Hi everyone! 

Here's the post that you all have been jonesing for: an update on our life and current pictures of Daniel. 

Hmm...where to begin. 

Well, since the last time I wrote, things have changed a bit. I guess I should just jump right in. Sorry if things become a jumbled, update-full mess. 

Since summer is in full swing around here, Daniel and I have been spending a large part of our week walking around the neighborhood, hanging out with friends at the playground, and enjoying the warmer weather in general. I have learned that Daniel, like myself, doesn't care too much for the hot and muggy weather that Western NY can bring...so he, lucky duck, enjoys a mostly clothes free day whenever possible. 

Jonathan has been working hard and is in the midst of making a big transition with his business. He will be going solo this summer and be the sole proprietor of his business as of July 1st. This is a big transition not only for him, but for our family. Our house has expanded (not physically really, but more in functionality) to include his business office and a place to house all of the equipment he uses on a daily basis. Our garage has never looked better (because Jonathan built in a beautiful organization system for all of his supplies) and our house has never been more cramped (because now we have a full "corporate" office in our living space. After I get things fully moved in and organized, there will be pictures in a separate post on those adjustments. 

Daniel is growing sooo quickly (he just celebrated his 11 month birthday yesterday) and ohmygoodness, he is into everything. Now I officially understand that my house was NOT baby proof. We still need a bit more work on that front, but it is getting there. It has basically involved moving around a bunch of things and making sure that the stuff at Daniel's level is appropriate for him to be playing with. What a challenge! I guess for those of you who may not know, it would be a good time to tell you that Daniel has learned to crawl, walk along furniture, and recently, he has learned to climb stairs. My goodness, they learn fast!! 

His favorite "word" is "oooo!" which has led to him receiving the affectionate nickname of  Little Oo Oo, from his great grandparents. We also took away his binkie this past month. We decided it was time, as he was constantly throwing it out of his crib at nap/night time and crying until he was given it back. The transition went smoother than I thought it would and the first time he went to sleep without it, he only cried for 20 minutes if I remember correctly. The only side effect I have noticed is that his naps aren't as long anymore. But who knows if that is directly a result of taking the binkie away or just a normal thing as he gets older. 

Hmm, what else? 

Maybe a bunch of pictures will help to finish up this post? I plan on doing a few more posts full of updates on the house, Jonathan's work space, our garden, and maybe a smattering of other things. We'll just have to see what I feel like writing about. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Daniel: Nine Months Old

Well, it happened. Daniel turned nine months old and I didn't have a heart attack.

Does this really mean in three short months that he will be a YEAR OLD?! 

NO! Not my BABY!!!

Yea, it really does mean that. And while part of me wants to somehow make him stay small forever, another part of me is really excited to throw his one-year-old birthday party!  Move over My Super Sweet Sixteen, Daniel's first birthday is coming to town.

Possible themes: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Camping/Outdoors, or maybe we will just freestyle it and take all of the brilliant ideas off of Pinterest and combine them into one party. Thoughts?

So, our little man is growing up. He now weighs approximately 24 pounds and is 28 inches long. We have a doctor's appointment in May and I will have official stats for his ten-month-old post, then. He is still wearing 12-18 month clothes and I'm contemplating the switch to just 18 month stuff. His pants are getting a bit small, but have plenty of length to them--the typical cloth diaper conundrum. I may try to squeeze out a bit more time in the 12 month stuff.

We celebrated Daniel's first Easter this past month and, if you missed it,  you can read more about that here. We also have spent more time outside, enjoying a bit of warmer weather. Daniel loves going for walks in his stroller and absolutely adores the swing at the playground--hopefully we are able to get our swing up soon! I can't wait until the ground is dry and the sun is out more consistently. I'm looking forward to spreading a blanket under our maple tree and letting him play outside in the sun!

Daniel still hasn't figured out how to crawl forward yet, but he is doing a modified version. He will roll at an angle back and forth on his arms, which allows him to move forward a bit. I love to watch him process how to get to something--which currently just involves a lot of rolling. He still loves to stand at the couch or chair and play. He is figuring out that he can lift his feet and move if he wants to. If we are holding his hands, he may take a few steps forward, but after that, he prefers to just stand and look around. I'm really glad that he seems to be in no hurry to crawl/walk--it gives me more time to figure out how to baby-proof our house!

