Month 9

The month of being on the move and into EVERYTHING! Haha. You are such a sweet, fun baby. Daddy and I love when you are in your goofy mood. You smile a lot and it's easy to get you to giggle. Oh how I love that I can get you to laugh by doing almost nothing. It's so much fun and you warm my heart when I hear that sweet laugh and see that precious smile.

You've adapted so well at day care. You have a pretty good routine going. Most days you are drinking your bottles at the same time, and taking about an hour nap. You are so happy now when you see me. You usually don't whine anymore. I love walking in and seeing you play on the floor - and sometimes with an older baby, Emily. I see and feel the love your babysitters have for you, and this brings a lot of comfort to me knowing that you are being taken care of well. For Halloween, you were given a light up skeleton rubber ducky, a mini pumpkin, and a jar of food (bc you can't have candy yet). So sweet of them.

Our routine after day care is come home, unpack all of mom's bags - day care, lunch, school bag, and pumping bag, have a snack together (greek yogurt and humus are some of your favs), and play until daddy comes home. Most of the time, you nap for a bit after I feed you, right before daddy comes home. One day I chased you while you crawled away squealing and laughing. Oh it was so much fun. Love that laugh so much. Many times I let you play by yourself and watch from a far, and you glance up at me every now and then to make sure I'm still there and you give me the sweetest smile.

You recognize Travis's ring tone, when he calls to say he is on his way home. You smile big and sometimes talk to daddy. I love to see you crawl up to Travis when he comes home (if you are awake). You get so excited because Daddy is home. It's a sweet moment, watching Travis lift you up and give you kisses. I know you missed him because you go with Travis in the bedroom as he changes out of work clothes. I listen to the squeals from the living room. :)

We brought you to Oktoberfest for the first second time (once in my belly). You hung out in your stroller and had some German potato salad. The weather was so  nice. We enjoyed the afternoon hanging out with Travis's sister Kaitlin and her boyfriend Justin.  The next day, we all had a picnic at City Park under the oak trees. You loved playing on the blanket, playing with your toys, and crawling all over mom and dad. We walked around in the sculpture garden while you chilled out in your stroller.

You are learning how to clap your hands. It's the cutest thing ever! I think you are conditioned now that when you hear patty cake sung, you immediately have to stop what you are doing and clap. You clap sometimes when music is played. You also enjoy clapping while eating. One particular time really stands out - I gave you your first Chick-fil-la nugget. After each piece you were fed you squealed and clapped. Oh my...what have I done... ;)

You love your little board books. I guess because you can hold the entire book in your hand. They are everywhere in the house and in all of our diaper bags. Grammy handed down to us a bunch more, and you just love to have them in your hands.

You are so much fun. I love watching you play with your toys as you move about from one toy to the next. Sometimes I wonder what you are thinking. Some of your favs: crawling into the red car and playing with the balls, playing with your blocks, pushing your walking toys, pulling up your abc mat, playing with anything that spins, riding on your green car as mom or dad pushes you, pulling everything off of any shelf, and digging into your toy boxes and pulling everything out.

This month, we attended a special service at church and dedicated you to the Lord in front of others. Present: Grammy (Popee was on call), Noonie, Poppa, Auntie Kait, Paran, and Mimi. You were the happiest baby. You squealed a lot and couldn't make up your mind of wanting either mommy or daddy. The best part of the service is when your family surrounded you and lifted you, mommy, and daddy in prayer.  You were so happy and excited seeing all your family around you. What a special time. Can't forget, Grammy made you a special white outfit for the service. She used light blue buttons and light blue thread for the details. You were so handsome.

You went to your second funeral. My Mawmaw Duke passed away at 91. I have so many great memories of her and playing with many of my cousins at her house. You had a great connection with her the two times you were with her. Both times you cooed and held conversations with her. The second time, you kept hugging her arm. So sweet. Many of the Ledet family got to finally meet you. They all adored you.

For Halloween you were dressed up as a dragon (but looked a lot like a dinosaur). You didn't mind the costume except for the hood - which was the dragon face. We went over to Robbie and Hope's house - which is THE neighborhood to Trick-or-Treat in, in Harahan. Seriously. I've never seen this many people Trick-or-Treating in one place in my life. I honestly think every kid in Harahan was there. The neighborhood was great though since many of the houses were decorated and people were waiting outside for the kids. We probably went to about 15 houses and then headed back to the house. You did well. I'm not sure you understood what was going on - you had your expressionless face on - aka taking it in. Plus you spent a chunk of the time diving into your pumpkin to grab the toothpaste so you could chew on the box. You and Emma played in your costumes inside together for a while before we finally took you home to sleep.

