6 Month Update

Age: 6 Months
These pictures are from your 6 month photo shoot with our dear friend, Jovana.

Such an angel baby!

Weekly Updates:

                                            

Weight: 15 lb 4 oz

Height: about 26 in...Daddy thinks that the nurse wrote down your height incorrectly so he measured you with the tape measurer.

Diaper Size: Size 2

Clothes Size: 3-6 and a few 6-9  You can still fit into your NB monogrammed gowns which makes Mommy very happy.   

Shoe Size: None...You have been wearing socks or stocking more thought since the weather has cooled off.  Aunit MA bought you some moccasins though so you can wear those when the time is right.  You also have a pair of baby "uggs" but after you wore them a few times I realized that your foot doesn't really reach the bottom and they are too big...but they keep your little toes warm.  When I came to pick you up from school, Susana told me that you went to the park with the cute pink ruffled socks but somehow you didn't make it make to her house with them on...oh well.     

Schedule:
Bless you little one.  From birth-5 months neither of us had a schedule and it just seemed to work.  Around the time Mommy went back to work though you started waking up 3, sometimes 4 times a night.  You also started wanting to nurse in the middle of the night...something that you had given up around 3 months.  Daddy was so sweet and supportive and let Mommy decide on her on that a bedtime routine meant more than simply allowing you to fall asleep on my chest and snuggle for 2 hours.  We now start winding down around 7-7:30.  You get a bath, we play in your room, you nurse (in your room), white noise goes on and then you are out.  I contribute your sleeping soundly (no waking up at all) through the night again to our new bathtime routine and also to the fact that you started eating solid foods (you were HUNGRY!).
6:30-7: Wake Up, Play for a bit in bed with Daddy, Nurse
7:45- Head to Ms. Susana's and sometimes cat nap on the way

I have no idea what kind of, if any, consistent schedule you are on with Susana.  I do know that you are always happy when I pick you up and that you have eaten 2, 5-6 oz bottles and taken 2 naps (sometimes even up to a 2 hour nap!).  Last week we added sweet potatoes and lima beans to your lunch too.

4:00: I pick you up from Susana's and usually let you nurse
4:15-play, stroll, walk to meet daddy, run errands
You sometimes get a cat nap in but other times you don't...

6:30ish- Solid Food (nurse if you want)
7:30- Bathtime
8:00- Nurse and bedtime
You go to sleep anywhere between 8 and 9

Fun Facts and Milestones:

-Over Labor Day weekend, we traveled to Starkville to watch the Dawgs play. JJ and J-Pop were so excited to have you in town and to show you off. You partied hard and had a blast hanging out at the condo, mingling at the tailgate, and cheering/snoozing at the game. While you look beautiful in anything, I promise to only make you wear maroon when we visit JJ and J-Pop. :)

-School started this month and you were thrilled to wear your "Back to School" dress.  Mommy started her 8th year teaching in CPS and her 2nd at Coonley.  What a blessing for Mommy to be working at a school where she can be both a teacher and a Mommy.  You have spent quite a bit of time at Coonley this year too.  Whether it has been coming to pick up Susana's son from school, helping Mommy in the afternoons, or being passed around the halls one morning when Mommy had to run an errand, you have stolen many hearts. Thank goodness you are such a sweet and happy, go with the flow baby!  

The HAPPIEST girl in the world!

-You are quite the tailgater.  We went to the first Northwestern game and enjoyed Geoff's "Chicago Bachelor Party" at the tailgate.  Aunt MA had made you a NU outfit but it did not come in the mail until after we left for the game :(  No worries...you'll wear it to the next game.  The morning before the tailgate Mommy went to get her nails done and left Daddy in charge...for the first time.  Y'all had a fun time walking around together.  So much fun that you feel asleep.

