Visitors from Hawaii

Two weeks ago, my sister Brittney and my brother in law Kyle came to visit. Kyle serves in the Marine Corps and they are stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Kaneohe Bay. Britt has been "home" to Oregon quite a few times to visit, but Kyle doesn't have the chance to visit as often. We were very thankful to have them with us for a night while they were in Oregon. Britt hadn't seen Alexis in four months and Kyle had never met his niece!

She is such a natural with little ones

Uncle and niece bonding time... she cried for 20 minutes straight... not a great way to win over Uncle Kyle haha

While in Springfield with us, some extended family wanted to spend time with Britt and Kyle as well so we went out for dinner.

The Olaen Clan

"Brother in law in laws"

I don't think they ever imagined as roommates at OSU that they would 1: be brothers in law and 2: be uncles to each others children one day

Since the whole family was finally together again, we went and had a professional family photo taken. Of course we had to take several of our own as well...

I have no idea what that face is for... she really does enjoy her grandparents!

Alexis smiling with her beautiful Grandma

My brother Ty, his girlfriend Katrina, and their cutie patootie daughter Macie

They both really warmed up to each other by the end of the visit

Thanks for coming to visit us Aunt Britt!

As fun as it was to have them visit us in Oregon... I think a visit to Hawaii will be MUCH more fun! Can't wait until that day :)

*Many of these photos are courtesy of my sister. I've realized that while with large groups now, I forget to bring out the camera. Thanks for sharing with me Britt!

Rice Cereal Fail

We decided to give Alexis some rice cereal a couple of days after she turned 5 months old. I considered skipping rice cereal all together and just starting her on purees at 6 months, but I thought it may be good to have her practice the act of eating and hopefully get the hang of it before we start purees.

I'm pretty sure she thought we were torturing her! We have tried the rice cereal 4-5 times since and have had the same reaction. Although, when Daddy fed her, she did seem to consume more than when Mommy was feeding her. Daddy says it's because he is more assertive and she knows that he means business... I don't know about that ;)

One thing I do know, she may not like what she is eating in her high chair, but she sure likes sitting in it!

5 Months Old

We have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to post Alexis' 5 month photos, let alone do any other blog posts. I have a lot of catching up to do and will try to do so in the coming week or two. I was so blessed to have my sister Brittney visiting during this 5 month photo shoot. Each month, the photos are becoming more and more difficult to take. Having my sister there to take photos with me helped capture at least a couple of decent pics. Thanks again Britt!

Alexis at 5 Months: Alexis has developed quite the personality. She is such an incredibly smiley girl. All you have to do is smile at her or talk to her and she will grin from ear to ear. She loves blowing bubbles, chewing on toys, and exploring people's faces with her hands. Alexis has stopped sleeping through the night and generally wakes up at least once to eat. I hope in a month when we start her on purees she will start sleeping through the night again. She still does pretty well when held by others, but if she is tired or hungry and sees Greg or me she starts whining and begging for us. I'm sure it will annoy me at some point, but I love being the one she wants/needs to be comforted. I cannot believe that she will be half a year old in less than a month. We have been having so much fun with her and she brings us such joy. We are looking forward to another month of great memories with her!