6-7months

Hey sweetie!

I can't believe you are already over a half year old!! First, let me apologize for the slackeration that has been going on. We've been quite busy. the day after you turned 6 months old you took your very first plane ride. How exciting!!!! I was soo nervous about how you would do but I think you handled it like a champ! We went to Phoenix, Arizona to accompany daddy on to a work conference. I think a lot of my apprehension comes from so many horrible news stories about how TSA (the security administration) treats moms. I've heard about moms forced to pump breast milk in front of people just to be able to bring their breast pumps through security.. how ridiculous is that?! I didn't want anything to happen to YOUR milk to so I purchased sealed containers so they would stay fresh and hopefully untampered. The TSA officials were very nice to us and getting you through security was no problem at all. In fact you were quite the ham! You fell asleep before take off and slept most of the time. 

While we were in Phoenix you and I spent a lot of time together- just like when I was on maternity leave. It was so much fun. I think your favorite part was when we went on walks. You would kick your feet and look around the entire time until you fell asleep. We met a lot of your dad's colleagues from other institutions and you were always the star of the show! We even took a trip to the Grand Canyon! I'm sorry you won't remember any of it- but I was sure to take a lot of pictures of you there so you can see how it was later. Maybe one day we will get the chance to go back when you can remember it. Your grandparents would LOVE to go one day. I loved this trip sooo much and next year it's going to be even better because we are going to the happiest place on earth!!!! You have no clue but I am the most excited ever!!!! I've even rounded up both set of your grandparents to come with us because it will be your first time there. I can't wait- it's going to be soooo  much fun. Don't worry I know you won't remember so I'll take a trillion pictures and make every one wear Mickey ears =) We never intended to take you so young but the opportunity has presented itself so I'm not going to miss it.

Your personality is beginning to develop. You are so pleasant- it's amazing! Your dad and I are new to this parenting thing and I am so glad you are taking it so well. You literally light up a room when you are in it. You are so funny and you're so little! Let me tell you why. One day while you were at the G'rents you pooped your pants. Literally. It cam out of your diaper and into your pants as well as your shirt and I think you may have gotten some on G-pa. He didn't mind but the only way to handle this was to give you a quick wash down old skool style- in the kitchen sink. So I stripped you down wiped off all the poop and sat your in the sink. Well, you turned the sink into your own personal hot tub! Who does that?!

notice the foot prop

You do the most adorable things, lol!



After our trip  we (half heartedly) celebrated St. Patrick's Day. Normally I would make a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage but I gave up meat for lent so that was a no-go.

We spent the rest of the month attending family gatherings and hanging out. You were even baptised on the same day I was 28 years ago! Last week we celebrated Holy week starting with Maundy Thursday and ending with Resurrection (aka Easter) Sunday. We hosted dinner Easter dinner at our house and had a blast! I actually cooked something besides dessert. I never do that because I like to leave it up to the pros like your Grandma and Auntie's but I have to learn someday, right?

Your are doing really well- growing so big and learning everything! At your 6 month well visit you weighed in at 19 pounds! I can't believe it. You are a little bigger than most babies your age so you stay at the top of the growth charts. 

You measured in at 27 inches long with a head circumference of 18.75 in. So adorable! You did get two more shots (augh!) but you are beginning to handle them like a champ. We are still hanging in there with size 3 diapers but I'm getting nervous. Sometimes you have these major poopsplosions that results in nekkid baby in the middle of babies r us (whew! that's a different story for another day) which I believe is the combination of the way you are sitting and questionable diaper sizes. We try to introduce a new food to you every week. It sometimes gets challenging when we have a jam packed weekend but I enjoy the fact that we make your food. I feel like I have a little bit more knowledge of what's going in your chubby little belly.

I can't believe this but you are up on all fours now! Next stop, crawling! I'm not ready!!! Amongst all this fun a tooth is starting to poke through! I'm really amazed at all the changes that have taken place over the past two months. I can only imagine what 7 months old will bring.

Love you much!

Mom

five months old

one month, two months, three months, four months

My big boy,

5 months old today. It's seems like just yesterday (no matter how cliche) I was holding you in my belly wondering if you were a boy or a girl. These months have flown by- 21 weeks already. You have been on the outside half as much as you were on the inside. You are growing by leaps and bounds, it's amazing to see what you can do.

