And so it begins...

The past six months have been amazing. I have been able to watch my little man grow, explore, and discover the world around us. 

I've lived life as a stay at home mom, a part-time working mom, and a mom trying to work from home. All of these having their own challenges and joys in the journey.

Today, I've begun my journey as a full time working mom aka my child began day care for the first time.

I'm fortunate in that my husband gets the opportunity to drop him off in the mornings so that I don't have to leave a possible crying baby. To my surprise, my husband got a little teary eyed as he placed our son in his new crib whom immediately started to whimper. I'm sure that my little one probably looked at my husband with those huge eyes...how could you not want to hold him? I don't know if he cried once my husband left, or what ensued after, but I do know how I feel now, and that's what I want to document. I want to document my thoughts and feelings for this exact moment of real life. None of the fake fluffy stuff.

My husband and I both knew that our baby was going to daycare. After many discussions, we felt it's what is best for our family. We knew this before we even got pregnant. Our mind was set and already in that accepting process. This type of thinking definitely helped with the start of my full time working mom status. However, that mindset was not my expectations of how today would go...

My expectations: Wake up to a happy baby, get ready for work and spend time with my sweet baby - maybe get a first day of day care picture?, spend a busy first day of the semester at work, pump and enjoy a lunch, continue with work, pump again, go pick up my baby with no traffic on the road since it will be early afternoon, arrive to an excited baby so happy to see me, arrive at home to enjoy quality time.

What really occurred...

Woke up to a happy baby. Nursed him. Didn't get too much time with him in the morning since I was scrambling to put together last minute things that didn't happen at 11 pm last night. At least he was satisfied with watching me get ready in his pack in play while chewing on his new chew toy for a while. First day of day care picture? Are you kidding me? I still have to brush my teeth...Should I pump real quick or nurse him again? I want to spend time with him before I go - nursing it is!  Lots of kisses later, I was off for my morning commute, and left my husband to finish getting himself and our baby ready.

My work day was very busy. VERY busy. First day of school is always crazy, but my MWF are exceptionally crazy for me. Four classes and one 50 min break. I managed to pump twice at work and swallow a lunch at 10:30 am. First day back, 1 pm, and I'm already anxious about my milk supply since, my pumping led me to a bottle short in restocking. I guess it's extra pumping in the evenings and/or weekends...

I leave work and decide to take the interstate, which would be a quicker route to get to his daycare. Not long after choosing my no turning back path, all I see is red. Red tail lights, glaring back at me. I was great all day - thanks to many text messages and prayers from friends - until this dead stopped traffic began teasing me that I had to wait to get my baby. What if he is ready to feed again? Or he wants me, thank you 6 month attachment developmental stage... wait, I want him! Now. At a last minute, I decide to take an alternate route, which worked surprisingly well, and finally arrive at my destination.

I enter the room, only to discover that my baby was not happy, nor excited. In fact the very opposite, so upset he is trying to catch his breath. I'm not sure why, nor do I blame the staff at the nursery for this, but this was not what I was anticipating. He held me tight, and I knew he missed me. I need to save tears for the car ride...I tried to put him in his car seat, but it only upset him more. I need to save tears for the car ride....I held him a little longer as the worker gathered up his bottles. A little more  crying  screaming later I managed to get my little dude in the car and let the tears out as I headed home.

Was I upset? Yes, because it wasn't what I expected...My husband was supposed to deal with a crying baby, not I!  

Am I ok? Yes. Here are the reasons why:

1) I chose this day care for reasons. When I visited, I felt the most comfortable and confident that these women would do well in taking care of my child while I am away.

2) Big changes take time to adapt. I need time to adapt, so why expect a 6 month baby to not need time as well. They need time to learn his cues and cries, errr screams (it's just a phase, right?), and he needs time to learn their ways.

3) I have good support from an amazing husband, friends, and family that lend an ear or prayer when I need it. I don't want to imagine what kind of mom I would be without my solid support system.

4) Logan's Bible verse we chose to pray over him says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified and don't be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.  God will be with him and me during and after this season, and this brings me comfort.

5) Choosing not to focus on missing the first time moments, and instead, choosing to celebrate and enjoy the first time moments that happen in front of me.

I'm sitting here typing away as my exhausted baby naps...my view of my living room floor is scattered blocks, chew toys, and his favorite green car. He was finally home crawling and playing in his territory with an every now and then big cheesy grin to appear on his cute little face every time he looked back at me to make sure I was there. I got my happy, excited baby after all, it just didn't occur when I expected it.

Here's to change.

Here's to a house that may stay dirty a little longer.

Here's to trying to figure out where my time needs to be spent (oh boy...).

