Taste of Fort Collins

Every summer, our city has an outdoor festival called Taste of Fort Collins. There are concerts (this year, AWOL Nation is playing... Not my favorite, but I think they are pretty popular), and some of the streets are blocked off so that local vendors and restaurants can offer up their goodies. This year, we brought Lucy along with us...

{Lucy and I watching the concert...}

{She was obviously really into it.} 

{M navigating through the crowds...} 

{Enjoying some waffles from the Waffle Lab}

We had so much fun, but by the end of the day, I think Lucy was pretty exhausted. We are still learning how much she can put up with. Sometimes I forget that she is still so little. 

Our Lucy girl is just coming off of her six-week growth spurt. Apparently, around six weeks, babies go through a  period of mental and social maturation. She has started smiling at us, which is just too incredible for words. But, all this growing means that she is a little fussier and a lot hungrier. She has been eating more frequently, and she doesn't nap as easily as she used to. Fortunately, she has been doing much better the past couple of days. Hallelujah. 

Visitors

Since Lucy was born, we have been blessed with some great visitors. My family was here in early May, and then M's parents came out to Colorado shortly thereafter. This past weekend, we had a visit from my friend Leanna...

{Lucy loves her Aunt Leanna!}

Lucy is almost six weeks old, which apparently means that she is at her peak fussiness. I'm sure this looks different for all babies, but for Lucy it means that she doesn't like daytime naps. (She is still sleeping great at night - two nights ago, she didn't wake up once! - so we feel like we can't complain about her not taking naps during the day...) M and I are very well-rested, but I am having trouble finding the time to get things done during the day, including keeping up with this blog. If she does go down for an hour here and there, I am able to do some housework or take a shower. I am trying to learn to use my time wisely! Just know that blogging may take a backseat for the next couple of weeks. I will post as often as I can :)

One Month

Our sweet Lucy girl is one month old! I can't believe a whole month has passed since her birth. She has grown and changed so much since then, and I feel like we have too in many ways. Yesterday, I was able to get a few photos of her with her eyes open. I think she knew that I was taking pictures of her because she was workin' it...

Here are some facts about Lucy at one month:

1. She probably weighs about 8 lbs.

2. Her hobbies include eating, sleeping, and waving her arms.

3. She has so much hair that she already needs a haircut. She has a rat tail. But I don't have the heart to cut it. 

4. She only wakes up once a night to eat (hallelujah). She must take after me in her superior sleep abilities.

5. She enjoys baths, especially having her hair washed. In this way, I think she must also take after me. Morgan isn't big on having his hair washed. 

Developmental Milestones:

1. She can lift her head and look around. 

2. She's started making non-fussy sounds, your typical baby cooing. 

3. She just took her first bottle like a pro. I left M alone with her for a couple of hours the other day, the first time I have been away from her since she was born. I got a pedicure, in case you are wondering what I did with my precious hours of freedom. 

4. We are not sure, but we "think" that she recognizes us. I am the one the food comes from. Morgan is the bearded one. 

Many people have asked how our dogs have reacted to her. They were a little apprehensive at first, but after much deliberation, they have decided to let her live. For the most part, they ignore her. I don't think they have realized yet that she is a permanent member of this family. 

It is hard to believe that we could love this little girl any more than we already do, but I'm sure we'll find a way.

Lucy,

Let the record show that you pooped all over my nice white pants while we were at a party. I am sure it will not be the last time this happens, but I just thought you ought to know.

Love, Mom

Memorial Day Weekend

Hope y'all had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend! We enjoyed getting to spend lots of time outside. The weather here in Fort Collins has been perfect.

On Sunday afternoon, we went on a picnic at the park near our house. Lucy obviously slept through most of it :) Yesterday, we did some yard work (and by we, I mean Morgan). Then we went over to our friends' house for a cookout. 

As per your requests, I am trying to get better about posting more photos of Lucy girl. Believe it or not, it is very hard to get pictures of her when she is actually awake (see above). Today, she is one month old!!!! I can't believe it! I promise a special Lucy post tomorrow. 

Newborn Portraits

A couple of weeks ago, we had Lucy's newborn portraits done. Our friend, Katie, is an amazing photographer, and she did a phenomenal job. She even handled it like a pro when Lucy peed and spit up all over the place. Ha.

Here is a little preview of the photos...

Those chubby, little cheeks just melt my heart! I am so thankful that Katie was able to capture our Lucy so perfectly. 

Lucy's Nursery

We are finally finished with Lucy's nursery! I am so pleased with how everything turned out...

I promise more pictures of Lucy girl soon! 

A Belated Happy Mother's Day

This past week, M's parents were in town for a visit. They left yesterday, but not before we were able to celebrate Mother's Day together over brunch. It felt so surreal, celebrating Mother's Day as both a mother and a daughter. I don't think I've ever understood before how Mother's Day is not just a celebration of mothers, but also a celebration of children. I wouldn't be a mother without Lucy. I feel so grateful to her for giving me this amazing gift.

{my mom and I}

People have asked if I feel nervous about motherhood, and I guess in some ways I do. By that I mean that I feel the tremendous weight of it, the significance of our relationship and my responsibility to always nurture, love, and protect her. But in many ways, I am not nervous at all. I have an amazing example in my own mother. I already know how to be a mother because of her. 

Selflessness. That's what she has taught me about motherhood. There is a kind of death that all mothers understand, and by that I mean that they give their life for their children every minute of every day. It is such a beautiful picture of Christ, how he gave His life for us. That kind of love is so powerful. There is nothing else like it. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers! Especially to my own mother - you are the strongest, most beautiful and selfless woman that I have ever met. I love you.