Libby's First Christmas

Christmas is a season of joy and love as Christ came into this world as a baby. "What Child is This?" was brought to new life with our child this year as we celebrate through the eyes of a child "Joy to the World". "Away in a Manger" laid Libby to rest many nights this season. Our family wishes you a very Merry CHRISTmas.

Sweet Potatoes

Libby's first veggies. Mommy made them but it seems she is not a fan of mommy's cooking. I will have to try new recipes. The first night we tried it took so long to make them she fell asleep in her high chair. The next night She made bad faces and only swallowed a couple bites. Trying again tonight. I will wear a face shield, soon she will realize she can spit it out.

Thanksgiving

Libby's first thanksgiving. Wow, we have so much to be thankful for. 2010 we are most thanksful for Elizabeth Ann Kubicek of course. We are thankful for her joy, smiles, laughter, snuggles, tears, learning, intrigue, awe, patience, delight, jumping, kicking, touching toes, teeth...



Libby had her first "solid food" - rice cereal.



We are so blessed to be with our whole family over then Thanksgiving weekend. Thank you all for celebrating Libby's first Thanksgiving with us and giving us so much to be thankful for.



Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is not about gifts and our culture has not gotten rid of the purpose of this holiday. It is to reflect on what we are thankful for with friends and family around us. Thank you Lord for EVERYTHING.

Sleeping Concerns

In case you were wondering... Libby is back to sleeping most of the night through. This is especially wonderful for mommy and daddy as we were becoming a bit delirious without sleep. Turns out Libby is a tummy sleeper.

Libby Taco!

I almost forgot to show you what fun it is to trick or trick. Libby is no trick but she is the best treat.

Snow Baby

11.12.10 Libby's first snow. She has been practicing her snow angel moves on her blanket in the living room. Next thing I know I am awe struck at the sight of the fluffy, white, flakes that on her nose. Libby blinks and squints hard when the wet flakes hit her head and face. Libby loves the snow. Maybe we will have a white Christmas.

First Tooth

Now there is an explanation for the sleepless nights, drooling and constant chewing. She now also watches everything that goes into our mouths. It is amazing to watch her fascination with the simplest things. Before long she will be eating at the table with us.

Vala's 2010

Libby is a true Nebraska girl in a vat of corn. Don't worry we did not let her put any of the corn in her mouth as she likes to do with anything she can get in her hand.
Our little pumpkin was in the cutest pumpkin at the pumpkin patch. We remember visiting Vala's Pumpkin Patch as children ourselves, so taking Libby there is a continued family tradition.
Libby is sooo big and tall already. Not only is she taller than daddy pictured here but she is in the 97th percentile. What a view! I think she is noticing all the grey hair she is giving daddy and eating it, um yummy daddy hair.
Journey Church Night at Vala's was a great time. We had a bon fire, hayrack ride, music by Cody Villarreal, family, friends and fun. We enjoy your evenings as a family loving on our little girl. Thank you for joining us Great Aunt Geri and Nana.

No haunted houses and unneccesary fear. God tells us to not be afraid, so we are going to do our best to model that to Libby.

Watch me grow!

Libby Laughs

Giggles with complete delight. My ears perk up to the perfectly pitched joy that comes out of Libby's belly. These belly laughs remind me of the pleasure or all that is good and right. As I hear joy is it's perfect essence like a church bell chime, or birds in an open field, remembering "the hills are alive with the sound of music", or waves on the beach... there are so many perfect sounds that hardly compare to the sound that comes from Libby. All we have to do is smile big at her, lightly tickle her tummy or toes, give kisses and let her touch our face or just gaze into her eyes and her response is laughs. May you get to hear with your own ears too!

"How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:22

Sick-achew

Libby is getting over her first cold. She has all the symptoms: runny nose (to go along with her drool), coughing (she is startled away and wonders what that loud noise was and gives me the look that says, "Mom, why would you hurt my throat like that."), her eyes are weepy, her cheeks are pink, she needs mommy & daddy's comfort and fits right into the crook of our neck, and all the while she smiles at us- just because we are there.