Here's to a full time working mom trying to embrace a big change for her sweet loving family.

-Miche

Month 6

Happy Half Birthday my sweet adorable boy!!!

Almost crawling. like crazy close. up on all fours and rocking. up on all fours and knees aren't touching the ground sometimes. You move really well on your belly - make circles. You started to pull yourself forward like an army crawl on 6/27.  You are so strong. You just love being on your belly and doing push up position to superman and vice versa.

You sit up by yourself. I'm still a little cautious around you though since you have tumbled a few times and we don't have carpet. :/

You like to play this game where you take your square plastic block or nunu and you "throw it" and chase after it

Like to lift up pieces of your abc mat and chew on edge. I'm not happy about that. When I fuss you, you smile and even laugh sometimes. Oh discipline may be a trying time...

Month of spitting up, a lot, I think mainly because you are moving around on your belly a lot. We always have a burp cloth nearby.

Travis and I let you turn off the light to your room. Sometimes you can do it by yourself.

You can turn on and off your aquarium crib soother now. Travis and I were playing video games on a very rare occasion during one of your naps one weekend, and we heard the music turn off on the monitor. We looked at it and you had head butted it. A couple minutes later, you turned it back on. It was the funniest thing! Now you can use your hand.

It's become more difficult to give you medicine. Diaper changes are also challenging since you like to twist and move and feel your textured walls.

More aware of the tv, you love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You smile and wave your arms as soon as the music comes on. When I let you watch tv, you watch for 10 min spans it seems, then you get bored. It's just enough time for me to get something done - like pee, pump, etc.

Favorite toys: car, driving in your red car, Sophie, box of shapes, and anything that spins, lights up, or moves.

How are we dealing with teething: wet cold towels, teething tablets, and Tylenol when you constantly tug your ears. No new teeth though.

   We had our first family vacation to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama. We stayed at Phoenix on the Bay with our friends Hope, Robbie, and Emma (2 weeks older than you).
   It was your first time being in high chairs at restaurants. You did so well playing with your toy and eating your mum crackers.
   You weren't a huge fan of sleeping in your stroller while mom and dad tried to outlet shop.  You ate carrots for the first time at Lambert's and really enjoyed them.
    We spent a good amount of time in the pool and floating around the lazy river. You loved chewing on your rubber ducky, and watching the people float around us. You got lots of people's attention of how cute you were floating around in momma's lap. Everyone was very respectful and tried not to bump our raft. Daddy did a good job of stirring our floaty.  You loved splashing around in the pool with Daddy. We had a good time throwing a little spiky ball back and forth in the water.
     We brought you down to the bay area by our condo. You immediately dug your toes in the sand and seemed to enjoy the feeling. You were mesmerized by the small waves coming in. We let you sit down where the water meets the sand and you enjoyed it. You started to dig your hands in the wet sand, and unfortunately we had to stop your experience there due to avoiding any sand getting into your mouth. Mom and Dad are so happy that you enjoy the beach! We are planning a trip to come back next year.
     Hope and I got a lot - Are they the same age? Did y'all plan your pregnancy together? So y'all were pregnant at the same time?

We started baby weening. We let you feed yourself, for the most part. Foods you've tried so far: peaches, cob of corn with no corn on it (you love this!), carrots, avocado, sweet potatoes, bananas. All fresh food. We feed you once a day, usually during dinner time as we all eat as a family. One of my favorite parts of the day. Snacks: puffs and mum banana crackers. You seem to like foods much better the second go round. You are constantly watching mommy and daddy anytime we eat or drink. I'm basically feeding you whatever we have at the house and are feeding ourselves. I haven't given you any purred food yet.

You are officially crawling - you pull yourself forward. You are moving all over the place. I love when you see me and crawl towards me with excitement and smiles. It's one of the greatest feelings in the world.

We've had our last play date this week. It's been really hard trying to work on school stuff while taking care of you. You've managed to crumple and rip a few of my papers. This last week before you turn 6 months has been rough. We've spent a couple nights waking up every 2 hours to feed. You are starting to get a little more clingy to be - which I love - but it makes things a lot harder to prepare for the upcoming semester. It's so bittersweet, but I'm trying to prepare myself mentally that you will do so well in day care next week. I know that it will take time for all of us to adjust to mommy now working full time. I'm excited, nervous, stressed, worried, scared, happy, sad. What a ball of emotions I am as I will be entering into the working mom world. But, this week, I've had 3 words of encouragement - Thank you, Lord!

1)  The anticipation is worse than the actual transition, and we will all be fine and make it.

