The Great Contender

I've decided that Natalie is the amazing morphing baby. Sitting next to me, she looks a lot like me... but Chase might give me a run for my money. Mom found this picture of Chase as a baby as she was unpacking and I can see a lot of Natalie in him. Either way she's so adorable! I wont lie, I enjoy taking most of the credit!

The more I look at this picture of Chase it's hard for me to believe he was ever that cute! Ha! Just kidding, I think Chase is one good looking Dad, and I would be so pleased if Natalie grew up to look like him!

Natalie has begun teething, so we're having some rough nights. I've been spoiled by her so far... I'm not used to being up with her so much at night. She started sleeping long chunks of time at night when she was six weeks old. Last night she was awake and whining from 2-5. Ouch. Looks like we're both going to need some major naps during the day!

Look alikes

Almost everyone that has seen Natalie has an opinion about her resemblance. Some people say she looks like Chase, but they are few. She definitely has his blue eyes, which I'm so grateful for! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she gets his freckles, too. Most people are shocked at how much she looks like me, especially when they see us together. We got an overwhelming response from friends and family after the last set of pictures I emailed... everyone commented that she could practically be my twin. It seems like most of her features are a lot like mine... her nose, her chin, cheeks and especially her heart shaped mouth! I don't mind... I like being compared to the most beautiful baby girl in the world!

I didn't really realize just how much we look alike until Mom showed me a picture of a two week old baby wearing a yellow sleeper. I almost asked Mom "When did Natalie wear that?" and then I realized it was a picture of ME! I've posted some pictures of me from birth to 4 months that Mom sent to me last night. You be the judge. (You can always click on the image to enlarge)

In other news, Natalie had her 2 month shots today. I've been a little frustrated because she's 3 1/2 months old. They ran out of the vaccines some time before Thanksgiving and it has taken this long to get them in. Poor baby, she's going back for more shots in only 1 1/2 months... IF they have them, of course. It was really unpleasant today. She got a shot in each leg and she screamed like we were skinning her alive, I've never seen so many tears come out of her, she left a puddle on the table! I've got the Tylenol handy and lots of hugs waiting for her today... I know how she feels. Maybe she inherited her hatred for needles from me, too! The good news is: she weighs a whopping 14 lbs 11 oz! I feel so grateful that I have been able to nourish and keep her healthy!

3 months old today!

Hard to believe that three months ago, almost to the minute, Natalie was born! She's changed so much and I can practically see her growing before my eyes. She smiles and smiles and smiles, and has recently started to giggle. Giggle count is up to five now! I love having Natalie in my life and can't imagine how I could have possible been happy before I knew her.

12 week old pictures

2 month check up

Even though Natalie will be 3 months in about a week, she just had her 2 month check up. Dr. Manzo said she looks great and she's a very healthy little girl! She's 24 1/4 inches and 13 lbs 12 ozs... that puts her in the 94% for height and 91% for weight. She was a lucky girl, she escaped her shots. Somehow they ran out, so the poor baby will have to go back to the doctor some time next week just for shots. Pictures to come later...

Bumbo/Tummy Time

Natalie is getting stronger and stronger each day, she amazes me! Yesterday I put her in her "Bumbo" infant seat for the first time. It's great because it allows the baby to sit upright but still supports their backs. It's supposed to make the baby feel more included and she loved it. I think she likes the freedom to look around while sitting up like a big girl! Today we had some "tummy time" that actually went pretty well. Usually she cries after five seconds, today it took five minutes!