We took you to the Zoo this month for the first time. We went along with Robbie, Hope, and Emma. It's was Hope's company picnic, and they were nice enough to invite us along. Unfortunately, a cool front came through the night before making the morning pretty chilly. Many of the animals were sleeping (probably hibernating bc of the weather? ;)) Note to self: kids can't see the animals in the stroller at the zoo because of all the fencing. You seemed to enjoy yourself. I think you were a little more interested in people watching than animal watching. You had a great time playing standing in a dino chair on top of a giant spring in a playground area. It was a quick visit, where we only stayed for a couple of hours. I was satisfied because you were ready for a nap at this point, and I got my roman candy. :)

This month, my milk production decreased - I think because I am only able to pump once at work and you are eating food more. Funny thing is that this is the exact time we had to up an ounce in your bottles (5 oz now). We have very gracious friends who is giving us some of their frozen milk since they have such a huge overstock supply. They wanted to give it to someone to use before it expired. Oh God you are so good - what perfect timing. This is a HUGE weight off of my shoulders. I wanted to keep you completely off of formula if I could, and I'm so happy that I am able to supplement with breast milk! We have awesome friends.  (my milk is definitely decreases bc I started my period this month)

Car seat troubles - you fight many times to get into your car seat now. Bending back, flinging your head back, gripping the seat, twisting, turning, hot lava to the max, screaming, crying. But, you are totally fine once buckled in. It's very trying leaving day care....I hope this phase passes fast.

You walk while pushing your toys like a pro now. You crawl up to it, stand up with no problem, and push/walk away. I thought you would have trouble on the laminate wood floor making the toy go to fast, but you have adopted quickly.

One day this week as I was leaving out the door for work, you reached out your arm, gave a big smile, and attempted to wave bye-bye. Yep..I was a puddle...


For future reference:

Sleeping: You nap usually twice a day totaling in 1-2 hours. Bedtime routine is family play time, bath time, fed, bed. You either wake up once a night (around 3 am) or every 3 hours.

Eating: Morning feeding at 7 am, 2 5 oz bottles at day care, snack at home with mom - yogurt, hummus, fruit, puffs, afternoon feeding, supper consist of whatever we are eating and/or a jar of food, feeding before bedtime and any other time you wake during the night.

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
9 month: 18 lbs. 2 oz

Height
Birth: 20.25"
1 month: 22.25"
2 month: 23"
3 month: 24.25"
4 month: 25"
6 month: 25.75"
9 month: 26.5 "


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

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and a Mom who loves family time,
-Miche

Month 8

You are so fun! I love the stages you are in right now. You are observing, discovering, exploring, and loving more and more. I can't help but stop and stare in wonder, that God entrusted such a sweet, beautiful, life with me.

I've begun to "discipline" you. The discipline is because you stand up and play with the tv stands second self items (aka not your toys) dvr box, blue ray player, xbox, and wii. I blame the lights that show on these items. I tell you repeatedly that it's not your toys, to play on the first self, and move you to the ground. That's about as far as it goes. Some days I feel like a broken record...some days you smirk as I discipline you...some days you cry, after the 10th time of moving your hand away...some days you listen, and leave the self alone.

Lots of family time. :) Travis and I spend time with you in the evenings before we begin your bedtime routine. We all play on the floor with your toys. You crawl and climb all over. I love when we roll the ball back and forth. We read you Pete the Cat books - your fav. I'm excited that Nonie recently gave us a new one. You have destroyed loved on your Pete the Cat books dearly.

I love just watching you play with your toys. You love your red car. You walk around it, press the buttons, get inside with Boomer, open and close the door. It's probably your favorite toy this month. You also love your rings. You have been crawling around with at least one ring in your mouth. If you don't have a ring in your mouth, then you have a block. It's funny watching you crawl around with a block in your hand. You mastered to even do it with one in each hand. You also love opening and closing the hippo's mouth to this round table stand up toy. You squeezed your finger really bad one day in it and you gave a painful cry I had never heard before.