2) Joshua 1:9  The Bible verse that Travis and I prayed for Logan since we found out we were pregnant. A friend painted it on a canvas for me, and I read it to Logan almost every day. He gets so excited and smiles the whole time while I read it. I'm going to be brave and courageous, because I know that God will be with my family and I before, during, and after this time.

3) My pediatrician's wise words, "It's not about the quantity of time, but the quality of time spent together."  My work goal this semester is to leave work at work, so that I can have true quality of time with my family at home.

For future reference:

Sleeping:We are back to a regular schedule. You nap 2 - 3 times a day. Your naps usually range from 45 min - almost 2 hours. Night - usually have 2 wake ups to feed, every now and then 1 wake up. You love and cry for your bath time routine - usually around 8-8:30.

Eating: Currently, during the day you go 2 hr, maybe 2 1/2 hours. Rarely 3. You are eating 4 - 5 oz.

Weight
Birth: 7 lbs. 11 oz
1 month: 9 lbs. 12 oz
2 month: 10 lbs. 13 oz
3 month: 12 lbs. 10 oz
4 month: 14 lbs. 9 oz
6 month: 17 lbs. 14 oz


Height
Birth: 20.25"
1 month: 22.25"
2 month: 23"
3 month: 24.25"
4 month: 25"
6 month: 25.75"


Thank you, God, for choosing me to be this little fella's momma.

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and Goodbye Stay at Home Mom life,
-Miche

Month 5

Five months.

6/22 just past 4 months. Travis discovered your first tooth. It was quite a surprise because you didn't show any symptoms. Although, you did have shots less than a week before your tooth appeared. Looking back, you were starting to bit down on your toys more. A few days later the second appeared bottom tooth appeared.

 6/25 you had bananas for the first time. I was insisting that I was going to wait until late July to introduce food to you, but one morning you were very interested in the banana I was eating. So on a whelm, I gave you some. Your reactions were excited, confused, and I think you liked it.  After the fifth feeding of bananas (not all in a row) you didn't seem interested in eating it at all. We haven't given you any other foods yet, but I plan on giving you some soon.

Unfortunately, we are not so lucky with your next set of teeth coming in. We've had a couple of yuck days where you are in pain and irritated. You are really fussy. Fight sleep. Sometimes you don't even want to be on your tummy. Swat your ear. Just out of your character. Baby, I don't blame you. Those teeth are sharp, and I'm just happy you won't remember this experience.

This month, I've had a ton of fun having dance parties with you. I put you in your bouncy chair, blast some music, and dance around. I like to get down at your level, grab your hands, and sway your arms back and forth. You smile so big, and even giggle. I also like to hold you and dance cheek to cheek, swaying to the music.

Everywhere we go, people just think you are the cutest thing. Common phrases we hear at the store: can I buy one just like you, you are so adorable, look how alert you are, look how well you hold your head up, so curious. I have to admit, I couldn't agree more. :)

This month, we've had weekly play dates. I think it's good for you to be around other kids and play with others. It's been neat watching you play with toys different from ours. I've also realized that you are an observer. You watch the other children a lot when we first arrive, then after some time, you do some playing. Plus, I need this day. It's a great day for me to hang out with my friends and not stress about work - school or house. Stay at home mom life can be hard and sometimes lonely. I enjoy a day "off." The day seems to fly by, and we are home an hour or so before daddy arrives. You do really well when we are out of the house, which is why I don't mind it being a weekly thing this summer. Boy, I'm going to miss this once school starts.

You've made use of your bumper crib. You like to play peekaboo in the small space between the top of the bumper and the bottom of the bar of your crib. All I can see is your eyes and nose. You squeal and smile while we play. I've also caught you resting your feet on top of the bumper. You are too funny!

We spent a couple days rocking on the back pourch listening and watching the rain fall and feeling the cool evening summer breeze brought on by the rain. It was a very sweet calming moment.

For the 4th of July bbq at my family's house, you snuggled on my grandma (91) and aunt's mother (86). You slept in my aunt's mother's arms for like an hour. You were so good and sweet that day. My family and extended family gave you lots of loves and attention.

We rearranged our living room for you and gave you a special play area.

I love when we are sitting together with you in my lap that every now and then you twist your head and look up at me with your big eyes to make sure it's me. I kiss your forehead every time.

You are still working on crawling. You move around on your belly really well and turn 360 degrees with ease. You got up on all fours a few times, but never made forward progress. You can move all over the place in your crib or pack in play.

I think you are starting to recognize Travis's ringtone on my phone. I love watching your face when you hear daddy on the phone. Sometimes you talk back, but usually just try to put your hand on the phone and have come very close to hanging up many times.

