Reid is: 3-Months

He is actually 3.5 weeks now but here are a few pictures from his little 3-month mini-session a couple weeks ago.

Third Trimester Reeeecap

You can see my first and second trimester reeeecaps by clicking those links!

I looked like this two days before finding out I was pregnant: (So fun, so AWAKE, so normal-sized, haha! And would you look at that clean house!?!)

I started out the third trimester looking a little exactly like this: (this was baby shower day - I had a fresh haircut, painted nails, and was feeling good! I could also still wear my wedding ring!)

And ended up looking a little something like this: 
(at our worksgiving dinner/surprise work shower - this probably around my biggest time - from here I think the baby just moved lower and I didn't look quite as big. I look back at this and think WHOA... no wonder people told me I was big all the time. haha - I WAS big! =))

This:
(39 weeks - fixing my hair in case it was THE day, wearing yoga pants exclusively like I had been for quite a while, also wearing a shirt that did NOT cover my mammoth belly.)

And finally this:
(40 weeks exactly - 3:30 a.m. with dirty hair, another shirt that didn't cover the belly, flip flops because I couldn't get anything else on, and... a leaky water. Puffy McPufferson.)

I felt:

• Excited and anxious to be in the home stretch, and later, so incredibly pumped and grateful to have made it full term!
• Tired.
• Sore. It hurt to bend, sit, stand, lay, breathe practically...
• Contractions galore.
• Soreness in in my back/hip that later turned into sometimes unbearable pain.
• Serious pelvic pain from my big-headed baby pushing down.
• Allergy and sinus pain.
• Swollen.
• Embarrassed by my two trips to L&D before it was truly time.
• Swollen. Oy.
• Huge.
• Itchy, stretch-marked skin.
• Total brain fog.
• Cramps and pressure.
• Tiny lungs.
• Very pregnant. =)
• Nausea.
• So so SO happy and excited and blessed. 

Cravings:

• ICE CREAM
• Toast and muffins
• Cereal
• Water
• Chocolate Milk

Highlights:

• Baby shower
• More frequent appt's
• Celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary
• Finishing some house projects
• Childbirth class
• Surviving a wedding
• Nursery bedding completed
• Maternity pictures
• Finally deciding on names
• 10-year high school reunion
• Lots of Netflix-watchin'
• Taking off a week before Reid came to town. =)

So, surprises: I was surprised by just how uncomfortable I was. I was physically miserable but I'm impressed with myself that I continued to work and plug away until the last week. That I was one of those girls that went to L&D before it was time. I expected to be way more cool, calm, and collected than that! ha! That Reid actually came on his due date. 

Even with it's "downs" - pregnancy was enjoyable. I'm not sure it'd be as enjoyable a second time, because there's something to be said for new, exciting, and just pure gratefulness that it happened. When I think back to it now, I think "how did you survive that?!". I say, well, it wasn't that bad until the very end. Then Dac reminds me of the fact that I couldn't leave the couch for weeks at the beginning... haha. Oh - and the never-ending pain and nausea that lasted in some form or another the entire nine months. Regardless - I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity and the experience. It was truly a great one and a healthy one. Plus, I got the best reward at the end. =) 

Thank you all for joining me and supporting us on this journey!

Month three

Reid,

You are nothing short of a joy to us. When we're exhausted or frustrated about something - you flash us the best gummy grin I've ever seen in my life. Your whole face lights up and subsequently, so do ours. =) You sweet little thing you.

I can already tell you're gonna be ornery, mischievous, and busy! Your doctor even told us he could tell you're a restless soul and that we'd probably never be bored! =) I have no doubt. Bring it on!

This month can be summed up as emotional. I had to go back to work which was just about the hardest thing ever. Sure, I leave you in great hands every day (so incredibly thankful for Cori) but it's not my hands and I feel like I'm missing so much. I've even worried you won't realize I'm your mama since we spend so little time together. Usually on those days, you do something to ensure me that's not the case. Someone told me that it's not the quantity of time but the quality. Deep down I know that's true and have tried to be diligent about making our time together really count.

