April Moments...

Maelle is growing up so fast. She is officially 2 months, and April is almost over, and she isn't a newborn anymore. She had her 2 month check-up today, and did really good.

She is now 11 lbs 8 oz, and 24 inches long. Like I said, growing SO FAST.

There has been some great moments, and I thought I'd share a few. Maelle and her daddy get along great. They do all sorts of things together.

They like to nap.

They like to read.

They like to cuddle.

They like to make faces at each other.

Father and Daughter...what can I say, it is a beautiful thing!

On another note--vaccines suck. I know they are important, and I value the good they do--but it was the saddest thing ever to watch Maelle go from a happy, content baby, to one that was screaming at the top of her lungs, while looking at you with eyes that say "How could you?"... I know, I know...I'm dramatic, but hey--first time moms are allowed to be. :)

A Very Special Easter

I love Easter, but this year was particularily special. Not only was it a beautiful spring day (one of the first after a VERY LONG winter,) but it was also Maelle's blessing day. We dressed her up in a beautiful white dress that my grandmother crocheted before she died. It has been sitting in my hope chest for almost 20 years, waiting patiently for the arrival of my little Jelly Bean. It was gorgeous to start and made even better by being worn by Maelle.

Matt's family made the drive to London to join us for her special day. It was a most amazing day. Maelle was fantastic, she slept through the entire blessing. Matt was one proud daddy, and I was a teary (happy tears) mommy.

Easter dinner was at our house, and we enjoyed the company. Maelle even had a special cake. We are one happy little family. I hope everyone's Easter was as special as ours!

I love this little Jelly Bean.

Maelle had just woken up from a nap. She didn't really care about the cake, but it was fun to make! :)

Gigantor Baby

Maelle is growing like a weed. Nothing highlighted that more to me than a visit to Jara & Andrew's this past weekend. Maelle, Matt and I took the long drive to their home to visit their family and to let Maelle meet her new cousin, Lili, born just 5 1/2 weeks after her.

The contrast between the two was shocking. I cannot believe Maelle was ever even close to that size. 7 weeks has seen my little Jelly Bean grow to over 11 lbs, and her noggin is way bigger than when we started. Lili was super tiny compared to her cousin--and they are so close in age!

Yep--my baby, though still the most adorable, awesome little darling ever--has become a GIGANTOR baby...I don't mind at all, I just have one question--HOW DID IT HAPPEN SO FAST!!!!???!??!???!

(Maelle & Lili--5 1/2 weeks apart)

Meet the Butlers...

Maelle had a big week! At just over 5 Weeks of age, she took her first airplane ride to visit her Grandma and Grandpa Butler, and her Aunt, Uncle and Cousins on that side. The flight went so well--she was a dream to travel with. She slept and slept and slept some more. I must say, holding an infant on your lap for 4 hours was an exercise in endurance for me, but I am glad she was so good.

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa was great. They ooh'd and ahhh'd over her, and cuddled and held her until she was properly spoiled. It was wonderful to see and made me wish we lived a little closer.

Maelle's Aunt and Uncle were able to come visit too. Uncle Josh was fantastic with her. In fact, anytime she was calm and happy in the least, he basically demanded to hold her--until she started tooting or needed a diaper change. Uncle Josh doesn't do that. LOL.

Auntie Andrea cuddled and cooed and comforted little Maelle until she was contented. It was so cute to watch.
Maelle even got to meet her pseudo-auntie Ashley. We stayed up late talking and laughing and catching up. It is so nice to come home and see good friends and talk with them like we've never been apart. I'd say it is a sign of a true friendship.

The best part of the weekend? For the first time in a long while, my whole family went to church together. Maelle got all dressed up along with everyone else (and this time she didn't poop up the back of her dress.) We were one sharp dressed back row. It is always nice to go home to Claresholm, and going home to show off my new little daughter was super fun.

The Girl of 1000 Faces...

Maelle is not one to beat around the bush when it comes to expressing herself. In fact, I'd say we have a Drama Queen in the making. Her faces make us laugh frequently, and we can't get over how expressive she is, even though she is only 5 weeks old. The most fun is to imagine captions to go with each one...enjoy :)