So much has happened since our previous post- all wonderful, of course.  First of all, I am apologizing in advance for typos.  It is too late at night for me to be doing this, BUT  I was super excited to share so  many things, and didn't want to wait another day.  (Also, apologizing for the horrid picture of me with my eyes closed.  I uploaded the wrong picture, and don't know how to go back and only delete that one.  Nice)

The transition going back to school has been better than I thought.  Mimi is the best babysitter Lana could ever have, and I really enjoy the middle school!  I will admit, though, I cried a lot the first day.  Lana is such a little champ.  She is always happy.

Some major milestones for Lana have included: now rolling on both directions (actually barrel rolling over and over), saying "dada," sitting for long periods of time with no help, eating in her high chair, and moving up to level two baby food and mushed up "our food."  She tried some turkey/veggie medley tonight for dinner and LOVED IT!  Lana's repetition of "dada" is the sweetest little sound. Lana also went swimming again just two weeks ago, and was a little fish in the water all of teh sudden.  She loved floating around in her little raft, talking to herself, playing with her water toys, and pushing herself off the bottom of the baby pool to stand. Also, Lana loooovvvvveeessss Mickey Mouse.  Hit the road, Elmo, because Mickey Mouse is apparently much cooler.  During the Mickey Mouse introduction song, Lana stands in her little play saucer awaiting Mickey as the other characters introduce themselves.  Then, when Mickey comes on, she squeals with delight, and smacks her little hands on her toys.  She could watch Mickey Mouse forever.

At Friday's appointment, also Lana's 6 month birthday, she was again off the charts for her length. She is 28 1/4 inches long, and the charts for her age stop 1/2 an inch below that.  She is 17lbs. 5.5 oz, putting her in the 75th percentile for weight.

Over the past month, Lana got to go her first Blackhawks football game, hang out a lot with Uncle Kristopher, Auntie Em, Uncle Bone, and of course Mimi and Poppy, enjoy a special visit from Grandma and Grandpa Lechner and Aunt Katie, take her first visit to the park where she could sit on a blanket and feel the grass, celebrate lots of birthdays, experience some garage sale action, and many other things I am sure I am forgetting.

Much Love,
Lana, Luke, Nina, Shelby, and Gracie

Tomorrow, Lana will be 5 months old!!  

And..... one week from today, I will be returning to work. :-(  I have never felt so torn.  I am excited about my opportunity to teach 6th grade in middle school this year, but will miss Lana sooooooo much.  I know she will have the best babysitter anyone for which anyone could ever ask, my mom.  I will never forget, when Luke and I began dating, he asked innocently if I would ever consider being a stay-at-home mom.  At the time, I snapped back, "No way! I didn't go to Butler for 4 years to stay at home." Well, it would't have mattered if I had studied to be a doctor at the most prestigious university in the country, there is no job I would love more than to stay home with Lana.  But, I know I need to go back to school.  I will continue to be the best teacher I know how- all second to being the best mom I know how.

I finally figured out how to upload pictures off of our new computer, so that would explain why there are so many pictures this time.  The pictures go as far back as the 4th of July parade, and include: Luke's cousin's wedding in Jasper, a trip to the Indianapolis Children's Museum this past week, a trip to meet baby Jack and to the Straussenfest on Saturday, our time at the Indiana State Fair yesterday, and many things in between.  Lana also got to go to the zoo for the second time last weekend, but the few pictures of our trip are on Luke's phone.  We also have some pictures of Lana's first 4-H fair... also on our phones. I will figure out how to get those on here too. :-)

For now, Happy Birthday, Lana, and if you think to pray for Lana and my transition as I return to school, that would be fantastic! :-)