Your incisor tooth popped out - before your front teeth. Both front teeth have made their grand arrival. We are waiting on your other incisor (popped out today). You've had a mix of signs to these teeth coming in. Any sign that I think you might be getting sick, you actually aren't. It's all been signs of teething. Four new teeth in one month...oh my...

You love to push your walker, whether by crawling or standing and walking. When you are actually in your walker, you don't walk in it. Silly boy. :)

You crawl all over the house with ease. You love to sneak into the guest bath room, pull up on the shelf, and try to pull down towels. We have purchased a baby gate, to at least keep you in the living room, when we need you to.

The first cool front finally came through, and we had the most beautiful fall weather. We took you to City Park and walked around with you in the stroller for a while. Then we went to my favorite spot at City Park under the giant oak trees. Daddy and I had pbj sandwiches, while you munched on puffs. We let you crawl around on the blanket, and you discovered grass where you proceeded to rip it and attempt to eat it. You really enjoyed being outside and playing. You were so stinkin cute in your overalls. The first signs you gave of nap time, we headed home so you can nap. Oh how I love moments like today....clear blue skies, gentle breeze (with no humidity), laying under the oak trees.

We brought you to Shoguns to eat hibachi. When the chef started banging his utensils, your attention was completely on him. You were awed. Your eyes got big when he made a big fire. But your focus totally turned when food started to get dished. Your focus was completely on eating - and you let us know every second you didn't have food. :)  You ate noodles from clear soup, carrots and fried eggs from the fried rice, zucchini, and chicken. I know your belly was full.

Day care has been going great. You've adopted well.  You take naps - either 1 big one or a few short ones. You drink 2 bottles, we recently upped to 5 oz. You almost always start a panic cry when you see me to pick you up. You usually fuss when I am putting you in your car seat, but not completely when I pick the car seat up. You look out the window the whole ride home. When we get home, I let you crawl around and play with your toys. You usually follow me as I try to unpack my things from the day. I eat a snack and you have to have one as well. I guess all that begging worked. :) Sometimes I give you some of my snack - humus, greek yogurt, bananas, etc. But if I eat something I don't want you to have, you eat puffs or yogurt melts. It's become routine now. After lots of play time aka exploring the house you are fed and usually take a nap around 4:30/5.

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Bath time - I let Daddy give you a bath every night. It's good bonding for y'all and frankly, I enjoy a few minutes to myself. I do sometimes join in for the bath fun or just sit back and watch. You aren't bothered by water being dumped on your head anymore. You like to splash and usually have a toy in your hand or in your mouth. I think your favorite part right now is when the bath is over and the water is starting to be let out, daddy lets you crawl to the drain and play.

We taught you how to high five. In which, you usually crack a smile, sometimes you get excited, and place your hand up against mine. Sometimes you will slap my hand a few times. It's a work in progress, but it's pretty cute right now. ;)

Football season is in full swing, and I can honestly say I haven't watched an entire game yet, and I'm completely ok with it. I much rather spend my time with you. I think it's funny now, how stressed out I would get over a football game before you were born. Is it entertaining? Absolutely! But nothing to fret over. The game will continue on, I will always be a fan, but the moments of you growing are flying before my eyes.

Today, you had daddy's gumbo for the first time and loved it. It was a proud moment for this cajun momma.

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

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and an 8 month old with 6 chompers!
-Miche

Month 7

Oh what a fun month it has been! Happy 7 months my sweet boy!

The past month, you began Day Care. As I like to call it, you rebelled your first week...
Monday, you did a lot of screaming.
Tuesday, you had 4 poops - which is so unlike you.
Wednesday, you didn't sleep but a total of 30 min (you normally nap 1-2 hours).
Thursday, you only drank one bottle (out of a possible 3).
Friday, you ate and slept well. There is hope!

You are a very curious baby, so I think you are having trouble focusing on eating or letting yourself relax to sleep. Once you get used to the place and the other 4 babies, I think you will fall into your own routine.
Update: you are doing much better in day care, but you still cry the second you see me to pick you up. I guess that's your way of being "happy" to see me.

Favorite toy at day care is a xylophone. You liked it so much, I noticed that they have placed it in your crib.
Update: it's no longer in your crib since you use it as a stepping stool to stand up higher...same reason why the mirror got taken away as well.

