Like a weed.

Just as everyone has promised us, our little girl is growing up so fast. She is 4.5 months already and becoming more like a "real person" every day. She can roll over, sit up in her Bumbo, play with toys, and even hold her bottle when being fed. She still has very strong legs and loves to stand, walk, jump, etc. (while being supported of course). Her favorite thing in the world is to talk and smile at you while looking you square in the eye. It is one of the highlights of my day, every day, to make this girl smile. When she flashes me that gummy grin, my heart feels like it is going to burst with happiness :)

On the physical side, yes- she is still huge. At her 4 month check-up she was in the 75th% in weight (14 lbs. 9 oz.) and the 100% in length (26.75 inches). She is her daddy's girl for sure! While I could go on and on about this little one, I'll spare us both the time and simply end with some pics of the last month or so.

Daddy using an apple slice as a teether

Sometimes she gets so excited she quivers with joy :)

She likes to stand up in her bouncy chair. Needless to say, this toy has been retired.

Teaching her to chip in around the house.... "This ain't no free ride Maddie!" ;)

Grammy Bev loves to come visit and nap with her favorite little girl. 

Maddie hanging with cousin Rowan 

Aw... Daddy with his Maddie girl, love this 

Trisha and I with our babies

First bonfire on the beach

Sleeping peacefully on her first camping trip. It rained most of the weekend but she still did great!

Daddy sharing some of his blizzard with Maddie

Cousin love!

Kisses from Grammy Kathy

Just reading the Sunday paper :)

My new toy: the jumperoo!

I love to spin all of the different toys

Camping under the stars in eastern Oregon... she loves the outdoors, thank goodness!

Hanging out at Lake Billy Chinook

One of our last summer mornings together... I am REALLY going to miss hanging out with this happy girl all day.

Roll with it...

Our little girl's development is moving right along, quite literally. She has always been a squirmy little thing, but recently started to roll over from her back to her front side. She usually only does this on the bed (I think the mattress giving in a little bit helps), but it is still fun to see her grow and develop. Here are some pics of her attempts!

Hmmm... I think I'll try to roll over this morning.

Man, this is harder than it looks!

But... it's kinda fun trying!

Oh no, I'm stuck!

Grrrr... this is getting frustrating...

Ha! What a face :)

Finally made it!

I'm pooped! Come give me snuggles now mom :)

The Office

If you read my last post, then you know that Joe has been working a TON lately. So when  he asked if Maddie and I wanted to go to work with him last Monday, I was not exactly ecstatic. However, he quickly reassured me it would be an "easy day" at the coast and we'd have time to do some fun stuff. Well, he is a man of his word and he did not disappoint. Beautiful, secluded timberland. Growing trees. Vibrant flowers. The beach. Jack chasing birds. Fish tacos. Fish and chips. Salted caramels. Sunshine. And best of all, quality time with my favorites. Here are some pics from our surprisingly awesome day at Joe's "office" and Maddie's first time at the beach :)

 The hottest forester around! 

 Take your daughter, wife and dog to work day :)

 Do you think Jack likes going to work with Joe?

 Pretty fox gloves 

 Joe's work truck 

Blue skies

 That's a lot of trees! 

 And they're growing nice and big :) 

 View of Coos Bay from Lone Rock's land

 Jack excited for the beach!

 Family photo op

 LOVE his crimpy ears and blonde eyelashes

 My sweet babies

 Happy Jack :)

 The clouds burned off and it turned into a beautiful day in Coos Bay

 Jack hunting for birds...

 Found some!

 And he's off! A day at the beach is not complete until Jack gets to chase birds :)

4th of July Weekend Recap

Man, life has been busy as usual these last few weeks. Joe has been getting up at 3am for work and working 11-12 hour days. When he's not busy with that, he has been working on a huge DIY yard project that quickly escalated out of control. (Separate post to come on that bad boy.) As you can imagine, between 12 hour work-days and weekends spent working on our yard, that doesn't leave a lot of energy left to do much else.

So, I have been taking care of Maddie and managing the homefront a lot on my own these past few weeks. (A big thanks to my mom who came down to help out for a few days!) In addition, I am in full swing coaching summer soccer practices and camps. Keep in mind that I bring Maddie with me to most of these practices by strapping her into her baby carrier, so the label "working mom" has already wiggled its way into my life despite the fact it is my summer "break". 

Needless to say, we welcomed the long 4th of July weekend with open arms. A break from work, house projects, and chores in general, couldn't have come at a better time. To celebrate our nation's Independence Day, we escaped to one of our favorite destinations with some of our favorite people. We had a blast in Sunriver hanging out with Jessie, Matt, Nicole, Grant, Rachael and Adam. We hiked, rode bikes, swam, hot-tubbed, played games, and of course, FEASTED... a lot. Bacon and beer were in the regular rotation and among the favorites on the menu, in addition to burgers and brats. What better way to celebrate our great nation's independence day?

 Maddie's future dance teacher, Jessie :)

 Cutest little patriot I've ever seen!

Mama-to-be practicing with Madeline 

What a natural

 Love this kiddo like crazy!

 Beautiful Tumalo Falls

 Happy hikers 

 Jessie and Matt

Nicole, Grant, Olive and Baby Simmons in belly!

 Our little family :) 

 Group photo of our hiking bunch!

View of Mt. Bachelor and the 3 Sisters from our hike near Paulina Peak