Since you turned 4 months old we have continued to introduce solid foods. You seem to be doing quite well and your Dad is ready to turn it up a notch. So far you've had all single grain foods, rice cereal, oatmeal, and barley. I'm not ready for you to move on but it's likely that you will be getting some veggies real soon :) Milk is still your food of choice. In fact, you have gotten so good at demanding we fix your bottles faster and reach out and grab it whenever you see it. So cute...

Your clothes are changing too. You wear a size 3 to 6 months now and in some outfits you fit a 9 months (sheesh!). You don't have a doctor's appointment this month so we don't have an official weight check but I bet it's over 17 pounds. We are considering getting you a different car seat because sometimes you feel a little squished in your infant seat. Your current sock selection is a thing of the past and I am officially sock shopping for your big little feet. You've also gone up to a size three diaper. I hope you stay that size for a while because we were gifted well over 400 of them (much like your 500 size 2 diapers and bunches of size 1 and newborns). Sometimes it makes me a tiny bit sad that you aren't my little newborn baby anymore.

You like playtime and you will occupy yourself on your play mat. I think it's time to put together your excersaucer although you thoroughly enjoy your jumperoo. You've made a couple of baby friends from different places and I know you'll get even more when you meet the rest of your cousins.

You are doing wonderful with your baby sitters every day. You have two of them that take turns changing your poopy diapers every other day. They always have good things to say about you. You are beginning to recognize them and adore them as well. Sometimes when I am at work I look through all of your pictures and smile because I miss you. I often feel like we don't get to spend much time together anymore.

You still aren't sleeping through the night- no matter what we try and it's wearing us out baby. I know of some moms who said their babies didn't start sleeping through the night until they were 10 months old... I hope I can last that long! One of your dad's friends told us that his daughter is 9 and still doesn't stay sleep all night so it may be a way of life for you- who knows. also teething is becoming an issue for you. It annoys you to no end. I've ordered a special teether that I hope will help you find relief. In the meantime your fingers and fist seem to keep you satisfied.

Wow! So much for a 5 month old. This month I don't think will bring too many changes- but you never know. One thing I am hoping for is another snow day. The last snow fall we had was on a Saturday and THAT doesn't count. I know a lot of people are loving the fact that there hasn't been any snow because quite honestly it can be a huge hassle- but I want a free and extra day to stay home with you and dad and do nothing :)
Love you bunches,

Mom

___________________________________________

~before you were conceived I wanted you; before you were born, I loved you; before you were an hour, I would die for you~

4 months!

My oh my!

No longer a newborn :( You have accomplished so much in these few short months and we are looking forward to so many more milestones! Let's start with the basics.

You are now a whooping 16 pounds! I can't really tell how big you've gotten while I'm carrying you around, but once you are in your car seat- whoa! You are in the 90th percentile for weight and head circumference which is 17.25 inches. This is actually a little less than your last appointment- I guess your brain is giving your body a chance to catch up :). You are 25 inches long now which is in the 75th percentile. My baby boy is two feet tall now!

You are doing so well growing and developing - it amazes me. You are begining to show small signs of independence like trying to hold your own bottle when you eat. Pretty soon I know you'll get angry if someone tries to hold it for you.

Since you are holding your head so well (as you have been for a while now) we introduced a new toy for you to play with- your jumperoo! You love it so much. It lights up and plays music whenever you jump and you get such a kick out of it. You love excersizing those little legs but your feet don't quite touch the ground when you are in it yet. We just put a pillow under your feet and you get going!

We are also begining to introduce solids this month. Your first time eating cereal was so cute. You have to learn how to eat from a spoon but I'm sure you'll get it relatively quickly. You were very happy with your new meal option and we can't wait for you to try it again.

onsie by baby gap

I am looking forward to the many moments that we will share this month. It is especially sentimental because I also returned to work. I miss our 'mornings with mommy', our trips out to wherever, whenever. I miss you period. Sometimes I think you get mad that I leave you for so long- you don't always smile when I pick you up. I know we will both need time to get used to the change though. I always count down the days until the weekend- or until I get an extra day off.

Love you much!

3 months young

Hey Sweet Potato!

