1st taste!!

Oh Lyla Bird...you have no idea what you are in for!!

This was Lyla's first time in her high chair...now that she is out of her harness a few hours a night...we are able to get her legs thru the holes!

Lyla is a few weeks shy of 6 months so we decided it's about time to start introducing some solid foods. Our first attempt was some very soupy rice cereal mixed in with some of my breastmilk. Here we go - let the fun begin!!!!

This is her "Mommy and daddy - you are freaking me out a tad - why are you staring at me like that" look.

"What in the world - why are you shoving this thing into my mouth"

"Not quite sure what the heck I am supposed to be doing right now"

"Yuuummmm this is tasty - I think I like it"

"And I get to play with my food and lick my fingers too"

"Oh yeah - I think I am going to like this"

"Are we finished already - I was just starting to get the hang of it"

Bubbles and more!!!!

Bath time...oh how things have changed since Lyla's last bath 6 weeks ago. The infant net has been packed away...no more bathing lying down. Lyla would much rather sit up, splash and play with toys!!!

We are so overjoyed that Lyla got us both so wet! Splashing has an entirely new meaning/purpose. Who likes to be splashed with water?!?!?! I know I "used" to hate it...nowadays the more splashing the better. In fact, it's encouraged!!!

Just chillin'....hysterical!!!!

So the long awaited day of Lyla being submerged in water and bubbles was just as we hoped!!

And finally - we decided on a stroller. After looking for 2 months we went with the Bumbleride Indie. It is still not the perfect stroller but it satisfied my Top 3 list:

1. A one piece & one step fold - very important!!!

2. Light enough for me to lift without straining

3. Compact when folded

Added bonus: It will serve as our jogging stroller!!

So without further ado...

The above picture is taken at Barnes & Noble. The below picture is so staged -but it's funny to think she is really that interested...because reading to her kind of goes a little something like...Open the book to page 1....to her grabbing and flipping to the last page...to chewing the corners....to throwing the book on the floor:) But hey we'll keep at it until the day when she knows how to turn the pages 1 at a time!!

Lyla what are you looking at - there is nothing back there - look at how curious and nosey she has become :)

Lincoln Park Zoo!!

Can you ask for more? A zoo smack dab in the middle of the city and it's free oh and 70 degrees in March!!!

So we were off...zoo bound for Lyla's first of MANY zoo adventures. I was hoping to introduce Lyla to my favorite monkey but it was too early in the season for him to make an appearance.

So I have to admit this wasn't much of a first experience. I am sure Lyla was wondering what all the hype was about. She only got to see 1 gorilla and wasn't at all interested in the sea lions...but we thought it still made for a good Kodak moment!! Look how adorable she is - isn't her barrette so sweet - it's a little cupcake for our little sweet cupcake!! This is 1 of many barrette to come - I just ordered about 20 more from etsy.com :)

And of course daddy couldn't resist....

Oh and this the "Ergobaby" wrap - a perfect fit for Lyla and her harness!!

And that's about all she saw of the zoo...zzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!

Schneider Family & St. Patty's Weekend!!

I've said it before - I'll say it again...thank goodness you can save drafts:) I am almost 2 weeks behind so in an effort to get all caught up this post may fall short...but I have a feeling you all probably like seeing photos the best and won't miss my attempt to be clever and witty in my commentary!!!

Be sure to check out: http://www.threeschneiders.blogspot.com/ - for a much better recap :):):)

YAY for the Schneider Family making the trip to Chicago - and on such a fun weekend - St. Patty's day. One would almost think we were in Ireland with as much hype Chicago gives the holiday - so we decided to head downtown to see what all the hoop-la was about. We started the morning by going to The Rozell's for brunch, mimosas, beer for the brave and some playtime for the kiddies!!

Then off we went to the parade - look at all of us and our strollers - awww how fun!!!!

Thank you Josie for letting Lyla test out your stroller! I just love this picture - I wish there more moments like these...more moments just strolling around with my sissy...but I am happy to know we having Schneider / Austin weekends already planned for April, May, July and August :)

Look at the girls...passed out...Josie with her Uggs sticking out - haha - too funny:)

It was a tad colder than we thought so we were all very anxious to get home - get some coffee - relax - and most importantly enjoy the company!!!!

I can not tell you how many times I thought about all the fun adventures ahead. Look at this pair...they are going to be the best of friends!!!!

This just melts my heart!!!

This is one of MANY moments when Josie made us all laugh. This one in particular was of Josie hiding a mirror - then we would ask her - Where is it? This is her "HUH" face!!!!

