A quick trip to the beach and a few new milestones!

This past week we decided to take a last minute day trip to the beach before the girls start school next week. We have been promising Hailey and Mary Kathryn that we would take them before the end of the summer and I am very glad that Bella is a good car rider and we were able to keep that promise. The girls were able to spend several hours on the beach swimming and playing in the sand. Hailey’s favorite thing to do at the beach is build sand castles and that is exactly what she did. Mary Kathryn on the other hand wanted little to do with that, but had a blast playing in the ocean. The sound of the ocean lulled Bella to sleep and she was quite content for most of the time we were out there. We all had a good time at the beach, but a day trip with a 1 month old can be very exhausting and Michael and I were both very glad to be home!

Bella has also had quite a few new milestones this week. I forgot how quickly babies grow and change at this age and it seems there is always something new to share. We have started to lay her on her play mat for “tummy time”. Suprisingly, she loves to lie on her stomach and she is able to lift her head well. We all love to lie on the floor and watch her during her “tummy time”. She is so cute bobbing her head around!

Most importantly, Bella has started to knowingly smile at us this week. She has always seemed to recognize our voices and turn towards them but it is so great to pick her up or talk to her and have her give us a great big smile! Unfortunatley, I have not been quick enough to get a picture of her smiling yet, but I am sure I will be following her with a camera all week until I get one! She also seems to notice and watch the colors on the tv now. This morning I sat her in her bouncy seat in front of the tv. A few moments later I heard her making a strange sound and turned around to check on her. She was watching Mickey Mouse playhouse with a huge smile on her face and making a cackling sound. I would swear she was laughing! It was the cutest thing to see. Of course, I ran to get the camera and she wouldn’t do it again, but I did get a couple of pictures of her engrossed in watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse.

I can not believe summer vacation is coming to an end and with it comes running the girls from school to dance, soccer and cheerleading. With three little girls, I do not forsee all of the many activities slowing down anytime soon! We have been wondering how all of the running around will be with a little baby in tow and I guess we will soon find out! I am so happy that September is almost here and hope that cooler weather soon follows!

Just look how big little miss Bella is getting!!!