Yea, I've taken to calling you that nowadays- but don't worry I'll stop before it embarrasses you. And I promise to come up with some equally if not more mortifying :)

So I better get this done before you turn 4 months old. I know this is super (by super I mean a month) late, but what can I say, we've been super busy!

Time is going by so fast! You are almost no longer a newborn :(. You have grown so much since you were first born - God's miracles are amazing.

I'll start with your stats. At your 3 month well visit you weighed in at 15 pounds 2 ounces. Whew! That's the 90th percentile! You're getting pretty heavy- but it's okay that means you are healthy and growing. You measured 23.4 inches long and it's pretty much confirmed- you've got your daddy's head: 17.5 inches.
Although you are obviously growing like a champ you haven't quite doubled your birth weight so the doctor says we will see what's happening at your four month visit and maybe you can start cereal! I'm very excited for your next milestone but I'm also worried that you will eat me out of house and home.

Yep, you saw that correctly, you're getting some thumb action. I actually think it's quite cute- but I won't let you make it a habit. You also got some more immunization shots but I'll spare you the gory details :).

You've done so much this past month it's amazing. This is your second trip to the grocery store (sometime Mommy forgets to take pictures of some things- but you will appreciate a picture from your second grocery store experience right?!) The first time we went you were sleeping when we arrived so I left you in the car seat. This time I strapped you in the Moby and let you look about. I think you appreciated all the colors around you. I had to take this picture because your G-Ma thinks I don't dress you warm enough sometimes (even though you sweat like a cup of ice water left in the sun while you are in the car seat) so I had to verify your warmness (she worries about you a lot) and show off the cutest hat in the world!

We've celebrated 3 (I think) holidays!

Thanksgiving... although you would think it's Christmas with all the gifts you received.

Christmas... (really Christmas!)

and New Year's Eve.

You've visited your 92 year old Uncle...

Had a playdate...

 And still continue to enjoy bathtime...

Mommy and Daddy keep you very busy. Well, that's it for now. I'll be writing you again real soon!

This week's obsession

It's no secret that I'm a crafty wannabe. I've always had an appreciation for creativity and the great things that come of it. I came across this blog while I was still trying to conceive and I completely forgot about it until it resurfaced in my twitter TL. Now that I think about it- I came across a lot of great things that were shared via the message boards- none of which I bookmarked, all of which I regret. But anyway to my point...

photo credit

I am so excited about the release of this book! Basically this mom would create scenes around her baby while she was napping based off what she thought the baby was dreaming about. I fell in like from the first time I saw this. She used only fabrics and household items to create the scenes and I am so impressed that she was able to do this without waking baby. Actually she explains this in her blog: http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/

If you have a moment please hop on over and have a look see. While she has removed all of 'Mila's daydream photos' due to the insensitivity of a lot of people- you will get the gist of what she's done. I wish you could have seen it before mean people started stealing photos of her daughter (which is why I am deathly afraid of posting pictures of my little guy- thank goodness for watermarks) {but check out what is now her first post}. Also check out her FAQ page. It gives a lot of insight into how something so sweet ballooned out of control.

While you are browsing her FAQ page to understand what she, her daughter, and her blog has been through, i'd like to point out something I find to be a little "unfair" for lack of a better word. She talks about Finland's (where she's from) maternity package which contains clothes and other goodies for baby. And if you peruse the site a little further you will come across the maternity AND paternity leave allowance. While I understand American customs such as baby showers help the parents a lot with baby goodies I think their government is pretty supportive of mothers and new babies. Did you see that you may take maternity leave no more than 50 days before your due date and no later than 30?? I know some moms who didn't even get the standard 6 week leave but rather had to use PTO (personal time off) days. I'm not saying- I'm just saying

My hubby and I were very blessed to have supportive family and friends to help us celebrate the birth of our first born and we are truly grateful for everything we have been blessed with. I just find it nice that their government also celebrates with mom and dad rather than penalize. I am sure that Finland may have issues that Americans may not have ( I am in no way versed in wordly governments)- my husband always says "Yea, the grass is always greener on the other side". So I should be grateful for what I did receive... Now back to the regularly scheduled program.

It's no secret that I love good photography. I even want to start a photography project dedicated to my son this year - all which is why I'm excited about the release of the book. I know it takes me a while to get to the point. I love it when ideas come to life to be enjoyed for years to come. So the book release along with Jen's 365 tips, and Lacey's link to the helpful list, I think I may be able to pull off the Love Letters to my son. Wish me luck!