Hmm...what else. He still is eating two meals a day with bottles filling up his tummy in between. For my future reference, we are currently feeding him six ounce bottles and have been doing so for about a month. He still loves fruit and Greek yogurt for breakfast and we usually puree whatever we are having for dinner, for his dinner. He has mastered the art of picking up puffs and we give them to him occasionally so he can work on his fine motor skills. He also has been testing out his new front top teeth that have come in. With four teeth in total, he is learning the art of chewing.

His favorite things to do still consist of playing with his baskets of toys, jumping in his bouncer, or hanging out with Daddy. We are still at two naps a day--which vary in length and sometimes are whittled down to one long, late morning nap. He goes to bed anywhere between six and eight, depending on his naps, and wakes up between six and seven in the morning.

I feel like we really have established a good rhythm at home, and though things seem to change daily, I no longer feel anxious about taking care of Daniel. I am feeling more and more like myself and I think that Jonathan and I both are pretty adjusted to being parents. Everything may be new and unexpected still, but it doesn't seem to bring as much stress anymore. We love our boy and are so thankful for him. What did we do before we had him? I can't even remember. :)

SIX Months!

I have tried to write this post over and over again. I have started and stopped a dozen times, as what is in my head, won't come out and present itself into clear coherent thoughts. 

My baby is six months old and I still can't wrap my head around it. How has time gone by so fast?! 

It's as if someone has taken my post pregnancy self--the one that was innocently relishing in the smell of a newborn--and kicked her ahead six months. I'm dazed and in awe of the little man who sits in front of me. He sits up. He babbles. He smiles and flirts with anyone who will pay attention to him. He reaches for things. He knows who his daddy, mommy, and beloved puppies are. He. is. six. months. old. 

We are halfway to a year of being a family of three and I'm barely comprehending the fact that he is here and not still in my womb! 

Oh goodness. This mama is emotional just thinking about it! 

Daniel has been such a precious gift to us. There are times when I look at him and realize that what I feel for him, must be a minuscule sample of what God feels for us. The love. The awesome emotion that overwhelms and threatens to make your heart burst. How am I so deserving Lord? 

All I can say is that I'm trying to soak up every single moment with this boy. I feel as if I'm neglecting so many other things in my life at this time, but I can't help it. I want to spend every second I can with that smiling face. 

Thank you, thank you Lord. 

Daniel: Week 11

My Dear Little Boy,

This week your mama is acutely aware of what a gift you are. I cannot stop thinking about the struggle I went through, emotionally, before I found out I was pregnant with you. There were days where I would be curled up on the couch and a complete emotional wreck. It was definitely an emotional battle that I fought constantly. I wouldn't allow myself to get my hopes up that He might change everything - just in case His plan was different than mine.

Oh little boy, I remember one afternoon in particular. I was working out on the treadmill and had some book in front of me. I think it might have been my Bible. I was looking through verses of God's promises and trying to focus on them as best I could. I was trying to distract myself from the discouragement I felt. I even had Glee on in the background - it used to be a surefire way to keep upbeat. I used to love to workout through their songs and dances. But as I continued to walk/run on that treadmill, I was overcome with amazing grief.

I just couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't keep fighting the negative feelings I had. I was tired. I was emotionally exhausted. At that point I collapsed to my knees, sobbing. I prayed over and over that God would please just take this burden from me. I begged that He would either bless us with a child or that He would take away my desire for a family. I just couldn't handle the in between anymore.

Little one, I'm here to tell you that God is good.

Through that time of trial, He made me strong. I am a much better mother today, because of everything I went through. I can look back and see clearly. I wasn't ready to be a mother yet. He is perfect in His timing.

This week I have been taking extra time to snuggle you. I love to kiss your sleeping face and stare into your exuberant eyes. Even in the midst of the times that I'm stressed out, because you won't stop fussing, I remember that you are my little miracle and blessing. I am so thankful for you. 

