12.25.13 - Wednesday

Merry Christmas little one. It's your first celebration of Christ's birth. It's been a bit of an odd Christmas with lots of illness, but it's Christmas nonetheless. And my current Christmas prayer--that we all get better quickly to enjoy the end of the year with no complications.

Favorite Christmas present of the year--dog shaped walker with music and lights. Makes you very proud.

That and your monkey that sings to you. He's good for a cuddle.

Merry Christmas my little lad.

12.02.13 - Monday

Darling boy, the last two months have been crazy. You have experienced your first (but most likely not last) move. It wasn't exactly a pre-planned move, but you've done well with it. In total, it's been a very busy few months, not just because of the move for the whole family, but for you personally as well.

To sum up:

1. You had Rosiola--a fact that we didn't figure out until after you got over it.
2. You also had a bout of croup. Hopefully the last, but if you follow in your sister's footsteps, not so much. 
3. You've pushed in three more teeth, one more on the way. I broke down and bought you some Amber-beads. Wasn't sure if they would work or not, but I think they have helped. You were getting regular low fevers, drooling, diarrhea, etc. Constantly. This has stopped greatly since the beads. Coincidence, maybe. We'll see what happens when the next bout of teeth come in. Or tooth number 8.
4. October 16, you pulled to standing on the furniture. 
5. November 12 you started cruising along the furniture.
6. November 21, you said your first word. Which, kindly enough, was "Mama". This included a portion of the day when I went out and you proceeded to crawl all over the cottage calling out, "Mama, Mama!" It was rather pathetic and totally manipulative. Fortunately, I wasn't home to hear it.
7. Yesterday, you started crawling with straight legs, trying to figure out how to walk.

Busy month, little one. What surprises are you going to pull out this month? 

09.24.13 - Tuesday

So you have a new fun toy. You discovered my hair in a braid yesterday, and each time we sat down to nurse you spent the entire time holding my braid--twirling it, stroking it, petting it. Apparently you've found your lovey.

09.20.13 - Friday

Tongue clicking. Such joy. And such intense conversations that one can have with the simple click of the tongue.

Perhaps we need to move to Africa.

09.17.13 - Tuesday

So we went swimming today. You love the water. I put you in your little floaty-tube at first and you just floated around looking all serious at everything. But then I took you out so you could really reach the water and the splashing began. And did not stop. For about 30 minutes.

09.07.13 - Saturday

You crawled today! For real crawling, not this scooting along the floor, picking up all the lint, army-crawling business.

And then you quit.

So I'm praying you're not planning on staying up all night to practice crawling in your crib. Because I'm not down with that.

09.05.13- Thursday

OK, seriously, dude. You have got to quit with the waking up at 5am. Although, admittedly, you are proving to be a good incentive for me to get up and actually work out and do my devotions etc before I have to get the big girls up for school. But really, I would prefer that to be my quiet time--not my quiet time in which you are patting my face as I do sit-ups and eating my toes while I stretch.

Just saying. I love you. But you need to sleep in a little later.

09.02.13 - Labor Day

You and growling. 6:30 this morning I wake up to you growling at your blanket, your toes, Snoopy, and the world in general. Grrrr....grrrr....grrrr....You crack me up child.

Between that and the perpetual tongue between your teeth, you are a never ending source of amusement.

08.27.13 - Tuesday

My dear boy, I went down to the laundry room to throw in your laundry. I left you safely ensconsed in teh middle of the living room floor. When I came back two minutes later you were completely under the table in your quest of a balloon. How you managed to yourself under thet able which involves army-crawling over the legs of the chairs, I'm not really sure. But as it kept you in a happy pursuit for about 30 minutes, I left you to it.

You're going to be difficult to keep up with, I predict.

08.24.13 - Saturday

In the past month, you've added two more teeth, are combination army crawl/rolling all over the house, and are determined to crawl. You've figured out the position but can't quite get the hands and knees to coordinate movement. Your toes are one of the most fascinating objects of play, second only to your tongue.

07.11.13 - Thursday

It had been a rough day. You were very clingy, not eating well, probably teething. Not wanting to sleep. Sleeping only a short time when you did go to sleep, and just generally a lot of work.

