Friday, September 28, 2012

Growing Up

Last night, we started putting Danny in night time specific, gigantic diapers after his bath because, let's face it, the early morning blowout ratio was not in our favor. I call them his "baby depends".



And then this morning, Danny had his first solids - 1 tablespoon of rice cereal to 4 tablespoons of breast milk.  Our pediatrician recommended we give it a try since getting Danny to focus during nursing is so challenging. If he tolerates that well, we'll be slowly introducing other foods. Here's a video of Danny eating this morning. I think we got more on his bid, bumbo and dining room table than in his mouth. Our baby is growing up...


Rice cereal "beard"
Speaking of growing up, Danny was in the 50-75th percentile for height, weight and head circumference, or "perfect", at his 4 month wellness check-up.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Happy B-day Daddy

Today we celebrate Jimmy's first birthday as a daddy! Though Danny can't express his birthday wishes for his dad yet, I know the "holiday" is extra special for Jimmy nonetheless.


Can't wait to spoil him with dinner, sweets and gifts this evening and continue the festivities into the weekend. Jimmy, we love you and all you do for both of us so very much. You-are-our-hero! Xoxo

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Accessories

Someone I know likes his "things.

With his monkey lovie blanket...


Danny and Soph...


Monday, September 24, 2012

G-Pa, Beth & Mac Visit

This past weekend, my Dad, also known as G-Pa, Beth and Mac all came for a visit. We were in the midst of sleep training - update to come later - so we had to be "tip-toe nazis" around his nursery, which happens to be right off our kitchen. Not ideal. It was a great weekend nonetheless! We had two nice days on the beach, great food and good company.

Morning cuddles
Polo "Twins"
Barking up the wrong tree, Danny boy...

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Danny at 4 Months

Take 1
Take 2
Take 3 - Nice face!
2, 3 and 4 month comparison
While mommy and daddy recognized their 3 year wedding anniversary yesterday, today marks Danny's 4 month birthday. Day after day he continues to amaze us with his cheery and silly personality, especially in the tub! I keep saying I'm going to film his bath time. It's too funny. I get completely soaked from his splashes. We just couldn't love him more. As far as milestones go, he's still rolling over tummy to back and he rolled over once from his back to tummy, but I haven't seen any repeats yet. He's totally grabbing with his hands and movement is becoming less jerky. He's not great about bearing weight on his legs, but we'll get there! He goes to the doctor for his 4 month appointment next week. I'll be interested to hear how much they brag what they say about him.

Weight: Approximately 14.8

Likes: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (for sheez), music, dancing, watching football with daddy, his activity mat, monkey lovie blanket, itsy bitsy spider and patty cake, Green Eggs and Ham, pulling mommy's hair (ouch), sitting in his bumbo, baths, being naked.

Dislikes: Same old, same old - riding in the car, playing independently for too long, napping.

Sleeping: Oh sleep, how I both love and hate you so. I love you because when I get a few hours, it makes me feel so good, but I hate you because you make things so complicated. While we've been messing around with a partial swaddle for some time, we've finally broke him of the swaddle all together this week. He now rocks this sleep sack. Considering Danny is already sleeping terribly, we figured flailing arms/reflexes from being newly freed from the swaddle couldn't hurt.



Why the short naps, Danny? "If I told you, mom, it wouldn't be such a fun game, now would it?" You take your guess - too little stimulation, too much stimulation, up too long, up not long enough, bad habit, wants a snack, can't self-soothe, just wants to say hello, farts and wakes himself up, you get the point. In all seriousness though, I think it's largely that he's not able to self-soothe yet, which is something we're working on. Supposedly at around 4 months babies' sleep patterns evolve to be more like adults, so they cycle into periods of light sleep, the first period being at 45 mins. This might explain why he wakes up from every nap at 45 mins on the dot. We're also up a couple times at night again, like as often as when he was a brand new baby, and sometimes for the day at 4am. Sigh. He's pretty much cried himself to sleep the last two nights and goes down easily (most times) after nursing in the middle of the night. I know he's hungry when he wakes, so nurse him I will! Cry-it-out hasn't worked for naps though, so not quite sure what to do since I really aim to be consistent.

Eating: Nursing has become quite a sport lately. Danny is way too interested in what's going on around him to care about sustenance. No longer can I pawn myself off as a pacifier while Jimmy and I try to grab a drink or dinner out. In fact, I can't even talk to Jimmy or anyone else in my quiet home while I'm nursing. My (naturally soft) voice is way too much distraction. Ha! I can definitely tell he's gotten more efficient and doesn't need to nurse as long as he once did, but I still feel at times like he needs to focus and just eat a little bit longer. We'll see what the doc says about weight gain. What's a new mom to do, but push on??

At our anniversary beach picnic last night. Nice bags, mom!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

from North Carolina to California and back...

