Crew at 3 Months

I'm on time - woo hoo! Today Crew turns 3 months old and don't let his onesie mislead you - he's PURE sweet these days! That's right, we've turned over a new leaf. Crew is no longer what I'd consider a fussy baby. He's happy and content unless he's super tired or hungry, but that's to be expected. My pediatrician told me that he'd grow out of the fussiness around 3 months and he was right. Not much has changed with night time sleep - still waking about 2am and between 5-6am every night, but then I put him back in bed to sleep until 7 or 7:30am. I've been working really hard on sleep training during the day which includes getting him on a schedule and so far, so good. With a little crying-it-out in the middle of his naps, he's sleeping for 1.5-2 hours at a time. Success! Next month I know I'll be singing a different tune as the 4 month sleep regression takes it's toll! Oh well, for now I'm just savoring the time with my sweet and adorable baby. Absolutely loving his smiles and laughs. He's proving to be quite ticklish. Definitely talking and stretching out a lot more too. Danny continues to think he's the coolest baby brother around! Happy 3 months Crew! We love you so!

Mid stretch - look how long I am!

Ready for my close up

Insta-Lately

Smirking at the camera

Fat Pelican on a little date night

Two boys in their PJs

Contemplating life during tummy time 

Post lunch ice cream at Jason's Deli

Haircuts

For whatever reason, Danny has always been a scaredy cat during haircuts making me hold him on my lap while they do it. Crazy because I take him to a cute place with toys and cartoons on at each booth. Anyways, very proud to say that today he was a big, brave boy and sat on his own!

What's the big deal?

Why so serious, Danny boy?

Crew's Sweet Smile

I don't think there is anything better than your baby's first (non fart) smiles. Ahh, the little things in life...

And Crew woke up early one morning with a random leaky diaper, so I stripped him down and let him snuggle with me. Sweetest skin in the world!

January Beach Buddies

Danny and his friend Gemma hit up the beach last weekend with the dads. I wasn't there, but apparently Danny had to be talked into keeping his pants on. Later that night, they cuddled up with Jimmy, or rather Danny's Kindle Fire, on the couch.

And just a shot of Danny and Jimmy while out to dinner. Had to share because this night will go down in history as the time we took the kids out and they were both extremely well behaved. Score one for the mamas and papas!

The Hangover

Jimmy sometimes sports the baby carrier in the evenings to help keep Crew happy while I cook dinner. Just for fun, Jimmy and Dan put together a Zach Galifianakis/The Hangover look while he and Lita were in town.

Crew's 2 Month Well Check

Yesterday I took Crew to his 2 month well check-up. The doctor said he looked great and confirmed that the fussiness we're experiencing is a phase. As you can see in the pic below, he's a little below average on weight and head circumference, but still tracking on the his own curve - not dropped below - which is all that really matters. Not sure exactly how he compares to Danny at this age except that I do remember Danny always being 75th percentile for head circumference. We ended the appointment with three shots, which was traumatizing for all.

Crew at 2 Months (and I'm late again!)

I blame it on the holidays and of course not being overwhelmed with two kids and my job, but this two month photo shoot is over a week late! Crew actually turned 2 months old on Christmas Eve. Anyways, this past month has been eventful for little Crew or Crewberry, Crewton and all the other little nicknames we have for the little guy. He got his first sickness (sad), visited with a lot of family, got lots of presents, started smiling and baby talking, went on his first road trip, rolled over for the first time and started loving baths and being worn in the moby wrap. Phew! Alas, he continues to be a generally fussy baby - not super content despite being fed, changed and not tired - and doesn't really like the bouncy seat or swing (gasp!). Good thing is I'm confident he'll grow out of it by as soon as the next couple weeks and he'll be on his way to perfection! He was sleeping well at night, only waking at 2:30am and then again at about 5am (then goes back to sleep), but then last week he started waking up a bunch at night. Tightened the swaddle last night and we're back in business! He's still not a great napper though. Much to my disappointment, I read somewhere that 20 minutes actually constitutes a successful, not failed like I see it, nap. How am I suppose to get anything done with a mere 20 mins?!? Again, hopeful that he'll nap better as he gets older. I swear I'm not complaining - just documenting how it is. I happen to think he's the most beautiful baby ever born and his smile absolutely melts my heart. He's also one heck of a snuggle bug - gets right up in the crook of your neck and just settles in. Danny absolutely loves him too and is constantly hugging and kissing him. Happy 2 months!

Deer in headlights impersonation

About to roll

Go me!

Who said I was a difficult baby?!?!

Our Final and Fabulous Christmas

Last, but certainly not least, we had papa and Lita come to visit on Monday the 29th and it was such a nice and quiet time together! The spoiling continued with Danny's first bike and some amazing handmade gifts for house compliments of Dan and his woodworking skills! I must have been seriously slacking on the picture taking front because I only have one crappy iPhone shot of poor Lita! :(

Like granddad, like grandson

Who needs pants?

Crew with his new activity center from papa and Lita

Danny ignoring everyone with his Kindle Fire Kids from Grandma Martha 

Watching surf movies with dad

And check out Dan's handiwork - bodysurfing handplanes, log side table and NC wall art. Impressive stuff!

Season's Greetings from South Carolina Ave and Southport

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning were spent at home just me, Jimmy, Crew and Danny. We set out cookies, milk and carrots and read The Night Before Christmas and then went on Santa duty. Danny snuck downstairs without us knowing it and spotted his fire truck before we could get the video rolling, so instead of capturing his amazement we just captured him asking for his fire truck. Oh well!

Santa spoils

Xmas morning

Later that day, Stefanie and Kevin arrived from Virginia Beach where they had been visiting the Long clan. We couldn't have been happier to have them in town all the way from Half Moon Bay, CA!

Crew meeting Aunt Stef

Ready for some disc golf with the boys

Golf cart ride to the disc golf course

Already has good form!

After Danny said, "I cuddle with you"

The Saturday after Christmas we all took the ferry down to Southport to spend some time and get completely spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa in their future home of St. James Plantation. Luckily, Ron's daughter, Erin, came along too, so it was a packed house and a ton of fun!

On our way!

Danny just a little excited about all these presents

Uncle Kevin!

Danny seeing the lego table Ron MADE him for the first time

Crew and his new friends

Pestering Grandpa per usual

Amazing handiwork by Grandpa

Rock em Sock em

Grandma and Crew

Ron and Erin 

The whole clan

See ya Southport - heading back to CB