 

-We flew out to Denver, CO to visit our good friend Epstein for his 30th birthday.  While I am sure that when he imagined ringing in his dirty 30, he didn't picture 3 dudes, a wife, and a baby crammed into his studio apartment I do KNOW that he had a blast.  We ate all many of the hott spots around Denver, enjoyed locally brewed beer, and explored trails as well as the city.  We cannot wait to visit again! 

                                  

Thanks Uncle Bryson for my sweater from Nepal.  Notice the "outdoorsie" smocked outfit in the back that Daddy refused to let Mommy dress you in. 

                                                      

Suzanna Grace, Mommy, Epstein, Daddy, TwoShot/John

 What a way to travel.  Do they make adult carriers?

 Sporting our MS onsie and Slump Buster T.

 Seriously...the happiest baby.  She had the best time!  She slept for a bit and loved looking around at all of the beautiful mountains.  We ended up hiking about 6 miles, so Mommy and Daddy took turns carrying SG.  Thank goodness we also traveled with two other "clowns" who were more than excited to dance a gig, sing a song, or simply do the "hands above your head" baby move.  

For the record, I beat Daddy in Connect 4.  I am not sure that I have ever won a game against your Daddy but he never saw it coming and was quite sour afterwards. 

 We got to see our sweet friend Jenny too.  She and her husband, Andrew, have lived in Denver for nearly 2 years.  When Mommy and Jenny taught together in Chicago people used to think we were sisters...which technically means she's your aunt. Right?

 Daddy and "Two-Shot" had a BIG time with Epstein Saturday night and needed a few extra hours of sleep on Sunday morning so Epstein took us out to explore downtown.

 OMG, you sat in a high chair for the first time and loved it.  You thought that you were such a big girl sitting up at the table with everyone.  Luckily TwoShot has speedy reflexes and was able to quickly grab most toys before you threw them to the ground.

-We traveled to the beautiful town of Morris, IL for the Fallon wedding at the end of September.  Ashley had planned the whole thing out to a T and it all paid off.  She was gorgeous, Geoff-oh so handsome, and the venue (her parent's house) was to die for.  If you follow her on Instagram then you know that it was truly a Pintrest wedding.  

We stayed one night and took enough clothes for a week.  I think that the fur coat may have been a little much...but you just never know what you'll need. Kyle says that he cannot wait until he and SG can travel without me.  

Meeting baby Henry Fallon for the first time with his beautiful Mommy Boozer.

 Dancing the night away!

 This baby partied harder than anyone else at the wedding and was beat by the time we went home.

- You can sit up by yourself and continue to love playing "airplane" on Mommy's knees.  We sing, "Shhhhhhhhe flies through the air with the greatest of ease...it's Suzanna Grace on the flying trapeze, she swoops and she soars, and she opens the doors...she's the girl on the flying trapeze."  I am sure that I am missing/have butchered words but you think it's funny.   

-This month you started SOLID foods.  We realized that you were simply starving and were showing signs that you were ready.  We had initially planned to wait until your 6 month check up per your pediatricians suggestion but figured that you were ready.  We loaded up on yummy veggies at the local farmers market and hit the road with homemade baby food.  You LOVE it and it is so easy!  So far you have tried sweet potatoes, lima beans (your Mommy's favorite), blue berries, and beets.  We gave you blue berries in this little pacci/mesh bag thing that we have and you squealed with delight.  You chomped and chomped and let the juices drip down your tummy.

This video shows one of the reasons I love Chicago.  Beautiful Saturday morning at the farmers market with a half naked baby eating/wearing locally grown veggies.

-You may or may not actually know how to play peak-a-boo but you knew that we were going crazy so you continued.  Daddy plays this peak-a-boo game with you all the time and you cakel.

