Back to Space

Maura has a new found interest in her space station.  She's figured out how to kick the frame so she can move the space objects herself as well as just enjoying the delightful music.  IT's a catchy tune.  You're welcome.

Cobra Pose

It's been my intention all along to be doing some baby-mommy yoga.  That's yet to happen but Maura is making some progress on her own.  This week in tummy time she figured out how to face forward with head up.  Before that she would lift up her head but only look to one side. 

Deck the Halls

I attempted to get a picture of Maura with our Christmas decorations.  It wasn't entirely successful so here are a few attempts.
I finally finished the advent calendar I started 2 years ago.  Next year we'll work on actually filling the hats and mittens with something to count down the days.  We hung Maura's stocking to get it warmed up before we head north to meet Santa.  The little tree is the only tree we got up this yeaer.  But it has linghts and strings of gumdrops so we're content.

Smiling baby, off-center mantle

Centered mantle, kind of blurry

"Wait a second, mom.  I'm not ready."

If she were any cuter, it would be illegal.  :)

Exhaustion

Filling up her belly is so tiring.

Vocal Exercises

Maura is spending a lot of time learning to use her voice.  Every time we try to catch her on camera though she stops and just stares at the camera completely mesmerized.  Yesterday Jason stood on the other side of the room while I was changing her and managed to get some footage of her in her native habitat.  Enjoy.

When Cousins Meet

Graham and Maura were very excited to meet for the first time.  (Apologies for not being able to have this in one clip.  Someday I'll learn how to edit and post video like thw big kids.) 

We didn't catch on video the moment when Graham was ready to give Maura back to me and he said, "This baby's gettin' really heavy."

Giving Thanks

Grandma and baby camoflage

Meeting Cousin Graham

First time with Auntie Laurel and Aunt Judy

First snuggle with Uncle Adam

November Visits

Maura had an exciting November with lots of visitors.

First Great Aunt Maureen was in town chaperoning a group of 8th graders.  We got to see her at her hotel and Maura got her first exposure to a large group of teenagers.  She held her own.

Next Auntie Mel and Aunt DeeDee came to visit for the weekend.  We had lots of fun out and about in Old Town and just getting some serious auntie love.  Melissa and Amanda have better pictures posted on Facebook but here's a shot of the four of us. 

Grandma came back again over Veteran's Day but I've got to be honest that the picture I have of the 3 of us isn't great and Grandma would probably appreciate me not putting it on the internet so here's a cute picture of Maura instead.

Finally Aunt DeeDee spent some time with us before Thanksgiving.  We had lots of fun wearing our bathrobe and going to the Silver Diner for the first time. 

Thanks for all the company!  It was a lot of fun.

Happy Halloween!

Thank you to Judy, Laurel, Becky and Rachael for our costume. 

Playtime Devolves into Naptime

I flipped Maura over for tummy time and she promptly settled in for a nap.

Spying on the Neighbors

We like to check out what's happening in the 'hood when we get up in the morning.

Sometimes it's funny.

Sometimes it's shocking.

And sometimes we wonder why we even got out of bed.

Whose the Pretty Girl in the Mirror

Munchkin loves to be on her changing pad, with her bum in the breeze, looking in the mirror.

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Smiles, not Gas

Our munchkin does have a sensitive tummy but these are actual smiles.

We have Liftoff

Maura is enjoying some time in her space station.

And now she's ready to come back to earth for dinner.

Tummy Time

Maura is super strong- like the strongest baby ever.  (She's also the smartest and the cutest in case anyone asks.)  Look at the way she can hold her head up.  My god, our child is amazing!

Sometimes being strong requires focusing on the end of your nose.

Checking things out

Making her way towards mommy

Dream a Little Dream

Looks like I've got trouble and this little lady is daddy's girl through and through.  Is it possible she's already dreaming of her first motorcycle ride? 

Maura Wakes Up

It's quite a process...

 

 

Nanna and Poppa

Shortly after Grandma and Grandpa had to leave, the cavalry arrived in the form of Nanna and Poppa.  They were a big help not only with Maura but the house as well.  And they also got to use the new appliances as they arrived just in time for Nanna to make zucchini crescent pie, meat loaf and lots of other yummy stuff to keep us nourished and happy. 
Thanks for all your help.  Can't wait to see you guys again soon.

Maura and Nanna

First Bath

Maura got her first real bath and we did it in the new kitchen!  Well we don't have a working sink yet but we did set up in the kitchen. 

Getting the scrub down

and then the rub down

then all clean and cuddling with Poppa

She really loved it and it seemed to calm her down before bed.  Good times all around.

Maura and Daddy

She's willing to chew on a sleeve or bib or burp cloth or anything else near her mouth between feedings.

My favorite goofballs

Sleeping with Daddy

Filling Out the Wrinkles

chubby fingers

It's been said that people would rather clothe than feed Tourtellotte children.  I like to think that's because of our fine fashion sense from a young age but it's more likely the perception that the former is a cheaper endeavor than the latter. 
Maura has had a very good appetite from the beginning so we shouldn't have been surprised when she got weighed last Tuesday at age 8 days and she had gained 12 ounces since she left the hospital.  Yes, that's 2 ounces a day, and in general a growth of 1/2-1 ounce a day would be considered adequate for someone her age.  It's good to know that even when she spits up and requires 6 outfit changes in an hour that she's keeping the bulk of the food down.

chubby toes

First Big Outing

Last Tuesday was a big day for Maura.  We had an appointment in the morning and then took Grandma and Grandpa to the airport in Baltimore.  It was sad to see them go so we extended our time together by stopping for lunch at IHOP on the way. 

 

She slept through it all but we think next time she'll be getting a shortstack for herself.  

Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for all of your help during our first week at home.  We miss you guys.