You and I sat down to cuddle and nurse as you were to (theoretically) go to sleep. You, finally, started nursing. All of the sudden you popped off and inwardly I groaned--not again. But you looked at me, reached up with your chubby little fingers, gently stroked my face, flashed me a grin, and buried yourself back in your milk, absentmindedly stroking my skin with your free hand.

And my heart melted.

07.08.13 - Monday

Happy five months my little man.

You have changed so much in these past five months; I can't believe you're this old.

You are now rolling over front to back and back to front, and refusing to stay anywhere you are put. You are squirming your feet up underneath you--determined to figure this crawling thing out as fast as possible, apparently.

You have two teeth and are apparently working on a third and maybe a fourth.

You smile and laugh and giggle at the world.

Music makes you stop everything and stare in wonder.

You are a chatterbox who frequently wakes me up first thing in the morning by patting my face and jabbering to me. For an hour (it's a good thing you're adorable because my morning quiet time is sacred normally).

You're still very bald looking, but if I run my hands over your little head, I can distinctly feel fuzz forming--possibly blonde?

And your beautiful eyes--from that muddy brown when you were first born to a brilliant blue--more blue than your sister's eyes if that is at all possible.

I love you from your fuzzy head to your chubby arms and even chubbier legs and tootsie-roll toes.

Happy 5.

07.07.13 - Sunday

You saw the doctor on Friday. 17lbs 3 oz! Yes, you're huge. And very healthy, so that's all good. Except for the teeth coming in, keeping you from sleeping part. That part's not so healthy, but hopefully that will clear up soon...ish...

07.04.13 - Thursday - Fourth of July

It's your first fourth of July little man.

We're spending the day at the Lake.

This morning you and big sister posed for pictures. You tried to eat Doggie. Please refrain from continuing down this path; it's a sure way to get on her bad side!

07.03.13 - Wednesday

You've discovered your toes this week. Sitting in your Bumbo while we were eating dinner, you were bending over as far as you could reach, try to grab at your feet. As you had on little shoes, I took one off so you could actually see your little toes. This seemed to entice you even more to snag at those wriggling little things.

Needless to say, all the girls were highly entertained. I just can't help but wonder how long it's going to take you to get them in your mouth!

06.30.13 - Sunday

You are rapidly becoming a huge fan of your big sister. I feel this is significant to record because I have no doubt that someday you will be whining about her, and this time in your life needs to be in print.

You follow her every action with eager anticipation; giggling as she pulls faces at you and occasionally bops you on the head (in love). You will turn towards the sound of her voice to see what fascinating activity she is up to. I am finding she can quiet you down when you're fussing for me just because she is such a distraction for you.

Love on her little boy. Big sisters are useful things to have on your side.

06.19.13 - Wednesday

You bit your father tonight. Bit. Not gnawed on. Bit. Why is this significant, you ask? Because it means that you popped out a tooth with absolutely no fussing and completely took us by surprise.

Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, little one. Really. You're only four and a half months. You really don't need a mouthful of teeth yet. After all, one tooth leads to another tooth, and that leads to food, and then eating food leads to drinking coffee, and drinking coffee leads to staying up until 3am writing papers and being in college and my baby boy will be grown up!

OK, slight exaggeration, but the point stands. Slow down.

And congratulations!

06.04.13 - Tuesday

When are you going to manage to roll from back to tummy little man? I'm watching you struggle through this new and difficult task, and you can't just seem to make it. Mind you, you're scooting large distances on your belly (and by large I mean a foot or so) with absolutely no problems. I foresee a lot of chasing you coming up very soon. I shall be patient in the meantime as you work on this second rolling skill--even if it does mean flipping you back on your stomach a lot because you wake up angry from being on your back!

05.26.13 - Saturday

New experience #5872:

Memorial day weekend--you went to a lake. Dipped your toes in the sand and the water. Neither of which you were very impressed with. However, you did have a good time laying on your back and your stomach, looking around at the world.

