Stella's vocabulary

Stella's vocabulary has been growing significantly in the past few months. Lately, we've had several good conversations with her. 

She gets a treat whenever she uses the potty. So, now if we have treats, she won't let anyone have one until they use the potty. A typical conversation goes like this when dad gets a treat for himself: Stella: "you didn't go potty yet."Dad: "I don't need to go potty right now."Stella: "you need to try. You don't want to have an accident. Just try." Dad: "ok, I'll try." Stella: "then you get a big treat."

After Dad goes potty, she usually claps and says "you did it! Now you need to wash your hands, you touched the potty. Now you can have a treat!"

She loves to go camping and for several weeks, every night before bed, she would say enthusiastically "we're gonna go camping! I like marshmallows. Do you like marshmallows (daddy or mommy)?"

In the evening, we usually watch the news and then Jeopardy. She has her favorite shows (Dora, Bubble Guppies, Blues Clues) and will negotiate how many of her shows she can watch before she will "let you watch the news."

she reserves her beloved blankets for Mommy, Daddy, and baby brother. She likes to lay out the blankets to "make you more comfortable" or folds the blankets to make pillows.

Usually Stella will make something at daycare and show us. Conversation about a drum she made - "Look what I made! It's a drum." Dad: "Wow, nice job Stell!" Stella: I painted it, look it's orange! I missed a spot right here."  Dad: "That's ok we can paint that spot when we get home. You did a great job!" Stella: "It's beautiful!" Dad: "It is, you'll have to show Mommy when we get home. Tell me how you made it?" Stella: "I painted it (can), then we put a band on this (fabric).....Look I'm going to play it. I'll sing wheels on the bus" 

These are just a few examples of the conversations with Stella. She definitely makes us laugh! 

Bath time at the Bakers

Foster had his first bath at home this evening.

Stella had a bath in the big tub at the same time. The folks at the hospital did a pretty good job cleaning him up. Since he has now lost his umbilical cord, he needed a little extra washing.

He was very patient during his sponge bath and while Daddy held him for a shampoo.

He did have a little peepee accident on Daddy's lap though.

Foster and Stella had fun copying each other's poses after their bath.

Foster's weight checks

Since Foster is breastfed, the doctor pays careful attention to the amount of weight lost and gained in the first few weeks after birth.He was born weighing 7lbs 15 oz. At his newborn check 5 days later, he was down to 7lb 7ozA few days later he had gained 1 oz back and in his second weight check, a week after that, he gained 2 more ounces.

The doctor was delayed for his second weight check so, he had a snack. The doctor weighed him again and found that he weighed 2oz more after he ate. 

The doctor was pleased with his progress and even said he could go longer between feedings if he wanted. He probably won't go that long between meals though!

Foster's first days

We brought Foster home from the hospital on Monday, February 20th.

Like any newborn, most of his first week was spent sleeping and eating.

big sister, Stella, was very attentive. When we first arrived home, she gave Foster one of her new heart bracelets.

She is very gentle with him and reminds everyone to not touch the top of his head. She likes to make "pillows" for him with washcloths and she has been good about sharing her favorite blankies.

Stella got several gifts from Baby Brother and Grandma including paints which, as you can tell, she's been enjoying quite a bit.

Foster had his first check with Dr Hagan and he looked good. He had only lost about 8oz from his birthweight.

when we went back on Friday he had gained back 1 oz.

On Friday evening, dad, Stella, Foster, and grandma put together a nice birthday surprise for mom including a delicious chocolate cake and handprint card.

Pee pee in the potty!

Stella has been using the potty for some time now. Back in December she switched to "big girl underwear" instead of diapers during the day.there were a few accidents along the way, but now she goes on the big potty everytime even when we're out and about!Did we mention that she cracks us up and makes us laugh! "You're silly"

1st meeting of big sister & little brother 2/19/17!

Stella was excited to meet "baby brother," Foster. Even though Mom and Dad prepared her, not quite sure she knew what to expect. 

She did a great job of helping mommy gently pat her sibling newborn. Big sister holding her little brother for the 1st time....priceless!  

Family picture! Behind the camera, Uncle Cameron....thanks for flying in to town on a very short notice to help out! More pics to come once they are uploaded from the camera. 

Baby brother, Foster is born 2/18/17!

Welcome to the world little guy! 

Foster J. Baker - DOB: 2/18/17 8:02pm. 

7 lbs 15 oz.

One of the nurses made the comment that his name sounds like he could be Professor....Mom and Dad could live with that. Happy Birthday!