14 weeks

This afternoon I was sitting with Liam in the rocker after several attempts at getting him down for his nap. He's getting more and more into a routine now and after an internet 'chat' with Alex's parents he was a little behind in his nap time this morning.
We had the 70's music channel on the TV again (of, course...what else would be on, right?) Alex and I did a little disco dancing with him and then a few slow songs came on and I laid him against my shoulder and sang to him. It was only 14 weeks ago that we brought him home and I quietly rocked him to the same station and a few of the same songs, happy tears welling up in my eyes, and as I sat there today with him I couldn't believe how fast time has already gone. Elton John's , Rocket Man, came on and I started to sing and then that lump got in the way of my voice again. I was just overwhelmed with emotions. So much LOVE for this little baby who I've only known fourteen weeks! I feel like he's always been a part of my life. THESE are the moments I LIVE for! Alex and I both live for them as parents. Indescribable joy.
When we found out we were going to have a baby EVERYONE told us, your life is going to change so much! And some people said it with such a negative connotation attached to it. Almost to say, "Oh, boy! Say GOODBYE to freedom and life. Your life is going SUCK now!" I wanted people to be thrilled and tell me how amazing it would be, not the opposite! And I admit, it kind of scared me. I mean, I knew it was going to change drastically, but was this a bad change? There were so many times during my childhood, teenage years and adulthood that my parents would tell us how much we meant to them, how proud they were of us and they seemed to have such fun with us...could it have been that it was a facade and they were really miserable? Did they hate taking all four of us to with them to dinner or on vacation? Did all parents feel that way deep down?
I knew my parents didn't feel that way! Now, I know we were not perfect children in the least, but I know how much they enjoyed us.
Last weekend for Father's Day Alex and I made a 20 minute slideshow for my Papa, it was over 350 pictures of my sisters and I growing up over the last 30 years all to music. A few times I looked at my Papa and Mama and I knew that that lump had gotten stuck in their throats just as it gets stuck in mine when I get overwhelmed with love. All those pictures...some of us on vacation, some just at home, hair messed up, playing tea party were reasons and proof to the happiness children create in their parents' lives. And this moment rocking Liam in the recliner with the soundtrack to life in the background was a tiny glimpse and sample of the joys he has only brought us, and in such a short time, only fourteen weeks. I can't imagine the joy and memories my parents feel and remember after over thirty years, but I certainly look forward to it!
I knew, I know that raising a family is not easy. There are hardships, stress and tough times but it is worth it! And those changes it brings are AMAZING ones.
For Alex's first Father's Day, I made him a nice dinner, steak, some scallops and few crab legs (all of which are his favorite). I set the table outside, set Liam's swing behind the screen door, safe from bugs and mosquitoes. As soon as we sat down he began crying like something had bit him. Long story short, we had to eat in turns and I took about one sip of the wine I poured myself. Sure, we were both frustrated! We used to have dinners like this all the time with no interruptions, I had several sips of the wine I poured and we even sat out just talking afterwards...I guess it will be a while until we can do it again. But ya know what, when we came in and were taking turns holding Liam he would just smile so happily at us and all that frustration went down the drain. I don't think there is anyone in the world who can so quickly make us so happy. Of course, we've had to make adjustments but not in a millisecond would I change it back.

the bib says it all ;)

Mama and Liam Love

bathtime

3 months

daddy and Liam Love - 6/10/12

play time with Mr. Whale, Mr. Frog, Cupcake Friend and the newest edition the the clan, Captain Calamari

So if anyone ever asks me, "Is having a baby what you thought it would be like?"
I'd say, "It is 200 million times BETTER than what I thought it would be!"

silly baby

Liam at 14 weeks:
* He LOVE putting his hands and fingers in his mouth.
* He is a DROOLER!
* He laughed out loud for the first time Tuesday, June 19th while Daddy was taking a new toy out the the package.
* He sat in and LOVES his Bumbo seat Tuesday, June 19th
* His current favorite friend is Captain Calamari
* He fights his sleep!
* Currently sleeps for up to 4 hours long in one stretch at night!
* Recognizes familiar faces.
* Loves to try and do sit ups. He wants to sit up on his own.
* He is very strong with his legs. Bears his weight well on them when you hold him up. He loves to kick and ride the air bicycle :)