05.21.13 - Tuesday

It's been a busy day for you. You started out by rolling over last night. It made for a long night because you kept waking yourself up. You are not a back sleeper. You don't sleep on your back; it wakes you up. However, you do sleep beautifully on your tummy. But in learning how to roll over, you kept putting yourself on your back and then shortly thereafter, waking yourself up. Multiple times. All night long.

Of course when I tried to get video of it, you wouldn't oblige, always rolling over as soon as the video camera was no longer out.

The second new skill you began working on was giggling. I was dancing with you, and apparently either my tone or the movement was the funniest thing you've ever seen because you  just kept cracking up. So cute!

05.19.13 - Sunday

Today was your 100th day of life!

You have grown so much in the last 100 days. You've gone from my tiny, cuddly bundle to almost twice your weight, several inches longer, sitting up on your own, smiling at the world, jabbering away, and learning everything you can as quickly as you can.

05.18.13 - Saturday

You went swimming for the first time today. We have tickets to the local water park, so equipped with a new mesh ring sling and a swim diaper, we went to the pool! You didn't think much of the wave pool (you were fine with it until the waves actually started going--then you shrieked at me),but you took a nice nap on me as we floated down the Lazy River. I have a feeling you're going to be swimming a lot this summer, so get used to it little boy.

05.15.13 - Wednesday

My dear son, you have almost doubled your birth weight being now over 15 and a half pounds at 13 weeks old. Your daddy is calling you Winston Churchill due to the double chin :)

 

05.12.13 - Wednesday

Trying to roll over. Can't catch you in the act though.

05.10.13 - Friday

You rolled over today! From your tummy to your back. Did I see it? Of course not. I was watching you yesterday because I thought you were going to make it then, but you didn't. And then today I turn my head to answer a question, turn back, and there you were smiling up at me!

05.10.13 - Thursday

 

You talk much in the mornings. For three mornings now I have woken up to about 20 minutes of this:

05.03.13 - Friday

My dear son,

I am formally requesting advance warning next time you feel a growth spurt coming on. Mommy would appreciate the opportunity to book a massage, call in sick, and rent some movies.

I have done nothing all day but hold you as you have alternately slept, fussed, latched on and off in irritating fashion all day long. I had a busy day planned. You have completely annihilated those plans. And while I respect your decision to grow again, some advance warning would have been appreciated.

My back hurts, my arms are tired, I'm starving but having a hard time eating because you won't give me enough time, and I'm cranky with the world because you not sleeping well means I don't sleep well.

And just so you are clear, without the eating and the drinking on my part, the milk making does not occur. And as the milk making is important to allowing you to continue this growth spurt in sufficient fashion, you're just hurting yourself.

Please, 24 hours notice would be perfect.

Thank you and with love and exasperation,

Mama

04.26.13 - Friday

I'm so sorry, my dear boy. You have had a very uncomfortable evening, and it was all my fault. I fully confess to this.

We went to Little Rock today and found a Thai restaurant that serves Somtam and Larp. You may not understand the importance of this at this stage, but someday you will. Unfortunately, the Larp was significantly hotter than I was expecting (when they said medium hot they legitimately meant - Thai medium which is quite hot).

End result, you had belly cramps later such as I've never seen from you. Spicy milk.

I'm very sorry.

04.23.13 - Tuesday

So today is working on a record in terms of laundry you are creating.

Forget the diapers--that's a normal amount.

First you peed on the bed when I was changing you this morning. There goes a clean set of sheets, put on the night before. And one PJ outfit.

Next came the spitting up which resulted in mommy changing THREE Shirts and you two more outfits. Three shirts? Really? Was that entirely necessary? I know it is your mission to just let it all out and hang loose (per say) and not worry about the nitty-gritty bits of life like oodles of laundry. But was Three shirts really, entirely that important to helping you achieve that goal?

04.18.13 - Thursday

Today was a rainy, sleepy sort of day. We are off duty, so you and I cuddled up this afternoon for a long afternoon nap. Two hours later, I woke up. However, when I tried to disentangle myself and sneak off, you reached out, grabbed the front of my shirt, and hung on tight--all while sound asleep yourself.

Who am I to fight the demands of a two month old?

I stayed. And it was sweet.

