Oh the faces we see...

While trying to capture her smile one day... I kept missing it but got these faces  instead - HA!

Bridgette is 1 Month Old!

Can you believe it's already been a MONTH!?? We can't either. Bridgette had her 4 week check up this past Thursday, and she's looking good! She's finally up past her birth weight (YAY!) at a healthy 8.6lbs and measuring 21.5 inches long. It's amazing how fast they grow! She's already getting out of her newborn onesies and just about out of her newborn diapers! 

The 4 week mark has also brought out what we call "Little Miss Fussy Pants". As new parents, we are learning what makes her "fussy" and what seems to calm her down. So far we have found that she loves bath time, going for walks in the stroller, and walking around outside in the backyard. 

On a morning walk with Mommy... and her cute new hat!

Such a peaceful face...and again the hand is resting on her face :)

Story time with Dad... she was wide awake the whole time, but Chester fell asleep! Ha!

Bath time... ahhhhhh

Still lovin' it! So much that she just about fell asleep!

Testing out the new carrier... I think she likes it! :)

Week 3 in Pictures

We are a little behind here... (I mean, it's not like we're busy or anything right?? ha!) but wanted to show some updated pics! Last week Bridgette got to go out on her first dinner date with her Vovo, who was in town for business. Then over the weekend, my Aunt Holly and Uncle Craig came in with my cousins just to meet Miss Bridgette and get some hugs in. (Thanks guys for making the trip up!) Here are some pics from that week... 

Vovo Dude getting to hold his granddaughter again!

Aunt Holly meeting Bridgette

Uncle Craig getting his turn

Maddy was all over taking care of Bridgette! I remember holding Maddy when she was this small!! 

At "work" with Daddy

Tummy Time :)

A Saturday at the Arboretum...

Two weekends ago (when the weather was unseasonably nice) we met Mimi and Poppa at the Arboretum. We think she enjoyed the scenery, sounds, and the fresh outdoor air! As we walked by one of the streams, she seemed to have fallen asleep in Poppa's arms. I can't wait for the fall weather so we pack a picnic and go all the time! :)

All set and ready to go!

Poppa had no problem pushing the stroller the whole time!

The new family of three!

BIG YAWN...

Such a tough life as a baby... notice the hand on her head :)

Making eye contact with Mimi.

So I dress her up in tutus and Bob puts her in sunglasses!

Bridgette the Ballerina

When Jared was in town a couple weeks ago, we asked him to do a mini photo shoot to get some pics for her birth announcements. Here are a few great ones that we didn't use. If you can't tell... I'm obsessed with the tutu! :)

Thanks Uncle Jared for the great pics! 

Ok... so maybe she doesn't like the tutu as much as Mommy!? :)

We love all of her facial expressions!!

Hmm... not sure about this one...

Ahh... the tutu is off and I'm safe in Daddy's arms!

Bridgette, meet your family!

This past weekend, Bridgette was able to meet the rest of her Tias (Aunts), Uncles, and her very first cousin (who is just 22 days older)!!  Tia Christina came in first, followed by a day of fun with Tia Sandra, Uncle Cliff, and Miss Ava :) Sandra and I had fun catching up, discussing motherhood, and just laughing at our girls! We even got Martha on gchat for a Bloem Family picture! ha! 

Then yesterday Bridgette got to meet her Uncle Jared! I think he was a little smitten over his new niece! We had a fun outing at the mall, good hang out time, and even a little photo shoot for our baby announcements! (more of those pics to come soon) 

We just want to THANK everyone for making the drive, fly, trip into town to meet our little girl!! :) Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Tia Martha was the first family (other than the grandparents of course) to hold Miss Bridgette :) I had to include this picture from the hospital.

Tia Christina, meet Bridgette.

I think she found a comfy spot in Christina's arms!

the NEW families

Christina soakin' up both nieces at once!

the Bloem family picture, with tia Martha connected through the web!

Bridgette - meet Uncle Jared

"She's so stinkin' cute!"

Jared giving her a little snack before our mall outing.

Bob and Jared, being their usual selves, playing "my two dads" at the mall while mom and I followed behind.

Happy Birthday Bridgette!

Meet Miss Bridgette Eloise Bloem! Born on July 2nd, 2009 at 7:50 am. Bridgette weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz, and a staggering 18.9 inches tall (almost as tall as dad!). 10 fingers, 10 toes, and the cutest little nose, a beautiful little girl has blessed us with her birth. 

Mom and Dad anxiously awaiting her arrival...

... not here for even 5 minutes and Dad's already beaming.

and the paparazzi has begun! (should we mention she's only 30 minutes old here!)

Proud Grandparents: Poppa, Mimi, Vovo, and Vovo

Sweetness!

Daddy and Daughter nap time.

Mom and daughter planning their first shoe shopping trip...

... and dresses too! You think Mom may be trying to influence a little dancer here?

Who says Dad can't get in on the fun too?

Mom had to sit in the back seat with Bridgette - who was strapped in so tight she could have gone to the moon! BTW, Mom still hasn't come to the front seat - Dad's been playing chauffeur.  

Yup - I'm cute!