1/19/14- 7 month old Penelope

My sweet, adorable Penelope! 

At 7 months: 

You weigh about 16 lbs and continue to stay "long and lean". Your arms are so long, you can grab things from a mile away. Sometimes we hold you on our lap while we eat, and push our plate far away so you can't reach it, but those arms always seem to stretch farther than we expect! 

You wear 9-12 month clothes still. Still wearing mostly pjs bc I think you look so cozy in them! :) plus I like that your feet are covered. 

You now can sit up independently! You can sit up for quite a while now and won't fall over unless you see something you want out of your reach. I learned that I still can't sit you up on a rug on a tile floor bc when you tip over, you always bang your head on the actual tile because of your length. 

You have started to prefer to be on your stomach while playing because you are able to "move around". You don't crawl yet, but somehow you're able to get to the toys out of your reach. 

You nurse about 6x per day. About every 3 hours. I love cuddling with you while nursing. You've stopped violently kicking me in the stomach, so it's a lot more pleasant. 

You still take mostly 45 min naps, althoigh your morning nap will sometimes be 1.5 hrs. You get tired every 2 hours. I'm frustrated with your short naps and ready for you to start extending them. 

You now sleep through the night from about 6:30-6:30. Knock on wood...every time I say you're sleeping through the night, you start waking up again. 

Your favorite toy is Sophie the Giraffe. 

You like it when we sing to you. 

You love your sister and laugh at her, but you've started to cry when she snatches toys out of your hands (which happens a lot). 

You eat baby food 2x per day, and prefer fruits. We've also tried a little egg and peanut butter (just a taste) because people are now saying to introduce allergenic foods early (which was the complete opposite of what they were saying last year...sigh). 

Still no teeth! 

You are so easy-going, and hardly cry unless you're tired. You go to sleep for naps and night easily now. 

You've started to look for me more for comfort when you're sitting on the floor. Sometimes when I put you down, you cry because you want to stay with me. This is new. When you fall and get hurt, all I need to do is pick you up and cuddle you and you're back to your smiling self pretty quickly. Your hurt-cry breaks my heart. I'm so bonded to you now. :) Love love love! 

The difference I'm seeing...

So before Penelope was born, I was terrified of having two babies. I had all the common worries: would I love them both equally, how could I love another child as much as Gwen, would I be able to handle two babies on no sleep, etc...

And when Penelope was born, all the fears kind of washed away. Having two kids was really not that different than having one, I realize now. Yes, it's much busier and there's not much down time during the day due to conflicting nap schedules, but it's not as scary and NEW as the first.

 

With Gwen I constantly had a panicky, tense feeling in the background. I dramatized everything she did; if she woke up during the night, I thought, "oh no! This must be the new normal! She'll NEVER sleep through the night again!" If I had to nurse her to sleep, I would think I was forming a bad habit and worry that she'd NEVER fall asleep on her own. In reality I new she would develop these things naturally, but I couldn't see what the future held...and it was scary. (I must add that Gwen was a bit of a difficult baby.)

Fast forward to Penelope, and although I still have that slight panicky feeling hanging around, I'm much more relaxed. The things she does don't bother me like they did with Gwen. If she wakes at 3am, yes, it's still painful, but I don't have heart palpitations over it. I think the difference is since I've been here before, I know what the future will look like, and things will be ok. It also helps that Penelope is a very easy-going, "angel" baby. 

Something else I've noticed is that Penelope seems to be growing up much faster than Gwen. The days when Gwen was an infant seemed to drag on forever and I often wondered when she'd start sitting/crawling/talking/etc. The days dragged on, but the weeks flew by. I loved spending time with her, and relished her baby days, and by no means was she delayed in her development, it just SEEMED to take forever! 

With Penelope, I really can't believe she's already 6.5 months old. The time really has flown by, and I want it to slow down! I'm enjoying her so much and love watching her. She's pure sweetness and innocence and contentment. She just loves life and goes with the flow (most of the time). She's cuddly and gentle in everything she does. She's already sitting up; but Gwen sat up at 6 months also, so no difference. Why does it FEEL like she's sitting so much sooner than Gwen? Maybe the reason things seem to be going by so fast is the opposite reason I'm more relaxed this time; I've forgotten the details of development...and I get to see it all again. :) 

These girls are so different: Gwen has a big belly laugh, Penelope gently coughs out her laughs. Whereas Gwen could scream and cry for an hour or more, Penelope could only last 20 minutes. Gwen enjoyed eating solids; Penelope could care less about food. They're both so different, and the strength of the love I have for them is the same. It's hard to explain, because I love them both equally, but in different ways. Gwen with her spunk and Penelope with her softness. The similarities they share are just as great as their differences; both so tender-hearted, sweet, and beautiful. The world better watch out for these girls; they're going to amaze. 

12/19/13 Happy Half-Year Birthday, Penelope!