04.17.13 - Wednesday

You had your two month appointment this week. And you first round of shots. Mommy had the usual discussion with the pediatrician on the importance of vaccines and how I should get them all done, right away, etc and so on and so forth. Sigh. I bit my tongue from asking when the last time was she had actually fully researched vaccines and considered all the aspects of them other than what she was just fed at school, and if she could even tell me what they were made of or anything.

You were definitely a little fussy this evening, but nothing a good cuddle with mommy couldn't fix. I remember when your big sister got the same shots, she was miserable that night and gave mommy fits during Nana's 60th birthday celebration!

You are now 13lbs 8oz and 24 in long. Congratulations, you are now two feet. You're now running in the 75th percentile for weight and height! How quickly will you outgrow me, little one? No matter how tall you get, you will always remember that I am your mother!

Sigh. I need to go through your 3-6 month clothes as you are rapidly growing out of your 0-3 clothes. There's one warm weather outfit in there you've only worn once! It's just been to cold most of the time to wear it. Must rectify that quickly.

04.15.13 - Monday

It's tax day and you picked today, of all days, to either not feel good or something. My normally beautifully sleeping baby has been up and down and refusing to sleep all day. And of course this is the one year I didn't manage to get our taxes done in February! Sigh. Taxes are done and filed. Barely. You are currently sitting on daddy's lap, watching him play a video game. Because filing taxes and holding a baby are not mutually conducive.

04.13.13 - Saturday

Happy Songkran little one. It's your first one. However, your participation in all liquid-throwing activities was limited to being sprayed in the face while nursing (sorry about that). As you get older, I hope to introduce you and your big sister to the fun side of Thai New Years. In the meantime, I just get mopy and homesick.

04.10.13 - Wednesday

We Skyped Nana and Papa today. You very obligingly jabbered to them, which pleased them very much. I imagine you're going to spend your early years with a similar impression of Nana and Papa to your sister--that they are one entity called NanaPapa. Don't worry, you'll sort them out eventually.

04.09.13 - Tuesday

We got reverse public breastfeedinged today, my son. We were innocently sitting at the park, minding our own business, and this lady walks by and comments about my nursing cover: "I can't believe you use a cover!" This amused me greatly.

04.08.13 - Monday

Thank you for being such an easy-going baby. We went off duty last night and daddy let me sleep in this morning. You, my cuddle-bug, woke up at your (current) usual time around 7:30ish. So I got up, changed you, lay you down on top of the covers next to me. You had a good kick for about an hour and then requested milk and lay back down for a nap with me. Beautiful lie-in!

04.06.13 - Saturday

We went out today to the pet store and bought three new fish for the cottage. Hopefully the sucker fish and shark we have will not eat them. You were rather unimpressed and took an excellent nap on me most of the time. However, you were apparently stimulated enough that you fell nicely to sleep by 8:00.

04.02.13 - Tuesday

This morning your Nana and Papa left to fly back to Thailand. I don't know the next time we will see them, and that makes it very hard. By the time you see them next, you may very well be running and climbing and talking. We have to hold precious these times when we get to see them as they are frequently few and far between.

04.01.13 - Monday

You grew your first tooth today!

April Fools.

You did, however, go on a nature walk today. There is a beautiful botanical garden called Garvin Woodland Gardens. Nana and Papa and big sister and you and I all went for a walk today. The tulips were in bloom, the weather was (finally!) gorgeous, and you slept through almost all of it.

Your cough continues, which is frustrating, but I'm pretty sure it is allergy induced. This state, for all its beauty, is definitely bad for the allergies.

03.31.13 - Easter Sunday

Happy Easter little one. Christ is risen. And for that I am so grateful as a parent, knowing that I have the opportunity to share the truth with you and that you have a hope for eternity.

03.28.13 - Thursday

Oh little boy, you make me laugh. You have turned into a regular chatterbox the last few days. Not all the time, mind you, but when you start talking, you really go at it. I was trying to nurse you earlier today and would you have anything to do with that milk that's spraying out all over the place? Nope! You just had a lot to say and were determined to say it all--milk bath or no milk bath!

