A Jammed Packed Week and a Half

It's been really busy lately, so I'm going to try to get this all in before both girls wake up. Gabby had her one month check up on Monday and she weighed in at a whopping 10 lbs 2.5 oz. and she measured 21 inches. Needless to say she is out of newborn clothes and her 2nd chin and chubby cheeks are coming along quite nice as you can see below! We are still surprised how strong she is and how well she's holding her head up. When she's on our shoulders she lifts up and looked around. She is starting to smile when she's awake...although she's been smiling in her sleep since she was born (Pappa says it's when the angels are talking to her).

Pappa, Granna, Auntie and Uncle Shawn came to visit this past week. Bella LOVED having them here and was quite the entertainer. Gabby just ate and slept like usual.

Bella and Granna coloring...we have lots of pictures of her coloring this week with everyone.
Uncle Shawn was a lot of fun.

And in true form...Bella stole Auntie's nectarine and claimed it as hers.
and Pappa played with Gabby.
I was brave and brought out the finger paints...it started good and stayed on the paper, but

eventually ended up on her arms, then legs, then face.

I went and got her a sandbox/water toy...however she was more interested in climbing in it than actually playing.
We also had a shower for Gabby while everyone was in town. It was great to see friends and get the family together.

Bella has also started a new phase of saying "no" to everything and when she's really mad she tries to hit us. Sometimes I have to bite my tongue to keep from laughing and other times it just drains me to mental exhaustion. I can't wait until this little phase is over...although my dad says it lasts until they're 19! I'm not sure if adjusting to Gabby has added to this, but according to Molly and Veronica, Logan and Cristian are doing the same thing (they are Bella's age). She is saying more words so that helps with some of the frustration, but I pray this phase will end soon.

Not to put this last, but the other event we just celebrated was our 5 year wedding anniversary. We went to Flemings (a fabulous steak house) and then pick up my new diamond ring that Joel (kind of) surprised me with. We don't get to spend time just the two of us very often so it was wonderful to enjoy each other's company. It's hard to believe that 5 years has passed, but in that time we've lived in 3 states, both completed graduate programs, and now have 2 beautiful girls....I guess we've been a little busy so the time has flown by. As exciting the past 5 years have been we look forward to what the future holds...and are trying to cherish the present since we know how fast our babies will grow.

Well...that's about it for now. Hope everyone has a good 4th of July.