Gwennie is 5 months old

Always, always looking and laughing at William!

In the past week or so, Gwen has learned lots of new tricks. She's sitting up, which I still can't believe - well over a month & a half earlier than William did. She can stay sitting up for 10 minutes or so (for example, on the bed while I blowdry my hair - woohoo!) but when she sees something excited (for example, William) she topples over about half the time. She went from doing a leaning tripod to fully sitting up in just a few days. 

It was over 50 degrees on her 5-month birthday, so we took a walk (first time in the double stroller which William LOVED) to the park down the street.

I am posting most of these out of order, but I loved these next few of Gwennie from last week. 

Just hanging out in her nursery.

I had Gwen ready to take her 5-month pictures, and William hopped up on the bed. He started playing with her all on his own. By the time I got the camera out to take the video above, things were winding down, but they did this for a long time and Gwen was just giggling so hard she lost her breath, toppled over... it was so cute. I kept snapping away. One of the purely happiest moments of my life, I think! 

Packing for her first big trip! We're leaving for Florida in 3 days!

Some funny discussions with William while he plays with his always-present Star Wars toys:

Can't believe I haven't posted this video yet. This is over a month old, but still makes me laugh. William speaking a very silly version of baby talk to Gwen, trying to make her squeal (and succeeding!).

Happy Valentine's Day!

We have quite a few Valentine's Day pictures - I took the top ones for the grandparents' cards, and then was just playing around and loved Gwennie and the candy hearts.

William had his first Valentine's school party today - we worked very hard on his cards for his friends, made cookies together (oh my goodness - the icing and sprinkle process with a 3 year old is NOT very tidy!)

And just some recent shots. Gwennie is suddenly able to sit up unassisted for a few seconds. She usually topples over, but if something has her attention, she can stay up for 30 seconds or so. Don't really have a real picture yet because I don't want her to bonk her little head while I'm taking the shot!

4 and a half months old.

William is still very into Star Wars and plays with them ALL the time - so involved, too. Different voices, etc. It's pretty entertaining (although not so much for poor Esch who is begged to "battle" with William 24 hours a day!)

Gwen is doing well. She is not a very good sleeper at night, and still only catnaps during the day. Luckily she makes up for this in her cuteness! She's been holding toys for awhile now, but just recently started reaching out for things purposefully, and touching them with intent. Yesterday for the first time she reached up to touch my face - what a sweetie. This also means that long hair, earrings, necklaces, etc. are all fair game to her, so look out!

William and I had a special Mommy-Son date this weekend while Dad was nice enough to stay home with Gwen. I feel like I never have alone time with my little man, so we had a great time at a play gym and then went out to lunch together. He was so cute and thankful the entire time.

Our two pals. Seeing how much they love each other is even better than I imagined. She ADORES him and watches everything he does. He has his jealous moments, of course, and is not particularly fond of sharing his toys, but loves "helping" with her and making her laugh. 

I'll leave you with a short video from today:

Too cute not to share

I don't usually put headbands on Gwen, but was doing some product shots of these, and the tutu, and she was my little assistant. Her big eyes and "WHY is there a flower on my head?!" look are cracking me up.