Happy Halloween!

Minka explores Panama City

Minka also enjoyed Panama City Beach

But it was a long day of new adventures...

A New Chapter

Today Minka went to daycare for her very first day!  I did really well and didn't break down.  The last few days have been sad though watching her squirm, smile, and squawk, knowing I will be missing so much of that.  She is going to a house on post with two other infants.  They are all girls, one 6 months and one a week younger than Minka.  We hope we both really enjoy the family we chose!

Panama City Beach

While Kayla and Jen were here we decided to spend a day in Panama City Beach.  The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time!

The view from our hotel room!

Jen, Kayla and I went on a boat excursion to see and swim with dolphins as well as snorkel!

Once we found dolphins, Captain Mike would bang on the boat to attract them.  Then as they came by he would lower us into the water and we could swim with them up close and personal!

We also got to hold a Cannonball.  It is similar to a jellyfish but can not sting.  It was quite slimy!

Jen and I snorkeling for sand dollars and starfish

I found a big one!

We topped off the day with a delicious seafood dinner.

The whole day was so fun and I am very touched my friends made the trip to visit!  I have always wanted to swim with dolphins so it was definitely a dream come true! 

2 months!

Minka turned 2 months on the 23rd.  We got a cupcake to celebrate.  Of course she did not have any but we surely enjoyed it!

My Heart Belongs to Grandma & Grandpa

Jen Comes to visit!

Jen flew in on Friday and we went to Panama City Beach the next day for some fun in the sun so I am just now getting around to making this post!

Kayla Comes to Visit!

Kayla flew in for a visit!  We plan on having a great time while she is here and Minka loves her!

Gerber Baby

Thank you to everyone who has voted for Minka!  Every vote counts!  We only have a couple more weeks so we really need everyone to try to vote for her.  Please visit this post everyday to cast another vote.  Click the link below to vote.

Gerber Baby Contest

Thank you!!

8 1/2 hours

A little dream came true last night.  I am VERY happy to say you are looking at the face of a baby who slept 8 1/2 hours last night!!!  This makes for some very happy girls! 

Ultimate Relaxation

Cutie Patutie

She looks awfully happy to be giving me the finger!

 Happy Happy, Joy Joy

Pumpkin Patch

On Sunday we had a fun outing to a pumpkin patch!  They had a number of things for kids to do as well as a corn maze, sunflower field, and fresh produce for purchase.  It was odd for us to be thinking Halloween when the weather is in the mid-eighties and all the trees are still green!

Minka says, "I'm READDDYYYYY!!!! Let's hit the road!"

Toting Minka around.  She was a good sport.

We learned how to milk a cow.  It was a little too real for me. 

 

Pig and spider Hay bales

 

Family pic!

Happy Halloween from our little Pumpkin!

The Morning Routine

Sorry the quality is so poor, the lights are dimmed since she is just waking up. This is how the usual morning is. Minka needs some time to wiggle and tell me some stories :)

All Smiles

It sure is rough looking at this cute face everyday :)

The Best Part of Waking Up...

...is not folgers in my cup (although that does sound pretty good).  I have come to love mornings because Minka is SO happy to be awake..and out of her swaddle!  She smiles and squiggles and squeals with delight.  It is so fun to watch every morning.  I am also liking it more because she has become quite the sleeper! For the majority of this last week, she has gone to bed around 9 and slept until about 3!  6 hours of uninterrupted sleep feels wonderful!  Putting her to bed at 9 makes for an early morning but I think we are getting in a good routine for when she has to get to daycare and I have to be at work in just a couple short weeks.

Also, two years ago today Jareth proposed to me!  What an exciting day that changed our lives and lead to this beautiful girl!

Just Hanging Out

Since my sister, niece, and nephew left things have been pretty quiet around here.  I've just been hanging out with friends and Jareth.  Minka also accompanied us on a bowling trip last weekend.  The very noisy alley didn't phase her a bit.  She snoozed the entire time.

This week we plan on finding a daycare we will all love.  I am also making sure all the house projects and cleaning are taken care of before I start working again.  I do not go back to work until the 27th but will be pretty busy with my friends Kayla and Jen who are coming to visit!  I am SO excited they are making the trip!!

Minka has outgrown all of her newborn clothes and has her two month dr appt next week already!  Where did the time go??

I need to start taking more pictures again since the blog has slowed down quite a bit lately.  Until then, here is the only other pic I have.  There is no stopping a baby when they decide it is time to sleep.

A Queen for a Princess

This last weekend Jareth had Columbus day off so we decided to take advantage of this rare vacation day.  The three of us headed to Destin, FL to do some Christmas shopping, relax, and attempt our first overnight stay away from home.

Minka was spoiled and got a whole queen size bed to herself!  She slept very well after an exhausting day!

We enjoyed the outdoor mall and Minka was busy checking out the new sights and sounds.

Cousins

My sister came to visit with her two kids Darius and Stella for a few days.  They left this morning and we were so happy to have them here and watch all the kids play!

Stella is far better at tummy time.  Looks like she is wondering what on earth Minka is doing.

 

Darius was busy running through the house, checking out all the new toys, and playing with everyone who would give him some attention. 

Some more pics of the girlies...

Some love for Minka :)

Gerber Baby

I entered Minka in a baby contest.  We need as many votes as we can get so please visit the link below to support her cuteness!  Votes will be tallied all month long....so hurry....start voting as much as your little fingers can go!

Click here : Gerber Baby Contest

The grand prize is a 25,000 scholarship along with other small prizes given out monthly such as a video camera to catch all her cute moments :)

6 Weeks Old

Minka is 6 weeks old today!  I can't believe how time as flown by!  I am very happy that I do not have to go back to work for another 4 weeks. Until then my sister will be visiting and my friends Kayla and Jen will be here for awhile too!  Fun times ahead :)

Starting Early

Last weekend Jareth wanted to go golfing with his girls.  He played 9 holes while I walked with Minka.  She sported a nice golf outfit and tennis shoes.