Reece: 3 Months

Well, Derek and I have a 3 month old on our hands. And she couldn't be a better baby. Reece is just perfect! This is pretty much what her life consists of:

-Talking. Non-stop.

-Sleeping through the night. We're talking at least 8-9 hours a night. If not 11. It's beautiful.

-Smiling all the time. She loves me and Derek, knows our faces, and will almost always greet us with a big ol' grin.

-Sucking on her hands. This girl must have the best tasting hands ever, because we always find her with her hand in her mouth.

-Getting endless love and attention from her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that live here. She is a big hit.

-Reece has started to show more interest in her toys. She got a play gym for Christmas from my mom and dad, and she loves to lay underneath it and stare at those toys. She's even starting to show signs of reaching for them!

She has such a cute little personality, and it's getting stronger every day. She thinks her farts, burps, and sneezes are funny. She loves to have her little legs scrunched up on her tummy. It makes her grunt and then smile. Her feet are ticklish, and she'll stick out her tongue if you tickle her foot just right.

I love my baby girl. She is who I spend most of my day with, and I wouldn't have it any other way. All of my thoughts are about her, and when I make a decision, I consider how it affects her first. I expected to feel overwhelmed by all of the changes I felt becoming a mom, such as how much I love her. But, I never felt an overcoming wave of emotion. It was so natural. The transition from being just me to being Reece's mom and loving her unconditionally was seamless. I love my little Reecie baby.

2012 is Gone... Here's to 2013!

This year has brought a lot of new and wonderful things to our family! On Superbowl Sunday we found out we were going to have a baby, and we sat in stunned silence. Both of our families were so excited when we shared the exciting news that we were having a girl! Then, on October 5th at 6:42pm, Reece Averie was born. She was (and still is) absolutely perfect. Weighing in at only 6 pounds 14 ounces and measuring at just 19.5 inches long, she was a small one at birth. Reece is the best thing that has ever happened to me and Derek. She is the happiest, smiliest baby. Ever. Her smiles and sweet little "coos" and "goos" melt our hearts and turn us into those parents who just sit and smile at their child. We can't help ourselves! We just love her!

Derek and I have been married for two years now (woo!) and we are currently living in Washington with my parents. Derek has an internship during our off-semester, and then we will head back to Rexburg in April! With just two semesters left for each of us, we cannot wait to graduate and be official BYU-I Alumni. After that, we aren't quite sure what life will bring to us, but we are certainly looking forward to the adventures that 2013 has in store for us!

Looking back over this past year, we are so grateful for our families and friends. For the love, support, and laughs that we have shared with you. We are grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the beautiful blessings of the temple that make it possible for families to be eternal. We are grateful for a loving and trusting Heavenly Father who gave one of His precious spirits to us to watch over and love. She is our sweet Reece, and she definitely made our 2012.

Reece: Two Months

I know this probably sounds silly to those of you who have had children for a while, but I am blown away by the fact that Reece is two months old!

These last two months have been SO fun! Reece is such a sweet and happy baby. She was two months old this last Wednesday. We went to the doctor's office for her two month check up. Her stats kind of surprised us... at her two week check up she was in the 25th percentile for weight and the 63rd percentile for her height. This month:

Reece weighs 10 pounds, putting her in the 30th percentile. She's 21.75 inches long, putting her in the 21st percentile. 

When the doctor looked at her results, he said, "Well, I would expect her height to start going up." Then he paused to look at us, chuckled, and said, "But I guess that just depends on who she takes after!" So we'll see. I guess she could take after me and be a short little girl. I just hope that if we have any boys in the future that they take after Derek for their height!

Some things about Reece:

1. She loves to be sung to.
2. She smiles ALL the time.
3. She loves to talk and be talked to.
4. She blows a million spit bubbles every single day.
5. She loves to stick her tongue out.
6. She loves her baths. I put her in her little tub, and she just relaxes in the little hammock thing. Her arms and legs go limp and she looks like she is in heaven. I love it.
7. She smiles each time she sneezes, farts, or coughs.
8. She knows Derek's and my voice. Sometimes when I see Derek drive in from work, I won't say anything. That way, when he comes in the door and says hi to Reece, I can see her react to his voice. She automatically looks around for him.
9. She sleeps 8-9 hours each night, and has been doing that for two weeks now. Let's hope it continues!
10. She fits into her newborn onesies still, but the pants are all too short. But all of her 0-3 month pants are too long. 

Reece is just the SWEETEST baby ever! I can't believe she is already two months old. She is our perfect little peanut.

Left:  A lazy Saturday morning. Right: A night with the cousins.

Left: Hanging out with dad at the Carson's. Right: Laying on the blanket Grandma Thetford made her.

Left & Right: Two months old!