A Day at the Office

Yesterday, Isabel visited Grandma Pat at her office. She was quite popular with Grandma's coworkers and even showed off her smile to a few.

A Fine Day Outside

Last week was beautiful, so Mommy got to take Izzy out for a few walks outside. Here are some pictures from our trip to Rutland on Friday to brighten up this dreary Monday.

Ready to go!


Perfect weather for a nap.


Enough of this outdoors. Time for lunch.

2 Months Old!

This month Isabel has really been showing off her personality. She learned how to smile while awake during her fifth week and now it's a very common expression and a nice alternative to scowls and crying. Overall she's been a good kiddo and a fairly happy camper. Izzy is at her best in the morning and Mommy is really going to miss that when she goes back to work next week. And she's at her worse starting at around 4pm. Right in time for Mommy to get home from work :(

Izzy Lou has become an absolute mobile junkie. If she's cranky, usually we can put her in her pack 'n' play and she'll calm down to watch her friends: Monkey, Parrot and Blue Froggie. Gosh forbid her mobile stops! She now has a bigger one of the same theme in her crib which she talks to in the morning.

Izzy has started to sleep longer at night which allows us to get in some real sleep. She's up to 3 oz per feeding but often tries to fit in 4, one of which ends up everywhere else. Fortunately, she got a sack of some stylin' hand-me-downs from a neighbor so frequent changes aren't a problem. Izzy has become quite a popular kiddo in the neighborhood. It seems like every other day this month, a kind lady has given her a package. The best is that there's a new little boy exactly one month younger down the street (and of course 2 pounds heavier!). His 5 month old cousin is the one who provided the clothes. So Izzy can look forward to having a crew when she's a little older :)

This weekend Izzy finally stayed awake during a couple walks in her upright carrier. She'll have a lot more fun now that she can hold her head up better to look around. And she loves watching the pups. She smiled really big when we got back from Syracuse and were greeted by Murphy and Holly.

Isabel likes:
Her Mobile (s) (total junkie!)
Her baby gym
Mr. Moose (ping pong balls!)
Riding in her carrier
Looking out the window
Sitting with Great Grandpa Retchless

Isabel dislikes:
Gas!
Wet diapers
Standing still
Waking up
The end of a meal (even if she is way too full and loses half of it.)

Milestones:
Smiles when Mommy or Daddy appear
Laughs (just learned this)
Gets her whole hand in her mouth
Holds her head up during pull ups
Can hold her weight on her legs briefly
Makes aahing and cooing sounds
Bats at dangling objects
Kicks with alternating legs

Awake AFTER a walk?!


Hanging out with the grownups at dinner.


No food for Izzy yet.

Happy Camper

I found these pictures on the camera from last week and they just made me smile. So I thought I'd share.

A Weekend on Jack's Reef

This past weekend, Izzy Lou went out to visit her Great Grandpa Retchless and Great Aunt Jeanne. It was a little sad since we were too late to meet Great Grandma. Izzy's middle names are after her: Louise Retchless. She was the first of the now four Lou's, Izzy being the fourth.

Izzy was a welcome distraction and spent some quality time relaxing in Grandpa's arms and walking around the yard with Jeanne. We couldn't have asked for better weather! We also finally got to meet Cousin Barton's fiancee Kristy. She's really cool and was happy to hold Izzy even when she was fussing. On the last night, we were treated to Red Lobster. Grandpa was amazed at how well Izzy behaved. She slept the whole time!

For the most part Izzy slept on the way there.


Izzy woke up for a diaper change at the rest stop.


Welcome to New York!


Izzy settles in with Aunt Jeanne.


Great Grandpaand Izzy doze a bit before suppertime.


Izzy wakes up to meet Cousin-to-be Kristy


Jeanne and Izzy take a stroll outside.


Perfect day for sitting on the porch.

New Confuse-a-Baby

Izzy has been having a blast playing with the toy Felicity graciously lent her. Thank you! There are places to hang stuff everywhere! She especially likes her jingly Froggie and the rattling Elephant. They're also long enough to reach :)

A Walk in the Park

Today Mommy treated herself and the dogs a trip to Rutland State Park. Izzy was bundled up for the trip since it was sunny but quite chilly. Of course the Peanut slept until we turned onto our street upon coming home. The pups, on the other hand, had a grand time running around and Mommy got to enjoy the birdsong and wind in the pines. We can't wait until Izzy's big enough for the off-roading stroller (Mommy doesn't "jog") so we can go on the dirt road trails.

Bundled up for a walk


Why Mommy loves it here.


Hut Frames?


Murphy's got a stick!


Holly looking pretty


Holly doing her dead bug impression


Still asleep.


We're home!

A Visit to WPI

Friday Izzy visited the Little Theatre at WPI and got to finally meet Benj, Jess and Felicity. Felicity was graciously lending Izzy her floor playmat. Jess was having fun holding such a small peanut and still managed to work on New Voices at the same time. Mommies are the masters of multitasking. Dr. Susan Vick also got to meet the munchkin though kept her distance due to a cold. Hopefully they can meet more formally when Izzy can be more awake. She managed to sleep through most of the visit but graced us with a few scowls towards the end. Izzy does NOT like waking up. Though she was intrigued by Felicity's waving ability.

Felcity waits patiently as Izzy sleeps (still!)


Izzy wakes up to meet Felicity before heading out.


Photos courtesy of Benj since Mommy forgot her camera.

No Crying?

This week, Izzy has started to be distracted by toys which is an awesome thing for diaper changes. We're down to a 50-50 chance of meltdown. So here's a picture from this morning of Izzy with her Moose. Note the Peanut is naked but NOT crying :)

Nice Feet you got there Mr. Moose!


Also this week, Izzy has started to smile in earnest.
So here's a Smily Izzy :)


Holly's head is HUGE!

New Digs

Isabel spent her first night in her nursery and in her big crib last night. She was getting a bit too active for the pack and play. Mommy would find her nearly under the changing area in the morning. The nursery was nice and cozy thanks to the radiator Grandma Pat lent her and Izzy slept for 6 whole hours! Mommy did, too :)

Cozy....

behind bars

Somewhere in there, lies a peanut

Sprout

Yesterday, Mommy took Izzy to visit the ladies at Sprout Flowers. Mommy had a good time talking...and talking...and talking while Izzy had some quality cuddle time with Francoise. Izzy was a happy camper for much of the visit and enjoyed just looking around from her carrier when folks had to get back to work.

Cuddling with Francoise

Cathy "holding" Izzy

One Month Check-up

Yesterday, Izzy had a busy, busy day starting with her one-month check-up. Miss Izzy now weighs in at 6 lb 10 oz and is 19.25" long. So she gained nearly a whole pound in 3 weeks. Not too shabby. The doctor also measured Izzy's head. About 14.5" which is big for her body. Well, she is Daddy's girl :)

Izzy also got to show off her rolling over skills. She faked out the doctor by seeming to roll one way then flipped over right to the table's edge. Fortunately the doctor has good reflexes. Tricksy little kiddo!

Afterwards Izzy joined Mommy and Grandma Pat out for lunch at Sapporo in Westboro. Izzy slept the whole time. Then, only 30 minutes upon getting home, Izzy received a surprise visit from Michelle and Beth all the way in from Portland, Oregon! Mommy totally neglacted to get pictures even though the camera was still in her pocket. So that just means they'll need to visit again soon. Michelle crocheted Izzy a cute hat and some booties to grow into. Well, Izzy's growing just fine so not too much longer :)

The Doctor liked Miss Izzy's cow feet


Izzy is fitting better in her carrier.
Yay for growing!