Month 3: The Month of Firsts

When she was born, Brian and I figured Alivia would learn to do something cool each month.  This month has been a busy one already.  It seems like she started learning something new every week, then it was every day, and now it's often a few things a day!

There's nothing I love more than seeing her find her toes, roll over, or squeal for the first time.  The best part is seeing her eyes get huge and her little arms flutter.

One of the biggest milestones this month is being able to play in the exersaucer.  While she's not playing with the toys quite yet, Livy has staring contests with them.

Stare down with the Monkey

The surprise "Ah-ha!" feature we learned about the exersaucer is that it doubles as a burper.  After meals, you place the baby in, and she lets out olympic sized belches.  

She's just starting to realize her toes can touch the ground and even started jumping a little today.  

Every Princess Needs Her Beauty Sleep

And boy is she getting it!  Livy is now sleeping up to 11 hours a night! Unless she gets to ride in her car seat, she's up playing all day and snoozing at night.  This is a relief, since I require 8 hours of sleep in order to operate.  My co-workers told me horror stories of running on 2 hours of sleep or else for the first few MONTHS!  We really hit the jackpot because she figured out night and day in the first 2 weeks of life.

Brian started working nights so he'll be taking care of Livy once I return to work next month.  Until then, I like to wake him up in the mornings by tucking the baby in bed next to him.  Can you think of anything better to wake up to?  This picture is the first time Livy got to feel mommy's fuzzy blanket.  Every time I would run it across her cheek he eyes would get big and she'd coo like crazy.

The Easter Baby

Our family had a great Easter 2009.  Brian and I, with Alivia's help, volunteered at church in the morning and then went to Grandma and Grandpa Sprafka's house for Easter dinner.  Holidays have a whole new meaning with a child.  We now have an excuse to celebrate them to the fullest.   

Photo-op with the CREEPY Easter bunny.  Brian and I were relieved she was sleeping.

"Daddy's Girl" photo frame from Aunt Chelsie

Admiring the new swimsuit from Grandma and Grandpa Sprafka.

Hey boys! Half a swimsuit and sunglasses (The top didn't fit)

Showing off her FOUR Easter baskets. 

"Pretty Lady" Outfit from Aunt Chelsie.  We were so surprised that she doesn't seem to mind wearing the sunglasses.

Easter dress 3 of 3.  After a long day, Livy was over Easter.  

Second Month: Recap

We started getting more confident taking Alivia out into the world in her second month.  She's a real trooper and usually sleeps the minute her head hits her car seat.  Woo Hoo!

A "Wee bit 'O Irish!" on St. Patrick's Day

 Day of her Baptism

Catching a nap in between art projects for Daddy.

Minnesota Zoo. Both Livy and the bear were chewing on their fists.

One of the few times she's allowed us to put on her winter hat. 

Photographic proof that Livy has seen the Twins play in the Metrodome.

First Month: Recap

I've been a little busy as a new mommy, but wanted to catch up the blog by posting a few recap photos from Alivia's first month.

This was Alivia's obsession for the first 2 months of her life.  The kitchen light fixture.  She'd stare at it and coo for up to an hour at a time. 

Snuggling with Daddy with a little smirk.

First time at a restaurant on Valentine's Day.

Grandpa Downey's favorite picture (93x onesie)

Daddy kisses.

First bath at home.

Newborn Photos

My friend and co-worker Shawn took these gorgeous photos of Alivia when she was just 2 weeks old.  Here are a few of my favorite.  The rest are on Shawn's website mnshotz.com.  I HIGHLY recommend her as a professional, affordable photographer.