Happy 3rd Anniversary Kaylie! It has been and always will be an amazing journey with you. You're my one true love...



3 Years


Today marks our 3 year wedding anniversary! My how things have changed. Last year, while we were in Charleston celebrating our 2 year anniversary, we found out I was pregnant.


Now we're officially no longer just Jimmy and Kaylie, but also mommy and daddy to an amazing baby boy...who happens to be turning 4 months tomorrow. I'd be lying if I said that having a baby doesn't challenge your relationship because it definitely does. But each day we overcome any stress or exhaustion, we become stronger and even closer than before. And...Danny pretty much melts our hearts on the turn of a dime. If he's not a reminder to always love one another, I don't know what is. And seeing Jimmy interact with him is just the sweetest thing ever. Confession: I knew Jimmy would be an amazing father from the moment I met him. In fact, it was partly what made me fall in love with him and ultimately want to marry him. 

In typical old fogie style, Danny and I are just meeting Jimmy for lunch today, but otherwise waiting to go on our anniversary date until Nana is back from her trip to CO. And instead of surprise gifts for one another, we're talking about a new mattress for our aching backs. But don't let my anti-climatic tone fool you - life is truly grand. We are unbelievably fortunate. I can't wait to grow old...and raise our family together, Jimmy. Love you the most!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Duds

Check me out in my UNC "tie" onesie from Auntie Catherine and Jeff and my kicks from Auntie Stef. Such a stud...


Heaven help me if I ever have a girl someday. I'll probably have so many pairs of "novelty" baby shoes!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

New Gig

So sorry for the lapse in posts. I've been a busy lady! It's kind of old news at this point, but Jimmy and I decided it was the best thing for Danny and future bambinos for me to stay home, instead of going back to work full-time.  While being home with Danny has been great, I've known all along that having a part-time job or some other outlet would be good for me. Luckily, I found a company that is letting me do some part-time marketing and business development work from home! It's been super fun so far, but  juggling Danny, the house and work has proved to be a bit challenging as well. Hence, the lack of posts. It's only been a week though, so I know it will get better.

My new "office"

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Spectator

Here's a shot of Danny watching daddy mess around on some waves the other day. Can't get over what a little boy he looks like...


Monday, September 10, 2012

Hoodies

Maybe it's just us, but Danny and I are super excited for the Fall! I love the cooler, but not cold temps, pumpkin spice candles, seasonal beers, soups and stews and, last, but certainly not least, Fall clothes like hoodies and boots! Danny is ready in his little hooded onesie!


Friday, September 7, 2012

Great Grandbear

My friend Katie got me this adorable hat at my baby shower. Little did she know that "bears" were so significant in my family. Just before my Grandpa Heintzelman died he started calling his sons his three bears. I guess that makes Danny the Great Grandbear. I wish so much that my Grandpa, Nanny and Jimmy's late grandparents could have met our sweet boy...


Enough with the pics, mom...



Thursday, September 6, 2012

Buff & Buns

In the always favorable buff (retouched to hide his man parts!)...



Danny's buns, creases and all...


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Celebrating Connor

We just got back yesterday afternoon from a very fun weekend in Virginia Beach celebrating Connor's birthday. Kelly put together a great little beach party on Sunday and the rest of the time we just enjoyed visiting with one another at Kelly & Spencer's place. No bars or shenanigans like previous trips to VA Beach - oh, how times have changed :) Below are some Diptic compilations of the many, many pics from the weekend. Uncle Jimmy was, of course, with us as well, but I didn't have any good pics of him! Same with Uncle Kevin and Stef. Stef was actually the photographer for the weekend!
Hey, that's a baby, right?
Connor was so jealous of Danny in Granddad's arms
Kaylie and Kelly + 2
Grandma and Danny & Connor with his momma and Lita
Grandma and Ron with the birthday boy
Connor's favorite birthday present? Balloons! 
Crabby sandbox & Proud parents
Danny sleeping through all the action

Thanks Kelly and Spencer for such a great weekend!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Connor!

Today is Connor's 1st birthday! Hard to believe it's been a year. I remember his "day of birth" like it was yesterday. Jimmy and I got the text on the way to work in the morning that Kelly was on her way to the hospital. Never having been in labor myself, I didn't realize that it typically takes hours and hours, so I was a hot mess all day just itching to get on the road. Low and behold, I worried for no reason and we made it to Virginia Beach in time to take part in the anticipation with the rest of the family. I'll never forget seeing Kelly's face holding her little boy when we first walked into her room. It was such a special night.

Funny story - the whole family was on "Kaylie drinking watch" that weekend to see if I was pregnant yet. The verdict? "No, not yet". In reality I WAS though, but only a couple weeks along. Hah - gotcha!

We're currently in Virginia Beach right now celebrating with everyone. Weekend pics and recap to come. For now, here's an adorable shot I stole from Kelly's Facebook account. Happy Birthday Connor! We love you!!