7 Months Old

Besides being Imogen's first Christmas Eve, today is another special day: her 7th month birthday! She has grown by leaps and bounds since the first day we saw her as a tiny bundle of joy. At 7 months, Imogen weighs about 17 1/2 pounds. She is typically wearing 6-12 month clothing, but depending on the maker, some of those size clothes are too tight. And she does lots of fun things too, like:

* She can sit up without support

* She gets on her hands and knees and rocks
* She scoots her body backwards and sometimes gets into precarious positions
* She says 'da da da da' and 'ba' and (for the first time today!) 'ma' !!
* She can now sit upright in the bathtub
* She likes to put everything in her mouth
* She definitely knows what she wants, when she wants it (and we are good at reading her!)
* ...and so many more there is too much to name!

We look forward to what she will do next every single day and are enjoying our precious baby girl so much! She is such a blessing :-)

Must Be Santa

Okay, so upfront, I must say that I know these aren't the best photos, but I don't have my camera cord so I had to take a picture of a picture with my cell phone.

We went to visit Santa yesterday at the mall and besides being much more expensive than I ever imagined, it was a good time. Imogen was a big girl and sat very nicely on Santa's lap. He even told me that it was a relief because he had just been through a slew of crying children. Imogen just stared at him, trying to figure him out, as she does to everyone new she meets. She whispered to him sweetly and quietly what she would like for Christmas and what she said, only Santa and Imogen will ever know.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Phipps Conservatory

This weekend our cousins came to visit from Ohio and we took them to Phipps Conservatory. It was gorgeous all decorated for Christmas, and they even had a great train exhibit set up. Imogen had a good time looking at all the plants, but seemed pretty tired most of the time. The first picture above was taken towards the beginning of the tour and the second was taken towards the end when she had fallen asleep. In the second picture, the Christmas tree behind us was planted in water and it was so cool -- I thought it was a really super tall tree before I realized I was looking at a reflection! It's a great place to visit when you're in Pittsburgh :)

Knitting and Hands & Knees

This is what the evening of Thanksgiving looked like. My sister, Lisa, taught me to knit! I have wanted to learn for awhile now and we were finally able to be together so I could figure it all out. At this point I was just knitting a rectangle and practicing the stitches: knit, purl, knit, purl....
I was so proud of my first rectangle!!
The Sunday after Thanksgiving I knitted my first hat for Imogen -- not this one -- but a practice hat with quite a few mistakes in a not-really-cute yarn. After I did it and got the hang of the pattern, I decided to buy some nice yarn at a local knitting store and go for it! Tonight I finally finished her first real hat that I would let her wear out in public!! I love it! (and as a side note, I just wanted to thank my wonderful husband who braved JoAnn Fabrics on his own to get me the right size needles earlier today to be able to finish.) It fits Imogen perfectly and is so soft...and I didn't make any mistakes on it. I am really proud of it! I did a garter stitch around the brim, which is alternating rows of knitting/purling and then stockinette stitch for the rest. I knitted in the round for most of the body, but then switched to double pointed needles to close the top.
Up close of the hat!
For those of you who made it this far and haven't fallen asleep, I have some other exciting news: Imogen now can hold herself on her hands and knees! Chris mentioned that she did it here and there the past couple days, but tonight, she was up and holding it! I could not believe it! She is growing up so fast! I'll post a picture of it when I get one.

Updated

Due to popular demand, I've changed the photo to the right under Imogen's name to a current picture. Enjoy!

6 Months Old

Happy half birthday to Imogen! It's crazy to think that she is already 6-months old, but it's true. Here are several pictures of her/us taken recently and some fun facts about our beautiful baby girl:

* She can roll from back-to-belly and belly-to-back!
* Her bangs are already dangling in front of her eyes!
* She loves to smile!
* We see a lot of her neck now!
* She giggles when we tickle her!
* She does the "Grandma Grin" with her lips! (see last pic above)
* She loves to talk and babbles on and on all day!
* She loves playing with her toys!

We love to see her grow and continue to be amazed at how much she seems to learn each day. We have been so blessed with a happy and healthy baby :-) And yes, in the picture above, she is sleeping in the jumperoo...it was so cute the day she did that!

In mama and dada news, Chris finished his second to last semester of college -- just one more to go until graduation! And I finally shed the last of those pregnancy pounds and am back to my pre-pregnancy weight! Yay for us!!

6-Month Doctor Visit

This morning we had Imogen's 6-month doctor visit. She weighed 16 pounds 9 ounces and was 25 1/2 inches long. All her measurements, including the circumference of her head, were in the 50th percentile! The doctor said she is growing beautifully!

The above picture was taken on the table in the exam room at her appointment. She was having so much fun with the crinkly paper!

