Ava- a nine month retrospective

We had such grand plans for capturing Ava on a monthly basis in a consistent and cute way. We were going to use the same general concept, the same lighting, the same camera, and the same baby. As all good plans are, it was great in theory. One thing to celebrate, though, is that we did actually take a picture of Ava every month on the 13th, her birthday. Since today is nine months from her birth and another Friday the 13th, I thought it would be a good time to put together those photos.

One month- so tiny!

Two months- due to perspective issues, somehow smaller than month one.

Three months- the bow really makes this one work.

Four months- really should have stuck with the bow.

Five months- we totally lost track of what we were doing with the numbers, but she's getting so big!

Six months- she can sit up and refuses to take a good picture lying down and is also wearing a bunny hat. 

Seven months- not artsy, just lazy at framing now.

 

Eight months- the numbers all fit together in a square!

Nine months- here's our little stander-upper today! She absolutely refuses to stay down on the ground if she can help it, so we put her table on the mat and let her stand using it. Next month she probably won't even need that to stand. Then after that, college.

Family Photoshoot

One of Kelsey's Mother's Day gifts was a family photoshoot with a real photographer. I think we got some great ones of Ava that showcase her wonderful little personality!

Easter Gratitude

Kelsey again. We had a wonderful Easter last weekend and, in the spirit of Spring, the rebirth/renewal/resurrection that is associated with this season, and wanted to be more mindful about all I have to be grateful for, I thought I'd make a gratitude list with pictures. 

I'm grateful for a partner who will go to Easter service with me, even when he's not religious. He supports me in my own spiritual journey. And when Ava started crying in church (as soon as we got there-- it was her first time at church), he took care of her the entire service. 

Visits from family! Lele visited this week and looking forwarded to more visits in the next month!

The laundry is neverending, but I am grateful to have a buddy who loves watching me do the laundry and playing with the clothes.

We have some glorious weather here during the Spring. I know summer is looming, but I'll enjoy this while I can.

Mike & I both had Good Friday off and we took the time to go out just the two of us while Ava was at daycare. We got to enjoy some local German food! (In addition to Mexican  culture, there is a lot of German culture in the area as well.)

My walk to my car every day.

The bay view from one of my offices. You can't tell in this picture, but I could see a sailboat crossing the bay!

Although life is messy right now, I love coming home to "our" mess every day: amazon packages, Ava clothes, Mommy work clothes, breast pump (of course!), dishes, mail. 

More gratitude:

• Endless gratitude for the instant pot that makes feeding ourselves so much easier. Ava is about to start solids in the next week and I'm actually considering making the baby food because the instant pot makes things so easy.
• Having two bathrooms makes it easier for us to use the bathrooms without waking Ava.
• I've loved going to barre class once-a-week even if it's about the only workout I get per week....the instructor sure makes it count!

Notes from Working Parenthood + Pics!

It's Kelsey writing today! Remember me?

I thought I'd start with a list of notes from the past few months followed by random pictures that I think you will love!

Being a working mom is: 

• Modifying your diet to exclude major allergens (read: all fun food) for the past 3 months because your baby is reacting to something in your diet. 
• Being incapable of accomplishing anything productive except during weekend nap times or unless you physically leave the house because, when you're with your child, you are 100% absorbed by her.
• Counting down the minutes until you get to go home and see her, and every single day wondering if you should just quit your job.
• Knowing that your job is absolutely a lifeline for you to meaning, purpose, goals, and being so incredibly grateful for the daycare and breast pump that allow you to go to work while also providing food for your child.
• Not being afraid to talk about pumping at work because it's the hardest thing you've ever done and you are proud enough of yourself to not hide it.
• Scheduling your life in 3 hour increments because you need to pump every 3 to 4 hours.
• Not minding still being woken up at night on nights the couple of nights where you've worked late and missed her bedtime because you're just so excited to see her.
• Falling more in love with your co-parent every single day because no one besides them can come close to loving her as much as you do.
• Being so grateful for a spouse who shares the same values and priorities, acknowledges your hard work, convinces you to keep your job, and always says yes to covering doctor appointments and bedtimes when you need to work.
• Running out of space on your iPhone for pictures because, yes, you needed 50 pictures of her sleeping in different outfits.
• Blogging about once every 3 months because see all of the above bullet points.

One day we will look back on this story and laugh

Pool side time!

If you think these are cute, just wait until you see her hat

Selfies & Teething

Sleeping Snoopy

Dad is the funniest

She loves being outside

Rocking the Minnie Mouse onesie

Family selfies party!

Someone has figured out to roll from back to tummy before tummy to back.

We love to clasp our hands

Trying on our Easter dress

Best hat ever from Lele

Mama & Ava