You Be The Judge

As with all babies, the last three months have been filled with, "who does she look like?" I just couldn't tell, but the overwhelming response was always, "Brian." I definitely think she has his mouth! But, my mom was digging through some old pictures of Maw Maw's and found some baby pictures of me. And, if I must say so myself, I think we could pass as twins. Maw Maw passed away 5 years ago this 4th of July and this was a very hard year for me. I think I cried ALL DAY!! Maybe it was my hormones, but I just wish she could be here to hold Alexis and I really wish Alexis could have known her. She was the best Maw Maw ever!

This is Alexis's lake house bathtub and she loves it! She even put her head under the water and didn't even cry. Of course, I didn't mean for her to dunk herself, but I'm just glad she loves water. She is going to be a water baby, just like her Mommy.

Alexis and her Grandma

Me and Maw Maw.

I think this looks just like her

Three Fords...Yes, my hands are blocking my face. Remind you of anyone?

This was the shirt that Brian wore at 3 months, so we had to get a picture of Alexis in it. Unfortunately, she isn't smiling like he is, just yet. Hopefully she starts smiling soon.

Brian at 3 months

Now, just when you think you have it down, here is Brian. This looks JUST like her! Check out that mouth!!

So, what do you think?

Rolling...

It has been a rough week in the Mannion house. Alexis has been super fussy! One night I even called the after hours nurses because she literally cried the whole afternoon. I'm not sure if she is teething, has a bug or is just trying to prove me wrong for bragging about how great of a baby she is!! Considering she was 2 months premature, I know it is really early to assume she is teething, but my typically happy, content baby has had a seriously rough week. She doesn't like her swing or her bouncy chair. Hopefully this passes soon!

We finally got her video of her rolling uploaded. Now that I took this, she hasn't done it all week. Tummy time is only good in the morning when she is in a good mood. But, I swear, she has rolled several times and I'm not just bragging!! Sorry it is so long!

12 Week update

Alexis has had a busy month! She has been to her first birthday party and learned to roll over! Mommy and Daddy spent their first weekend away and Grandma and Grandpa (name to be determined) Mannion stayed at the house with Alexis and the dogs. They all did a great job! Between my parents and the Mannions, we are so thankful to have such great Grandparents at our disposal!

She is now up to 9 pounds and 9 ounces with her shirt on! I can hardly believe how fast she changes! I LOVE her many faces, as you can see in her slide show from her morning wake up. It really makes me laugh every morning. This past week, she has slept till at least 9 each day! I'm getting spoiled from sleeping so late, but this just makes me stay up that much later, hence the last two blog posts! She is also finding her voice! She is starting to cry more and more at night! I don't know if it is because she is tired or if this is just normal! She has such a great day and then right before bed time the last couple of nights, she hasn't wanted to go down. I'm not sure it is a phase or if we are doing something wrong. I've been doing tons of research on babies sleep routines and who knows who is right! Being a mother is so interesting, you learn new things all the time!

Today was also a bittersweet day. I feel so odd not going back to work with everyone else! I know that I am doing what's best for Alexis by waiting till October, but it just feels weird and scary to not be back at work. I'm sure I'm going to have TONS to do later and I'm super worried about giving up control of my classroom and worrying about how it is being done wrong for the first 6 weeks!

I have my 2 nephews here this week, they are 7 and 9! I still remember the day they were born, thinking how I could never love something so much. Oh how things have changed! They are a handful, but I'm super excited to spend some time with them. This is the first time all summer that we've had some extended time together. They usually spend at least one week with me each summer and I didn't think I was going to get that chance this year . I guess Bryce didn't come last year and when I was putting them to bed, Bryce said to me, "we've never spent the night here before." Brody and I reminded him that he had, he just doesn't remember! Kind of makes me sad, they are growing up so fast, I still think of them as toddlers! I will let you know how it goes with a newborn and two boys, when I come up for air!!

Here it is almost 10 a.m. and Alexis has been asleep since 10 p.m, with one feeding! She is passed out and I am having to force her awake! She is still swaddled, having barely moved since 3 am! She has been in her crib for 2 whole weeks now and we are doing great!

So big! Mom!! Turn the lights off!

Just makes me laugh!!

I love it when she yawns!

Her first birthday, William's 5th. We went bowling and she hung out in her stroller the whole time. No problems! It was rock and bowl with lights flashing and loud music and she didn't mind one bit...I wonder if I should be happy or worried. She can either sleep through anything or she is going to grow up to love raves!! She finally got to wear her tutu in public and I'm about to order some game day tutus from my friend, Carrie! I can't wait to dress her up for all her favorite football teams, The Texans, Saints and Tigers!

Watching Mommy dry her hair and put make up on, both of which she hardly does anymore...One bonus of not working right now!

Rolling over...As soon as I figure out how to post the video, I will.

She has found her tongue and moving her arms and legs much more. This is just the cutest outfit and the first one that she is starting to grow out of!

Garden Naps

As I've said before, Alexis's Aunt Deanna is an awesome photographer! Not only is she one of my oldest and bestest friends, but she also had her second baby, Ryder, one month after I had Alexis. These are their 2 and 3 month pictures, their "first date." Thank you Aunt Deanna for documenting me grow! Here are a few of my favorites! I am trying to find time to actually print some of her amazing work to put in frames! A mother's work seems to not end! And I thought I was tired teaching school! But, I wouldn't change it for the world!

As you can tell, Alexis slept through it, as usual! I'm really trying to keep this child up, but she just LOVES her sleep! I hope you keep hearing that! That means that she is growing!!