03.21.13 - Thursday

You had your first actual visit to a doctor today. Not for anything specific, but just because I figured at some point we should probably get you established with your pediatrician. Besides, I wanted to see how much you weighed! You are now up to 11 lbs 11 oz and are 23.5inches long. I know that's really only 50th percentile, but compared to what I'm used to with your sister--it's huge! It's no wonder you've already outgrown all your newborn outfits.

03.20.13 - Wednesday

Well kiddo, you had yet another first today. We got into a car accident today--unfortunately it was mommy's fault; although, I do hold that the person was following way to closely to me. Wasn't a major accident and nobody was hurt other than mommy's pride and the other person's car a little bit. Very traumatic all around.

03.19.13 - Tuesday

Today was your  first visit to the zoo. You appeared singularly unimpressed with the general proceedings and slept through most of it. Woke up for a few snacks here and there, a diaper change or three, and a few glances around the crazy world of crowds and animals. Much of the zoo life was focused on babies as well, so we fit in nicely.

Mommy gorilla and baby

Captive bald eagle (due to permanent injury) nesting a rock because she still has the nesting instinct.

Baby Otter of a zoo otter family

03.18.13 - Monday

There are moments as a mommy that I find myself counting my blessings in regards to my children, just as an exercise in keeping tiredness and frustration from overwhelming me. Here are some of those blessings I have thought about you. 1. You sleep well and easily for the most part. 2. You have the most adorable half grin known to mankind. 3. Your fuzzy, balding head is nicely shaped and kissably soft. 4. You make the funniest little serious faces I've ever seen on a such a tiny baby. What thoughts are going through your head? 5. You sleep so nicely on my chest. 6. I'm so grateful for you.

03.17.13 - Sunday

Today was a very important day as we dedicated you to the Lord at our church. It was an extra special ceremony as your Papa was invited by the pastor to do the ceremony. This meant a whole lot to mommy in particular. In the afternoon you and mommy took a three and a half hour nap together! That, my dear son, is bliss, whether or not you realize it yet.

03.16.13 - Saturday

03.15.13 - Friday

And the crazy schedule continues today with lots of meetings of new people for you. Today you met a very special lady in your mommy's life--someone who has been like an auntie to me ever since I was a little girl. I'm glad you got to meet her as it feels so right for me--full circle kind of thing. Later that same day, your Auntie Joy and Uncle Adam and Uncle Jon and Auntie Becca (or Backpack as your big sister calls her), all arrived for a weekend of fun--all to celebrate you. Well, mostly, any ways :)

03.14.13 - Thursday

Today was a special day for you, little man. You had a baby shower all in your honor! Ms. Heather threw it for you. The theme was a Peter Rabbit garden party in her back yard. You got lots and lots of adorable outfits. And it was extra special because we waited until your Nana could be there with us to celebrate you. You were also given a whole bunch of books as a part of the shower--lots of fun stories that I can't wait to share with you.

03.13.13 -Wednesday

Well, we drove to Little Rock and back today. Fun but tiring, and I think overly stimulating for you as you simply would not settle down tonight and go to sleep. Possibly the curry I had might have had something to do with it...and you do still have a cold... You were pretty angelic for the actual trip part itself though. This morning you woke up and were full of smiles for me. Sigh. So charming you are; you are making my world a better place.

03.12.13 - Tuesday

Around 8:30 this morning you met your Nana and Papa for the first time. They flew over 36 hours to meet you. I hope you're impressed. True to form, you slept much of the day. We took a tour of the campus and laughed at your sister's antics. Poor papa had a bad cold so he didn't get to hold you today, something he's been looking forward to for weeks. Literally,he's had his bags packed to come here for quite awhile!

03.11.13 - Monday

We've spent the last few nights sleeping on the recliner, you and I. Your poor, snuffly little nose is making it hard for you to sleep laying down. Get better soon, little one.

I made a surprise discovery today when I got you dressed this morning--you've apparently grown again overnight because the Newborn sized onesie that I put on you was not fitting well at all--you're too tall for it! Sad. You've already outgrown your first size of clothing. Slow down.

03.09.13 - Saturday

We have something else to add to the list of things you already love. Music. We've noticed this trend from early on--music calms you. You focus in on it intently. Will you be a musician when you grow up? Maybe. Or maybe you'll just be like your daddy and love to listen to music all the time.

