This girl is just too cute. This Pic was taken maybe 1 1/2 months ago. You can really see her personality though. She is a little mischievous and she has an amazing sense of humor. It is an amazing feeling to wake up each day and have that smile greet you from her crib when you walk in her room. She really has the ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Well, school has just about taken over my life. The end is in sight though, at least for the winter break. I’ll have 20 whopping days off. Anyhow, Haleigh had her Christmas pictures taken a few weeks ago and they came out amazing. Allison bought her a great little dress and took her to the photographer at Babies “R” Us (Kiddie Kandids?). Whatever, they’re great. We’ll post them soon. Haleigh has gotten so big and although she hass retained some of her features, she looks so different than compared to the last pictures posted here. Stay tuned and get ready with the oooohs and aaaaahs. Like I said, they’re great.

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Our little “Bean,” as she is affectionately called, is growing and changing like crazy. It’s amazing how fast a person can change in just a few months. Haleigh is now 4 months old, a whopping 13lbs, 13 oz and 25.5 inches long (as of September 11th). If I had a nickel for everytime I heard someone (friends and strangers) say, “Look at her smile!” I’d never have to work again!

I started back to work August 12th, and Haleigh began her busy weeks at daycare on Mondays and Tuesdays, with Grammie on Wednesdays, and with Auntie Kristina on Fridays. I have been fortunate enough to have a 4-day work week so I can be home with her on Thursdays. She is already well loved at daycare, and known as the baby who smiles all the time. She’s also teased us with a belly-laugh or two, but seems to have forgotten how to do it….I don’t know how, maybe just because she’s so awesome (I’m no biased or anything), but she’s adjusted perfectly to the abrupt change from our maternity-leave routine. She has been sleeping through the night since she was about 3 weeks old, with the exception of one early morning feeding. Hopefully she’ll continue this pattern!

Most recently, she’s learned how to roll over, which has made our nice, easy bedtime routine into an anxiety provoking adventure. She has had to adjust to no longer being swaddled to go to sleep. And has had to adjust to being comfortable on her belly in order to not keep herself awake at night. It’s a work in progress.

We’re seeing the beginnings of teething….the drool, chomping on whatever she can get her hands on (or just her hands). She’s responding to her surroundings by turning her head toward noises (especially our voices), reaching for toys, and she LOVES her jungle jumperoo. Also TV. We’re starting her off with some great habits Of particular preference is her daddy. You should see her light up when she sees him walk in the room!

Kevin started school last week, in addition to working. Juggling everything for the next 3 years will be a challenge, but worth it in the end.

We’re still battling the reflux. Zantac to Prilosec to Prevacid. I think she’s just meant to be a fussy eater. We’ve also had fun starting solids! Haleigh had her first taste of rice cereal (yum) the last weekend in August. She wasn’t really a fan of it, and spent most of the event gagging and trying to escape. Since then, she’s grown to tolerate it, and is working on perfecting her swallowing reflex.

Somehow, we’ve successfully adapted to life as full-time working parents, and Haleigh has grown into a perfect, plump, happy 4-month old. Next stop–fruits and veggies, crawling, sitting….

Here are a few pictures from Haleigh’s photo shoot.
They were taken by Olivia Wilcox, Blink of an Eye Photography. Check her out on our blogroll. We have been lucky enough to have her around for our wedding, my maternity shoot, and now for Haleigh.

Just when you think you know what love is, someone throws a curveball. This time, the curveball was thrown by a 7 lb little person.
I am obsessed with my baby’s feet. And her eyes. And her toothless grin. And the fuzzy hair on her head. I expected, but never would have been able to predict the feeling that would come over at me every time my daughter would smile. It is a feeling of joy and fear all at once. It is a feeling that just plain terrifies me to know that this little human being has been entrusted to me to be loved, protected, and provided for forever. Because I have no idea what I’m doing. It is a feeling of wonder—I imagine, what will she look like? What will make her happy? I try to picture her as a kindergartener, a high schooler, on her wedding day. And then I have to remind myself that her life will seemingly fly by; in a matter of a month, she will change so much, and I need to absorb as much of her as I possibly can right now. Even at 2:00 AM when all I want is for her to stop crying and go to sleep. I am awed by the fact that she came out of me; love created by love.
And I am reminded that real love is selfless. Whether it be in a marriage, a friendship, or raising a child, it is when little else matters but the best for the one you love.
I now find myself insanely lucky to spend every day with a husband and a daughter whom I love more than life.

Haleigh Anne Giuliano was born on May, 10th 2008 at 7:20 PM. She weighed approximately 7 pounds and 3 ounces. I won’t go into too many details at this time regairding either Allison’s or my experiences during the labor and delivery. In fact, all I’ll say right now is that it was long, I’m glad its over and I’m extrmeley grateful that both Allison and Haleigh are healthy and safe. Here are some pictures so that you may become acquainted.

Haleigh and Allison

Haleigh and Dr. O’Toole