Back to Work

With a heavy heart I returned back to work this past week. I'm not gonna lie, it was tough & there were a few tears Monday morning. But I know my baby Skylar is in great hands, my mom & our new Nanny Nicole are going to split the time with her. I am so lucky to work at least part of the time from home, so I can jump into the next room to see her cute little face several times a day.

What a fantastic Sunday! Dave & Skylar got dressed up in their Sunday best & rooted for the Broncos as they defeated the Cowboys. Go Donkeys!!

Skylar has been so fun these past few weeks, her little personality is developing more everyday. Her favorite past time is still staring at ceiling fans, but she loves studying faces too. She mimics everything I do, she sticks out her tongue when I do, she even makes kissing lips at me. She loves it when her daddy sings to her, her little legs pump & she coos back. Besides making new facial expressions, Skylar rolled over from her belly to her back, what a big girl!

I love Bath time!

Play Date with Neve & my new favorite toy. Thanks to Nev for letting me take it home!:)

3 Month Photo Shoot

Two weeks ago our friend Rick Martin came by & took the most beautiful pictures of baby Skylar. She refused to flash a smile, but was a trooper & I think the pictures turned out adorable! Here are a few of my favorites....

Few Cute Pic's

These pictures are from a few weeks ago, but they are just so cute, I had to share.....

So exciting! Staring up at my friend the ceiling fan:)

Hangin' out with my buddy Bailey

Merrill Family Weekend & Triathlon

What a fun weekend! Grandma Jodi, uncle Sadler & auntie Gina came to town to see Skylar & race in a Triathlon with Dave. It was Grandma Jodi's first time meeting Skylar & she held her the entire weekend, even during Skylar's naps!

Pool time with Grandma Jodi

On Saturday we headed up to Lake Las Vegas for the triathlon. Gina, Sadler & Dave raced the Olympic distance (1 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6 mile run...I know they're crazy!). Dave finished 2nd in his age group & 18th overall, not bad for his first race. Gina raced in her first event since having lung cancer surgery in June(only 3 months ago!!), she is truly amazing & such an inspiration.

Go Dave!

Skylar & mommy...no exercise for us!

Jodi, Gina, Sadler, & Dave after the race

Family Photo

Relaxing with my aunt & uncle post race

It was so nice having a few of the Merrill's in town. We are looking forward to Christmas when Skylar will meet all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins....(it's a big crew, Dave is one of 6!)

10 Pounder!

When you start out life early, at just over 4lbs, you get to 10lbs your parents think you're the hugest baby ever!:)

Skylar is doing awesome, she's finally giving us smiles, which is so fun! She gets more beautiful everyday. It really doesn't take much to entertain her, she makes eye contact occasionally, but her most favorite things are ceiling fans & mobiles....she could stare at those for hours.

We've got SMILES!!!

Fun in the Sun, New toys, & Big Tears.

What a beautiful weekend! For those who know the Las Vegas heat, spending time outside in the Summer is rare. We had visitors on Saturday and Sunday & we were all able to enjoy "pool time". No, Skylar did not go in the water:) but she did spectate from her lounge chair in the shade.Our good friends Dan & Libby from Hermosa Beach right before a competitive game of HORSE! Skylar had full view & cheered us on from the shade.
Sunday afternoon visitors were just as fun, Ryan, Kristie & their adorable babies. We can't wait until Skylar is big enough to play with them in the pool!
Skylar is really starting to get into her toys, following the mobile in her swing & bouncing her legs & cooing at her jungle gym (above). She also enjoys "Tummy Time" (below). She's got pretty strong neck muscles & can hold up her head for a few seconds at a time. It can consume your day just watching her play.

Skylar shed her first tear yesterday, it was by far the saddest thing I've ever seen. What did mommy do to make her cry you ask!?...I took a shower! I got in hoping to have enough time to lather up & wash before she woke up from her nap & I was not so lucky! Skylar woke up & started to cry, I jumped out of the shower sopping wet with a towel on explaining to her that mommy had to get dressed before she held her. I promise it was no more than 3 minutes and when I picked her up there were real tears! Mommy got a little I got a little choked up too, poor baby:(

Other than a few tears, the Merrill family is doing fantastic & adjusting well to sleepless nights with the new baby. Erin has been enjoying every moment with Skylar, enjoying lazy days at home & spending as much time as possible learning about her before returning to work in a few weeks. Dave is a wonderful Daddy, he wakes up every night to have alone time with Skylar & takes one feeding so mommy can get some much needed rest. Dave also just started a new job at TPC Summerlin as the Sales & Marketing Director, so he has been very busy enjoying his new job, along with training for a triathalon in September.

Everyday Skylar becomes a little more awake & alert to what's going on in the world around her. She loves to study her mommy & daddy's faces while we make funny expressions trying to get her to smile. Unfortunately no awake smiles yet, just big smiles & grins in her sleep!....we'll keep you posted.