Sleep, Glorious Sleep (finally!)

If you can believe it...the Brown family is actually getting some sleep! Morgan is finally sleeping through the night (for now anyway). Yeah! Although we hope we didn't just jinx ourselves by announcing that. ;)

She has been gradually getting better since the 4th of July weekend (when we had enough activities that she literally passed out at night)...first eliminating the 2-3am feeding but with screaming for an hour at 5am, after that week we had crying at 6am, and finally we arrived at this morning when she probably woke up somewhere between 6:30-7am and waited patiently until Daddy greeted our smiley little girl at 7:15. Can't describe how great it feels! The days aren't always that perfect, but we definitely are enjoying the ones that are.

Morgan is getting the hang of our consistent sleep routine of: jammies, medicine, mini-baby massage, story, lullaby, and feeding at around 7:30pm (and a second feeding at around 10:30). Naps are getting easier too...for today's AM nap, she actually fell asleep on her own!

Food, Glorious Food

I finally got to try solid food this weekend! Ok, maybe the word "solid" is a bit of a stretch since it was basically a little bit of rice cereal mixed with a lot of milk, but hey, I used a bowl, a spoon and a bib so that is a big step. Still need a little practice with the whole swallowing thing; I think I got most of the cereal in my tummy by tilting my head back and letting it slide down, but not bad for a first shot.

I can't wait to try food with some color. Although I am sure the cleaner-upper and diaper-changer are not as excited as I am. ;)

Philadelphia First Timers

Our friends had never been to Philly before so we took the train and spent a day in the city, giving them the "insider" tour. It also happened to be Morgan's first time seeing the city as well!

We packed in all the sites that we could in one day...Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, lunch at Reading Terminal Market and a quick stroll through Penn's Landing, Society Hill, South Street and Avenue of the Arts with a final stop at City Hall.

Whew what a day! We had a lot of fun with the girls. Morgan was hamming it up as usual, especially when she had her sunglasses on. We even had one tourist who couldn't resist taking a picture.

4th of July

We really enjoyed Morgan's first 4th, celebrating with Todd, Cindy and Olivia (our friends visiting from OH). The day was complete with a traditional cookout and despite the small amount of wind, a spin out on the boat at Peace Valley Park.

We even ventured out for fireworks in the evening. It was a late night, but the girls did really well and loved the lights.

My Friend Olivia

I had a ton of fun meeting my new friend Olivia when her family came to visit this past weekend from Ohio. Born just a month before me, she is just my size! We had a great time celebrating the 4th of July, seeing Philly, and spending some time playing together.

We also managed to fit in some swimming at their hotel. I loved the water! I think I am going to be a lil' fish like my Daddy.

Five Months Old

Five Months Old and Quite the Personality

Between Annapolis and Cape Cod, Morgan has been on-the-go all month and has done so well with everything. She is developing quite a cute personality and is even fun to take along places now. ;) Everyone we meet just adores her; doesn't hurt that she can be quite the flirt.

A Few of Morgan's Adorable Antics at 5 Months

* Belly Laughs - Some strangers (especially if you happen to be a female working in a quaint shop in Annapolis or Cape Cod), can get Morgan to give the biggest, doubling over, belly laugh. It is too cute!
* Trolling - When we are at a restaurant, Morgan will sit in her car seat and muster all the flirtatious charm she can while she scans the place for eye contact with some unsuspecting soul.
* Mirror Smiles - Every time Morgan sees herself in a mirror now, she gives the biggest smile. She even will look in anticipation all the way down the stairs for the mirror at the base of them.

* Grunts - If you sit with Morgan, her facing out, and pull up her legs she gives out the funniest grunting noise.
* Thumb - Instead of sticking her entire hand in her mouth now, she just started with her thumb, fingers curled around her nose, especially in new situations. But she still prefers, chomping on Daddy's finger...perhaps early stages of teething?
* "Where's Mommy (or Daddy)?" - When you ask Morgan, she will turn all around until she finds Mommy or Daddy and then give a huge smile.

Major Milestones for Month 5

During vacation, Morgan seemed to grow up all at once. It was quite the week!
* Feet - Although not as exciting as discovering her hands, Morgan found her feet and loves hanging on to them.
* Alia - The poor cat has also been found and her world is no longer safe. As soon as Alia enters the room "talking," Morgan starts searching for her. Morgan will reach to grab a fist full of fur if Alia gets anywhere close. Alia is pretty curious about Morgan too and loves to give little licks on fingers and toes.
* Rolling Over - The most exciting milestone is Morgan starting to roll over. She doesn't quite understand how useful it is, especially regarding mobility but definitely enough to make Mommy nervous when she's on the changing table. She will roll to the side to get a toy and she loves practicing in her crib, especially during supposed naptime. :)

Meeting Cousin Sophia

I am so excited to have finally met my Cousin Sophia and my Uncle Owen! Sunday we went to Grandma & Grandpa B's house to see them; just days after they arrived in Pennsylvania for their move back from North Dakota.

Sophia is so cute! It is really nice to see someone smaller than me for a change! I just wanted to hug her and play with her...but she didn't seem quite ready for that yet. And when she cried I was very curious what the matter was and wanted to make everything better. I know I am only a four months older but I can't help but feel like a big sister already!