Gotta love Elmo...and saving money!

So this past week, Riley and I had a nice visit with my parents.  This time, instead of just going down to their house for a day trip, we stayed two nights!  Our plan was to stay one...but Friday came all too soon and I didn't want to fight rush hour traffice so we stayed another night.  We had such a nice time, though Daddy was missed.  While there, my mom took us to a great thrift store they have and we bought some clothes, books, toys and an Elmo walker!  Everything was half off...so the walker was only $6.  I just saw a walker at Target today, in fact, and they wanted $40 for it - and to be honest, I like mine better.  I rarley used to shop at thrift stores, yard sales, Goodwill...but I'm starting to do it more.  I can't tell you the number of items I have bought at these places and all excellent condition and prices.  You can't go wrong!  Babies grow too fast anyway, and this stuff is only for a time.  Anyway...here are some walker pics. 

While in MD with my parents, my mom was able to feed Riley rice cereal both days.  They don't have a high chair, so we just put her in the walker and it worked out fine!  Little messy, though.

Riley loves cruising around in her new ride, while slobbering on the toys attached, and pressing the buttons to make noises.  She looks so tiny in it! 

baby teeth

Riley has majorly been teething the last 6-8 weeks.  We knew her teeth had to be coming in, and sure enough we now see two white teeth in her mouth!  The middle bottom left tooth was first, now the bottom right is showing too.  They just started to come in this month, at 5 months old.  Those little teeth are sharp too.  She wants to chew on everything and when she catches our fingers it hurts.  It's funny watching her try to put her entire fist in her mouth.  She's been more fussy at times while teething, but really not too bad.  She's a trooper.  I know it has to be painful.  Once we can see the teeth better, I will take photos for you.  They are so tiny right now nothing would show up with the camera, but white is definitely showing!

Cereal....yum

A week ago we introduced Riley to rice cereal, her first bit of solid food.  I was in no rush to start cereal, even though her doctors said anytime after 4 months would be fine.  I truly didn't feel Riley was ready a month ago.  Aaron and I started to see signs of readiness this month, so we gave it a try.  She loved it!  It was weird to her at first, but it was amazing to see her open her mouth anticipating the spoon going in, as if she had done it before.  It was fun feeding her for the first time, we kept smiling and laughing.  The experience is messy, and continues to be...but it's so cool seeing her eat.  Unfortunately, I only have pictures of me feeding her, even though Aaron did too.  We video taped this first experience too, so Aaron is in that!

On the mend

We had a good day today.  A low key day spent with our girls.  Emillie and Hannah were over today.  The days seem to fly when we have them!

I started my day with a run while they all ate breakfast.  On the weekends I enjoy getting out first thing in the morning.  I normally run in the evenings, so it's nice when I can do something different.  I ran more often this past week, which I feel good about.  The month of August was pathetic on my part - I barely ran with the hot, humid days (see...an excuse).  I ran enough to keep up with it, but not enough to really improve.  It's getting darker earlier now, so I'm not sure how all that will go - guess I have to get used to running in the dark.  Might need to invest in some reflectors.  This is just the first challenge for me...wait until winter, haha.  (I'm not really laughing, just felt like typing that in.)

Emillie and Hannah said their first week of school went well - they like their teachers and classes so far.  Emillie is in 8th grade (next year...high school!)  And Hannah is in 4th grade.  Unbelievable.  We hope they continue to like school and get good grades like last year.  Aaron questioned Emillie about boys...she said they are all dumb.  Aaron said, "good."  Haha, quick conversation.

Hannah had on skinny jeans today, and Daddy had to bust on her.  He kept telling her to get some jeans that fit.  She'd laugh and roll her eyes.  It's so weird to see them wearing what's "in" and I'm the mom now wondering what is with these kids and their outfits (I'm obviously not cool because I don't understand it).  I was there one day too...but a long time ago.  Anyway, I think Hannah looked cute in her skinny jeans.  I sure as heck can't pull them off, so I'm glad her and Emillie can.  Though, Emillie did compliment me today on my shirt - she said I always wear cute shirts.  A 13 year old likes my shirts...go figure.  (Go me!  Maybe I still got it!  ha)

**I was a bad blogger today and didn't take one picture - so you'll have to just use your imagination.**

We went to the park today too.  Took Riley out and let her little piggy toes feel the sand - she was smiling away while scrunching her toes in the sand.  So cute to watch.  Daddy was swinging her in his arms and she was laughing so much!  We all just laughed with her, gosh we love hearing that sound.  Sweetest sound in the world.

Riley is still getting over this cold she has - its been a week now.  I feel better.  Daddy is starting to feel better, and I think Riley is too.  We all are on the mend, thank goodness.

Today was my sister-in-law's baby shower.  It was in California, so I'm sorry I had to miss it.  I'm sure it was a lot of fun and Julie got lots of fun stuff for her and baby boy!  Next Saturday is my other sister-in-law's baby shower.  Two babies due in October - one a girl, one a boy.  I can't wait to be an AUNT...finally.  Aaron and I are so excited for our brothers and their wives...so special.  They will all make great parents!

Also, today is my mother-in-law's birthday - so shout out time...Happy Birthday Mom!

My daisy

Daisies are my favorite flower.  A happy, simple, no fuss flower.

I have always loved the name Daisy too, but we didn't love the way it sounded with our last name.  Riley is the perfect name for our little girl, so I'm not sad about that at all, by the way.

Daisy just happens to be the April flower too - the month Riley was born.  Riley's Aunt Jenn gave her a nursing pin that she got for a job well done at work, and gave it to Riley to treasure.  Grandma Kathy is going to be painting Riley an "R" for her door with daisies on it too.  My mom painted a daisy picture when younger, that is framed and hanging in our house - I love it.  One day that will go to Riley.

Most of Riley's outfits have flowers on them - and especially, daisies.  This little onesie was a gift from Riley's Aunt Carrie (it still fits!). 

Riley was keeping me company today in the office while on the computer, so I thought I'd snap some photos to share with you.  She's talking to her toys and slobbering all over them too.

For having a cold (yes, her first cold!) she's doing really well and is still smiling - just like any happy daisy, in a garden, would do.

My lil' daisy.

Riley is 5 months old!

I can't believe Riley is 5 months old now. 

I remember my pregnancy, and especially labor and delivery, as if it were yesterday. 

The time really is going by fast. 

We've enjoyed every stage of Riley's growth so far. 

I already miss how tiny she was when born, but I love her "talking" and laughing now. 

She's more active too. 

Very wiggly when held, loves to stand on her feet, roll around in her crib, and put everything in her mouth and hands. 

It's only a matter of time before she sits unsupported and even tries to crawl.

We love our little bug.

Fun with chickens

This past weekend we ventured down to Maryland for a day visit.

We enjoyed our time with my parents, aunt and grandparents

(all who were visiting from Ohio).

We had a beautiful day.

We enjoyed walking around the yard and hanging out outside; viewing the garden and getting some sun. 

We saw butterflies...and horses (who live next door).

Riley had fun smelling (and trying to eat) flowers for the first time!

Riley also enjoyed meeting the chickens for the first time...

Riley loved meeting Aunt Heidi

Riley loved meeting her great grandparents for the first time too. 

All in all, it was a great day and a special visit with family.