The biggest thing that I have done as a parent this month is deactivate my facebook and most of my social media connections. This is a big deal for me. There's multiple reasons why I've given it up, for now, but the main reason is for you. Logan, you really are challenging my views and my world, and I'm trying to be a better person because of that. Thank you.

For future reference:

Sleeping: We've regressed. We are no longer on our 3 nap a day at 9, 11:30, 6 (longest after lunch). You also were sleeping the majority of the night 6-8 hours for about a week. Currently, your naps occur, but not necessary at regular times. One day you sleep long at 11 am, the next day your long nap occurs at 1 pm. At night, we are up anywhere between every 2, 3, or 4 hours.

Eating: You were eating every 2 1/2-3 hours. Currently, during the day you go 2 hr, maybe 2 1/2 hours. Rarely 3. You are eating 4 - 5 oz.

aka Teething bites...

Thank you, God, for choosing me to be this little fella's momma.

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and Goodbye Social Media for Momma,
-Miche

Month 4

Another month, another milestone...

You are so much fun! I love interacting with you just to try and get you to smile. You are squealing and grunting and cooing everyday.

This month you napped on my chest a few times. You haven't done that since you were only a couple weeks old. Of course I soaked in every moment of your cute face and how peaceful you were - you have your whole life to sleep in beds, but you are only small enough to sleep on my chest for a short time.

Your new thing is bending your knees and bringing your legs up while on your back. It's a new diaper changing challenge. You do grab your toes every now and then.

   We took you on your first big trip (longer than 1 hour in the car) to see your grandparents in Mississippi for memorial day weekend. You did wonderful on the ride up. You took a bottle right away and slept until we reached the rest stop. We gave you a diaper change, and you got a pin for it being your first time in MS. The lady at the desk just thought you were adorable. I played with you in the car for a bit and you fell back asleep. You got fussy right at the end since you were hungry again.
    Friday night, Travis and I went on our first date since you were born. We went to an outdoor mall, had dinner at P.F. Changs, and frozen custard at Bop's. We had a great time, but you were on our minds, and invaded our conversation often. When we returned, I grabbed you because I missed you so much. You immediately proceeded to spit up on my shoulder, and when I moved you to face me, you projectile vomited on me. Thanks kid for the warm welcome home. Ha!
    Saturday your grandparents threw a lunch party and invited a bunch of their friends to meet you. You did great being held by many people and at one point had everyone's focus as you smiled, cooed, and laughed.
    Sunday, we went to Sunday school at church, and you joined the adult class. All you did was look around at all the new faces. All the new people wore you out, and you slept the whole time while we joined the entire Booker family for lunch at a Mexican restaurant. You woke up right as we were leaving. That evening, we had dinner at Scott and Gracie's house.
   You did well on the ride home and slept the majority of the way. You woke up very hungry, so I had to feed you in a hotel parking lot. It was pretty secluded and we were able to park in some shade. The car was pretty packed, so it was quite difficult feeding you in the backseat - especially for how long you are getting.
   You rolled over from back to stomach for the first time 5/25 at Nonnie and Poppa's house. We all cheered and you got scared and cried. Lately you have been laying on your side, but never tried to roll to your stomach. Sunday night, you were determined and succeeded.

You now like to stand while being held. Your little legs are so strong. We barely hold you and are just helping you keep your balance.

Some of my favorite moments this month has been walking to Winn Dixie by baby wearing you in the K'tan. Every time, you fall asleep so fast. One time you were snoring in the store. Another time your head fell back (mom had to support it) and your mouth was open. One time you were so alert, looking at all the food products, I thought you were going to lean out of the wrap for a moment.

We've had a couple more play dates. I have so much fun watching you interact with other children. I've really enjoyed the change of pace (stay at home mom life can be rough sometimes) and being able to chat with other moms.

You are now interacting more with toys. Your favorite toy is this very colorful crinkly blankie with corners that you can chew on. You can just sit in your bouncy and play with it for like 20 min. It's perfect so that mom can heat up and eat lunch!

We visited dad at work for the first time. I made sure to put you in your special Reinhart orange onsie. All his coworkers enjoyed seeing how alert you were. You even gave a few smiles. I took a few pics of you sitting in Daddy's big chair. You looked SO tiny. Our visit occurred during your normal nap time so you got pretty sleepy towards the end. You were so tired, I couldn't even leave the street and you were out.

This month I feel like we have mastered (or have come close ;)) at taking you out and about. I feel very comfortable with it, especially with daddy.

You've gone to the nursery for the first time this month. You do great and never cry. All the workers say you don't make a sound and just look around. They all love you. We put you in it for every service now.

When you are in a good mood, and I choose to read to you, you get SO excited about reading books sometimes. You squeal, coo, grab at pages (sometimes even close the book), and put your hands on the pages. You're favorites are still "Little Blue Truck," "Hello New Orleans," and our new favorite, "Happy Hippo, Angry Duck."