Followed by her "I know where it is - There it is - Why didn't you know it was there - I guess I am smarter than all you - face." Old McDonald is always a crowd pleaser!!!! Look at that face...kisses to you Josie!!!

And I included this one for Michael...he decided this is his new favorite...I guess he likes his girls - haha:):)

Stay tuned for Lyla's first zoo adventure AND we have her last ultrasound appt today at 2pm - which will confirm we can start weaning her off the harness....which means Lyla is getting a BUBBLE BATH - you can definitely count on some Kodak moments :):)

Giggle box!

More to come about this past weekend - The Schneider Family was in town.

Here is a glimpse for now...

5 months!

Happy Birthday to Lyla!

Happy Birthday to Lyla!

Happy Birthday to you - Lyla!

Happy Birthday to you!

5 months - WOW!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

The harness is doing the trick!! Today's ultrasound confirmed that the harness is going to fix Lyla's hip. Meaning no surgery or body cast!!

To quote the orthopedic - "The ultrasound looked GREAT."

What a relief!!! Our little sweet Lyla bird is on her way to a full recovery.

So what happens now?

We go back in 2 weeks for an ultrasound without her harness. Why 2 weeks? My exact question to the orthopedic. He is very confident that after 2 weeks we will be able to start weaning her off the harness based on today's ultrasound. My next question "Is there a chance that in 2 weeks she will regress - is it too premature to get excited?" He replied, "The harness is working, her hip is going to be fine. The reason for an ultrasound in 2 weeks is simply for final confirmation."

After 2 weeks we will start the below weaning process - which will take 6 weeks. So for those keeping track that means Lyla will be in her harness 8 more weeks from today.

For the next 8 weeks Lyla will wear her harness:

Week 1: 24 hours a day

Week 2: 24 hours a day

Week 3: 22 hours a day

Week 4: 20 hours a day

Week 5: 18 hours a day

Week 6: 16 hours a day

Week 7: 14 hours a day

Week 8: 12 hours a day

After 8 weeks we will go back for another Ultrasound. The orthopedic will then explain the final stages which he explained would involve weaning her at night and for good.

After much research, questions and our friends Michelle & Macala (stay tuned for another blog post regarding M&M) we are very comforted by the fact that once her hip is stable we will no longer have to worry about future treatment or any long term effects!

We are absolutely thrilled that in 2 short weeks we will be able to give Lyla a bath...cause her sponge baths are just not doing the trick - haha!

And in 4 short weeks she will be out of her harness 4 hours a day...our plan is to pick her up from Daycare and keep her out of it until bedtime. WOW what a treat!

And in 6 short weeks she will be out of her harness 8 hours a day...GOSH that is practically the entire day in our eyes.

THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers and positive thoughts! Your support, love, and genuine concern means the world to us! We are so thankful!!!!

Hakuna Matata!!!

Hakuna Matata...what a wonderful phrase!!!

It means no worries for the rest of your days!

It's our problem free - philosophy - Hakuna Matata!!!!

Here's what you get when you listen to the Lion King soundtrack...Lyla's first of many African Safari adventures!!!!!

Lyla "Just can't wait to be Queen"

Very impressed that mommy sang every word to every song!!!! And even more entertained by daddy making animal noises in the background!!!!

And here is one tuckered out Lyla ..how great her dreams must be after such an adventure :)

And I realized after being asked the other day about the theme of Lyla's room...that I never posted any pictures.

I am sure everyone has picked up on Lyla's nickname - Lyla Bird...so it seemed appropriate:

Here is Lyla's "jungle room"

Poppin' collars....

Yep we went there! Lyla/Ms. Fashionista is poppin' collars....hehe!!!

Is she not the sweetest thing you have ever seen?

I don't have a lot of time to write...but I wanted everyone to see how great Lyla is doing in her harness. She has adapted extremely well. Look at her go - she is sitting up - and becoming extremely flexible. We just may have a contortionist on our hands!!

And poor little Sophie (Sophie the Giraffe - that is) is getting alot of action these days.

"Get it Lyla - Get it" Gees does she go to town.....

And one of my favorite pictures to date.....the innocence in her eyes...I just want to bottle it up!!!!

And finally- by far the most hilarious moment to date...what was not captured is the best part!! As she fell deeper into sleep her leg would ever so slowly start to drop...once her leg rested into place she would jerk it right back up in the air! Michael and I could not contain ourselves. This went on for about 30 mins...

Lyla goes back a week from today for her ultrasound. Please keep her in your thoughts! This appointment will give us a good understanding of what's to come for sweet Lyla Bird!!