I'm amazed that time had flown by like it has. Our sweet little baby girl is already 6 months old!! Penelope! Stop growing right now!!

Right now you: 

Weigh about 15 lbs and are still tall wearing 9-12 month clothes. 

Sleep through the night consistently now! Bed time around 6:30 and wake up around 6:00! 

You are taking 1.5 hour naps in the mornings now (finally), but I'm not sure if it's just because you're getting sick. 

You're 3 other naps of the day are 45 minutes. 

Nurse after each nap and eat baby food 1-2 per day. I try to make about 50% of your food, mainly because it's cheaper.  

You won't nap in the stroller, but weve discovered that you love the Ergo carrier and will fall asleep in there if we're out and about! You also like the car. 

You can roll easily both ways and have just started sitting up unsupported for a few seconds before folding over to eat your toes. 

You love to chew on your toes...and anything cloth! 

When I go to pick you up, you get so excited and kick your legs and start to breathe fast. :) 

You still have blue eyes and your hair is a light brown color. 

You've started saying "bababuhbuh". 

You are the smiliest, happiest, most easy-going baby! Everyone thinks you are so sweet because all it takes is for someone to look at you and you give them a big, gummy smile with your tongue out. 

Gwen is also adorable these days and Christmas-time is so fun with her. She's starting to warm up to Santa, although the first time she saw him at a party she screamed. This morning we had breakfast with Santa and she didn't cry, but she did look away. When he asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she said baby doll, but still only looking at the ground. So adorable. 

Tonight at bedtime she told me she wanted a baby doll, goldfish, peas, ears, and stickers...random, but she'll be getting all that on Christmas morning!

11/19: Baby girl is 5 months old!

Penelope is now 5 months old and it's such a great age! I love this time in her life! At 5 months Penelope, you:

Weigh about 14 lbs and wear 6-9 month clothes. You are taller than average. 

Can sit up on my hip when I hold you! Love that! :) 

Can roll both ways easily now and actually prefer to be on your tummy. 

Can hold things with both hands and try to put everything in your mouth- especially clothing. 

Still cry for about 5 min before every nap, and take 4, 45-min naps per day...ugh...

Only like to sleep in your crib, pack n play, or in the car. You have a very hard time sleeping in a busy environment (and at daycare). 

Go to sleep around 7pm and sometimes still wake up around 3am, but usually sleep until 6am. Yay!

When we come to get you out if your crib after sleeping, you give us the biggest grins! 

Are still so sweet and easy-going!

Started solids at about 5.5 months, but not everyday because we don't have enough time! So far you've tried pears (first food!) and bananas. You spit it out and make the funniest faces, but we just scrape it off your chin and keep putting it back in! :) Gwen gags...it's hilarious. 

You've been sick 4x already and usually you smile right through all the snot and coughing...except the RSV- you were pretty fussy when you got that. Oh, and when you had that ear infection...

When you're happy and someone smiles at you, sometimes you will kick yor legs and make your arms stiff and open your eyes really wide. And then you open your mouth and make little fast, happy breaths. It's too cute! 

You smile and laugh easily. Especially at your sister! Sometimes when you're looking away, I just kiss you on the cheek, you smile and then I die. 

You've made raspberries a few times and have discovered your tongue. It's usually sticking out of your mouth in some fashion these days. 

You're "talking" more and more, and I think you're going to start talking for reals earlier than most. 

Still love baths! 

Your eyes are still blue and your hair is starting to turn blond! Whose child are you? ...we definitely know you're at least Jeff's because you look just like him! 

Everybody loves you and thinks you are so adorable and heart-breakingly sweet. 

10/19/13: Penelope is 4 months old!

My sweet, darling Penelope, we love you so much. You are so happy and smiley! We got lucky to have such an easy-going baby...although you got your 4 month shots two days ago and you've been very uncomfortable and fussy these past few days. Poor thing is a sensitive sweetheart. 

At 4 months, you:

Weigh 13 lbs, 11 oz (50th %ile) and are in the 41st %ile for height (I can't remember how tall they said you were), but to me you seem big...don't know why. Maybe bc you're wearing 6-9 mo clothes...

You just started rolling over easily a few days ago, although it's harder for you to roll from front to back and sometimes get stuck. 

Your naps are inconsistent, anywhere from 45 min (usually the norm) to 2 hours (if I'm lucky!). 

You go to bed around 7:30 pm and wake up once or twice per night and wake for the day between 6:30 and 8:00 am.

You are getting harder to nurse because you've learned the art of arching your back to look around the room at everything (Gwendolyn and the TV are your favorite things to look at...mommy always turns the TV off when you try to watch). It's so fun trying to wrestle with you so you'll eat...

You are starting to not mind your car seat and sometimes will fall asleep in there if we're out...but it takes a lot of convincing you.

You prefer to sleep in your crib over anything, and you're now putting up a fight at daycare, fussing and not wanting to nap there. You take 4 oz bottles. 

You make little happy screaming noises when we come to get you after naps. 