I hate to say I have gotten a few laughs out of her response to her first cough, but I have also had sleepless nights as I listen to her difficulty breathing. She is quickly recovering and has been so grateful that Grammy & Nana are here to hold and love on her while mommy and daddy are at work.

Her 4 month doctor's visit is Friday so if there is anything residual we will follow up then and we will know where she is in the baby percentile. Don't tell her, but the are vaccinations too.

Plane Destination...Seattle

Libby's first plane ride was this morning at 6:10am from Omaha to Dallas and then on to Seattle. We made it safe and sound. Mommy and Daddy loved spending hours of one-on-one time with Libby. Libby ate and slept through the first flight, played during our layover and on the second flight. As we desended into Seattle she fussed a little because I think her ears hurt a bit. She helped us make friends with all the nice people in line for the airplane restroom. Did you know they have baby changing tables in airplane restrooms? Well they do. That was one of Libby's favorite places today because she got to spread out and kick her cute little legs.

Libby saw the ocean (Puget Sound) today. In all it's foggy, rainy glory. Water in the air and for miles stretching before us.

"You have a baby in a bar..." - Sweet Home Alabama. Ok, does it count if it is a winery, wine tasting? Willow Lodge is a beautiful hotel amidst many wineries. Seattle is amazing so far. Libby will be wearing her Husker red for the rest of the trip. More fun to come...

Zoo-animals in real life

We enjoyed grandparents day with Grammy and Grandpa Kubicek at the Omaha Henery Doorly Zoo. We also got to spend time with the Robinsons who showed us the joys that will come in the next few years when Libby can experience the zoo as a 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 year old. I can't believe will soon be able to get out of her stroller herself, help us push the stroller or be as tall at the King Penguin.

Libby was delighted by the aquarium and the jungle. She couldn't stop staring at the water movement and animals she has only seen hanging above her (see also her swing and playgym).

Libby has seen all kinds of stuffed animals but this time they were real. Libby could not get enough of this new world. So much so that after the jungle and the aquarium she was so over-stimulated she had to take a long nap. She even missed the real "silly giraffe." Our life seems like a zoo but we know the Creator of it all has a great plan for us.

My future is so bright I've got to wear shades...

As the summer comes to an end we enjoy all the fun of summer. Our cousins visited, we swam at the Nelson's in swim suits (already tanner than her mommy with daddy's skin tone) and shades.
Oh what fun we have had enjoying our time together. We saw family and friends, had lunch, shopped, played at the park, went on vacation, went on walks and so much more.

First Huskers Game

Husker fan at 13 weeks!

Go Huskers! As it gets cooler at night Libby celebrates a Huskers Touchdown with Uncle Brent. After struggling to get the Nebraska game on the radio in Iowa, Grandpa Kubicek succeeded. Outside at our family campsite Libby enjoyed multiple Husker dress up outfits (due to poo problems). The cheerleader outfit we were unable to provide a picture of due to her quick change (sorry Uncle Alex) then she relaxed in her pink Huskers attire (thanks Grammy).

Peace in His Teaching

Isaiah 28: 17 This is what the LORD says—

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

"I am the LORD your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

I was just contimplating what it means to "train" Libby to follow the Lord (see "Dedication" post) and He answered me in His word. In this He will give us peace like a river.

I think what this peaceful girl is learning is how to sleep sitting up like her mommy. She typically sleeps 8 hours at night but still enjoys her morning nap while mommy and daddy get ready for work.