Suzanna Grace,

You are such a "go with the flow" baby!  You have the BEST life and not only do you get to travel around to explore new places but you are also LOVED so so much.  You smile ALL the time and love to laugh.  People ask us all the time if you ever fuss and the answer is...not really.  You are generally a happy little girlie with an infectious smile.  When we walk down the street I can hear you "talking" and when I turn to see what you are looking at there is usually someone walking behind us and waving at you.  You make everyone who passes by smile at you!  This month has been hard for me since I have returned to work but as much as I hate to admit it, I think that it has been a good thing for you to be able to spend time with Susana and your friends Liam and B.  You are learning spanish, how to do big, 1.5 year old things, and how to get along with your friends.  I wish that I could be there with you all day as you do these things but having Susana is the next best thing to me staying at home with you.  Thank you Lord for always giving us exactly what we need.  This month we found out about many new friends that will be born this spring and we pray every night for your friendships with them as y'all grow together.  

Everyday with you is better than the last.  We love you sweet girl!

5 Month Update

Age: 

                   

Weekly Updates:

              

               

                 

                     

Weight/Height: ??? We go to the DR in a month so we'll update then. You are certainly growing though! 

Diaper Size: Size 2 for sure! Mommy had an "Amazon Mom" oops and we ended up with TONS of size 1 diapers that we were trying to get through...after a few unfortunate blow outs I bit the bullet and ordered size 2. Anyone need a box of 1s?

Clothes Size: You still fit quite comfortably in your 3M clothes and I have put you into a few of your 6M fall outfits on cooler days. Those outfits a a little big though. I also bought you your first part of skinny jeans which are 3M but they swallow you whole. You're such a little thing!

Shoe Size: Your summer toes are still out though I have stuck a pair of socks on you a few times when it's been cool.

Schedule: You are getting more and more on a schedule and thank heavens are finally back to sleeping through the night! You usually wake up between 6-6:30 nurse and play until it's time for school. On the weekends you are quite content to nurse and go back to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed. You are usually awake for 1-2 hours between each feeding which is every 3 hours. Susana has told me that you fight your naps and that during those times are the only times during the day that you fuss. This is clearly because I have spoiled you by holding you through the majority of your naps and therefore require her to do the same thing. Haha. Mommy had been hoping that Susana would be the one to break this bad habit but she likes to cuddle with you too. She started letting you sleep (supervised) on your tummy and you've been sleeping longer in your pack n play. We try to give you your bath around 730-8 and have you start winding down.  You go to bed around 9.

Fun Facts and Milestones:

-You attended your first Chicago Air and Water show and had a blast! Some friends suggested that we get headphones to protect your ears so Daddy rode his bike all around town the morning of trying to buy you a pair. We would have of course preferred pink but Daddy says that the purple will at least go with your Northwestern attire.

Bikinis, boats, and the Chicago skyline...doesn't get much better.

You received so many complements from folks around us! 

You are such your Momma's daughter...we can sleep through just about anything. 

We traveled down to Memphis to visit Aunt MA, Uncle Timmy and Aunt J-Ellis. SuSu joined us and we did LOTS of planning for Baby Wilkes! Thank you Lord for our growing family! 

Mommy went back to work and you started school with Ms. Susana and your friends Liam (1.5 years) and B (nearly 2). They are both such happy babies and together y'all smile and play ALL day log. Susana has been teaching y'all Spanish and takes you and Liam on adventures in the double stroller. You even come pick up Andres at Mommy's school in the afternoons!

You weren't used to getting up early on the first day and feel asleep on the car ride over...you have continued to do this most mornings. Bless you.

4 Months (and a week...or two) with Suzanna Grace

Age:  Oh. My. Word. This precious baby is 4 months old.  Where did my newborn go? This month brought on so many "first" and fun changes.

Weekly Updates:

Weight: 13 pounds 5 ounces 

Height: 24 inches  Girlie, you grew a little over 2 inches since our last doctors appointment!  Go girl!

Diaper Size: Size 1 but only until we finish the box and then we are going to move up to Size 2.  

Clothes Size: Within the past 2 weeks your 3 month clothes seem to really fit.  You are long enough for them and your sweet little thighs fill out the leg holes so much better than before.  Mommy has been known to be a pro at shirking clothes in the wash...but I think it's really just because you are growing!