This month I began summer school. I'm teaching a night class on Monday and Wednesday's from 6 - 9 pm. This is HARD. I didn't know what I was going to get into.... I am beyond exhausted when I come home from work. Here's a typical teaching day: 7 am, I begin taking care of you. During that time, I try to do school work, house work, eat lunch, pump milk for while I'm gone, and get dressed for work. I don't stress if I don't get any type of work done because you are my priority. At around 4:30, Travis comes home early so that I can leave and fight 5 pm traffic to drive to the west bank. I done office work for about 20 min, and head to class. I teach from 6 - 9 and drive home. Arriving at home around 9:30/9:40, I immediately have to feed you. I'm so happy this is only twice a week. As exhausting as I am when I return home, I am so happy to hear the stories of play time you have with Daddy. I know Travis is cherishing these moments where he has you all to himself, and that makes working a little easier.

You've become quite the chatter box lately. It's SO much fun watching you try to talk. You get so excited that you get the hiccups sometimes. Sometimes, I sit you facing me and we chat for about 20 min in the morning. It sounds like you are saying Mom - in which you say it a lot - but I know you don't realize what you are saying. I know you are just learning sounds and how to move your mouth and tongue. But it is pretty cool to hear you say it. :)

We celebrated Father's day by going to the Aquarium and the River walk. You did so well, and I really think you enjoyed looking at all the big and colorful fish.

You love tummy time so much. So much so that now, when we place you on your back to play, you refuse and immediately flip over to your tummy. You basically stay in one spot, play with Sophie, and sometimes make circles - but your tummy stays in the same spot.

All of this growing up is so bittersweet.... I couldn't be prouder of your development, but please slow down....at least just a little? I know you won't stay small for long, but I'm having a hard time with you growing so fast...I think my hormones are talking...This month has been rough dealing with this. Do I really want you to stop growing? Of course not. I am so proud of all the milestones you have already reached. I truly do enjoy being able to witness each and every one. I often think of what you will grow up to be one day. All I want is for you to know and love Jesus, and be happy.

Weight
Birth: 7 lbs. 11 oz
1 month: 9 lbs. 12 oz
2 month: 10 lbs. 13 oz
3 month: 12 lbs. 10 oz
4 month: 14 lbs. 9 oz

Height
Birth: 20.25"
1 month: 22.25"
2 month: 23"
3 month: 24.25
4 month: 25"

Thank you, God, for choosing me to be this little fella's momma.

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and a rolling little boy,
-Miche

Month 3

Month 3 - Mommy is still learning and loving life with you!

This month was your first Easter. We decided to attend the sunrise service, since you were awake for a 4 am feeding. You were so good. You watched a bunch of young boys play on a blanket for the entire service and slept towards the end. Then we enjoyed the gorgeous day outside with your paran's in-law's family. You received gifts and were loved on like they were your own family.

You are still trying to crawl, and still enjoy your tummy time. You are slowly getting brave enough to move your arms. You keep them in front of you for the most part. You now can hold up your head well while on your tummy.

I love when I'm holding you, you hold your head up and rest your little arm on my shoulder.

I love when you wake up in a happy mood in the morning. We get to exchange smiles back and forth, while I rock you. You melt my heart.

It's fun watching you under your play mat. You are making more of a conscious effort of when you choose to kick or hit your toys. You grab/hug the giraffe toy so well - you are even bringing it to your mouth and giving it a little nibble. You love just having a conversation with yourself looking at the mirror - you don't even bother with the toys sometimes.

I'm having fun singing songs to you during the day: Old McDonald, the alphabet, counting in English and Spanish, Patty Cake (and my remix), Skimmer rinky dinky dink (sp?), Itsy Bitsy Spider, Jesus Loves You, You are my Sunshine. Your eyes light up and you smile, and I love how sometimes you join me in song.

I love sitting back and listen to you having conversations -  especially with yourself in the mirror, daddy, or with Poppee.

We faced time with nonnie and poppa the first day you sat in your bumbo chair which ended shortly bc you pooped in it...

You let anyone hold you - but like to keep an eye on me, especially in the beginning. You do SO well with others. This month, I've had to fight the urge to not let anyone hold you...where did that come from!?!

I took advantage of the spring weather and I took you outside. We sat on a blanket in the backyard and enjoyed the breeze. I read to you, let you drool, and sang to you. I placed you in the grass for like 10 seconds and you didn't mind.

We had our first playdates with friends. :)

I've been reading to you more and more. You seem to really like "The Little Blue Truck," "Hello New Orleans," and "Babies First 100 Words."