03.08.13 - Friday

Poor sad boy, you got your first cold. You've been all snuffly and pathetic today. Oh, and just to add insult to injury, you are going bald. Definitely get your looks from my side of the family--we believe bald men are beautiful. Fortunately for you.

03.07.13 - Thursday

Its my birthday today. And tomorrow is your one month birthday. To be cliche--my how time flies! I cannot believe you're going to be a month old tomorrow. That's just craziness I tell you! Just two days ago you were brand, new in my arms. You cannot possibly be this old already. Nor can I possibly be "in my 30's." I refuse to accept that fact either. In fact, I think this is a day of denial all around.

03.06.13 - Wednesday

You deliberately smiled at me today my little one! It was a bit of a cheeky looking, half-grin, but a definite smile it was. Thanks for that gift.

03.05.13 - Tuesday

OK, really? Was it entirely necessary to have a blow-out all over mommy's clean sheets? That was quite a start to the morning little one, and rather a disgusting one at that! Oh well, we had a bath, did some laundry, cleaned up, and all was sweet and right with the world again.

03.03.13 - Sunday

03.01.13

Today you went yo your first birthday party. Labradour turned 13 so we had a birthday bash for her. You slept through most of it and then got tired and mad at the end!

 I was holding you up today and you were pushing off my lap with your legs and bearing your own weight more readily. You're getting so strong!

I love you my little man.

02.28.13 - Thursday

You slept for four hours last night! I was so proud of you! Of course it was from 8:30 to 12:30 so mommy only profited from some of it (sleepwise) but you still did good! Now to make this a regular occurrence...please.

02.27.13 - Wednesday

Today was the first day I let any of the girls hold you. It has proved to be a healthy week so when Kitty asked to, I said yes. She's the baby lover of the group -- well the main baby lover -- she was so pleased! You put up with it for a few minutes and then got fussy. But it was a start. And you made her day.

02.26.13 - Tuesday

Today was a reminder of how much laundry babies generate. I went through two entire outfits--you managed four! Really was that entirely necessary? It was also a good reminder of how much I dislike disposable diapers on itty bitty babies. They were a big factor in generating mess. Note to self: make millions by inventing self-cleaning baby clothes that repel milk.

02.24.13 - Sunday

Mommy went back to work today. It's going to be a long six days. I'm definitely still tired from having you. And while you were your usual easy-going self, you're still a lot of work little one. One day at a time, right?

Daddy was a huge help--picking up most of the work and making me sit lots with you. But no matter how much he picks up, there's still plenty to be done.

You know you have five big sisters all ready to adore on  you, right? Not just Blueberry but the girls in the cottage as well. They all think you're cute and cuddly. And they are right.

02.20.13 - Wednesday

I was playing around with pictures of you today. Needed some for your baby announcement. And just because.

02.19.13 - Tuesday

 Dozing on Daddy

You made a friend today. She's a few months older than you, but seemed quite taken with you. We just had to make sure she didn't attempt to poke you in the eye!

 

 

02.18.13 - Monday

Well, we can add taking a bath to the things you love. You and mommy took a bath today as your umbilical cord finally fell off. You were oh so content in the water.

More and more your personality reminds me of your father. Which is ironic as your big sister looks like her daddy and has her mommy's personality. You look like me (or at least my family), and yet have your daddy's personality in many ways.

02.17.13 - Sunday

Today we went to church. Well, kind of. We made it to Sunday School. That was about the maximum your mommy could handle. Daddy went back to work yesterday, so he took all the girls in the van, while Auntie Joy drove us in our car. She was very nervous to be driving both her niece and nephew, but she did a good job.

02.16.13 - Saturday

Auntie Joy arrived today. She's been so anxious to meet you! She came down when we originally thought you were coming, way back in January. Got to spend some fun time with your big sister, but didn't get to meet you.

She thinks you are perfect in every way. I'm inclined to agree.