It's also been hard to balance my selfish desire to spend every second I can with you but also wanting you to be a well-rounded, easily adjusting kid. That is so important to us and yet when we don't need a sitter, I don't want to get one! BUT - lots of people want to spend time with you and it's good for you to be with several different people in new environments so we'll continue to do that even though sometimes I'd just like to pick you up and head to a cave (a cave with no laundry and dirty dish piles) where we could cuddle and play and I could keep you all to myself! =)

This month has been full of new things too. You rolled over, have really started making eye contact, and you're starting to reach out and feel different textures. You are such a happy guy. You're full of coos, smiles, and chuckles!! Oh that laugh - it really gets me. You're just fun. We kind of like you and have decided to keep you around! =)

You keep learning and laughing and we will too!

Highlights:

• I went back to work and you started going to Cori's
• You started wearing cloth diapers
• You primarily wore size 3-6 or 6-month clothes
• You giggled/laughed for the first time (sometimes you get to laughing so hard you can't stop!)
• You started "talking"
• You started drinking 4.5-5 oz bottles
• You still drank breast milk
• You got your first cold and I learned that it's no fun to have a sick kid and to be sick yourself. I realize I never saw my mom sick when I was a kid. She didn't have time to curl up and rest... she was taking care of me!
• You still slept swaddled unti the end of the month
• You were diagnosed with Torticollis and began physical therapy
• We had your first real snow
• I had a major drop in milk supply but was able to get it back
• You hit another doozy-of-a-growth spurt where your sleeping habits took a turn for the pitiful and you were abnormally fussy
• We celebrated your dad's birthday with your first trip to Stillwater and Bad Brad's
• You tried and tried to roll from your back to your belly for days and then suddenly (February 26) rolled from your belly to your back twice at Cori's

Month Two

Hey sugar beet!

This month, like the last, seemed to fly by. I started becoming more aware of just how soon I'll be returning to work. I've been trying to make the most of our time together and soak in every bit of you. I'm not getting anything done around the house. This drives me bonkers but I'm becoming much more ok with it. Loving you is really all there is to do. The rest can wait.

At the beginning of the month, we felt like we were starting to get the hang of things. Whew! Then, between week 5-6 you hit a zinger of a growth spurt. Wow. You fussed and cried and ate and ate and ate. You demanded to be held, didn't sleep worth a dang, and made us want to pull our hair out a good deal of the time. We paced the floors with you, bounced you, and played an ungodly amount of rain noise for you at screaming volumes on the iPad. It was HARD. I began to wonder if I was really cut out for this gig. Still, I for one, knew those cuddly moments wouldn't last forever and tried my best to remember that even as you woke up every hour at night.

A couple days into that 6th week you seemed to be more at ease and at that point we decided to move you into the crib in your own room. Life got a lot better... for all of us! =) It was around this time we started noticing you doing more development. One day, I watched as you woke up. You stretched your little arm out and slowly brought your finger back to your face... staring at it oh so intently. You could see! I was amazed. It was also around this time when we started working on implementing a schedule. We all seemed to work better on one - you especially - and we wanted you settled into it before I go back to work.

Speaking of which, I spent a good deal of the month crying and worrying about sending you to daycare. We could NOT find someone to keep you. I was stressed and couldn't imagine sending you to just anyone. The thought of leaving you was bad enough but the 'not knowing' was the worst. Thankfully, God worked all that out. =)

You sir, are still so loved - more and more every day. We're so happy to spend our days with you.

Love,
Mama

Highlights:

• We tried to put a little more purpose in our days
• You and I ventured out on our own - enjoying a actually peaceful trip to Wal-Mart
• You started drinking 4 oz bottles
• You still drank breast milk
• You still slept all swaddled like a burrito
• You slept in your crib for the first time (nap)
• You slept a full night in your crib (at 6 weeks and we haven't looked back)
• You typically went to bed at 8 p.m., then woke between 1-2 a.m. and again between 5-6 a.m.
• You flashed a real (not sleepy) gummy grin that lit up your whole face
• You really started grasping our fingers
• You went to the dentist with your dad and I
• You primarily wore size  0-3 or 3-month clothes
• Your grandma watched you for a couple hours while Dad and I went on a little dinner/Wal-Mart date
• We decided Cori will keep you when I go back to work and that Connie will keep you starting in June (Praise God for two wonderful people stepping in at just the right time)
• At your 2-month checkup you weighed 14.2 lbs and measured 23 inches long... our little tank!

