Blogger's Block

I've determined that the last couple of weeks I was suffering from "blogger's block" which I assume is similar to the more well-known writer's block. For some reason I was feeling like I had been too focused on writing a blog post about everything we do and it just got overwhelming; how could I enjoy all the little moments when I was thinking about how to make them into interesting blog posts? Seriously, I might be a little crazy but I think that all the fun and interesting blogs that I follow were starting to making me anxious about my lack of creativity. So, I've readjusted my focus and reminded myself that this blog is really just a way to document SOME of the milestones and enjoyable moments of life. Anyways, I hope that my loyal readers are still checking in here and apologize for any disappointment that my lack of posting caused any of you :)

Here are a few snapshots of life lately at the Westman home:

Luke recently spent a weekend in St. Cloud at the Republican state convention and Cece was helping celebrate Ron Paul's victory here in MN

Audrey still enjoys choosing her own clothes. I've now started folding her clothes as "outfits" (shirt and pants together) so she looks a little more presentable but still has some independence w/her accessories. Notice the valentine's socks w/polk-a-dot shoes.  

The sweetness of sisters continues to melt my heart. They LOVE each other!

7 months old

It's the 17th today, so that makes Cecelia 7 months old already! This past month she has improved her sitting & rolling skills. She now purposefully gets out of the sitting position and rolls to something that she wants. The last few days she started getting her little tummy off the floor and holding herself up on her hands and knees, not crawling, but might not be too long. I love that she's learning new things but I'm not quite ready for her to be mobile yet, I see some baby-proofing in the near future! Cece has 6 teeth (4 on top 2 on the bottom) she still isn't a big fan of food, she'll eat a few bites of baby cereal but only plays with anything else...seems to be growing just fine though:) Besides that she still giggles the most for her big sister, with her daddy coming in a close 2nd. Not sure exactly how much she weighs or how long she is but she's wearing mostly 9-12 month clothing and size 3 diapers. Oh! and she sometimes cries when I leave the room and also might cry when Audrey leaves the room, hehe, so cute to see their sisterly bond.  

Edinborough

Not sure what happened...I thought I posted this awhile ago. Anyways, we took a fun little day-trip up to the cities to an indoor playplace called Edinborough. My cousin Stephanie planned the fun outing for her sister-in-laws (my cousin-in-laws) Heidi, Jill and our children, 9 kiddos and counting (Stephanie and Heidi are both pregnant!) It was so much fun (and work!) climbing, sliding, squatting, and laughing through the tunnels...sorry, no pictures from that part of the day; it was hard enough carrying around a baby and chasing a toddler. We took a break for a picnic lunch and then found the gym to play some more before packing up for the drive home. Thanks for including us!

Picnic lunch. How cool is it that all 12 of us fit at one little table?
(Audrey, Asher, Jill, Savannah, Hadley, Stephanie, Jeremiah, Piper, Kenzie, Heidi, open spot for me, Cece)

Loving her 1st time in a high chair

Audrey and Savannah cruising around on these little hand-peddle bike/scooters

Heidi giving a ride to Audrey and Kenzie in the little scooter chairs, Hadley peddling over to say hello

Audrey LOVED bouncing in the bounce-house

Hadley, the skilled jumper

Audrey trying to shoot a basket

Babies Cece and Asher having fun w/the diaper bags and balls that the older cousins brought to share w/them

My thoughts lately

It took me about a year or so to really be comfortable with my role as a stay-at-home-mom. It felt funny to me to just play with my baby during the day without feeling like I should be doing something more productive...like doing dishes, scrubbing floors, or other household tasks are more worthy of my time than my child. I know, crazy right? Anyways, it's been a journey, but I can honestly say that I LOVE my current job and that I'm able to enjoy all these fun (and the not-so-fun) moments w/my little ones. I no longer feel unsure when people ask me what I do all day; it's ok that I "only" spend my day changing diapers, wiping noses, playing silly games, and cutting the crusts off of pb&j sandwiches (I know, I spoil her). God has blessed me with the opportunity to be home with my children full-time and I am embracing it with joy!

Like her big sister, Cece loves to spend time swinging at the parks.

A fun new game that Audrey invented w/her "rocks"
(Thanks Nicole & girls, these rocks have brought us hours and hours of entertainment!)

Got myself a new baby carrier, the Beco Gemini, Cece and I both love it. 

Cereal

I've tried feeding Cece cereal and a few other baby foods without much success (actually it was a total failure each time as she gagged and vomited whatever I had put in her mouth). However, for some reason I thought I'd try again last night and after a few bites she was actually opening up her little mouth like she wanted more! Hooray!

It was a little difficult to take pictures and feed her at the same time, but here are a few shots that capture the emotions of the evening:

What in the world are you trying to feed me? 

Ewww...I don't think I like this.

Well, I guess it's not terrible.

Actually, I think I like it.

Yeah, that's some good stuff Mom, Thanks!

I'm so proud of myself :)