We took a trip to Walmart today. Mummy was needing some things, and so were you. I will admit, young man, your timing was not so great. I was planning on going to the spring consignment sale to get you clothes. But you came the very day I was going to go! I've wound up buying you a few onesies and pants to be getting on with until your baby shower (which isn't for a few weeks yet).

It was a busy day as Ms. Shea came to see us again. She weighed you--you have done exceedingly well. You are now 8lbs 14oz!! Slow down, little one! You don't need to grow up all at once. 

02.15.13 - Friday

So I hung you upside down by your heels today. Don't worry, I was taught how by the chiropractor we went and saw yesterday. You seemed to rather like it as it helped straighten your back out.

He's a very nice chiropractor. He immediately recognized something I had noticed a few days ago--you have a crooked nose. And he then proceeded to fix it! All in all, he said you have very little in the way of misalignments, which is good. But he showed me how to hang you upside down by your heels to help your spine adjust properly and also to see if I need to bring you back to see him.

You squawked at him when he did; however, you slept even better the rest of the day. So I think it worked well.

02.14.13 - Thursday

Happy Valentine's Day! Your very first! You got a Valentine from Uncle Jon and Auntie Becca. My Valentine is simply this post.

I love you, little man.

Source: i14.photobucket.com via Hanna on Pinterest

02.13.13 - Wednesday

We said goodbye to Uncle Jon and Auntie Becca today. They will probably be back soon though. I think they like you...

They were wonderful to have here these first few days. Someday, when you're much, much bigger, you can go and visit them all by yourself. Adventures to look forward to!

02.12.13 - Tuesday

So Far...

You love:
- sleeping
- sleeping on mommy
- milk
- more milk

You have strong dislike of:
- bright lights
- wet or poopy diapers
- getting dressed

The Verdict is Still Out Regarding:
- the rest of life

02.11.13 - Monday

You got your first introduction to board games tonight Man. We played Ticket to Ride with Uncle Jon and Auntie Becca. Behold your future, young man.

We also saw Ms. Shea today as she came for our three day check up. You have only lost 3oz in this time...you really are a good little eater!

02.10.13 - Sunday

Uncle Jon and aunt Becca took Blueberry to church today. You and mommy and daddy stayed home. It was a nice quiet time with lots of baby gazing.

02.09.13 - Saturday

We took you home today, little one.

We woke up, and after a leisurely time packing, getting dressed, etc., we drove back to our house.

Daddy had Ms. Heather drop off Blueberry in the main cottage before we got home. So as soon as you and I were situated on the couch, he went and got your big sister. She gave you a hug and seemed a little unsure about what to do next. Introducing doggy to you helped, and she proceeds to show off with some "ta das" for you. That helped enormously!

You also met Uncle Jon and Aunt Becca today. They drove all the way here to see you! And to help out mommy and daddy for a few days. Mommy is very grateful they are here.

You slept most of the day. Very easy to get along with! I've decided you physically take after my side of the family more than daddy's. Which is a switch from your big sister.

Either way, you are adorable and perfect in every way.

02.08.13 - Friday

Tonight at 6:09pm, you and I finally met.

Welcome to this crazy world little man.

You are all I have pictured the last few months. I've counted your fingers and toes and kissed your eyes and nose and found you perfect in all aspects.

Sydney Alexander. Sydney for my grandfather (your Nana's father), a gentle, Christian man who also lived in a houseful of girls--four daughters, one wife, and his mother-in-law! Mountain climber, avid rose gardener, lover of nature, and a man worth living up to in all ways. Sydney comes either from Old English and means "wide meadow" or "wide island" or from the French, supposedly from St. Denys (Dionysius)-- a Bishop of Paris in the third century. I particularly like the Greek meaning of Dionysius which means "divinely touched."

Alexander is from the Greek and means "defender or protector of men" or "warrior". We've liked the diminutive Zander for years and years, so it was an easy choice from the beginning.

At 8.5lbs and 21.5inches, you are already distinctly different from your tiny older sister. Brown eyes--shall they stay that color or change to blue like the rest of the family?

You've already earned yourself a nickname of personality--Little Piggy. You spent a good amount of time rooting and snuffling around finding milk last night, sounding exactly like a little pig with your snorts and grunts! I love you my little man.