This month you are drooling and chewing on your fingers, a lot. I guess you are slowly starting the teething stage.

One day when I came home from work, you made the sweetest babin face ever when grammy says, "Did you miss mommy while she was at work?" Broke my heart and melted it all at once. I was glad to snag a pic of that sweet sad face.

You went to your first birthday party - to my cousin Jared's son, Parker. You did great! (besides seriously blowing out a diaper)

You went to your first funeral - your great grandmother Mabel Thibodaux. It was interesting to see everyone's face light up when they saw a baby. You got lots of attention since no babies and hardly any children were present. You were so sweet as you cooed often during the Hail Mary and Lord's Prayers. We also discovered that the cry room (which was placed up front on the side of the alter) was not sound proof very much. You cried screamed during a diaper change, and well, many heard you to my little knowledge at the time. Everyone got a good laugh out of it - including me! You did so well meeting lots of new people - the large Thibodaux fam, plus some.

We went to my boss's house for a boat blessing party. Her husband recently built a deck, and I tought it would be fun to watch the boat pull away from the dock on it. Well, you turned a newly built deck into a poop deck...literally. (Good thing Daddy brought an extra set of clothes)

Everyone adores you. they comment how adorable you are and are amazed at how alert and how well you hold up your head for being so young.

You are no longer in the new born napper, but still in your pack-n-play in our room. Until your sleep becomes a little more consist with 6 hours at a time, I'm thinking you will stay in our room.

You are now drinking 4-5 oz at a feeding. Almost every night you get a bottle from your daddy.

I've loved our time rocking you this month...I've just really cherished that time together. Probably because you are getting so long, it made me face reality that I won't be able to rock you forever...

Your cries have changed. When you are really frustrated you cock your head back and push off with your legs. You are SO strong. You usually do this when you are fighting sleep. After a few minutes of this, you calm completely down and fall asleep. Your feeding cry used to be a panic cry, but not anymore - I guess you know you will be fed if it's time and you cry. I've come a long way, because I have developed a patience now when you cry that I know once I figure it out, I know you will be fine. I'm able to do this without panicking.

I love watching you stretch after being swaddled or a long nap. You arch your back so much and stretch those arms as long as they can go. It always makes me smile and/or laugh.

You got to meet a lot of my extended family on my mom's side the day before mother's day. This is when you met your great-grandmother for the first time who is 91. You instantly started having conversations with her and of course quickly became the center of attention. Just to show you how large this family is, Logan is the 48th great-grandchild. (For the record, not everyone was there.)

I got to experience my first mother's day. :) Daddy fixed mommy crepes, 3 different ways, for breakfast. I received a wrapped canvas of our first professional family photo, and a necklace of baby feet. One foot has your name and the other has your birthday. It also has your birthstone. I love it and wear it often. Our day consisted of going to church - where you pooped on me! Hanging out at home, going get fro-yo as a family, and ordering sushi take out from Taste of Tokyo. (mom's fav!)

This month I learned a hard lesson. When you were born, I thought I could be Michelle the teacher, scrap booker, crafter, shopper, exerciser, reader, video gamer, camper, independent woman, and a mom. While I can be all those things at once, right now, I'm a mom. This month I struggled with that. I struggled with letting my hobbies go be placed on the back burner. I don't want to sound negative or deny how much I love being a mom to my little man, but I'm still in the process of learning to continually love unselfishly. I answer school emails while you are sleeping and sometimes at 3 am. I haven't touched my scrapbook since before you were born. I have barely crafted, and the crafts I did were for you. :) Shopping doesn't happen to often anymore (which probably isn't a bad thing). I don't read, exercise, play video games or camp anymore. I am looking forward in doing all those things, one day, when you are a little older, because you will be able to join me in all those things. :) I'm still learning how to spend my time day to day, but the greatest thing of all is being able to spend it with you. I love you Logan, bunches and bunches.

 /;;'cv;vv.7  ,,kmik,mi9kynh,lo  (mom let you type)

What a fun month it's been. When I think back, I think of A LOT of diaper blow outs and poopie stories... You are becoming more and more aware of the world around you, and I love to watch you take it in. You are so alert, and tell mommy and daddy all about what you learned at night if we explore somewhere new. Life's been interesting the past few months, but I wouldn't have it any other way....

Weight
Birth: 7 lbs. 11 oz
1 month: 9 lbs. 12 oz
2 month: 10 lbs. 13 oz
3 month: 12 lbs. 10 oz

Height
Birth: 20.25"
1 month: 22.25"
2 month: 23"
3 month: 24.25"

Thank you, God, for choosing me to be this little fella's momma.