Shoe Size: Summer Toes only...babies don't wear shoes.  Aunt MA did order you some fall mocosains though!

Schedule: Let's be honest here...it's summer time and who needs a strict schedule.  We basically do the 3 hour routine of eat, play, sleep beginning whenever you wake up (usually between 6-7:30) and sometimes cluster feed at night because you're tired.  You will typically go to sleep as early as 8:30 but as late as 10 depending what's going on.  You sleep really well at night though and are such a happy baby that I think that what we have going for us is working.  Maybe, when I go back to work, we will have something a little more routine but for now our loosey-goosey schedule works and still allows us to go-go-go and enjoy our summer!

Fun Facts and Milestones:

• You had your first day/few hours at "school" with Susana this month and Mommy was sad.  I sat in my car for 10 minutes thinking about whether I should leave you since I didn't really have anything to do.  It was a good trial run and you took a bottle from Susana!  She said that you talked and talked and had a great time.  You were even napping when I came to pick you up. You wore a beautiful smocked gown, fancy panties, and a bow in your hair but when I picked you up, Susana told me that you were too cold and needed pants.  It is my personal opinion that you should wear your fancy clothes everyday...not just on special occasions.  And, let's be honest, you don't really have "play clothes" just yet.  I'll get you some skinny jeans this fall.  

 

• Girlie, your life is amazing!  To celebrate your first day at school and Mommy being brave enough to leave you, we met Daddy downtown at Millennium Park for a picnic and concert.

 

 

• We celebrated the 4th of July out on Toes' boat with the whole crew and then on the docks with the Nappers.  We had quite the weekend! 

• Our good buddy Epstein is moving to Denver so we spent the month helping him check things off of his "Chicago Bucket List."  Downtown concerts, outdoor adventures, and eating out at fun restaurants was not a bad way to see him off. 

 

• Well...this speaks for itself.

 

• We lunched and dined with friends a lot this month as it was our first full month of Chicago summer where we weren't traveling back to MS.  

• Mommy and Daddy had a night out...the first since you've been born.  Susana came over to our house to keep you and you did great! We celebrated the Fallon and "Val-tad"'s engagements but never stopped to take a picture of just the two of us.  Surely we will get better at documenting ourselves as time goes on. 

 

• That same weekend, we celebrated our 5 year anniversary with lunch and a full day of activities! Selfies sure are silly.  

• We also said good-bye to the Nappers with a fun day at Parson's Chicken.  Friend Aunt Leslie and Brad sure are going to miss their girlie.

  

• We had your Sip and See and Baby Dedication back in Mississippi this month.  Oh what fun we had visiting with Aunt MA and Jessica in Memphis, swinging at JJ and J-Pops house, and playing with Elsie Lee at SuSu and Daddy B's.  You got to meet LOTS of JJ and SuSu's friends at the Sip and See.  Once I get all of our pictures back, I'll write more about the Baby Dedication but the highlights include you wearing the most gorgeous gown ever made. 

 

• We have also found a great "New Moms and Babies" group through our hospital and meet up with our new friends several times a week.  You love "playing" with your new friends and are learning so much from them.    

 

• You really started belly laughing this month.  You have always yelled and made noises that we thought were you getting tickled but these laughs are for sure belly laughs.  I now spend my whole day trying to get you to laugh.  It melts my heart. 

• We bought you a Johnny Jump Up and you love it.  You are still a little too small for it so you can really only bounce with one foot.  You are growing in to it though. 

• You are so strong.  You love to stand up whenever someone is playing with you.  You look around and search out new things.  I could not get over how, with help, you could move from sitting to standing in early July.  Slow down girlie!

• You are so inquisitive and are always searching the world around you.  Even when you play by yourself you smile and giggle.  I often wonder what you think about and because you are always so happy, I know that your thoughts include all things beautiful.  (Daddy says that you're probably thinking about breastmilk...)   

We love you sweet girl and cannot wait to see what month 5 holds!