Nine Months.

Our Macs are both currently broken at the moment, 

which is why I haven't posted anything in a LONG time!

Willow turned nine-months-old on Saturday.

I cannot believe how fast time is going by now, she looks so big to me!

This past month, Willow has:

-Grown to 29 1/2 inches tall, and weighs 18lbs 2 ounces

-Everywhere we go, people tell me how long she is...it's those long-legged Chepke genes!

-She's started eating more finger foods and is pretty good at feeding herself.

-This girl is an amazing sleeper, going down around 7:30pm and waking between 8-9am.

-She is super snuggly and has started to give kisses (she blows spit on us).

-She loves "walking", we hold her hands and she takes tiny, but quick, baby steps.

-She still doesn't crawl, and I am in no rush for her to start!

-Willow is a such an easy baby... calm, gentle, and very sweet.

-She had surgery to remove a cyst on the back of her head a few weeks ago. It went very well and she is healthy and happy!

-We love this babbling, cuddly baby girl so much!

Previous monthly Willow updates:

Eight Months

Seven Months

Six Months

Five Months

Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

One Month

Eight Months.

Willow Noelle turns 8 months tomorrow! What can I say about this girl? 

She is the dreamiest, happiest, sweetest, and most beautiful baby...

...if you ask me. ;)

This past month, Willow has:

-Started to rock back and forth on all fours, so close to crawling!

-Along with pureed food, she's also begun eating finger foods (just bananas and Gerber puffs so far)

-She says, "Dadadada" and "Bababa", but no "Mama" yet

-She still sleeps like a teenager, 12-13 hours a night!

-Is rocking a two-toothed grin...so silly and cute!

-She still weighs 17lbs, and is 28 inches long.

-Willow is loving the outdoors and sunshine we've had the past few weeks.

-Can't wait to spend lots of time outside exploring with this sweet baby!

(She just woke up from a nap before I snapped these photos, looking dazed and dreamy haha)

Previous monthly Willow updates:

Seven Months

Six Months

Five Months

Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

One Month

Sunshine Girl

We've had an amazing few days of warm weather and sunshine, and Willow has been loving it! She took her first ride in the swing at the park, put her baby toes in the grass, ate some leaves (oops), and has snoozed during a few long walks in her stroller. It's just the first glimpse of what it will be like with a little girl playing in the sun. Willow is so calm and peaceful when she's outside, it's like she is in her element! Her little tufts of auburn hair blow in the breeze, and she smiles at the sound of birds and the feeling of cool green grass on her feet. I love this sweet, gentle spirited girl. :) 

Seven Months.

I'm saying it again: time is going by so quickly these days. I feel like we just took Willow for her 6 month check-up, and here we are...7 months old already!

This past month, Willow has:

-Learned to sit up on her own. She has perfect posture!

-Gained 2 pounds, and has grown half an inch! Weighing in now at 17lbs, and all caught up with the rest of the babies her age.

-Is working on her second tooth. The bottom right is in, and the bottom left is coming through.

-She is still rolling all over the place, and trying to crawl (not quite there yet.)

-She sleeps like a teenager! Goes to bed at 8pm and wakes up between 8am-9pm. 

-She giggles, smiles, talks, and blows raspberries like crazy.

-She's the happiest little bean, I can't get enough of her!

 

(the most serious child in the history of the universe)

Previous monthly Willow updates:

Six Months

Five Months

Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

One Month

A New Name, A New Look, A New Blog

I have been wanting to change this blog for months, and finally did it. I was stuck creatively, and had to start new. The name of this blog comes from the book, The Wind in the Willows (which I loved as a child), my daughter's name, and the idea that like the graceful Willow tree in the wind, no matter what life brings, I will take it all in with a peaceful spirit. So here we are, a blank slate. I hope you continue to read and enjoy. :)

Morning Snuggles

This girl melts my heart.

Happy Friday.

:)

Two Years.

If our marriage were a human, it would be a 2-year-old toddler with a Koolaid mustache running around with a diaper on their head singing "Chitty chitty bang bang". In other words, we're still new at this, our life is crazy...and really fun!

The first year of marriage was strange. We were still in school, living in the tiniest apartment in Canton, and had zero responsibility. It went by fast, and we learned a lot about being poor and having fun. The second year was quite the doozy. Still just as much fun, but it brought so many changes. The biggest change, (obviously) becoming parents. A few weeks ago we went to a marriage retreat at our church. The retreat was only two days, but it was so worth it. It opened my eyes to how amazing my husband truly is. I just have to say, I am in love with the man Jared has become. I am so thankful for his hard work, patience, and love for me and Willow. God gave me a good one. :) (Sidenote: I think it is so important to work at a marriage and invest in it by going to retreats like the one we did, reading books, finding mentor couples to disciple you, etc.. A healthy marriage makes for a happy family!)

Two years ago today, at 5:30pm we said "I do". 

It was the most beautiful day and was the beginning to a beautiful marriage. 

We are blessed.