Rolling...On Video!

We finally captured it!! Imogen first rolled back on October 10th, but it would be a one-off here and there. The last couple days, she's been moving well all over the floor, going from her belly to back and back to belly. Well, every time I would pull out the camera to capture a video of it, she would just stare at me and never do it -- but this time she did! Ooohhh, I'm so very excited :-) Enjoy!

More Birthdays & Anniversaries!

November is quite the celebratory month among our friends and family! The 14th was my sister, Anna's, 22nd birthday and we went out to dinner with her and her friends at the Cheesecake Factory on the Southside. It was really fun and we had a delicious dinner. The 14th is also my mom and dad's 28th wedding anniversary! Congratulations you two! We love you tremendously and wish you 50 more happy years :-)

Another birthday wish goes out to my really good friend, Alyson! Happy Birthday on the 15th!!

And another Happy Anniversary goes out to our friends Maggie & Mark (on Nov 11th). Happy Anniversary!!

On Saturday afternoon, Imogen and I enjoyed a little social gathering at my friend Nicole's house. She hosted a 'Lia Sophia' party. They are a direct sales jewelry company. We had a really great time enjoying chatting with friends, eating good food, and looking at all of the fine jewelry. Imogen was a hit too! We stayed for a bit after everyone else left and Imogen really enjoyed tearing up a Current magazine. Sorry about that Nicole :-)

This coming week is Chris's finals week! Then only one semester left until he graduates! yay!!

Peasant's Feast & Birthdays!

Just wanted to wish my brother, and one of Imogen's favorite Uncles, a very happy 23rd birthday today!!!! (This picture was taken back in September)

Another birthday wish goes out to Chris's dad and Imogen's Grandpa!! His XXth birthday was yesterday and we thought about him all day hoping he was having fun, smiling and laughing! :-) (This picture was taken back in July...but we will get to see him again soon!)

Yesterday we attended the 1st Annual Peasant's Feast at Erin's apartment. Essentially it was an early Thanksgiving potluck dinner....and everything was SOOO delicious! It was nice getting together with friends before the busy and hectic holiday season starts. While we were eating, we watched the nailbiter-of-a-game (Steelers vs. Colts), but unfortunately we ended up losing. Everyone was dressed in their best Steeler apparal -- even Imogen sported her pink Steeler's sweatsuit!

The picture above of all us girls is now a running requirement every time we are at Erin's apartment. Since Imogen was about a month old, we've been taking the picture in the exact same positions to show both her growth and ours.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our little pumpkin! Hope everyone enjoyed trick-or-treating :-)

Be Adorable!

We really love to use Goodmama cloth diapers and their website started a photo contest each week with one of their prints. We happened to have the print that was for this week, "Disco Party," so last Saturday Imogen and I did a mini photo shoot at the house and I got this adorable picture of her and submitted it! She didn't win because she was not on the homepage, but Imogen still made it onto one of the other pages! I'm so excited...and thrilled...and totally partial (it was the BEST picture on there!).

Baptism

We had Imogen baptized into the Catholic Church last Sunday and wanted to share a few pictures from it. Imogen did wonderfully -- she was awake during the first part of the mass where she was playing with Chris's face most of the time, but then fell asleep...and she slept through the rest of the mass except for a little bit of crying when the priest was putting the oil on her neck and pouring the water on her head.

Her dress was absolutely gorgeous! My mom made it; yes, as in sewed it! (I can only dream of becoming as good with a sewing machine!) The outer layer of organza was from the shawl that came with my wedding dress, so it was extra special in that way. Playing with Daddy's face during the mass.
She was asleep here, but I was trying to get to her neck so the priest could apply the oil. I also included this picture to show you how crazy her hair was that day!
This is part of the shawl from my wedding dress -- these exact flowers were embroidered on the bodice of my wedding gown. So beautiful!

Here is a picture of her in the whole dress. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! (and shouldn't a mother gloat?! :-) )

In other news, I finally saw Imogen roll over today -- twice!!! She first did it on October 10th, when I came into the room to find her on her back when I had placed her on her belly. Today, I was eating lunch and looking right at her, when 'plop', she rolled. Chris and I were so excited and cheering and laughing. I flipped her back over onto her belly and in the excitement of our voices, she did it again! Yippee! As soon as I can catch it on video, I'll post it to show you!

