Caroline can play!

Here's an assortment of videos for you to see. Caroline has grown by leaps and bounds the past few weeks. Not only is she bigger, she has developed two new skills and preferences that are helping her interact with the world in all new ways! First, she's learned how to reach and grab things -- and of course they go right into her mouth. What she lacks in accuracy and precision, she makes up for in gusto! She also demonstrates a strong preference to sit up. Her head and neck are very strong and she likes to sit in her exer-saucer, bouncy swing (or on someone's lap) and explore the world.

Check out the videos --

100 days

Yesterday marked my 100th day on the planet. Look how far I've come!

This week started "Baby Bootcamp" when I went back to work full time. All told, Caroline dealt very well with her change in feeding (learning how to take a bottle), her change in schedule (longer naps in the morning), and increased activity (she's got a full schedule of fun developmental games!) She was, however, more crabby this week than I've ever seen her -- I guess that's what happens when a baby doesn't get quite enough sleep or enough to eat!

Yesterday was the breakthrough day though -- she mastered the bottle and will take six ounces in a sitting (and keep it all down!). It helped matters significantly, too, that the cold snap finally broke and we were able to get outside and play and play.

A new skill ...

And a hard-won skill to boot!

Holiday update

Hello and Happy New Year! My resolution was to smile more.... How do you think am I doing?

This is my "official" three month old portrait -- and below, my 13 week old portrait (these two auspicious events were only a day apart, so you won't see much developmental difference). Three months marks the end of me being a newborn, and I took my ascension into infanthood very seriously. All of a sudden, I've turned on the charm -- smiling and laughing and flirting and playing very very intently indeed. And sometimes I have a hard time sleeping (because I'm afraid I'll miss something) and eating (because I'm too busy smiling!)

It was a very exciting holiday season indeed. We went to East Aurora for Christmas, and had a great time being spoiled by Nonna and Big Pop (in the form of chip dip and egg nog for me, kisses and hugs for CJ.) Caroline met her Uncle Adam, Aunt Amy, and cousin Oliver for the first time and she visited with all her relatives at Great Aunt Sue's and Great Aunt Linda's on Christmas Day. And the presents -- oh the presents! Caroline is going to be the best dressed, most well-read, most well-equipped infant on the planet! All of you should expect text pictures when CJ models your new outfits. Thanks to everyone for your generousity!

On the 26th we jetted away from Buffalo and on to our next adventure -- New Orleans! We had a great time exploring the Crescent City. CJ walked the town strapped into her pack, enjoyed watching the street performers, getting caught in a cloud of Cafe du Monde powdered sugar (I tried to be neat, I swear) and going to the museums. The first day we were there was beautiful weather, but the second was very, very cold. We bundled up and did our best.

For New Year we went back to RBRSP -- Richard Russell State Park in the North Georgia Mountains. The weather there was much more conducive to playing outside, and we explored the trails, the beach by the lake, the golf course, and all the playgrounds. The highlight of the trip for me was the beautiful, yellow, full "blue" moon rising up over the lake on New Years Eve. What a great start to what is sure to be a memorable new year with an amazing, growing little girl.

And a bonus picture. We're working very hard at sleeping through the night. CJ goes to bed at 745 and sleeps until 1. I scoop her up to eat in a foggy haze, and then slide her back into bed to sleep from 2 to (hopefully) 7. The key to that plan working is getting lots of activity during the day -- she loves her bouncy seat! I will take a video of her in action soon.

A conversation

A more detailed post with highlights of Christmas, New Orleans, and New Year coming soon, but I had to share our conversation over a Sunday football game.

10 weeks

Well, we have some catching up to do! In the hub-bub of the holidays I turned two months old:I went on my second plane trip -- this time to Manhattan -- and hung out with Nonna while mom went to a meeting. I agree with all those advertisements -- these are heavenly beds!

(No need to mention that I HAD to go on this trip because I adamantly refused to consider even thinking about drinking out of a bottle.)

And I've learned that I LOVE christmas tree lights, but they kinda make me dopey.

Can't wait to see you all on Christmas!

Here's a bonus video of me "talking" -- I've found my voice, that's for sure!

Thanksgiving

We made a surprise visit to East Aurora for Thanksgiving. Mom was in on it, but boy was Dad surprised when he found us all standing in the driveway Thanksgiving morning! I wish I had a picture of THAT -- his mouth kept moving but no words were coming out.

CJ met her whole fam damily and did superb with the airplane flight, variation in schedule, and sleeping at Nonna's house. And to say that her family was glad to meet her is an understatement! She was the rock star of the party.

Caroline had a new dress for the occasion. Don't tell anyone that the tights didn't quite fit and mom had to ball up the extra in the toes of her shoes (which didn't stay on long).

Caroline meets Great Gramma Holtz...

Four generations of Bunts women ...

The rest of the weekend was spent being doted upon by Nonna and Big Pop ... which is really the way a baby's life should be.

Now she's ready to rock Christmas!