Arden and Mommy

Since I'm the one who generally takes the pictures, there are few opportunities for me to get a pic with Arden. So today I got Adam to snap a few after church...just me and my 24-week-old cutie patootie!

I Wear My Sunglasses at Night

Whenever I take Arden outside for a walk, I notice she tends to squint even though the sun isn't in her face. So, I decided to get her some sunglasses. Believe it or not, I couldn't find any in the stores, so I ordered some from Target. The strap is a bit big for her little noggin, but they work. After I got them on her, I took her into the bedroom to show Adam. He cracked up so bad! She just looked down at him so serious-like. I wish I could've gotten that on video!

Talkin' About My Little Lady

And the lady is mine!

Yet another gift from Crystie! So cute!

Silly Daddy

Hello, Friend!

This ballerina bear and shirt set was a gift from my friend Crystie. She seems to like the bear just fine. Thanks, Crystie!

I decided Arden doesn't necessarily need to be strapped into her car seat in order to take a ride in her stroller. I just laid her down in it, and she seems pretty comfy and cozy.

She also discovered the joy of peering through the skylight at me. Cutie!

Hip Hip Hooray for Spring Break!

This past week, my cousin Jessica was in town for her spring break. She and my Aunt Glenda stopped by for a visit on Tuesday. We were going to get together with their entire family, but my cousin Allen came down with a case of strep throat. No fun!

For the most part, Arden wasn't that fussy. I think it's because she had a little nap, and because they kept their distance from her at first. As you can see, she eventually let them hold her. She lost it a few seconds after this pic was taken, though. I really need to have company over more often!

Baby Snapper

I was sitting on the floor beside Arden's swing today when some movement on the back patio caught my eye. At first I thought it was a leaf blowing by, but then I took a closer look. It was a baby turtle: a baby snapping turtle, to be exact. I have no idea why it would be crossing our patio. It sure is a cute little booger...in its itty-bitty state.

Once it sensed my presence, it stopped moving. At least you can tell its size compared to my hand.

Outside Fun

It was such a beautiful day today, I decided to take Arden outside. Plus, she was being super fussy inside, so I knew she needed some outside time. I spread out a couple of towels on the ground and set up my umbrella to block the sun. I got some really cute shots of my 23-week-old Arden. The blue you see in her eyes is the sky. There's nothing better than pics taken outdoors.

I don't have any church pics of her today, though. We didn't go. I've had a cold threatening to come all week, and it decided to come out in full force last night and this morning. I'm currently totally stuffed up and can't taste anything. Not fun!

Sepia Girl

Here are some of the photos I took today of Arden, only in sepia tone. Just experimenting!

A Girl and Her Doll

I got this doll for Arden at Walmart the other day. It says "My First Doll" on its chest. Adam thinks it's stupid and a waste of money, but I think it's so cute and sweet. She might not care too much for it right now, but I think she'll grow to love it. So far, she just prefers to chew on it.

Brown and Pink

Arden has grown out of her 0-3 month onesies, so I bought her some new 3-6 month ones. I just love the brown one with pink flowers. I suppose she'll grow out of it one day, too. *sigh*

Just look at those chubby little elbows. So cute!

I'm So Cute!

Enough said!

Like Night and Day

Arden has been quite the fussy baby. I try desperately everyday to make that child happy. Personally, I think she gets super fussy because she doesn't get in a decent nap. When she does, it's on me and not in her crib. She didn't get in much of a nap today, either, but something was different. She was a little fussy in the morning. Then, after her 11 a.m. feeding, I toted her off to Target. She was content the entire time and even fell asleep while in the store. She also slept all the way home (not that it's a long journey.) I had hoped she would continue sleeping, but she was wide awake when I took her out of the car. I then was anticipating her whine. I ate lunch, and she entertained herself on her floor gym. No fuss. I changed her diaper. No fuss. I "tossed" her in the air, kissed her cheeks, and laughter spilled out of her little mouth. I then decided it was time to feed her. She ALWAYS fusses and cries just before I hook her up, so that's what I was expecting. NO FUSS! Actually, she laughed even more! She didn't even fuss when I switched sides. She was pretty much happy and content the rest of the day. When I left her with Adam to go pick up dinner, I expected Little Miss Fuss Face when I got back. However, she was sitting on Adam's lap chattering away, and he said she was find the whole time. Maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of a happier baby...knock on wood!

She Did It!

I've been working with Arden on rolling over from her back to her tummy...having her grab my finger and then pulling her and rolling her over. Lately, I've noticed she's been attempting it on her own. She tends to roll from side to side but doesn't usually get much farther than that. Well, today she did it! She was on her floor gym and actually rolled over onto her tummy! She isn't quite sure what to do with that arm underneath, so she isn't completely flat on her tummy. I'm sure that'll change with practice. Oh man...my baby's growing up!

Here she is after her roll.

Here she is attempting to roll over again but doesn't quite succeed. I'm sure she'll become a pro in no time!

Here she is after I helped her roll over. She's getting stronger!

Auntie Cartren

Catie went to Myrtle Beach for ECU's spring break this past weekend and stopped by on her way home. I was just thinking she hadn't been by in a while. I guess she read my mind! Arden wasn't too thrilled about another "new" person in her home, but she wasn't as fussy as she was when her grandparents came. I don't know what her deal is, but I hope she grows out of it!

In the videos, Catie is trying her best to get the smallest smile out of Arden. She got close, but no cigar.

Purple and Cream

I'm not sure what it was about this day, but I took a ton of video of Arden. She's much more entertaining in action!

Prior to this video, I took Arden's hand and rolled her onto her tummy. She seems more open to it when I do it that way.

Arden loves daddy!

"Hey, hey hey, hey hey!"
I made up this little beat for Arden, and it gets a smile out of her every time. This time I even got a little giggle!

Five Months!

I can't believe Arden is already 5 months old! She's growing up way too quickly! At least she can still wear her 3-month-sized clothing. I did weigh her the other day, and she's 12 pounds! She's officially doubled her birth weight.

Let's see...this little one is no longer content simply lying on her back. She isn't too keen on sitting...she keeps scooting down...but she loves to stand. Her little legs are so strong! When she's on her back, I can tell she's trying to roll over on her stomach. However, the next thing I'm looking forward to is when she discovers her feet. So far, she's gotten to her knees. I'm waiting patiently!

Right now, her favorite thing to do is blow bubbles and make silly noises with her lips. She's such a cutie pie!

It's nice to have a bath after a long day!