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and a learning mommy,
-Miche

P.S. Not 5 min after this was posted, you pooped all on mommy's leg. Ha! :)

Month 2

Happy 2 months my sweet growing boy!

This morning as I was rocking you, you looked up at me with your big eyes and gave me a big smile. It was the sweetest 5 min of exchanging smiles back and forth. You melted my heart.The sad thing is that I almost missed this moment because I just had to know what was happening on facebook...I guess I discovered what I need to work on next month - focus less on social media. I'm so glad I put that time waster/phone down so I could capture the moment in my heart. If you looked in my cell phone, you would see many pictures of you sleeping, not just because of the funny positions you sleep in or because of how cute you are, but because I try to live in the moment while you are awake. I've made a point to shut the tv off any time you are awake. This month I promise to put the phone away too.

Speaking of sleep, you look so peaceful while you sleep. Now I understand how parents can just watch their children sleep. I love looking at all the little details of your face. How I can see every strand of your thin brown hair. How long your eyelashes are and how they curl up. All the little wrinkles on your hand so you can bend your fingers. I'm amazed at how much lint you manage to get between your fingers and how fast your fingernails grow. I love how when you finally reach your deep sleep, you spit that nunu right out.

You have developed so much this month. It brings me so much joy to watch you grow and learn. You are definitely becoming more aware of this huge world around you. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to witness so much of it. I always take a picture or two (or 20...) and send a few to your daddy as he works all day. Sometimes I even take a video of you to show him what new things we did during the day or just to capture that cute smile.

What's new:

You now coo and make noise and try to "talk." I think the best part about this is you make the biggest smiles in the process. you especially like to talk while under your mobile or play mat. You look at yourself in the mirror and coo, you grab the giraffe by the neck, and swat at your monkey all while your feet are kicking up a storm. When you are in a good mood, I always let you play. Sometimes mom and dad lay down with you and play. :)

You still love lifting your head up or sitting up while being held. I take you on house tours so that you can look around at your home. I tell you about each room as your eyes look around in wonder. I can't help but wonder what you are thinking. Amazing that when you are placed on your stomach, your instinct tells you to attempt to crawl. You can't crawl yet, but boy do you try to! You have a great time laying on your tummy. You can move your head from side to side, and kick and move your feet. No arm movement yet. You love to climb up your daddy though. :)

Memorable moments:
First time going to City Park (sculpture garden).
Watching you try to imitate momma after making a clicking noise with her tongue.
Met your great grandma (Mamaw) from Oklahoma for the first time.
The first time you slept from 10:30 pm - 5:30 am straight. It was a one time deal, but I never felt so refreshed in all my life. However, you do sleep anywhere from 4 - 6 hrs straight at night still.
The countless times you have peed on yourself, momma, daddy, your bed, your changing table, the carpet, the curtains during a diaper change...yeah, still a work in progress. :)
Doing leg exercises (especially motorboat)
Watching your eyes light up and feel your spirit calm when we enter your room.
Reading the Bible to you.
Singing "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art" to put you to sleep.
You know who mom and dad are - eyes follow or you look for us when you hear our voice.
Dancing in the living room with momma and daddy, and you watching momma and daddy dance while in your bouncy seat.

Other noteworthy things:
You still scream and cry very loudly. This makes momma petrified to get out in public, but you seem to prove me wrong...most of the time. ;)
You HATE being woken up. But I love watching you stretch when we release you from your tight swaddle. You always stretch real big with both arms up and bend your back.
You eat really well, now drinking about 3, but mostly 4 oz per feeding almost every 2.5-3 hours during the day.
You still like fans a lot...
You now enjoy bath time with daddy - and licking those wet hands.
You fight sleep sometimes because you are so curious.
We have gone to church twice this month - enjoyed the service from the family room.
We still don't know your eye color, but they are looking like they probably will turn brown.
Momma went back to work - only 2 days a week. You do great while I'm gone and enjoy your bottles.

Weight
Birth: 7 lbs. 11 oz
1 month: 9 lbs. 12 oz
2 month: 10 lbs.13 oz

Height
Birth: 20.25"
1 month: 22.25"
2 month: 23"

Thank you, God, for choosing me to be this little fella's momma.

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and a Growing little boy,
-Miche

The fastest month of my life...

So let's try to recap the fastest month of my life...

Valentine's day, I began active labor. Feb. 15, my sweet baby boy was born. My labor and delivery was a very peaceful and joyous experience. I was happy to have all of my immediate family be able to see him hours after he was born. So much love and happiness filled the room. I hope it's a feeling I never forget.

