Liam - 21 weeks

I read an article yesterday titled, Wish We'd Known: 20 Things No One Told Us About Raising a Boy, you can read it here - http://www.ivillage.com/raising-boy-parenting-tips-we-wish-wed-known/6-b-440087#440144. 

It reminded me of the little book my father bought me, Mother and Son, with little reminders on raising a boy, quotes and little stories. I couldn't read it for the first few weeks after having Liam. I was a MAJOR cryball from hormones I suppose and just the first few words on some pages would open the floodgates of tears. This article was funny, a little worrisome and quite a tearjerker. 

Our baby boy will be five months this Friday. He continues to fill our hearts with a ton of joy. 

He began rolling over to his tummy last week. Poor little guy tried so hard sometimes. rocking to his side and he just just didn't quite know what to do with that arm stuck under him! A couple times he would let out a big exhale in frustration and I just wanted to help him but this is something I could not do, he had to learn on his own. Funny, both Alex and I missed the first time he rolled on his tummy on the floor...and the second time. Alex was doing homework and I was cooking breakfast. I had laid him on his play mat to play with Captain Calamari and when I looked back to check on him he was on his belly! We watched him endlessly trying to capture this milestone on video and every time we did he just stared at us. I really think he is already camera shy! Now, he rolls to tummy from back and from back to tummy constantly! He inches around his mat and blankets pretty quickly. If he moves this quickly while I make some toast I can't imagine when he starts crawling! 

Liam doesn't have any teeth buds yet but is definitely in the process of teething. He is drooling like crazy and EVERYTHING must go to his mouth to chew. His favorite things to chew on are is rings, Sophie the Giraffe and his index and middle finger, together. When he is in his car seat being transferred around or while he is awake in the stroller, he holds on to the rings like a passenger on a subway. I think it's so cute. He also pulled down his vibrating Mr. Frog toy like nothing; before he would just bat at it like a cat.

I remember when we first brought Liam home and out him on his blanket and just started at him wiggling his tiny fingers. He just laid there like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Doing nothing. I though, it's going to be forever til he can move on his own...nope.  

*Liam already displays signs of frustration and stubbornness...uh-oh ;)

*He began rolling over @ 20 weeks

*He fights his sleep, still.

*Slept through the night 11pm-6am on Sunday, Aug. 5th

*He is very curious

*Loves to grab his feet!

*Grabs at anything and everything

*Enjoys watching Mama cook

*Loves when Daddy flies him in the air and buzzes him around with his imaginary jet-pack

*Likes to sleep on his side.

*Primarily nursing every two-three hours with one-two bottle/day up to 8oz. each! This boy loves to EAT!

*LOVES to TALK! (wonder he gets that from...)

can't take their eyes off that tv...

 

 

holding on to his prize

market night

story time

lunch with grandma

in grandmas garden

watching the 2012 Summer Olympic opening ceremony

aunt audra, uncle scott an liam

playing with papa

uncle scott recruiting liam to be an angels fan

like father like son!

