Two Months of Mommyhood

Heya Everyone!

Aayla just turned two months a week ago, and I can say it's been a wonderful but tiring two months! I love being a mommy and holding my baby girl close to my heart. She has added a whole new dynamic to our little family that has felt so right and so blessed. I can't wait to see how she'll grow up and what she'll be like as an adult. She's already grown so much, but it's hard to imagine her as an adult, and now I understand what my parents mean when they say I'll always be their little baby!

Growth: She is now 10lbs 6.5oz (40th percentile), 23.5in. long (75th percentile), and her head is 39.5cm around (75th percentile)! So basically, she's tall, lean, and has a big head! ;) She has thankfully started growing hair on the top of her head again, but it will be awhile till I can put actual bows in her hair that aren't headbands. I'm starting to see more of JD in her eyebrows and forehead, and that makes me excited! She definitely favored me for most of her life so far, so it's good to see daddy showing up in there!

Likes and dislikes: She loves sleeping on mommy's chest! Pillows and mommy's heartbeat, what could be better than that??? This girl also loves to eat. She's not too fussy of a baby except for when she's HUNGRY. Then the world is ending. So obviously one of her dislikes is waiting to eat. However, I'm keeping her on her three hour schedule during the day and stretching her out at night if she can wait. The GREAT news is that she is now starting to sleep ALL night! I know right? You can applaud! Sleep is worth applauding. ;) She is also still not a fan of tummy time, but she will actually sleep on her tummy from time to time depending on how tired she is. As you will see above, I tried playing with her on the floor, and she zonked out on me! She is not a fan of burping either! I will try my best to burp her, but she'll get upset with me! But when she does burp, she belches with the best of the grown men! (Unfortunately, she takes after her gassy mommy!)

Diet change and exercise: Since my pediatrician has recommended it, I have pretty much cut out all dairy and gluten from my diet. (I cheat on the weekends though...) It actually has helped my system I feel, and I'm not nearly as constipated as I have been in the past! (TMI? Yeah, sorry...) I also highly recommend probiotics if you have tummy issues too! The only running I have done so far is running in the rain while on a walk with Aayla and JD... (Carseat Canopy is a life saver mommies to be!) I plan on starting an actual running routine again next week since Aayla and I are beginning to mash out a schedule that has greatly helped us get through the day! I'm planning on running a 5k next month (hopefully on JD and I's anniversary!), and I am looking forward to running the Race for the Orphans again in May, but this time with a stroller!

Outings and work: Aayla and I have been getting out of the house a lot more this past month! Because of the new nap schedule as well, I'm getting more housework done and feeling a lot more structured during the day. (Yay mommy sanity!) We visited our new friend Bax (pictured above!) yesterday and hung out with his mommy and family! We've been hanging out with our Community Group and going on a few day dates! (Yay for free babysitting!) I also plan on going back to work next week part-time with another special family, and I'm looking forward to getting our new schedule worked out and making new friends! Definitely going to be using my baby wrap! Can't wait to use my skills again, and now I have experience on my side!

One of our community group's sweet boy holding and feeding Aayla! He did such a great job! (Gonna be a good daddy!)

Sewing ministry: I mentioned the sewing ministry before, but wanted to actually share some pictures and ask that you will pray for them! I'm excited to announce that a school with be doing a fundraiser for them this upcoming year! I also plan to send them funds soon, so if you feel so called, please consider contributing to their awesome ministry which is there to serve women and give them hope for the future! Kalu and Ruth Tamang LOVE the people they serve, and they are working tirelessly towards the great commission of seeing their fellow countrymen come to Jesus!

Ruth Sewing Center in Pokhara, Nepal.

Worship service in Nepal!

Baby dedication is next week and so is the dedication of the new Southside Church building! We'll be going to the early service at Southside and then heading to First Baptist for baby dedication! So excited to dedicate our child to the Lord and to request that others aid in our desire to see Aayla grow in the Lord! Young life is so exciting and special! Well, it's about time to feed the baby girl! Thanks for taking the time to read my mommy thoughts and see the update!

Peace to you all!

Keri Lynn

The finished nursery!

The finished nursery!

My wonderful husband wearing Aayla for a hike! :D