Little Model

Isn't this simply the most stylish picture of a baby you've ever seen? I mean, I feel like Imogen is a little baby model in it! (Perhaps it's just a mother's view) Anna was over and we were getting Imogen ready to go out and it was sunny -- so I put on the sunglasses that I bought her and she loved them! Imogen wore them in the car and really enjoyed the shade.
Last weekend, my mom helped Anna and I learn how to sew. I am a complete novice -- Anna has some idea at least. We used my mom's sewing machine and followed a pattern I bought for sewing some fleece children's clothing. Fleece is often used as a diaper cover for cloth diapers since it does not absorb moisture. We were making, what they call, fleece longies (aka fleece pants). For the winter time they will be wonderful in our home, which often feels colder than what the temperature says. We made 4 pairs total -- 3 of which fit Imogen now and one for later. After I made the pair she is wearing in the picture, my mom decided to whip up a hat. So, sans pattern, she made one that fit Imogen perfectly. I want to get that good. After I get a sewing machine (hopefully for Christmas...wink wink), I will be able to make lots more things. I really want to learn!!

So, last year on September 11th, I had a dentist appointment for a routine cleaning. I was filling out the pre-cleaning form and one of the questions asked, "Could you be or are you pregnant?" I remember pondering the question and then nonchalantly circled "No." Of course I wasn't -- or so I thought. I actually was pregnant with Imogen at the time, but didn't know it yet! Fortunately at that dental appointment, I did not have x-rays taken. Anyway, today I had my fall routine cleaning at the dentist and I knew I was having x-rays taken. So, just to be on the safe side, I decided to take a pregnancy test, and you all will be happy to know that I am.....

I am not sure why every company doesn't make their pregnancy test likes this -- clearly stating the results. Who needs to go back and forth? -- "Is that a second pink line? maybe but it's really faint. It doesn't look like an actual line. Oh, maybe it is...I can't tell!" haha! This was the banter that ensued after our first at-home tests, which resulted in a call to the midwive's office for a blood test. I think we will use ClearBlue Easy from now on.

4 Months Old -- and a Special Day!

Imogen turned 4 months old yesterday and today was her doctor visit. Everything is great and she is a healthy little girl :-) She weighed in at 14 pounds 7 ounces and measured 24 3/4 inches long. Both of those numbers are in the 75th percentile! Her head circumference was in the 50th percentile. She also got her second round of the DTaP shot. You can see the bandaid in the picture above. Poor girl was crying the moment they stuck the needle in, but after a minute or so of comforting, she was fine. Our doctor said she is thriving and we couldn't be happier!

On another note, today is a special day for us -- this day last year was the day we found out we were pregnant. I can't believe it when I look at Imogen that last year at this time she was the size of a grain of rice! Our entire lives have changed and we're very happy. God has blessed us in so many ways!

Jumperoo Video

I finally got a video of Imogen in her jumperoo! She doesn't so much jump, more goes side to side, but I'm sure as she gets bigger and stronger, she'll learn. She loves it so much -- definitely one of the best purchases we've made. It's something we'll get tons of use out of! During this particular session, I took her socks off so that she could have lots of traction on the wood below; well, unbeknownst to us, she pushes so hard that she got blisters on both of her pinky toes from it! They are healed now, but sheesh! We make sure she always has socks on now...Enjoy!

3 Month Shots

Imogen went to the doctor yesterday to get two shots: the HIB and Pc. She was a very brave girl and was so happy and talkative -- until they stuck the first needle in. Then, Chris says, she started crying and didn't stop until a few minutes after it was all over. At home, she was sleepy and a bit fussier than normal. I know that either the shot sites or her legs in general were sore because when I gave her a bath last night, she didn't splish-splash around like she usually does. Poor girly. She seems to be back to normal today though!

In other news, I bought Imogen that headband she is wearing in the picture over the weekend. Don't you just LOVE it??? I know I do.

Sorry for not posting sooner but it is hard to make it up to the third floor to the computer in the evenings after work. When I get home, I just like to cuddle up on the couch with Imogen and (sometimes) Chris -- when he's not doing schoolwork. We're a busy fam -- you know how it is!

3 Months Old

Today is Imogen's 3-month birthday :-) I can't believe it, she is such a big girl already! Here is a picture from today so you can see just how big she has gotten. She weighs approximately 12 1/2 pounds and is approximately 23 1/2 inches long. She doesn't have another doctor's appointment until next month, so we don't know those numbers for sure. Imogen is still wearing her 0-3 month clothing, but it won't be long before she moves up to the next size. She is such a great baby -- we are so blessed!

Here are some fun facts about Imogen at 3 months:
***She holds her head up!
***She got her ears pierced!
***She loves to talk! Her favorite word is "ah-goo."
***She loves to stand!
***She loves to put things in her mouth...including her fingers, fist, burp cloth, and little doll, as pictured above.

In other news, we bought Imogen a jumperoo, and although I find it extremely obnoxious, I know she will love it. Her feet don't yet touch the ground, but that's nothing a couple phone books can't fix!