trying to roll onto his tummy

mama and baby

Three Years and Counting

Alex and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary yesterday. My parents came over and baby sat Liam while we went out for SUSHI! Finally! We had not had sushi in about a year! I couldn't eat it while I was pregnant and if I couldn't have it, Alex couldn't have it ;)
I was a little nervous about leaving Liam because he's been extremely fussy lately and very clingy to his Mama. I just didn't want him to give my parents a hard time. As we got ready to leave it felt a little weird to be leaving OUR baby with my parents while we went out. I remember being left with my grandparents when my parents went out like it was just the other day!
We got in the car and it really felt like a date. No crying baby and diaper bag, we were dressed up and I wasn't carrying a purse with everything in it but the kitchen sink. We laughed at funny things we saw along the way, like and Elvis impersonator in street clothes pumping gas and we were reminded of our love and attraction to each other. As we drove Alex put on a cd that I think I made him last year, maybe the year before...and the first two songs couldn't have been more perfect. The first, Wedding Cake by Connie Francis and the second, Our Day Will Come by Ruby and the Romantics. The whole cd was so meaningful.
This year has been the most joyful and the most difficult for Alex and I so far.
Alex has been out of work for nearly a year. He has been finishing up his BFA and has been searching for a job non-stop. So to say the least, this year has been financially and emotionally stressed. We've had to make a lot of changes, sacrifices and swallowed a lot of our pride this year, individually and as a couple. Not a day goes by that we don't hope that tomorrow will bring news of a job.
Most first years of marriages begin with a few normal stresses...adjustment to being with that person all the time, learning their idiosyncrasies, sharing finances, etc. Sometimes it seems ours is really being tested.
We've suffered family loss, financial stresses, continued education, had unexplained health issues, job losses and we miscarried our first pregnancy...all this, in the first three tender years of marriage. All of these situations have and continue to make us stronger together. When one of us is weak and succumbs to the stress and must just cry the other is there to pick us up again and dust us off and we keep going. Sometimes we just look at each and say, "REALLY!? Can something just go right for once!?" I know there are lots of people and families saying that more and more these days, but when we think this, we have to take a look and think of all the things that have gone amazingly right. There are so many people less fortunate than us, as hard as it is for us to believe sometimes, we hear their stories on the news or in passing and we have to remember how blessed we are with what we do have.
We have amazing families- parents, brothers and sister. They would never let us go hungry or homeless. We have a healthy, beautiful baby boy who is our greatest and most important thing in our lives, God's most precious blessing. We have each other, we can laugh and cry together, a blessing many people take for granted. So many times, we remember our vows, for better or worse, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health we stand by each other and love and support each other. That is what makes our marriage so wonderful. Hopefully were just getting that 'worse' part out of the way early ;p
Last night as we drove home from dinner I told Alex through a few happy tears that I loved him and thanked him for not giving up on me or on us, he said the same. I know there will be more difficult times, more wonderful times and I'm excited for them all so long as we are together.
So last night we celebrated us. All we have been through, all we're going through and looked ahead to all we'll go through, for better or worse. As Connie Francis sings, 'Yes, for all who will partake, It all comes with the wedding cake...'

True Love.

Salmon Hand Roll, oh, how I missed you!

The Wedding Cake
Don't be troubled 'bout me cause I'm tired
From workin' 'round the house
When day is done
Don't think you failed me cause you can't afford
That dishwasher to make my life more fun
You know, the measure of a man is
Much more than just the money he can make
And every woman knows a lot of joy and tears
Come with the wedding cake

The wedding cake is not all icing
And love and tender whispers in the dark
One slice is concern for all your dreams prayed
They won't come true and break your heart
Another slice is feedin' kids and wipin' noses
Cryin' when the doorbell rings and there are roses
Every woman knows a lot of give and take
Comes with the wedding cake

It's facin' shadows of the future
Prayin' they will fall away as we walk toward them
Searchin' for the sun
And it's long and anxious hours with the wolf at the door
Hugs and kisses when, at last, we see the dawn
So when the hands of time trace tellin' lines upon our face
And lace our hair with strands of gray
We laugh and say for all who will partake
It all comes with the wedding cake

Yes, for all who will partake
It all comes with the wedding cake
Yes, for all who will partake
It all comes with the wedding cake

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 :)

Little Liam's 2 Month Appointment

Our little Liam had his first round of shots this morning.

Looking a little concerned.

Daddy giving him a pep talk.

He was all smiles this morning and flirting with the nurses. Little did he know what was coming. The doctor examined his first and said he was doing fantastic. At 11 weeks, 5 days he weighs 13lbs and is 24 inches long. After we asked some 'new parent' questions the doctor sent the nurse back in to administer the painful pricks. One was given with a syringe orally and the three were old fashioned needles in the thigh. When the nurse gave him the first one, for a second he looked stunned until the pain set in and then he let out a huge cry and my heart shattered. I had never heard him cry like that. I never understood how parents said that they could distinguish different cries, well now I know...and that was definitely an UNHAPPY cry that I had never heard and I hope to hear rarely (if never again, impossible I know...) in his lifetime.

