Future Soccer Star

Julia loves to kick!  She really does.  Nick and I are convinced that she has a kicking game that she plays on her (BellaRose's) playmat.  The rules are something like this: Kick as hard as you can while staring at yourself in the mirror.  That's it.  Every now and then she gets really excited and I think it's because she scored a point.  It's hard to get a good video of this because the camera sometimes distracts her and she likes to have her head totally in the game.  So if you really want to see it you should come over sometime and cheer her on.

It's so hard to believe our little one is 3 months old today.  She's definitely not a newborn any longer.  And she's really not acting like one anymore.  Besides being an expert kicker, she is officially sleeping in her crib as opposed to her carseat (Don't ask).  She is such a big girl. 

She also went to church for the first time this Sunday!  (You can't tell but she's wearing a dress here.)  She did great, braved the 60 minute drive roundtrip, slept through the entire sermon like a good little girl, and even hung out while Nick and I had lunch at Earth Fare.  We were so proud of her!

And, finally, she grabbed her ladybug the other day.  She has been working really hard to get that thing into her mouth and she is now one step closer.  Poor Ladybug.

So, that's the latest news on our little Julia.  Thanks for keeping up with us!

Wonderful Weekend

  

We are back from a trip to Atlanta for my sister's BEAUTIFUL wedding.  Look at these pictures--isn't she gorgeous!

 

 

Besides the stunning bride, the day was full of beauty.  The flowers were seriously unbelievable, the weather was great, the food was delicious and her wedding cake had layers of carrot cake and cheese cake.  SO good. oh yeah and she and my dad rode up on a horse and carriage.  This was a surprise for almost everyone (including Andy) and it was so very sweet.  I did cry.

 

Steph and I got to carry the honorary flower girls down the aisle.  I think I got more smiles and ahhs than I did at my own wedding.  

Her colors were so pretty.  I would have never thought to go with brown, magenta and deep orange but they were SO beautiful and their boldness fits Jami's personality so well.  

The reception was fun too!  Maybe a little bit loud for the babies but they rolled with it.  We are so happy for Andy and Jami and so thankful for another new addition to our family. 

  

The rest of the weekend went really well, too.  Julia did great!  She took long naps to make up for some pretty late nights and when she finally did get in bed she slept through the night.  Very proud of her.  She spent most of her time with her Dad, her Uncle Remi and her cousin Camille while Steph and I went to a bachelorette party, bridesmaid's tea at the Ritz Carlton (ooh la) and all the other wedding day stuff we did.  Here's a cute picture of the two of them at the Rehearsal Dinner.  (Well actually in the back of Steph's car for a diaper change) Yes they're dressed alike.  I didn't know I would be into that but I am.  They are so sweet.  I think they are trying to hold hands here.  At least Julia is.

  

So thanks for the encouragement everyone!  I needed it and I feel so much better knowing that we have taken our first road trip.  It's over and hopefully it will just get easier.

10 weeks old

Thought it was time to put up some more pictures for Aunt Stephi and anyone else who needs a Julia fix but hasn't been quite so vocal/demanding about it.  :)

       

We have had a busy week around here filled with long walks, visiting friends and lots and lots of naps.  Julia has gotten better and better at falling asleep on her own and she continues to love the catnap.  I have just resigned myself to the fact that she may only take 20-40 minute naps and that's okay.  She has been sleeping through the night for several weeks now and everyone is waking up well-rested and happy so I truly have nothing to complain about.  

In other news, Julia laughed this week!!!  She has been on the verge of it for a few days and one day, she just did it!  It was a very short giggle but it was definitely a laugh. Hands down the cutest sound I've ever heard.  Nick had just gotten home from work so he got to hear it too.  If I can ever get it on video I will post it.

We are headed to Atlanta this week for a very special event.  My sister Jami is getting married! She is my youngest sister and she is the reason I knew how to change a diaper at 10 years old.  I can't believe she is old enough to graduate college, get married get drunk or any of the other things she's doing these days!  (Just kidding about the drunk part, Dad)  Anyway, I am so excited for her and for Andy and can't wait to celebrate with them.  I am sure lots of pictures will follow.  

This will be Baby Julia's first road trip and I am a tiny bit nervous about the car ride, late nights, lack of naps and general chaos that a trip like this will mean.  BUT, I have decided to just go with the flow and let it be crazy. I am sure it will be good for her to have a little unscheduled awake time...and me too, I guess.  

And last but not least, Julia had her first non-grandparent babysitter yesterday.  Whitney stayed with her while I spent a blissful, worry-free 2 and a half hours at the salon at Liberty Corner (thanks, Annie!).  It was so awesome.  Julia had a blast with her Aunt Whitney and I got my hair highlighted and cut for the first time in 8 months.  It was high time.  

We are SO thankful for Aunt Whitney.  Here's a picture of the hair (I was having a little fun with the webcam).  You may not be able to tell but it's a little shorter and a whole lot darker.