You are SO active! You are constantly crawling, climbing, twisting, turning, discovering, sitting on your knees, and trying to pull up and stand. We aren't reading much because of this, but I love to read you the Snuggle Puppy Book. 
Update:  you pull up to a stand easily now. You let us read to you more often. You mainly want to be read the following 3 books: Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes, Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes, The Sleepy Little Alphabet. You sometimes even cry for these books.

8/25 - I would put my hands out, you would place them into mine from a sitting position and stand up.

I'm not taking nearly as many pics anymore. I'm trying to spend and cherish the time I have with you, especially since I started work. Many nights, Travis and I get down on the mat and play with you by building block towers for you to knock down, roll a ball back and forth, or read books together as a family. Daddy likes to let you climb all over him. :)

I've had thoughts of giving up breastfeeding because it has been rough keeping up with the pumping and multiple nightly feedings, but I love this time together now even more so than ever. Especially in the morning before I leave for work. Most mornings, I give you a day care pep talk. :)
Update: I've taken away one of my pumping sessions during the day and it has helped a lot.

When Daddy comes home and starts to cook dinner, you love watching him. We usually place you in your highchair in the kitchen with some puffs to snack on and a bowl and spoon to play with.

We always eat dinner together as a family (unless you are napping). This is my favorite part of the day. I look forward to it every afternoon. Daddy prays over our food and thanks God for our blessings. You are given food of some sort - steamed and cut into pieces and sometimes water in a sippy cup - but you just bite on the spout or straw. You feed yourself really well. You manage to get most of it in your mouth (I'd say 3/4 of your serving). A couple of your favorite foods are bananas, apples, pulled pork, and corn on the cob (without the corn on it). You basically will eat anything I give you.

We took a trip to MS over the Labor Day holiday so that your McClain family could spend some time with you. We took you to the playground for the first time. You liked all the equipment that made music, slide - not a big fan, swung with mom, loved sitting on top of a bouncy animal, while walking around in Papa's arms and in the stroller you watched the kids playing. I can't wait for the weather to cool down some to take you to the parks in Nola.

A few nights this month, after we fed you at night and put you down in your bed, you decided to continue talking and making funny sounds at night. Travis and I just laugh as you "talk" yourself back to sleep. You mostly like to sleep with your butt in the air and your head against the side of the bed.

Speaking of night time, we still wake up at least once a night (usually around 2:30-3 am). Every now and then we have 2 wake up or no wake ups at all until 5:30 am. You are so used to our morning routine now, that you wake up at the same times on the weekend - no more sleeping in for us. We usually hang out in bed together watching cartoons as a family before starting the day.

You are all about pulling up and sometimes walking, very slowly, along furniture. Most of the time when you pull yourself up, you squeal and smile, with the proudest look on your face. I pray you keep this confidence and proudness when you accomplish something. It's motivation that can't be taught.

You have changed so much this month. Notice the beginning of the month and my updates for the end of the month. I am so proud of all the accomplishments and milestones you have made. I love seeing you explore the world more and more.

You are taking baths in the big tub now.

It's so easy for me to make you laugh. When I get you going, I can just look at you or flick my hair and you crack up. But you only do this with me.

Daddy made fun of momma's baby signs by "dancing like a monkey."

People love you. I think it's because you give good eye contact and smile. It's hard to resist those big puppy eyes. It's amazing the attention we get when we go grocery shopping because of you. So many people stop to tell you hello and mention how cute you are. Travis and I ate lunch at Sam's one day before shopping, and probably 90% of the people walking to leave the store either smiled at you, make a comment of how cute you are, or actually stopped to talk to you as you sat in the cart munching on a mum cracker. It makes me so curious of what God has in store for you.

Lastly, this has been a month of trying to balance out work, being a mom, and  maintaining the house.  The house is definitely suffering out of the three, but I'm somehow managing to make it work. I know for sure, I could not be a working mom, if it wasn't for all my husbands help. He is amazing, and I'm so thankful for all the times he has picked up my slack. He does a lot, and I know he does it because he loves us dearly. I am a very lucky woman.

I'm excited about MOPS starting up again! Hoping to make deeper connections with relationships formed from last year.

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

Love you, Logan.

Peace, Love, and look out world, Logan's on the move!
-Miche

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