There's a tooth in there!

Lauren's first tooth popped through her bottom gum this past weekend! She has been dealing with the pain very well overall, but does seem a bit more irritable in the evenings. Of course I haven't been able to get a picture of her tooth yet, but I promise it's in there. I'll post a picture when she lets me take one. She still poses each time she hears the camera turn on, so getting a shot of her tooth is difficult when she smiles all of the time. :)

We were able to take some beautiful pictures up at the cabin this past weekend. What a picture perfect weekend we had. I've decided that Northern Michigan is my favorite place on earth. I can't wait to share these feelings and many more up north adventures with Lauren as she grows.

Discovering sand

A beautiful evening on the beach




Lauren holds her bottle all of the time by herself now. She loves this new independence.

Outdoor pics

Here are some photos from our time spent outdoors this past week. Even with working full-time now, Lauren and I spend as much time together outside as possible. We even enjoyed our first family bike ride this afternoon. Geoff pulled Lauren in the Burley we got her for Christmas and I followed behind.

Ready for her first bike ride.

Posing for a photo in the backyard.

Discovering grass.

Helping Daddy plant the flower boxes.

Lauren now moves around by pushing herself backwards. She is so proud each time she gets herself underneath our couch.

Happy 1st Mother's Day

Geoff, Lauren, and I decided to spend my first Mother's Day taking a family day trip. We traveled about 2 hours southwest to Starved Rock State Park.

Mother's Day actually started for me on Saturday night when Geoff bought me a rose after church in honor of Mother's Day. Then Lauren gave me the gift of a little extra sleep as she slept until almost 8am Sunday morning. That was after a little wake up around 4:30am when Geoff suggested we let her sleep in her car seat for the rest of the night. She has been fighting a cold or allergies and was having a tough time breathing while lying down, so sleeping upright was helpful to her. Geoff then made me breakfast, we got ready and were off.

Lauren and I relaxing after our picnic lunch.

One of the waterfalls we discovered on our hike.

Geoff and Lauren on a bluff over the Illinois River.

We really enjoyed our day as a family. The weather was perfect (low-mid 70s and sunny) and the time spent just the three of us was wonderful. I am so grateful to have a fantastic, thoughtful, and caring husband and a happy-go-lucky little girl!

Family Photos

Swinging with Daddy in Wicker Park near Aunt Steph and Uncle Jon's apartment.

Last weekend my family came to visit and celebrate Mother's Day. We had a wonderful time shopping downtown, walking around the Chicago Botanic Garden, and playing cards/dominos. It was so nice to spend together.



Lauren posing for a photo with my cousin Jess.

Insights into Lauren's Personality

Lauren has really started to become more aware and curious of her surroundings. With that, parts of her personality are starting to shine through. She is very patient and has been sitting on my lap just watching while I created this post. She is busy talking away and is very interested with the computer keys. She dances by bobbing her head back and forth now and can't quite crawl yet, but moves her entire body around in circles.

Lauren loves to make animal noises, especially lion noises. We call her Lauren the Lion.





Trying to escape from her car seat.



Lauren loves each baby food she has tried, but we are not so sure about "real" bananas.

Fun with Grammie and Grandpa

After a long and busy tax season, Grammie and Grandpa Spindler came to visit for a well-deserved four day vacation.

Grandpa and Grammie took Lauren to the Brookfield Zoo Friday afternoon.





On Saturday morning we took a walk to get donuts.



After our donut run, Geoff and Lauren took their first swim class together. Lauren loves splashing in the water.


Lauren loved wearing her new beach cover.


Opening her Easter bucket from Grandpa and Grammie. What fun goodies!


Uncle Jon, Geoff, and Grandpa enjoyed a perfect afternoon at Wrigley, while the ladies went shopping.


All dressed up for church.


Thanks for the super fun weekend, Grammie and Grandpa! Love you!

Happy Easter

Easter started early in the Hanson household, as Lauren decided to wake up around 5am! She has a little cold, so we are not sure if that was bothering her or if her teeth were hurting. Lauren doesn't have any teeth yet, but she seems to be teething, and for the most part, is handling it very well. Anyway, she fell back asleep on my shoulder around 5:30 until 7. Check out the photos below for a recap of our day.

Yum! A great meal of rice cereal to start the day!


Lauren's first Easter basket was filled with baby food, teething biscuits, onesies, a new swimsuit, a teething book, and some swim diapers. No candy yet!


We celebrated Easter at our friends Derek, Jillian, and London's house. Derek made a great meal and it was wonderful to spend some time together. London loved giving Lauren hugs! Lauren, on the other hand, wasn't so sure.

Lauren just loves her sweet potatoes! After a quick meal, the tired little girl was off to bed.