Piggy tails

One bottle of soap later

Today I pumped the last ounce of soap from the bottle that we have used since Abby came home from the hospital. As I did I thought about how I took a picture of Abby next to that very bottle when she was three days old to show how tiny she was. So I decided that I should take a picture of her next to it now. Wow, she certainly has changed a lot. Not only has she gotten a lot bigger, but she has also changed from a frail newborn to a lovely little lady.

Halfy Birthday to You!

Last minute I decided to celebrate my little lady's half birthday. How can a mother look into those sweet eyes and not want to throw a party celebrating her beautiful life? She has filled me with more joy than words can even express. I am so thankful that God made little Abby to be my precious daughter. Okay I'm done being sappy. It really was no big deal. I pretty much saw a cute toy at Costco (same trip featured below) that I felt Abby would enjoy. We even tested it out in the store, and she definitely liked it. So I called my parents and told them to come over because I was going to bake a cake and wrap a gift. When we got home I put up the birthday decorations, made a few modifications (like placing a 1/2 between "Happy" and "Birthday"), baked a funfetti cake, wrapped her gumball machine, and waited for the fun to begin....

And did it ever. Abby had a ball unwrapping her present. I can proudly say that the child unwrapped her first birthday present completely independently. She even acted surprised when she saw what was inside. :) I was super impressed at the fact that she figured out how to use the toy. It has a blue handle on the side that causes the gumball face to light up and play music. I did it for her a couple of times, and now she goes straight for it and does it herself. Not bad.

After she opened our gift she opened her present from her Nina and Papa. They were so sweet to last minute bring a gift over as well. She got a super cute and soft jacket and pant set that will be some warm and comfy this fall.

Since Abby got to open presents it seemed fitting that we enjoy the cake. We sang "halfy birthday" to Abby (thank my dad for the corniness), and blew out the candles. She really wanted to lay into her cake! I am really excited for her actual birthday when the guest of honor can actually eat the cake! Until then, I am going to enjoy my sweet little blessing.

"It's my birthday party."

"How did you know I always wanted this?!"

Six months old!!!

Costco Cart

It is fitting that Abby's first time to ride in a cart was at our favorite store, Costco. I think she now understands her parents' love for bulk items now that she can experience the store for herself. No longer will she have to stare at the ceiling, now she can fight off the other patrons for the coveted samples.

We know how to have serious fun!

Ready to Roll

So how does a little cutie spend her first 1/2 birthday? She spends the entire afternoon at the police station.

Last week Abby had her first cold (sad I know), so I took her to see the doctor. During the visit Abby was weighed in at 19.8 lbs. Her current car seat is designed to hold up to 20 lbs, so was time for an upgrade.

A few weeks ago Adam and I purchased the Safety First side impact car seat for our little lady. You fellow moms have probably seen it featured on the cover of the Babies R Us latest coupon mailer. I have been meaning to get it properly inspected for quite some time, but never got around to it. Well Friday's doctors visit forced me to get that errand done asap!

After a lovely morning play date at the park, Abby and I headed to the police station for the inspection. To make a long story short, when the gentleman who was installing Abby's seat found out how much it cost he told me I needed to get her the Britax Marathon. So Abby and I headed to Babies R Us and made the upgrade. Thanks to a gift card that I had in my purse that had a mystery balance the new seat ended up costing me $13. Awesome!

I can now chauffeur my baby girl around with confidence knowing that she is safe and sound in the backseat.

First Babysitter

Tuesday was the first day of the ROCK. For those of you who don't know, I am a director of a drug prevention program for fifth and sixth graders. It is a state program, but we conduct it at my church. The official name is Afternoons in Indiana Rock. It is a great gig since it is only twice a week for a couple of hours with the age group that I am used to. Perfect.

Normally my mom will watch Abby during the Rock, but my parents are off in Vegas right now. Therefore I had to resort to finding a suitable babysitter for Abby. Hmmm...to whom can I entrust my most prized possession? Then it hit me; my good friend Jenny.

Jenny went above and beyond. How many people sit and sing countless songs to please a friend's baby? Jenny did. When I came home Abby was completely happy and comfortable in her new pal's arms.

She did a phenominal job, and I am so grateful to have her as a friend!

Little Blogger

You might be surprised to find out who is the true author of "Abby Levengood".

Shocking isn't it?