Lead Scare!

For those of you who don't live in Portland, most all of the houses in the city are old. Our last house was built in 1908 and our current house in 1927. And that's pretty standard for houses around here. Sooo, old house most always have lead paint in them, but it's OK as long as it isn't disturbed. So, I went to this baby consignment sale on Friday. There was a booth there where they were doing fee lead testing (of your blood). I thought why not. So I did. I did my shopping and came back for my results. A normal level is between 0 and 1. Mine was 17.5! And, lead passes to your baby if you're nursing, which I am. So, holy crap, that's really high. The tester says she's going to follow up with me and I need to go to my doctor. So, Phil and I are a little freaked out that we're living in the lead house. I swear I am feeling metal in my lungs every time I breath. Fast forward to Saturday. I drag Phil and Kenley to this Baby Festival at a park nearby. We are walking around and find the same lady doing lead testing. So, she tests Phil. He's like 0.6. OK, so I guess it's just me...well, she tested me again and it came back 0.1! Yeah! She guessed it was from something I was touching at the sale i.e. lead paint on toys or something...scary. Anyway, lead scare averted, but if you live in an old house, get your lead tested. And, if you live in PDX, there are grants to help clean up lead in your home if you test high or have children under 6. OK, my story is done. Now for some pictures, just for fun!

Five Months Old!

Dear Punky Monkey,
Today you are 5 months old! As I say every month, I really can’t believe how fast it’s gone. I can still so vividly remember you being a brand new tiny baby.

You are growing so fast. I swear you are doing something new everyday. This month you have learned to put everything in your mouth. If we give it to you or you pick it up, it goes directly to your mouth. You will chew on anything. Mom and Dad’s fingers, our face, our nose! If you can get it in your mouth, you will chew on it. I am just waiting for the day that first little tooth comes through and you chomp down on my finger!

You are starting to laugh, and it is our favorite thing to hear. We would do anything to make you laugh. As a matter of fact, we have done some pretty ridiculous things in hopes of making you laugh. You still only do it every once in a while though. I can’t wait to hear you laugh all of the time.

Your new big thing is sticking out your tongue. You stick it out all the time for no reason. You just hang out with your tongue wagging around. You're just all around funny and silly kid! Very entertaining!

In just the past few days, you have taken a very big interest in the cats and the dog. Zoe (the dog) is always around when you are playing downstairs. I’m not sure if she’s waiting for you to drop your toys, guarding you, or just waiting for a chance to lick your face (which she does every chance she gets). We try not to let the dog lick you in the face, but she slips in there and does it when we’re not looking. Bad dog! I have a feeling you two are going to be buddies in the future!

I am so lucky to be able to spend so much time with you. I wouldn’t trade it for the highest paying job in the world. You make my day every day.

Love,

Momma

Some Pictures from the Weekend

Kenley went to her friend Nate's birthday party this weekend and wore her party dress!


The over the shoulder Hollywood pose

Hanging out with Dad on our new porch swing

Kenley and Dad on the new porch swing. K thought it was really funny when Phil hit the ground with his feet and she was cracking up.

New Toy Fun

About a month ago, I got Kenley an exersaucer off Craigslist. I put her in it and she face planted into the toys. Oops, not ready for that one. But I put her in it again last weekend, and she loves it! Here are some pics of her playing in her new toy.

Four Months Old!

Dear Punkin' Pie,

Today you are four months old! Holy crap...time goes by so fast!

This was the best picture I could get of her today. She won't sit still anymore!

You have changed so much this month. It's like one day you just flipped a switch and were this totally active kid. You grab at everything...and put it in your mouth. You are rolling over both ways. You sometimes get a little frustrated on your tummy still. I think you don't often realize that you can roll back. No more tummy torture!


You have also found your voice this month. You've been cooing and making noises for a long time now, but now you are LOUD! You screech and scream and it probably sounds like I'm neglecting you, but you aren't even upset, you just like to scream!

It's just not fair how much you look like your Papa!

You went to the doctor last Friday. You are now 14 pounds 10 ounces and 25 1/2 inches long. Still 97th percentile in height! Dr. Williams says you can start eating some solid food in one month!

Playing with Levi!

You are such a funny little girl. You entertain me all day. I hope you always stay silly. I love you baby girl.

Your favorite teething ring.

Love,
Momma

Weekend

We had a good weekend. Our dear friend Erin was in Portland and we had brunch with her. It was good to talk about our baby girls and catch up! Sadly, we didn't get meet her little one, but we will soon!

Kenley continues to perfect her rolling. She seems to be coming around to tummy time. I was even able to get some cute pictures of her on her tummy!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Dear Philip,

Happy Anniversary baby! It's been a wonderful 6 years being married to you. I could not ask for a better husband for me or a better father for Kenley. You are the best! I love you!