Perfect Model

It's just a matter of time before TR gets used in some projects. She's actually pretty comfy in front of the lens. It's good to see that she can act for the camera and give some different looks.

Gimme happy

Not that happy

Gimme sad

Sadder

Gimme scared (this could be one of the best scared looks I have gotten from a model!)

Okay, now wonder...show me surprised.

The show has begun...what fun! Lynnea was right- How great to have a new person to do projects with!

Cute attack

I give up...I'm adorable!!

You know, I always said that it would be scary to have a child because if I thought she/he was half as cute as Blossom was I would be in trouble. Thankfully I have the blog to vent the cute attacks.

Auntie Visits!

Twila had a great visit from her Auntie Anna. For three days she sat quite comfortably in her arms. They had many conversations, loved each other, and did a lot of laughing. I hear rumors that she will be trying to come back quite soon. We hope so.

You know, it seems like Twila has already taken to being a good teacher. I have learned and am learning a lot of life's lessons from her. My mom, other relatives, Doug, and now Anna have said the same too. The lessons feel quite positive and empowering...good for the soul.

Brief recap. Part one

It was so great having my mom here for the first few weeks of Twila. She was able to stay a little under two weeks and her time here was not only fun but some of the best days we have ever spent together. I don't think we have ever been closer. I joke that if I had known this I would have had a kid years ago! I wonder if it's a joke when I say it though... I think it would have been really hard if she had not been here. She was so helpful. But it was also fun to have someone to laugh with about all the cute firsts we got to witness. Surprisingly, she arrived on the day I gave birth so she came straight from the airport to the hospital. Trena picked her up (thank you!) and they laughed how it was just like a movie...what a full day. How perfect though. Mom ("Nanu" to Twila) and baby spent hours with each other-in the Gracco, outside, playing on the sofa...they got to spend some very quality time together. We miss her very much! Come back to us soon Nanu!

Acting like an idiot for a smile

The other day my aunt figured out how to get a smile out of Twila. It requires a very happy looking face and noises which, in public, could be construed as crazy. So, basically, I look like an idiot. But, I guess, being a parent now it is totally natural to act like a complete idiot to get things like a smile out of a baby. But it works!! So now all restraint has left out the window...I'll do these noises for anyone who wants to see a smile. And strangely enough, acting like an idiot doesn't feel so stupid when I get that smile.

AwwwwYEEEAAAA!!

6 hours straight...

Sleep is awesome.

Yea! A new holiday!

It didn't really dawn on me until a day or so beforehand, funny. But, I did have a lovely first Mother's Day. Doug and Twila were very sweet-a nice breakfast and a great walk at a new park...very enjoyable. Really, it's all about the breakfast...I mean motherhood! Yeah, motherhood...

Great day at Ijams

So I guess a lot of these posts are going to be about "firsts" for Twila... but it was such a nice day out with Pachy I had to mention it.

It was the first backpacking adventure! We headed to Ijams Nature Center to enjoy some scenery and some shade. Pachy loved it there. From the first 10 feet of trail we were greeted with the ending blooms of Trillium, Solomon's Seal at its best, and many other wildflowers. The Tulip Poplars had just scattered some fresh blooms for our path and the views of the water were spectacular. We were the only ones on the trail which made for a nice quiet walk... except for the very busy woodpeckers, another bonus. We saw a HUGE turtle dive into a pond, a HUGE black snake blocked our path for awhile, and Twila slept the whole adventure. I wish I could do this every day...