

Chubby Bunny

Gabby had a weight check this week at the pediatrician's office. She is up to 12 lbs. 7 oz. Luckily, she still fits into most of her 0-3 mos. clothing. Crazy kid. Thought you might like a photo of her chubby little belly.

Monon Bell Telecast Washout

Today Gabby attended her first Monon Bell Depauw vs. Wabash telecast party held at a high-end loft in downtown Indianapolis. Kenton and I caught up with a few of his friends from Depauw and cheered on the Tigers despite the lack of an actual telecast. The game was being shown on HDnet, which was not received well at this loft, so we didn't actually SEE the game. Oops. Nothing like a telecast party without a telecast. Good planning alumni association. Anyway, Gabby was a good girl and played nicely with all of those Depauw alums. She even lucked out a won an embroidered burp towel in the raffle. Daddy says it is a golf towel, but to me (and Gabby), it makes the perfect burp cloth...but what doesn't really? Shirts, towels, blankets, rags, your finger, the couch, your favorite bedroom pillow, the dog, the floor...all of these items are superb at catching that elusive spit up.

Rubber ducky, you're the one...

Gabby finally enjoys bathtime now that she can be submerged in her little bathtub (not all the way, of course!). She smiles when I pour warm water on her chubby belly and chest. Her least favorite part is when I pull her out of the tub and put her into her towel on the floor. Her little teeth chatter and she screams like a champ. Today she quit screaming suddenly and looked at me very seriously. I then realized that she had peed through her towel. Next time, Mom will remember to put her diaper on immediately. At least she didn't go number 2 in the tub...

Moira Clare Burke emerges into the world!

Here is a photo of my sister, Sarah, and her new baby, Moira Clare Burke. She was born yesterday morning in Cleveland, OH. We send our best wishes to Sarah, Brian, and my God-daughter, Moira!

My New Cousin!

Dear Moira,

Thanks for finally coming out of my Aunt Sarah! I know that you really wanted to stay inside, but c'mon, girlie, I'm ready to play! Now, we need to talk about how big you are. I am known around here as the big baby, so although you were 9 lbs. 2 oz. at birth, don't even think about gaining weight too quickly. I'M the big baby, not you. I really like the name that Aunt Sarah and Uncle Brian picked for you, Moira Clare. It's so beautiful, just like you! I am so excited to play with you in a few months. I am already packing up my Barbies, My Little Ponies, Sit n' Spin, Legos, and coloring books for our trip to Ohio. We are going to have so much fun together! You need to take care of my Aunt and Uncle, as you caused them a bit of grief yesterday and through the night. Don't even think about kicking your Mommy in the tummy, as her C-Section needs time to heal. Be a good girl and a good eater (but not too good...remember...I'M the big girl).

I love you!

Love,
Gabby

Poopers!

We discovered today that Gabby really thinks the word "poopers" is quite entertaining. I mean, c'mon...what isn't funny about poop? Sure, some people say words like "goo" and "gaa" or "pretty girl" and "princess" to their daughters. We figured "poopers" was much more entertaining to everyone. Here is a shot of Daddy getting his Gabby to smile with a great round of a little game we like to call "poopers."

Growth Spurt?

They claim that when your baby starts wanting to eat more frequently during the day, she is going through a growth spurt. I can't imagine Gabby getting any bigger any more quickly! Last week she weighed 11 lbs. 6 oz. Today at my mom's group, she weighed 12 lbs. 2 oz. That is an increase of 12 oz. in one week. The average weight gain is supposed to be 4 to 8 oz. a week. I knew she was an overachiever! At my mom's group, there is only one baby who is bigger than Gabby, and he is 2 weeks older than she is! Gabby has gained weight more rapidly than that little boy did from birth to their current weights. Everyone is always SO surprised that our little chunky girl is only 5 and a half weeks old! She took a great nap this afternoon ( 3 hours!) in her swing that Sarah and Travis bought her. She loves that thing!

Gabby is eagerly awaiting the birth of her cousin Burke, who was due on Halloween. Her Aunt Sarah is being induced tomorrow morning and will hopefully have her baby by tomorrow night! We are all so excited to see it!!!

By the way, Happy Birthday, Great-Grandpa George!!! Love, Gabby

Another win for the Buckeyes!

Kenton and I attended the wedding of Kristin and Eric (aka "Erica") Kouka today. It was wonderful seeing such a loving couple united in marriage. Kenton DJ'd the wedding while I caught up with old college friends. Gabby was a hot topic of conversation and many of my friends enjoyed seeing her photos. At the reception, Kenton played a variety of Buckeye pride songs, including the ever-famous Buckeye Battle Cry. (Kristin and her family are big Buckeye fans!) Although the Bucks barely pulled out their win today against Illinois, we thought you should see Gabby in her Buckeye onezie her grandma bought her. So cute, isn't she?

Girl's Night Out

Gabby and I made a late-night trip to Kelly Weseli's house for a Girl's Night Out with the Schenher sisters, Kelly, Kristy, and Holly. We sat around and chatted the evening away while Gabby slept in Holly's arms. No Moo Goo Kung Poo tonight, thank goodness! (just some juice and kettle-corn) Gabby remains one of those babies that just loves to be held. She is looking forward to tomorrow night when Mamaw and Papaw Roger are coming over to babysit for the evening while Mommy and Daddy attend Kristin and Eric Kouka's wedding. Tomorrow will be parent's night out!

Wanted: Sleep

So the past week's highlight was Gabby going four hours between feedings - twice. Unfortunately, that hasn't become the norm. Instead, she is still getting hungry every hour and a half or two hours. Even at night, this has been the routine. And since Mommy is the one Gabby depends on for these late night cravings, she is the most sleep deprived. I know she tries to catch up during the day, but Jack and Gabby have others ideas and often prevent this from taking place. When she does have a sleeping opportunity, it usually involves all three. Such was the case when I arrived home from work. I was able to catch Mommy and Gabby snoozing, it appears, after a feeding.