Mini-Vacay

We made a last minute over night trip to Michigan City over the weekend since Jordan had Monday off work.  Silas had a great time playing with Lillian, and the adults had fun playing too :)

6 months old

Silas officially turned a half year old yesterday.  Such a big boy!

At 6 months, he is rolling and scooting all over the place. He can sit on his own for a bit, but still needs to get the hang of catching himself when he topples over so he doesn't face-plant. He has been "rocking" for over a month now and just this morning we witnessed some actual forward movement for the first time.  Here comes trouble....

His favorite things right now are our cats, playing his version of peek-a-boo, the remote controls, the computer cord, and a Fisher Price baby app in which he is learning ABCs, counting and shapes.  He also loves bouncing in his Jumperoo, and although he still isn't giggling much, he is full of smiles!! Still waiting for teeth though!

We have our 6 month doctor appointment on Monday and I am looking forward to seeing how much he has grown since his last appointment.

On the mama front, I am officially starting to feel things fall into place as a mom.  It may have taken 6 months, but the days are so much easier, and I am finally getting used to everything.  It is still hard getting up at night (yes, still, only once though), but even that is starting to feel normal.  Silas' personality is coming out more and more every day which also helps.  I am so excited for the weather to warm up (anything above freezing would be nice... this snow has been relentless) so I can take Silas out more now that he is not as temperamental as he once was.  This summer will be great!!  He's gonna be a real looker in a swimsuit!

It's in the (diaper) bag.

1) Wet bag - (Diaper Junction) holds about 3 soiled cloth diapers when we are out and about. 

2) Wipes and JJ Cole travel changing pad

3. Burp Cloth

4. A little safety/medical booklet - has instructions for CPR, choking, and other medical situations that could arise.  I feel like it's a good idea to have that around, JUST IN CASE.

5) The classic toy keys (they used to be my brothers when he was a baby)

6) Hand sanitizer

7) A couple disposables left from longer trips (need to use these soon as he may not fit much longer)

8) Nursing Cover (barely used this because I usually plan outings around feedings/or if I am at  someones house I usually just step off into another room)

9) A little hat in case that noggin of his gets cold

10) Extra outfit in case there is a blow-out.. this one is simple and easy

11) Washcloth which we mainly use for eye goobers (that plugged tear duct can get goopy)

12) Baby care kit - this has stuff like thermometer, brush, nail clipper, ...also some baby Tylenol 

13) Aden and Anais swaddle blanket

14) Extra pacifier

15) The bag... not a REAL diaper bag, but it does the job.  I think this one is just Converse brand

The simple things

Becoming a parent has taught me the lesson of appreciating the simple things.  

Before we got pregnant, we had the freedom of doing whatever we wanted at the drop of a hat.  Time was on our side.  We both worked, but on the evenings and weekends we lived life for ourselves.  Now any choice we make is decided on with thoughts of our baby in mind.  My days are spent holding the baby, nursing the baby, watching the baby, changing the baby, and playing with the baby.  The only I time I get for myself is when Silas sleeps, and let me tell you, those naps are getting shorter and shorter... (and what I usually do during naps is make myself some lunch, laundry, cleaning, etc).  After Silas goes to bed, I am pretty tired myself and usually end up on the couch, going to bed only a few hours after him. 

When Jordan gets home from work during the week, it is a huge relief to know I will not be the sole care taker for the remainder of the day.  Although I don't have a job I go to everyday, I look forward to weekends probably just as much as he does because I know I will have extra help during the day (and maybe, just maybe I can sleep in a little longer).  Watching a small child is hard work and can be exhausting.  Of course I knew all this before having Silas (and that's why we waited as long as we did), but you never really know until you go through it yourself just how demanding it is.  

One of the things I have come to enjoy the most (in the little amount of "me" time that I have) is a nice, long, hot shower in the evenings when Jordan is home with Silas before his bedtime.  I never thought the act ofbathing myself would be something I would look forward to so much.  And this past weekend, I actually took a bath, A BUBBLE BATH --- something I have not done since I was pregnant!!  And there were candles, and Jordan brought me a glass a wine... and then the hot water ran out.  BUT, that bath made me think just how important and lovely that "me" time really is.  With the cold weather, the long days, and the cabin fever, something as simple as a bath could make my whole week.  

And I am okay with that.  

The latest.... in video form

Although Si has been rolling for over a month now, I finally took a video of it.  Way to go!

Current favorite game: covering his face with cloth, acting scared, and pulling it off... 

his form of peek-a-boo

And his latest move... working towards crawling?  He can also do downward dog...

December 2013: a winter wonderland aka Narnia

Although winter did not officially start until December 21, we have been getting hit hard in these parts for over a month now.  We had some pretty wicked ice storms, and LOTS of snow over the past few weeks.

It has been very pretty to look at and photograph, but not so fun to drive in (so I haven't been going out if I don't need to... hello cabin fever already!)

Hope everyone's 2014 is absolutely fantastic!  

Silas is starting the year off right with his first cold, making for a sad baby AND mama :(

A Very, Merry Christmas

We had such a wonderful Christmas!  We spent Christmas Eve at Jordan's parents with his brother's family, aunt and uncle, and cousins family.  It was pretty chaotic with so many children running around, but so much fun (and with five of the kids in diapers, pretty smelly too).  

Christmas day we woke up at home and our little family of three all had breakfast and opened our stockings together.  Silas was definitely pumped to open his first stocking ever!!  He wore his new Christmas duds for the day and we went back to Jordan's parents for lunch.  We then traveled across town to my moms to do more celebrating with my family, and eat more food of course (I probably gained five pounds in two days).

It is so amazing having a little one to celebrate with and share memories.  Baby's first Christmas was a success and we are excited for years to come when he actually is more aware the holidays.  We are very grateful to have such loving family and friends, and are feeling so blessed this year!