And lastly, I went back to work this past week. In the 'first day of school' fashion, here is me the morning of my first day back. I miss her incredibly while I'm gone, but I know she is in great, loving hands.

2 1/2 Months Old!

We took Imogen to the doctor yesterday for her two month appointment, even though she is a little over 2 1/2 months old now. Here are her stats:

Weight: 12 pounds 1 ounce
Length: 23 inches

Her measurements, including head circumference, are in the 50th percentile. The doctor said she looked great! Imogen also got her first shot -- the DTaP. The doctor said it could cause her to be fussy or really sleepy -- fortunately it did neither and Imogen acted herself the entire day. We were relieved.

Boyle FAQ #2

This is often the first question that anyone asks me, and my most hated.

Question: "Does Imogen sleep through the night yet?" or "How does she sleep for you?"

Answer: People seem to ask this question as if a baby 'sleeping through the night' makes one a better parent. It doesn’t. And when thinking about how to answer this question when someone asks, sometimes I feel guilty when I say ‘yes’, because I know very well that she usually sleeps well, but last night we were up every 2-3 hours – but I would never say ‘no,’ because then what would they think of me? They would think I’m a bad parent because my 2-month old is not yet ‘sleeping through the night.’

I would say that 9 times out of 10 a baby wakes up at night to eat. Breastfed babies tend to wake up more to eat at night because breastmilk is quickly and easily digested, which leaves their tummy empty quicker. Formula takes longer to digest, so it sits in baby’s tummy longer and makes them feel fuller longer; same with cereals. So, as a 6-month-dedicated-to-exclusively-breastfeeding-mother (shocking, huh?), Imogen is probably up at night more often – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But let’s look at what the experts say. Sleep experts say that a baby 6 months or younger is said to ‘sleep through the night’ if they sleep for at least 5 hours in a row. So, by that definition, I would answer that Imogen ‘sleeps through the night’ on most nights now. For the past week, she has been sleeping about 5 hours in a row for her first stretch at night. That is not every night, just the majority of the nights.

As a first-time parent of a 2-month old baby, I would have to say that Imogen does extremely well at night. Yes, she may wake up more, but she almost never cries! She starts to stir and tries to suck on her thumb and it wakes me up. Then I know she’s hungry, so I feed her and its back to sleep. Who knows exactly when I will get a straight 8 hours of sleep again? Who cares?! I didn’t on most nights before she was born! This first 6 months of her life is such a short time, and breastfeeding her is such a special bond for both of us. She has the rest of her life to ‘sleep though the night.’

Boyle FAQ #1

I've decided to start a new series of postings with Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs, that Chris and I have been frequently asked since the birth of our beautiful Imogen. This way, it can be publicly known the answers to these FAQs and hopefully will cut down on the asking of the questions. Here goes.

Question: "Wow! Look at all that hair! I bet you had tons of heartburn / indigestion while pregnant. Did you?"

Answer: No. Not even once. Clearly it's an old wive's tale.

Rehoboth Beach

We had a great time on our first vacation as a family of 3 to Rehoboth Beach. We went with my family and I do believe that Imogen was the star of the show all week (she loved the extra attention and being held so much!). Below are a few pictures from the trip.

Rehoboth Beach or Bust!! With Mr. Bee on the way there. She was a good girl in the car.
Soaking up all the attention from (left to right) Nunny, Aunt Lisa, Zianna, Nana and Uncle Michael.
Imogen's first time on the beach. She was...having a whale of a time!
Our first family picture on the beach, but certainly not our last!

PS (to Aunt Carolyn): We do not spike her hair -- it stands up on its own!!!! :-)

At the Creamery

"I Love Poppa"

Imogen loves taking trips to my parents gelato shop in Shadyside called Mercurio's Mulberry Creamery. She's gotten plenty of lessons on all the flavors already and will be an expert in no time. This past weekend, they had a gelato-eating contest and flavor contest -- something my parents do each year in July to celebrate National Ice-Cream Month. The flavor contest is where customers submit flavors that they think up and eventually, about 20 are made (from around 150 submissions). It's narrowed down to a final 8 each summer at a picnic with friends and family. From those top 8, the winner is selected by votes from customers at the creamery over the weekend. This year's winner was Lemon Bilberry. A bilberry is in the family of the blueberry -- a berry grown in Europe. The lady who submitted the flavor originally titled it "Imogen" for our beautiful baby girl...and it won. Yippee!! The flavor is delicious :-)

The Way She Moves

Imogen started her nap like this... ...and ended it like this!
The girl really likes to move, what can I say. It was fun watching her wiggle her body around and keep trying to go somewhere -- where exactly, we don't know. But she has got places to go! At the time this second picture was taken, she had had enough and started to cry, so we figured she was at her destination.