Blog Jacked

By my baby boy and his daddy :)

I've gotten a few questions about the author of my Christmas letter.  Well my incredibly poetic husband help my incredibly handsome little boy compose a letter to his mommy. It was the best Christmas present ever!!! I'm not surprised that the hubby was able to translate baby because that's his best buddy.

Sorry that the watermark is dead center of the pic. But this is during a naptime





playing air guitar to Bon Jovi... while napping

watching TV... while playing words with friends

Yep, these two are best buddies... and I thank them both for my Christmas letter :)

Two months old!

Hey baby boy!

I can't believe how fast time is flying!

It seems like yesterday we were just bringing you home. It's amazing how much you've grown! Just look at the difference in two months...

When we first bought you home there was so much more room between the top of your head and the top of the newborn insert in the car seat. Now- it's looking like it's time to take out the insert! And did you see that? You're smiling a bit now. Smiling is one of the major milestones I look forward to with you. I really can't figure out exactly what makes you smile besides your dad but I know one day you will look at me and smile because you're happy :)

I'm trying my hardest to document your life (and growth) in pictures so we can look back one day and see how far you've come. But it seems as though mommy's monthly growth pictures bore you to insanity.

Unfortunately, I don't know your two month stats yet because your well visit isn't for a few more days. Although I'm still learning how to be a mom- you've been very patient with me and I thank you for that. I'm learning how to distinguish what your cries mean and anticipate your needs before you get irate. You are exploring your surroundings and beginning to understand what you like and don't like. Milk is still your favorite food and ceiling fans are still your entertainment of choice. You amaze me everyday and I know it will only continue.

This past month, you had your first play date and you cried the whole time. You see sweetie- you do not like to go to sleep. Don't get me wrong, you LOVE to be asleep but you hate falling asleep. I think you think you are going to miss something important. I try to explain that nothing will happen but you argue me down... even after I promise to fill you in on anything that happens, in great detail, once you wake up. It doesn't work. I then have to resort to sneak tactics like turning on the vacuum cleaner.

Of all these things that make you who you are in these two shorts months, none of these things hold a candle to the fact that you are loved.

____________________________________

Some people dream of angels

I hold one in my arms 

Love,

Mommy

Happy Due Date, Baby!

Dear Pumpkin,

I can't believe how close I am to seeing you face-to-face! This has been a wonderful 40 weeks carrying you around, supporting you, and loving you. But what can I say- you made it easy for me! There were only a few bouts of heartburn and uncomfortable, restless nights (especially as of late) but I will always treasure the moments that only you and I were able to share.  Sometimes I worry if I will 'get it right' with you but I'm sure every first time mom has had her doubts. You are coming into a world full of people who love you and care for you so I'm sure I will have plenty of help. But forgive us if we make any mistakes- you're our first.

So far, we have everything ready for you- just waiting for you to get here. There are plenty of clothes, diapers, toys, blankets, and I even have a can of formula waiting just in case we have a hard time getting this nursing thing down. Your dad still has a few pieces of furniture to put together for your room- but that's no biggie because you're gonna be right by myside for a while and it will be some time before your room has to be fully put together.

Your dad and I are working hard to provide a wonderful furture for you and we have so many big plans for us- I'm looking forward to each and every moment as our family grows. Speaking of your dad- he's going crazy out here. He can't wait to hold you and kiss you and cuddle you. I think we are going to have a hard time deciding who gets to hold you at times, lol! You are going to be spoiled rotten I'm sure. G-Pa, Big Momma, and Uncle are over the moon! I think they all might even move into our house, lol! Your Grandma M and Auntie already have plans made to come and visit. They live out of state- but it's not too far away- so they won't have any problems coming to visit. Not to mention all of your great Aunts, cousins, second, cousins, etc. Don't worry I'll help you remember who all these people are.

I already have your outfits picked out for your newborn pictures and something for each of your first 3 holidays (I'll have to get outfits for your other first hoildays later when you get a little bigger). I know you won't remember any of this so I hope you like to smile for the camera. Your Uncle is a photographer so I'm wondering who is going to get tired of me first- him or you.

Sweet Potato, there are no words to express what how much we love you and look forward to your arrival. You just wait and see...