When daddy holds you, we call you his little twin, with your matching big eyes and hairdo's! :)

You love love love your sister and she loves cuddling with you, playing with you, and trying to make you smile and laugh. She says your name and tells you "it otay" when you cry. She loves you like crazy! 

You are definitely talking more and getting very responsive to faces! Here's hoping these fussy days after your shots ease up soon for you, sweet girl. 

We love you, little "Pelly"! :) 

9/19/13- "Pelly" is 3 months old

Three months has flown by! I keep thinking about how time is going by much faster with this second baby girl. It's precious time and needs to slow down (well, maybe a little bit)! 

Penelope, at 3 months you: 

Weigh about 13 lbs and are tall for your age, almost growing out of your 3-6 month clothes! 

Had your first laugh today. Beautiful! 

Have started to spit up LARGE amounts if we hold you in the wrong way after nursing...the first incident happened in a Target all over Mommy's shirt after I accidentally held you upside down for a few seconds putting on Gwen's shoes. It was a disaster...

Still like to be swaddled for night and naps. 

Sleep about 9 hours at night, waking up around 3:30/4:00 for a feeding. 

Take about 4 naps per day, for about 45 min each!! Ugh. I hate short naps!

Love to watch your sister, and follow her around the room with your eyes. 

Are so smiley, happy and easy-going! 

Nurse about 15 minutes each side about every 2-3 hours. 

Still enjoy the paci and you are starting to not want to go to sleep easily anymore. You used to cry about 5 minutes. Today you cried for 10-15 min before each nap.

You are getting so much more responsive and fun! You love to look at yourself in the mirror and laugh at that cute baby. :)

8/19/13- Penelope is 2 months old!

Penelope, you are the sweetest, easiest baby! You have made us feel confident in our ability to be good parents to a newborn; even though we haven't done anything different this time, it's just your easy going personality. I love this age...

At 2 months old you:

Weigh about 11 lbs and are tall for your age (already in 6 month onsies).

Smile very easily! When you get happy you wiggle your head back and forth and your arms and legs go straight! It's like you hey so happy, you can't handle it! 

Only cry when you're tired or in your carseat. 

Still love to be swaddled to sleep. 

Are sleeping 8-10 hours at night!!

Take 45 min-2 hour long naps! 

Going to daycare on Tues/Thurs and they always say how easy you are. 

Still a little fussy in the evenings, but not terrible. You have started to go to bed earlier now, closer to 8 instead of 10.

Love bath time, so you get one every night (along with a massage- love that clean baby smell)! It helps calm you down every time. 

Tolerate tummy time for a few minutes, before you start fussing. Not your favorite thing bc you tend to spit up. 

Sit in your vibrating chair and follow us with your head as we walk around. 

Really love to be held so you can see what's going on in your world. 

Love to see your sister and you always smile at her. 

We can't imagine life without you now! Mommy's biggest fear right now is SIDS. I also worry about you at the daycare and them not giving you enough attention and giving you the paci too much/not enough and if the pacifier strap might choke you and if you're napping well and if your crib is under the window and if the sun is on your face and if you're getting a sunburn...etc...sigh.

Update on Gwendolyn at 22 months:

Gwen, you are such a big girl and love to help! 

Whenever you spill your milk you always run to get a "towa" from the kitchen to clean it up! 

You also love to watch mommy change diapers and want me to clean your "han" (hands) before you touch Penelope. 

You are so smart and learn things so quickly; the other day I told you it makes mommy happy when you say thank you, and a little while later when I brought you some strawberries I heard a little voice say "ta you"! It melted my heart. 

You delete all your final consonants still, but you have started to say /b/, /s/, and /l/ blends! No /f/ yet; I love when you say "ply" (for fly). 

You still refuse to say "milk" and will only sign (or cry) for it. 

You are trying so hard to assert yourself and do things on your own! You say "no" whenever we want to help you, and end up with applesauce all over you. 

Except you still love to be carried and will usually throw yourself on the ground when leaving a place. It's very difficult when you do this and mommy is carrying Penelope. I wish I could still pick you up every time you wanted, but many times I can't and that makes you mad. :( 

You've started to use the potty and tell us "poo" whenever you have to go! 

You still love baby and bobo, and have them at daycare, but you've stopped crying when we drop you off now! 

You are not a happy girl upon waking up...it takes you a while after your nap to cheer up. 

We love hearing your little voice say more and more! You say your sisters name a lot and ask to hold her, but then when you do, you either quickly pull your hands away or say "cheese!" (Indicating you want us to take your picture). 

You want Penelope around for everything you do, and live to put her toes on your belly. Maybe because you love to put your ties on everything (and them you say "toe toes" while pointing at them, like "hey look, my toe toes ate on Mattie/my banana/the baby/the crayon/the potty/etc". 

You still talk about "abi and neh" every day and love being around other kids!

You are so cute with your little self, and we can't get enough of you! I love this age...