Make a Smilebox slideshow

First Smiles

This week Rachel learned to smile. That sweet little gummy grin sure made my week!!!

Check out my first dress.

Playing with mom and dad.

Having fun with Grammy and Grandpa Allen

Thanks for spending the weekend with us Grammy and Grandpa Allen!!!!!
We had a good time and already miss you!!!!

Just a few pictures from last week....

Out and About

Every day I am amazed at how much Rachel is learning and changing. This week was very exciting for us. First off Rachel started sleeping a few 4 and even 4 1/2 hour stretches at night. It is not every night but we will sure take it. Rachel also found her hands this week. She opens her hands up, sticks them in her mouth, tries to suck her thumb, and even put her hands together like she was praying. One day this week she grabbed a toy. I don't think she knew what she was doing but it was still cute and I had to take a picture.

This week was also exciting because my good friend Jo came to visit us. Living 5 1/2 hours away from our home town makes you realize what a sacrifice it is for people to come see you. Thanks for coming up Jo! We had a blast and you coming up meant the world to us!

So what did we do when Jo came up? Friday we went out to eat at this great little pizza joint. We wanted Jo to get to sample one of Cincinnati's specialities. It was Rachel's first time going out to eat and our first time going out to eat in six weeks. It felt wonderful to get out and Rachel did very well! Saturday we went to Newport on the Levy in Newport, KY. It is a nice little area with shops, a move theater, an aquarium, tons of restaurants, and a walking bridge that goes across the Ohio River straight into Cincinnati. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Last but not least...Bath time. Up until this week Rachel has hated bath time. This week however she seemed to actually enjoy it. YEAH!!! I think Jo was our good luck charm. We gave Rachel her bath on Saturday night and warned Jo that she usually cries the entire time. This time she did not cry at all. It was wonderful! Now if I can just get her to love nap time :)

Our first trip to the park

We had our very first family outing on Saturday. In fact, it is the first time Rachel has been any where other than the doctor. We went to this really nice park about 10 minutes from our house. They have over three miles of paved trails and a huge dog park for Molly. Rachel LOVES to be pushed in the stroller. It just knocks her out and she sleeps the entire time. We will definitely be using the stroller a lot :)

Play time

After all that hard work I am pooped!!!