Mommy Speeds Home From Work

I race to my car at the end of the day and if you thought I was a fast walker before you should see me at 4:30. Then all the other cars on the road need to move over because I am on my way to see my baby girl! I run into the house and there she is. Libby smiles when I smile at her. She coos and tells me all about her day with intensity like I might understand. Until all too easily she gets distracted by the ceiling fan and gazes in wonder. Speaking of looking in wonder, did you know hands were so intriguing. She will stare and then reach for things and think, wow how did I do that? She then hears music from the Baby Einstein frog and smiles again. She arches her back toward me, like she is thinking oh hurry and pick me up mommy. I am all too happy to scoop her up and snuggle her close to me. Then I look into her big blue eyes and stand her in front of me and delight in this child of mine.

Size 2 Diapers

So Libby has officially graduated to size 2 diapers. Why do you care? Why is this blog worthy Well, Mrs. Poopy Pants may have not only changed her clothes 3 times today but also made Nana change clothes due to an incredible burst of...let's not embarrass our little princess. But that also reminds us how big she is getting. She is outgrowing 0-3 month clothes and size 2 diapers are for more than 14 pounds. Our baby girl is getting so big.

Dedication

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”- Proverbs 22:6

This was the verse of the day today. Which reminded me it has been one month since Libby was Dedicated to the Lord on August 1,2010 at Journey Church. What a joy to see this precious child that we prayed for being committed to the Lord. We desire for her to grow up in the knowledge and truth of who Christ is and what He means in our lives. We pray she will embrace her faith at a very young age and grow closer to Him daily. When the verse above says "train" what does that mean? We pray, live our lives as an example, and love on her and that is about all we know about training. I supposed the next series of books we will read with have to be guidelines, choices, discipline... oh my here we go. Right now I think I will just pray and love her.

Back to Work- Going to Grandma's

There are no words only tears. Thanks moms:) Libby is in great, loving hands.

Tummy Time

Libby is stronger than her mommy. She can do toe push ups when she is not snuggling with face on her blankie. When she gets lazy she finds that Noah's Ark brings animals 2 by 2 much to her intrigue. She loves the distinct colors and is fascinated with staring at them. (Thanks Grandma Joni!) Often Libby through a smile can talk mommy, daddy, or whomever is around into playing on the floor with her. (Thanks Auntie Jordie!) Sometimes we find it is just as fun to watch her discover new things as it is to introduce her to things myself. Turns out we can't and shouldn't hold her all the time, man we are already having to let her go and grow up some on her own.

Libby is a Husker Fan

Libby is a Husker fan already. She is looking forward to her first plane ride and first Husker game. We get to go to Washington to see the Huskers vs. the Huskies September 16th. Libby will be there in all her adorable glory dressed and ready thanks to Uncle Alex (current UNL student). She is the most adorable Cornhusker cheerleader I have ever seen. Now I need to find something to wear.

Lamby

Thank you for the lamby chair, Gigi and Nelsons! It is adorable in Libby's room. She likes to sit and hang out on her chair. She poses and plays dress up on Lamby.

Twin Friends

Libby is so lucky to have so many friends. Play dates are our favorite. Mom and Dad get to hang out with their friends while we smile and coo on the blanket. My matchy matchy friend pictured is Miss Carmella. I call her Carmi. We see each other in the Journey Church nursery, bon fires, Bible Study and more. Carmi shares her hand me downs with me so this time it was fun to both have twin outfits.

Maternity Leave The End

Can you believe Libby is 12 weeks old?! WOW, in the last 12 weeks my heart has doubled in size with love for our daughter. I have been blessed to be at home with her and enjoy every moment of her development: smiles, coos, tracking, focus, bubbles, kicking feet, music recognition, swimming and more. We get to snuggle and nap in the morning, then dance to classic Christian Children's Music, play with the jungle animals in her play gym, talk to the rainforest animals in her swing, help mommy with house work in her carrier, stroller walk, make Rachel Ray dinners, run errands, listen to Veggie Tails on pandora, visit or be visited by friends and family, and did I mention eat, change diapers, bath, eat, change diapers and bath. We have had so much fun. Now we will just condense that all down to evening hours and weekends. Now the fun begins for the grandmas during the day. Thank you Nana and Grammy we are so blessed to place her in your loving arms during the day.