An unhappy Mr. Liam.

All three were given in a blink of an eye and as soon as they were finished Alex held him first for a while and then I sat and tried to nurse him to help comfort him. It seemed to work only for a few seconds until he began wailing again in pain. I just help him close and sang to him walking around the little exam room. As I hummed a little tune to him he seemed to quiet down here and there and I hoped that I was doing my best job to be his protector and comfort him when he needed it. I hoped he felt soothed in my arms as a child should feel in their mothers embrace.
It was tough for me to see him go through this but I knew it was for his best interest. A first for the books...
He slept after the appointment but when we got home he woke up crying and I could tell he was in pain still and not happy. We gave him a small dose of infant tylenol, I nursed him and cuddled him all afternoon and by around 6pm he was smiling again...still a little more fussy than usual but at least I saw a few smiles...almost to say, "Thanks Mama for making me feel a little better." 

He's sleeping comfortably now and I hope that he doesn't have nightmares of today's events :( He'll probably be sleeping between us tonight for a little extra TLC, for Liam and Mama ;) Goodnight!

A Moment in Time

Liam is now 10 weeks and 2 days old and weighs 13lbs. He is getting bigger and smarter everyday and everyday my love for him grows. He is very interested in picture frames on the walls and lights. He quickly recognizes his Mama and Daddy and loves to chit chat with us. He is starting to get on a little schedule, I think...He goes to sleep around 9pm (which means I try to go to sleep within the hour...) wakes around 3am and then at 7am, in which I stay up for the day. We are slowly but surely feeling more and more comfortable with our little roommate and his schedule. Either the effect of sleep deprivation is lessening or we are accustomed to four to five hours of sleep...He did sleep the whole night through last Wednesday, but, I think the fact that we both fell asleep in the recliner and he slept on the chest the whole night had a little to do with it... ;p
Liam got his first cold a couple weeks ago which broke my heart! He had such a hard time and I could sense his frustration! I just wanted to blow his nose for him! So we became quickly familiar with the bulb suction thing and had to give him saline drops a few times a day. I hardly slept the first few night because I was so afraid he would choke or stop breathing, his poor little nose was so stuffed :(
We celebrated my first Mother's Day last Sunday at Audra and Scott's house, as we were house sitting for them while they went to Colorado. Alex made a big breakfast for me and let me scrapbook to hearts content. Liam and Alex got me an adorable silver ring with Liam's name printed into it and a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf gift card :) I didn't get too much scrapbooking done because as all you Mama's know, you are never really off the hook...but I appreciated the gesture and got as much done as I could. I also got to spend the evening with my amazing Mama!

First Mother's Day - May 13, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night I made a nice dinner for Alex and I, shrimp scampi and nice garden salad. I actually set the dinner table with something other than paper plates and we ate with nice music playing and Liam swinging nearby. Dinner was so delicious and the ambiance, of course, made me shed a few happy tears. Just seeing Liam there happily watching us eat dinner from his swing made me excited for him to eat at the table for us one day and tell us how his day was. I was in a 'moment' that I had hoped for my whole life. My wonderful husband across from me and my beautiful baby watching us, US! his mother and father! I could hear the shutter sound in my head while the image was super imposed into my memory and as much as I tried to hold back the ridiculous tears over this moment that happens to many many people all over the world, I just couldn't help it. I guess I just really stop, and take in the moment, when so many others don't. You may be thinking, "My goodness, what an emotional sap Belinda is..." Well, I am. And I'm darn proud of it too. I was bad before, and now since Liam, it's gotten a thousand times...better! I hear songs (country in particular) on the radio and I can't even finish singing because that lump in my throat just blocks any sound from continuing. Sometimes I'm just flooded with happiness!
I still can't get over the joy of being Liam's mother! I don't think I every will!

9 weeks - Tummy Time

Handmade Fuzzy Security Blanket from Grandma

shopping for a sun hat - Old Navy 5/21/12

10 weeks, 2 days