Memorable moments:

-   Feeling of relief once the epidural kicked in.
-   Having a church friend be my nurse.
-   Logan having the hiccups while being 6 cm dilated.
-   Travis praying for me moments before I began pushing.
-   My doctor sharing a verse in the middle of my labor: God works all things to the good of those who love Him.
-   Looking at Travis's face after they placed Logan on my chest and both of us managing not to ball.
-   Travis and I singing Logan happy birthday during our alone time.
-   Snuggling my little one on my chest for the first time.
-   The fire alarm going off as a practice drill.

So what they say is true. A baby changes your life. I hated hearing some of the negative aspects everyone seems to remind you of while you are pregnant. Do you loose sleep? Sure, but coffee becomes your best friend. (Thank you whoever invented the keurig.) Hey, I had to make up for not drinking any for 9 months somehow. Right? Logan, you have quickly taught me how to be selfless (or at least not as selfish) and how much of a time waster I am. I thought I knew how to put others before myself, but not until you have a child, do you fully understand how to really do that. Hot meals, showers, trips to the bathroom all wait to quite your little one who seems to be fighting gas pain or sleep. But once you are in the most peaceful looking sleep, momma is able to get anything she wants during that hour or two done. Not to mention, you've taught me how to use my left hand and do things one handed that I never could before. I'm sure you will teach me about time, because I don't know where it went this past month besides feeding, sleeping, and diaper changes. You are also teaching me a different kind of love. A love that I have for no other. Thank you Logan for the lessons you already teaching me and the changes in life already. I can only imagine what our new life has in store.

The newborn stage is hard and difficult, but when your beautiful big eyes meet mine while I'm rocking you, I know the sleep I have lost is worth it. When you snuggle up on my chest and place your head on your arms and make the sweetest face because your belly is full, I know the pain and time of breastfeeding is worth it. When I see that smile, I know helping you fight through the gas pains is worth it. Even though you are probably stretching the neck on some of my shirts by gripping it tight, it's worth it to give you content. The countless times we put back on the one sock you manage to always loose (even while swaddled) but it keeps those toesies warm, so it's worth it. The fact that you are not a fan of baths, it's worth it, to keep that sweet soft smooth skin clean. The fact that you literally scream the entire time your diaper is being changed until that last button on the onsie is snapped and you are lifted up, magically you are content. It's worth it, to know I've met your need. Even though momma has only been out the house a couple of times thus far, your needs are being met, so it's worth it. In case you don't know, momma loves you lots.

Memorable Moments:

-   Almost one week old - sleeping in - having skin to skin time with mom and dad.
-   First time we gave you a bath, you screamed the entire time. Then when momma wrapped you up in a towel, you proceeded to poo. Once momma removed the towel and was about to put a diaper on you, you peed all over me - in which I had JUST took a shower and put on clothes other than pjs. Crazy thing is that I hadn't changed a single diaper and yet I got peed and pooed on...
-   First walk around the block in your stroller - you hated the sun in your eyes. Then screamed half way home since you barely had a wet diaper.
-   Taking newborn pictures at 2 weeks old.
-   Most used word to describe you: adorable.
-   Momma's sleep deprive moment: almost every night, waking daddy up saying, "Take him" because I'm thinking you are still in my arms after feeding, and I want to sleep. Some nights, this happens multiple times.
-   Your name suits you well, since we have had to clip your "claws" at least 5 times so far and your scratches on your face heal quickly (very similar to Logan the Wolverine) and you look just like your Poppa (Travis's dad - Dwain, Logan's middle name) when he was a baby.
-   When you are eating sometimes you make a fist with just your pinky up, so momma says you are having "tea time." 


What you love:
Daddy rocking you.
Momma singing to you. Especially, "Some Where Over the Rainbow."
Your hands. You love to put them by your face while eating and sometimes squish your face - meal time gets intense for you. They are a big comfort to you by sucking on fingers or knuckles.
Meal time.
The way daddy swaddles you.
Ceiling fans - moving or not moving.
Holding your head up. Everyday in the mid-morning you have to have some time to do this.
Being held. You let anyone hold you.

What you are not a fan of:
A little pee in your diaper. Dirty ones are ok though. We don't get it...and this makes us go through A LOT of diapers to keep you happy.
Diaper changes.
Bath time. (But you are getting better)
Changing clothes.
Being naked?
You have a love hate relationship with the pacifier.
Fighting your sleep.
Gas pains. (No one blames you for this one)
I'm going to say the microwave because every time momma decides to use it, you decide otherwise...

Weight
Birth: 7 lbs. 11 oz
1 month: 9 lbs. 12 oz

Height
Birth: 20.25"
1 month: 22.25"

Thank you, God, for choosing me to be this little fella's momma.

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and a New born baby,
-Miche