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

What were they thinking?

They sent him home with us? Alone!? What were they thinking?!

Sometimes when I stop and think about it - I wonder how the heck new parents survive. I mean, they just send you out in to the world with this brand new, tiny, completely dependent-on-you human. They really tell you nothing, give you nothing, and really, the most well-read, well-researched, well-practiced parent is just thrown into the ring with hardly so much as a boxing glove or mouth piece.

And yet... people do this. People do this and have done this with much less stuff and knowledge and rules and checklists. We're doing it too - with a whole lot of love, support, and God in our life. =)

This is another photo bomb post that is also out of order.

We were fortunate enough that Dac could take two weeks off when Reid was born. This was a major blessing - it would have been anyway but since I ended up having a c-section, I needed the extra help. He was such a trooper. I knew he would be - Reid and I couldn't have been better taken care of.

The boys spent lots of time like this during those first days.

This was when the newborn 'puff' wore off and his weight was dropping...

This needs to be on a wall somewhere in our house. I love it to pieces. Definitely one of the best photos I've ever taken. =) Even if just for the subjects and the happy it brings to my heart.

Holding hands.

He was apparently looking a little Asian that day. haha. This was taken the day of his first appointment with Dr. D. He was just a few days old.

This is about as real as it gets folks. Half wet hair. Bloat. Exhaustion. Oh - and that big smile on my face is 100% real too. I'm glad Reid will have this to see some day.

Like I said - way out of order. This was the day after Christmas when my Cousin Courtney (Auntie Boo) came to visit. She flew in just to meet Reid and help me around the house. She did too! The next morning, she fixed oatmeal for me. =) That may not sound like much to you but it was a real breakfast that I had not been getting. I felt like a pampered princess. I also got to take a bath! She went to the store for me and made us a yummy dinner too. =) So thankful for her and all her help. (By the way, lots of people brought dinner and helped us out! We felt pretty loved!)

Snuggles

First hair-washin' at home.

Before taking Courtney back to the airport.

A boy after my own heart - sportin' a hoodie. =) Maybe it doesn't count when I'm the one who dressed him. haha!

He always sucked those two middle fingers at first.

He and his lady friends. =)

My Boo and I

Grump. 1-month old.

This is one of my most favorite faces of his. He made it constantly. It's pretty well been replaced by a huge grin, so that's ok too - but I do kinda miss it.

No baby ears were harmed in the making of this photo. =) They weren't plugged in but Reid sure does love music - just like mom and dad.

=)

This was taken after a very long day. Dac was back to work and little man was going through a bit of a growth spurt. He insisted on being held all day and I was beat. Dac took him into the kitchen with him while he made some dinner. Reid continued to cry so Dac attached the iPad to the bassinet and played some Mumford & Sons. =) Reid quieted right down and went to sleep.

Cori's mom sent us these great changing mats!

Tarl. =) I sure hope Reid grows up with a great group of guy friends like Dac has. I also hope they all marry cool girls like Dac and his friends have! =)

As I mentioned, Erica visited and brought lunch along with the bassinet. Here's here little man!

Once the baby acne hit...

As much as he loved movement, he kind of fought the swing. He ended up liking it though!

John and Anna!! =) These sweet friends came to make lunch and I kid you not, 15 minutes before they showed up Dac got sick with the mega stomach flu. They stayed for a bit and held Reid anyway but then had to just turn right around and go home. We felt awful!

Oh how I love these guys.

Dr. A holding him at my two-week checkup. She just loved him! =)

He hated those stinkin' baths for weeks!

Tarl's wife Joy!! So glad we got to see them!

More snuggles.

I'm a big Criminal Minds fan. Heather thought he had to have this... =) It couldn't have been more perfect!

Erica

Not impressed with having his picture taken...

The first month was a good one. They sure have been flying by!