Picnic at the Park

We had some uncharacteristically awesome weather the first of July around here. The evenings were in the upper 70s so we took advantage one evening and headed to picnic in the park. 

 

Ok, we grabbed McDonald's on our way to the park but it still counts!  Addison loved it and it got Mommy and Luke out of the house which means it was a successful day!

 

Luke loves the Baby Bjorn which I never used with Addison... so funny how different two can be!  He hung out on Mommy most of the time we were at the park.  I am always behind the camera and cannot take a "selfie" very well so here is a quick snap of our peanut as we packed up to head home.

 

Ever since Luke arrived, Addison has looked and acted so much older.  Makes this Mommy a little sad but she is at such a fun age (tantrums aside).  She never stops talking, already has quite the imagination and dances at every chance she can get!

 

One day these little ones will outgrow evenings at the park... I am hoping it is many, many, many years from now.  We are all about living in the moment these days and soaking up every second!

Checkup with Dr. G: Luke 1 Month

We have a heavy-weight on our hands and we are so thankful.

 

 

11 lbs 11 oz - 87%

22.3 inches - 79%

 

Luke is the exact same height that Addison was at one month but is just about one pound heavier. He is a good eater to say the least.  We are so thankful for big, healthy babies.

Luke: 1 Month

Luke Matthew, you are 1 month old!  This month has flown by sweet boy.  It feels like yesterday that you joined our family and made us a family of 4.  You bring so much joy and love to our everyday.

 

 

 At 1 month you ...

• are eating every 2 - 3 hours, day and night- you have gone 4 hours once at night
• have some tummy issues going on that we are anxious to talk through with Dr. G.  Nothing out of the ordinary but you sure do work hard for those diapers and those little toots.
• are eating breast milk only but take a bottle of it 2-3 times a day to give Mommy a break, 4 ounces each feeding
• roll over from your tummy to your back during tummy time
• your favorite place to sleep is on Mommy 
• like your bouncy "bunny" seat if you are sleeping
• if you are awake, you like to be held but we force that tummy time a few times a day
• definitely don't love your paci the way big sister loves hers

• sleep on your back when in your crib, swaddled with arms out but you are not sleeping in your crib the entire night yet
• Mommy sleeps in your room with you at night.  We are working on getting you in your crib more and more and are hopeful your unsettling tummy improves soon!
• have a clogged tear duct on your left eye that we are massaging daily to get it to open up, it is definitely getting better!
• enjoy car rides and going on walks
• are already wearing size 1 diapers!
• your eyes are getting more blue every day
• have quite a bit of dark brown hair
• have outgrown all of your newborn clothes with the exception of a few sleepers.  You have a very long torso.
• seem to enjoy your baths but once you are out, there better be food ready
• have only been away from Mom for just under 2 hours on two different occasions
• shared your 1 month-day with Aunt Ashley's 32nd birthday!

With a 2 year old big sister and a newborn, life definitely has its challenges these days but we wouldn't change it for anything.  There is about an hour in between feedings that your tummy settles and you usually fall asleep.  Big sister is learning that you need extra love and care right now. It is a successful day when Mommy is showered before noon, we have clean clothes to wear, you both get naps in, and we all find food to eat.  If we venture out of the house without any major meltdowns... that is a spectacular day.  We happened to run an errand today and as I looked back over my shoulder and saw two car seats, I couldn't help but thank the good Lord for blessing us with two precious miracles.  We are so lucky to have been chosen to be your parents.

Little buddy, we cannot wait to see what this next month brings and what this first year has in store for you.  We all love you to the moon and back and are so glad you have joined our family!

Our Little Helper

Addison is all about being a big girl these days and doing life herself.  You name it, "I do it" she says. 

 

This past week we introduced Luke to a bottle and it has been extra special for Addison to help feed brother in the evenings.  She is becoming more and more fond of her brother and loves to have him pick her up from school.

 

  

 

 

Addison also helped Daddy plant some flowers several weeks ago.  She did such a great job!

 

 

 

 

 

And how about making some pancakes!?  Addison has that one checked off her list too.

 

 

We sure do love our little helper.

Checkup with Dr. G: Luke's 2 Week

 

2 weeks old

8 lbs 11 oz (66%)

21 inches long (73%)

{Up from 8 lbs 6 oz and 20.5 inches at birth, 7 lbs 10 oz at discharge}

Daddy Day 2013

We have a very special daddy in this house with two kiddos and a wife that love him tremendously. 

 

 

We are so thankful for how hard he works to provide for our family.

He is our Super Hero without a doubt.

 

We spent Father's Day laying low with a trip to feed the ducks and check on the house progress.  Then back home for some play time and dinner. 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Josh for all you do for your little boy and your girls.  I am so glad you are my partner in this journey of parenthood!  We love you beyond measure!

Coming Home and Luke's First Week

A couple more days in the hospital, newborn screens, a trip to our pediatrician, and some time getting settled at home with our family of 4 was what Luke's first week was all about.

The day after Luke's birthday, the usual tests started bright and early. Vitals, hearing screen, heart defect screening, more vitals... etc.  He passed everything with flying colors.  I was able to shower which was a little bit of heaven and was feeling great!

 We came home from the hospital on Saturday.  Addison was not feeling the best and was a little bit of a pistol but we still managed to come home together as our family of 4.

 We had a few visitors to our house that afternoon including my Grandmother, Luke's Great Grandmother.  I love that they got to meet while he was still such a newborn.

 Dr. G didn't round to Baylor McKinney so we made a trip to meet him the Monday after Luke's birthday. Overall it was a good report with an Rx for indirect sun therapy 3 times a day and this Momma was on a mission for Luke to be back to birth weight by his 2 week checkup.

We had Daddy home all week which was not only a special treat for Addison but also for me and Luke!  We loved having him home and were not looking forward to his return to work.  We got out daily for walks and even made a short trip to the pool on day.

Addison doesn't give her brother much attention but when she does, she is extra sweet.   On the day Luke turned 1 week old, Addison held him for the first time without fuss.   Her love for him will only grow and I am sure they will be best of friends.

Such a fun first week with our little guy!