Say Cheese!

Little Miss Independent

Already our baby girl is showing signs of independence--from how she holds her head steady to how she tries to sit up.

Most recently, Savannah's been learning how to fall asleep on her own--just like a big girl! Over the last week, Tal and I have been putting Savannah to bed when she's still awake. So far, Savannah hasn't put up too much of a fight and usually falls asleep within 20-30 minutes. Perhaps we should've tried it sooner! :-)

Also, during the last week Savannah has figured out how to suck on a pacifier. Tal and I don't want Savannah to become too attached to a pacifier, but it's been helpful when Savannah's been fussy at bedtime, at church, or during car rides.

Our baby girl isn't so little anymore!

Grandma Time

Yesterday, Savannah got some extra love from her Grandma Barbara who came to visit us. Grandma had lots of fun playing with Savannah while I got a pedicure and Tal got rainguards installed on his truck windows. (The rainguards were an early Father's Day present from Savannah and me.)

In the afternoon, we visited several car dealerships, where we browsed for a new car for Grandma Barbara. We topped off our picture perfect day by having a late lunch together.

Settlin' In

Well, it's been a month since I returned to work, and we enrolled Savannah in daycare. Overall, the three of us have settled into a routine and adjusted better than we expected.

Staying home with Savannah is not an option, so I resolve myself to have a positive attitude about going to work each day. Of course, I think about Savannah many times. However, my duties as a librarian keep me so busy that I don't have much time to miss Savannah. I just have to trust that Savannah will turn into a fine young lady even though I'm not with her during the day.

It also helps that Tal and I have a positive rapport with Savannah's babysitters. We truly believe that they enjoy Savannah and take good care of her. Plus, Savannah's babysitters keep us informed of her daily eating, sleeping, and diaper habits.

Our mornings and evenings are hectic but manageable most of the time. Tal and I try to share responsibilities and work as a team. Tal is a big help in the mornings. He feeds and dresses Savannah before taking her to daycare at 6:45. That way, all I have to do is get ready, pump, and make Savannah's bottles for the next day before I leave for school.

In the evenings, we enjoy playing with Savannah before Tal gives her a bath at 7:00. Then, I usually feed Savannah and rock her to sleep while Tal makes Savannah's bottles. In between all of the craziness, Tal and I try to eat dinner, make our lunches for the next day, and spend some time together. Everything always seems to get done, and we try to treasure our time together. :-)

Drumroll please...

At 3.5 months old, Savannah weighs 12.5 lbs. During the last six weeks, our little sweetheart has gained 1 lb. 10 oz. She has officially outgrown her 0-3 months clothes and moved into her 3-6 months clothes for the summer. We're thankful that Savannah has a hearty appetite!

Let the Good Times Roll

Our family has done a lot of celebrating during the last week. We celebrated Mother's Day on May 10, our wedding anniversary on May 11, and my birthday on May 18 (today!).

Tonight we ate dinner at the Italian restaurant 518 in downtown Raleigh. Over the last several years, it's become a tradition for us to eat at 518 on 5-18 (May 18). Our dinner was delicious, and Savannah charmed everyone with her big blue eyes and happy smiles!

Here's to Many More

Tal and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on May 11. Tal, here are some things you've done recently that I love and appreciate about you:

• Each weekend you spend 2-3 hours cooking two or three meals, so we don't have to cook during the week.
• You hold my hand and snuggle with me on the couch.
• You treated me to a manicure, pedicure, and facial to celebrate Mother's Day, our anniversary, and my birthday.
• You're the brave one who cuts Savannah's fingernails--just because I'm afraid that I'm going to make her bleed.
• You give Savannah a bath every night.
• Every day you tell me that you love me and that I do a good job with Savannah.
• You take Savannah to daycare every morning.
• You grab ahold of me in the middle of the night.
• You help wash and make Savannah's bottles every day.
  
• You recently knocked the bird's nest out of our attic and filled three garbage bags with sticks, leaves, and other debris that the birds had carried into our attic.
  
• You call me "beautiful" and "pretty lady."

I love you, Tal!

3 Months Old Already?!

Our sweet Savannah is 3 months old today! She is such a blessing with her happy disposition and gummy grins.


Savannah loves to move her hands and feet vigorously when she laughs and "talks."





For about 10 weeks, Savannah's hands were clenched fists. Now Savannah opens her hands more often. Over the last week, she has become more adept at lifting up her shirt (as seen below), grabbing Tal's tie, and pulling on a blanket.


Also, Savannah seems to have "discovered" her tongue. She sticks it out all of the time! :-)

Dedication Sunday

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give her to the Lord. For her whole life she will be given over to the Lord."

1 Samuel 1:27-29

Today was a special day. Not only was today my first Mother's Day, but it was also Savannah's dedication at church.


It meant a lot to us that Savannah's Grandma Barbara, Great Grandma and Granddaddy Smith, Uncle Benny, and Aunt Renee came to celebrate with us.



Savannah is a gift from the Lord. He has entrusted us to nurture, train, and protect Savannah. During the service, Tal and I recommitted Savannah to the Lord and renewed our commitment to raise Savannah in a Christian home and to serve as godly examples. It was a special service (and little Miss Savannah slept through the whole thing)!

Mother's Day

Check out my first Mother's Day gift from Savannah. With some help from her babysitters, Savannah framed a photo of the two of us and her footprint with the following poem:

Please keep these footprints
To remind you when I'm tall
That once I was quite little
And my feet were also small.

Back to Work

After being on maternity leave for the last 10 weeks, I headed back to work this week. Obviously, I miss Savannah terribly, and it's hard to say goodbye to her in the mornings. However, staying home with Savannah is not an option. Therefore, I try to have a positive attitude and to be thankful that I enjoy my job, school, and colleagues.

Tal and I feel blessed that Savannah is in good hands while we're at work. Savannah stays at a daycare that's five minutes from my school (and close enough for me to check on her as needed). Savannah's the youngest of seven infants. It's an answer to prayer that Savannah's three caregivers seem to have fallen in love with Savannah and her smiley personality.

Going back to work has added a layer of complexity to our mornings and evenings. It'll take some time and practice before the three of us settle into a routine. Tal takes Savannah to daycare at 6:45 A.M. I try to pick her up by 4:00 P.M.

Our evenings are full with going to the gym, eating dinner, giving Savannah a bath, and putting her to bed. It takes a lot of teamwork and planning to make sure everything gets done. We've discovered that getting Savannah ready for daycare is similar to packing for a trip every day. As part of our nightly routine, we make sure that Savannah has bottles, diapers, and two changes of clothes for the next day.

As working parents, Tal and I realize that our time with Savannah is precious. We treasure the few hours we have with her each day and make a conscious effort to shower Savannah with lots of love and attention. We love our Savannah-nana!