Month One

Dear Reid,

This was certainly a busy month for us! First, there was the whole you being born thing... that was kind of a big deal. =) Then there was what seemed like zillions of appointments, recovery (for all of us, really) and of course Christmas was thrown in too. You met so many new people and spent your days being the center of our attention - our whole world.

Bringing you home was overwhelming. We were overwhelmingly tired, overwhelmed by all the love and support we were shown, and overwhelmed by the thought that you were really ours and we were yours and you would depend on us for everything. Life was changing in a big way. Most of all though, we were already so overwhelmingly in love with you and grateful God chose us to be your mom and dad.

We spent time in the recliner - just like before you were born. I would rock you, hold you, stare at you. For the first couple weeks your dad was home with us too. He did almost everything for you - things that hurt me too bad to do. You and I tried nursing. We tried so hard. We went to the lactation clinic several times, had lots of visitors, and washed your few teeny tiny clothes over and over.

We learned real quick - almost by instinct - that you like to MOVE. You love to be swayed, walked, bounced, and rocked. You're a little hot mess of a wild animal... all boy. =) You have the sweetest little sleepy smile and you make the most adorably funny faces.

This month crept by and flew by all at the same time. Can't wait to see what's next! In the meantime keep being just absolutely perfect and patient with us as we learn.

Love,
Your Mama

Highlights:

• You were born
• You were strong from the beginning and would hold your head up when we held you against our shoulder. You would look around with the sweetest facial expression - lips shaped in a small "o". 
• You met your big brother Peety. He was SO good with you... surpassed all our expectations
• You refused to sleep lying on your back those first two nights at home. Those nights were TOUGH. We switched you to a bassinet with an incline and  you were much more content
• We discovered your love for movement, white noise, and good music
• You loved to be swaddled. First with your arms in... then arms out... then arms in again
• We didn't turn on the TV
• You had your days and nights totally mixed up
• We had our first family pictures taken
• We celebrated our first Christmas with you
• We struggled with nursing (and your weight) and had to supplement by giving you formula by cup
• You had your tongue clipped
• Between appointments one fay, we took you out to eat for the first time. We went to Red Robin because we thought that seemed family friendly. =)
• I eventually decided to exclusively pump and you had your first bottle
• You had your first chiropractor appt.
• Dad went back to work
• I left you for the first time (with your dad) at two-weeks to go see Charli and Journey's dance recital
• You finally lost your umbilical stump and got a real bath
• You primarily wore newborn clothing
• Your Auntie Boo came to stay with us for a few days
• At your 1-month checkup you weighed around 10 lbs and we were told you are as healthy as a horse