I want you to always know how much daddy and I love you. You have brought so much joy to our lives. Daniel, I also want you to know that God will always be there for you. Be patient as He teaches you lessons. Always keep your heart and eyes open for His grace and mercy. Never doubt that He is guiding you. He might not be doing exactly what you want Him to; but remember that He isn't ignoring you sweetheart. He is just doing everything in His perfect timing. He is Lord.

I love you my sweet boy.

Your Mama.

Daniel: Two Months Old

Our sweet little boy. 

Oh how you bring so much joy to our lives. I was just telling daddy that I feel so different with you around. Being your mommy has changed my life. I want you to always know the beauty and joy that God has surrounded our life in. His works are amazing. 

You celebrated your two month birthday this week! I can't believe that you are two months old already. Sometimes I feel like you have been part of our lives forever, but then I realize that it has only been two months. I'm glad that it has only been two months. I'm soaking all of this up--watching you grow is such a beautiful thing! 

Speaking of growing, you are getting SO big! You take your food very seriously. When you wake up, you make it known that you expect to eat immediately. Having your diaper changed or being burped in the middle of your meal are not acceptable in your book--you just want to gulp as much down as quickly as possible. At the doctors this week, you weighed in at 10 pounds and 8 ounces! This doesn't seem like much, but the doctor was very happy with your progress--and we are too! You also grew another inch! You're going to be a big boy aren't you? 

To celebrate your two month birthday, I decided to see how you handled your bumbo chair. While you may be technically to young for it, you seem to love it nonetheless. Mommy just makes sure to only leave you in it for ten minutes or less. You also are in cloth diapers 100% of the time, love to look at books while mommy reads to you, love to kick, and will talk to whomever will listen to you. 

One of your favorite places is daddy's shoulder. You and him share a special bond that makes mommy's heart melt. He is the best father and you are so blessed to have him as your father, little boy. I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing he is to us. 

Keep growing my little man. 

Love, 

Your mama

Daniel: One Month Old

I cannot believe our little boy is four weeks old! Time has just flown by as I enjoy being this little one's mom. What a blessing he is to us.

Daniel celebrated his one month birthday by gaining 12 ounces in 4 days (yay! the supplementing is working!) and sleeping 5 1/2 hours straight. But he also decided, after eating at 4:30 a.m. yesterday morning, to continue to celebrate by spitting up everything he had just ate. Projectile spit-up went everywhere. He proceeded to cover his pack-n-play, his changing pad, and then a bit later, one of our comforters. So a 5:30 a.m. bath it was! Then, at that point, we snuggled up on the couch and both caught a bit more shut eye. There is nothing like a freshly bathed baby snuggled up on your chest.

He now weighs 8 lbs 14 oz and is still 22 inches long. It amazes me the difference that the formula has made. He just feels heavier to me. My arms are getting sore now, which never was the case before. I am so thankful that he is gaining weight. Even though I really wanted to exclusively breastfeed, I'm truly ok with the formula. I just want a healthy baby boy!

I have no idea what is considered a 'good' or 'bad' baby, but in our opinion, he has been such a good little boy. He goes down easily and usually only takes a bit of rocking, if anything. He eats like a champ (still don't know why he wasn't gaining weight, but that could have been so many different things). He also seems to be very content. He is happy to just hangout and look around the room and really enjoys interacting with whomever will give him attention. He has started to coo and smile. He loves when you tap his nose and usually rewards you with a big, open-mouthed grin.

He is currently enjoying a mixture of cloth and disposable diapers as mommy navigates this whole new diapering world! He doesn't seem to mind either and looks so stinkin' cute in cloth. He is in a mixture of newborn and 0-3 month clothing. The newborn stuff is just a bit small (especially when he is sporting a cloth diaper) and the 0-3 month clothing is a bit big.

Daniel has enjoyed meeting lots of family and friends in his first month at life. He took it all in stride and was always happy to oblige to tons of snuggling. He also handled his very first vacation, like it was no big deal. He loves his car seat and often falls asleep pretty quickly once the car starts moving. He will occasionally tolerate his bouncer, when mommy needs both of her hands to do something. He seems to also like his playmat, but mommy doesn't like that the dogs look at it as a personal invite to get in his face...

I cannot wait to see what the next month holds! He has become much more active and alert. Plus, those smiles just kill me every time! We love you dooders.