Libby's Hands

Libby is realizing she has hands now. She often kicks her feet but does not realize she controls them. However, her hands now reach and pull up her dress and fits hit the toys above her head. It is so fun to watch her grow and develop. I never did get her to make hand prints for her baby book. So we will not be able to compare her hand size when she is older. I wasn't quite sure how to get the ink, flatten her hand and not then get ink all over before washing it off or staining her hand black. Any suggestions?

Eye Development

High contrast, developmental patterns help develop eye muscles and help Libby focus. No wonder she likes silly giraffe so much. Libby is almost 3 months now and can see all major colors and by 4 months can even categorize and remember them. The symmetry of a face is calming and soothing for young babies. So we have pictures in our look book to show her the smiling faces of our family and friends. If you have a picture you would like us to share of your beautiful face please email it to Libby's mommy for the look book.

Jogging

We went for our first family jog last night. Thanks for the stroller! Libby loves the outdoors and smiled up as Daddy pushed the stroller. Soon she was asleep as we enjoyed the setting sun and tried to figure out how we can continue to have an active workout routinely. We like to go together so we can catch up and live as example to Libby that working out should be a part of our lives to stay healthy and take care of the body God has given us. We are counting down to the 10K Omaha Marathon on September 26th. All 3 of us are running plus Jordan. Come cheer us on or join us. It is nice to work toward a goal. Speaking of goals I am working on getting to my pre pregnancy weight, pray for me to say no to cookies and other yummies.

Libby Swinging

Libby is enthralled by her swing (thank you Nabity Family for sharing). Oh the wonder of rainforest animals. It is amazing to see her experience the world around her with childlike wonder and awe. God's creation is new through her eyes. She is talking to those characters now. What is next in her world of wonder anew...?

Announcements

Who gave me the great idea to create our baby announcements? Actually, I believe that was me with a little bit of overachiever, perfectionist, budget minded, and delirious all mixed into that decision. But finally after almost 10 weeks we can officially announce to our friends and family Elizabeth "Libby" Ann Kubicek was born on June 3, 2010 at 4:27, 7 lbs 9 oz 20 in. We (Jason & Brooke) are her proud, loving parents. Yours will soon arrive...

Play Gym

Libby is so much fun. She is growing and learning more about this world everyday. Her play gym is her new favorite toy. Thank you for introducing it to us Robinsons. She loves entertaining herself and we would rather watch her play and discover things than anything else.

Libby 2 months

Libby is 2 months old now. She is smiling, cooing, enjoying her swing, stroller walks, tummy time and following silly giraffe, mommy and daddy with her eyes. We are so in love with her. We can't believe the joy her tiny life brings to us every day. She is now 11 pounds and 11 ounces and 24 inches long. "Father Abraham" is playing in her room and she is kicking her little legs and waving her little arms. She already loves to worship God. Thanks for the little play CD Aunt Heather, Abbie, Lillie and Maggie. We can't wait for you all to teach her all the moves.

Baby GIRL

Elizabeth "Libby" Ann Kubicek was born on June 3, 2010 at 4:27 p.m. She was 7 pounds 9 ounces and 20 inches long. She changed our lives forever that day and we can't wait to see what God has in store for her life. What a joy. Children are a gift from God. ~Psalm 127:3

Big

adjective: of considerable size, extent or intensity.

Some days a pregnant woman wants to show more as the baby grows. Conversely if someone calls her BIG she hears huge, unattractive, fat, lazy... So my point is don't call a pregnant woman big. She is blessed, carrying a child, loving, glowing, joyful... "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" Luke 1:24

"The suffering of Jesus, 'After He has suffered, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge my righteous servant will justify many.' Isaiah 53:11 is in order to accomplish God's purpose of redemption. It is compared to that of a woman who suffers in birth with a view to producing a child. "

What a joy to look forward to June 5th. Count down 10 weeks...

Baby K is Due June 5th

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. - Psalm 139:13