Sorry for the lack of updates lately. A few weeks ago I was planning on updating the site with some videos and pictures of Jenna, but our (new) computer crashed on us and, unfortunately, all of our pictures and videos of Jenna are on that computer. We're praying that we'll at least be able to access the hard drive so we can get the pictures and videos off of it. So, in the meantime, here's a pictureless update...

On March 10th, Jenna rolled over for the first time. We thought it was maybe just a fluke, but she did it consistently for the next few days. However, she decided to take a break from it and has only done it a few times since then. :)

Jenna's also getting closer to actually sucking on her thumb/fingers. She still tries to stick her entire fist in her mouth and gets frustrated when that doesn't work very well. This morning I found her with her hand at her mouth and her fingers open instead of in a fist....so I think we're getting closer.

Jenna is able to hold up her head well. She's very attentive and loves looking around. We've found that we can't hold her in towards our body because she wants to see the world. We always have to hold her facing out.

She also prefers sitting up when she's held. She doesn't want to be reclining at all. If you lay her back, even slightly, she'll straighten her legs and tighten her stomach muscles trying to sit up. It's too funny! If it were up to her, she'd be sitting by now.

Jenna's been much more vocal lately. She's making many new sounds including squeals and a few little giggles. We're looking forward to when she really laughs out loud. That should be coming up soon. Many times we'll wake up in the morning to Jenna's noises - it's precious.

This is my last week home with Jenna. I go back to work next week. It makes me sad to think that I'll have to leave her for most of the day, but I try to keep telling myself that it's only for 9 weeks and then it's summertime! I just pray that those 9 weeks go VERY quickly.

Hopefully I'll be able to update soon with some new pictures...

Great-Grandpa Jones

Our family has had a difficult past week. My grandfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer almost a year ago and this past Tuesday he passed into eternity. Although his death was expected, it's still very difficult. We all miss him and look forward to seeing him again someday.

My grandpa LOVED babies and couldn't wait to meet Jenna. I feel so blessed that the Lord allowed my grandpa enough time to meet and hold his great-granddaughter. Even in his last days he would light up when Jenna was brought into his room. We'd lay her in the bed with him so he could cuddle with her. Although I'm selfish and wish grandpa could have had more time with Jenna, I'm so glad he was able to spend some time with her.

Great-Grandpa Jones holding Jenna at the hospital after she was born

2 month check-up

Jenna had her 2-month check-up at the doctor's yesterday, which meant she had her first round of immunizations. She did really well though! Of course she cried bloody murder while she was getting the shots, but afterwards, I picked her up and she stopped crying. Such a sweet little girl! She got 3 shots and drank one of the immunizations (for Rotavirus)...she seemed to really like that one - she kept licking her lips. :) We also found out that Jenna now weighs 12 lbs and is 23 1/2 in. tall. The doctor said she's in the 90th percentile for weight and the 95th for height. Yep, we have a BIG girl.

I'll leave you with some pictures...

Mommy and Jenna playing

Jenna's staring at her mobile on her crib

Here's a video of Jenna watching her mobile. She's really started noticing it within the last week.

Dear Daddy...

Dear Daddy,

I'm so excited to see you tomorrow! I've missed you! I've followed your instructions and been very good for Mommy. I've slept through the night every night you've been gone (except one). Last night I slept for 7 1/2 hours (I think Mommy was really happy).

Mommy and I have had a good day today. I've been a happy baby, smiling and cooing at her. :) This morning Mommy took some pictures of me. I was busy trying to suck on my hand...boy, is that hard to do! I think I'm getting better at it though. I'm sure one of these days I'll figure it out.

Then Mommy bundled me in the carseat so we could visit with Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Jones. She even took a picture of me in the rear-view mirror.

I got to cuddle with Grandpa when we got there. I was so happy to see Grandma and him that I couldn't stop smiling!

Now Mommy and I are going to eat dinner with Grandpa and Grandma. Whew! What a busy day, but it's been fun.

Love you, Daddy!

~ Jenna

Spring

Today feels like Spring! The high today was about 50 and sunny. Bailey, Jenna and I ventured out (in the backyard) this afternoon.

Bailey preferred sitting on Jenna's blanket rather than the grass. :)

Then Jenna had some tummy time. She did really well holding her head up...

...and then she let me know that she had had enough. :)

Daddy's Away

This is the first time that Drew's been away from Jenna. He left Monday morning on a business trip and returns late Friday evening. I'm going to try to post pictures and videos while he's away so he can see his little girl.

Jenna and I have been staying busy visiting her great-grandparents, seeing her grandpa and grandma, going on walks with friends, and running errands. She's been doing well recently with sleeping at night. She's slept through the night 4 times, but not consecutively. When she doesn't sleep through the night, she's only getting us up once so it's not too bad. Overall she's a very happy baby. We have her 2 month check-up next week...which means her first round of shots - ugh! I bought Infant Tylenol the other day to get ready for them. I hate seeing her cry, but I know it's good for her. I'm really anxious to find out her weight and length. It seems like she's been growing so much lately!

Here are some of Jenna's latest developments:

1. Jenna's found her hands and is now working on figuring out how to suck her thumb/fingers. She'll get her fist up to her mouth and then get frustrated because she can't suck on it very well. It's so cute!

2. She's holding her head up much better than before.

3. She's focusing on objects and will turn her head in the direction of a sound.

4. She's making more noises - cooing and ahhing.

5. She's still smiling, but not consistently yet (I'm really looking forward to that!).

6. She's started showing us a pouty face when she's upset, which is sad and cute at the same time.

7. When we stand her up, she can support her body on her legs for a few seconds before they go "limp".

These are some pictures from the past few days...and of course a video of Jenna wiggling around.

Tummy Time

I'm on a video kick right now! This afternoon we had some "tummy time". Jenna did a great job lifting her head. I know, you're probably looking at this video saying "I don't see anything special", but we're new parents, so everything is special and exciting I guess. ;)

On another note, I'm trying to figure out a schedule to put Jenna on. I've read "On Becoming Baby Wise" and liked some of the suggestions they had. Another friend recommended reading "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer", so I ordered that online today (for $4). I want to try and get Jenna on a schedule before I go back to work in 6 weeks. She doesn't do too bad right now, but she's kind of on her own schedule, which can be inconsistent. Any suggestions?