Food

So after hearing that Harper could start eating real food, we were pretty excited. Sunday night we finally attempted to feed her rice cereal. After mixing it with the milk, it actually ends up as more of a soup. I was anxious to see her reaction and if she would even know how to eat it, when we put a spoon to her mouth, as opposed to the bottle. We were pretty amazed as she easily took to the spoon, even going so far as to grab it and try and shovel the food into her mouth. For now, we are only doing this for her dinnertime feeding, and are not introducing any other foods just yet.

Catching up

So Harper had a big week, her 4 month check-up, first time in the pool, and my first Father's Day. Friday we went to the doctor's office, and wow, has she grown: up to 16lbs, 5oz and is now 24.5" long. However, she was not happy about the 3 shots she received. But we are all excited that she is developing well, and her doctor even said we can start introducing rice cereal to her diet. Harper is laughing a lot, she will now grab for items, can follow a toy, and much more. Gina and I are amazed all the time at what she can do.
Then on Friday night, we went to a pool party. Harper really enjoys bath time, so we didn't expect any issues. And she did not have any issues, even seeming to really enjoy the pool, splashing away more than in the bath. Her bathing suit was super cute too, but since she is growing so much, she almost needs a new one already.
Father's Day became a multi-day event. We had our families over on Saturday to hang out, play yard games, for those willing to brave the heat, and I grilled BBQ pork chops. My niece Morgan told me a great story about Harper being asleep at my parents, and when they played a voicemail I left, she woke up, smiled and looked around for me, then fell back asleep. Then on Sunday, I played golf for the first time in a long time, hung out at Brian & Erin's pool with the kids, then Gina went out and picked up Pei Wei. I received a great book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, with a picture of me & Harper along with a wonderful note from Gina on the inside cover. I love being a dad, I have a great wife and mother, and an amazing daughter that made my first Father's Day extremely special.

Harper loves to stand


Just can't get enough of that smile


In her new raft, still a little big for her though.


Splashing her face and Gina




I can grab my toes now.

Back to work

Today was Gina's first day back at work. It is really hard to believe Harper is 4 months old now. And we were both really dreading today. In the end, I think we were over-anxious, as Gina handled the day pretty well. Of course, today wasn't a true test, as Gina's mom came over to watch Harper for the day, and Gina was able to call and talk to Harper. I think it will be a different story when we have to take her and drop her off for daycare, with people we don't know at all, compared to my parents that will be watching her for the next 2 months. Also very helpful today, was that we have friends that also headed back to work today, or recently, after being out on maternity leave, so Gina could talk to them about what to expect. The one thing I am looking forward to about taking her to my parents or daycare, is that I get to wake her up in the morning. Until now, I would only look at her on the monitor afraid to wake her up. And she has the greatest smile first thing in the morning, like hey, you still love me, awesome.

Working the thumb and the jumpy chair


Nap time


Found the thumb


Play date with Taylor Rabe