A Day with Daddy!

Today I got to spend the entire day with daddy. He did a pretty good job considering it was his first full day with me. Mommy had to work today, and Grammy is on vacation. So it was daddy's turn to spend the day with me.

Basically this was my attire for half the day... daddy did not want me spitting up all over my clothes (cuts down on the laundry), so he went the easy route...
Here is daddy feeding me. He's not quite as good as mommy or Grammy, but ya gotta love the guy for trying... keep it up pops!!

Let's just call this one goofy time. Daddy is taking full advantage of my good mood shortly after filling my belly. He makes the goofiest faces. I just cannot help but grin.

Ok, it's not all fun and games. Daddy made sure that we got our learnin' on. Here daddy is showing me the essentials of counting. It's not exactly quantum physics, but I'll play along...

The day would not be complete without some hand munchin'. The jury is still out on which hand tastes better...

Man, a day with daddy sure does tire a baby out. All that supporting of the baby noggin burns major calories. As you can see I was just plum tuckered out here--so much so I had to grab some Z's in my Bumbo. All in all, it was a good day---good job Papa Wolfe.

3 Months and Counting!!

Well, actually, Nate was 3 months old last Friday, July 13th. We have just been so busy with his first Birthday/Swim party for Micah Witschorke, his mommy's birthday, and life as usual. So, better late than never.

Nate was very busy his 3rd month learning all sorts of new things. Here is a few of the more notable changes and experiences over the last month:

*His Great Granny came to see him for the second time! His grandpa Dan and Aunt Kelley came, also. He got lots of smiles and kisses.

*As noted in a prior post, he loves to munch on his hands!

*He plays in his bumbo more, even though he is still a little wobbly. He fusses when his toy falls off!

*He had his first visit to Joyland--our church nursery. So far, he has done great.

*He still loves to stretch.

*He is no longer swaddled for naps or bedtime, and he sleeps more consistenly at night. Naps are another story ;-).

*He visited both mommy's and Aunt Traci's works. Everyone enjoyed getting to see him, especially mommy!

*He attends weekly prayer sessions with Grammy at her church. His mommy and daddy love the fact that they pray over him.

*He holds Grammy's finger every time she gives him a bottle. I think Grammy likes it.

*He is really beginning to play and recognize toys more. (see below)

*The TV really catches his attention. He will stretch his neck all the way around to see it.

*He loves to stand in our laps. We need to get him an Exersaucer soon!

*He coos, giggles and even shrieks when he is having fun. Mommy loves it when he smiles when she picks him up at Grammy's after work.

*He celebrated his first 4th of July and nursed through his first Fireworks.

*He has begun noticing the Teddy Bears his mom tirelessly painted in his nursery. He has even smiled at them. This made all the time spent SO worth it.

Bumbo Fun!

Hello, Mr. Dinosaur! Holding a toy for the first time!

One Handy Munchkin...

As the title states, Nathan discovered his hands are pretty darn tasty. These pictures are right around his 3rd month, give or take. His mamma and I really love when he munches on his hands for a night-cap before he dozes off!!

One of the earlier hand pictures... boy I wish that kid's parents were not so humble!
This is your standard 3 finger munch---with the 4th left for dessert.

Even when mom and dad are playing with Nate on his back, he tends to pass the time with hand-in-mouth action.

Lastly, here Nate treats us with a little of a hand-in-mouth grin. That probably earned him some kisses...

Our Little Firecracker!!

Well, Nate just had his first 4th of July! We live very close to South Fork Ranch, where they hold Celebrate Freedom every year, so Nate experienced his first fireworks on the evening of June 30th. They were VERY loud, but it did not seem to phase him because he was too busy nursing. I guess at his age a full belly is much more important than bright lights in the sky. I have a feeling he will change his mind in a few years.

On the 4th, we spent some time with my family. We dressed him up in his "Little Firecracker" onesie and jeans to celebrate the occasion. I guess he thought it was a bit much, because within the first 30 to 45 minutes at my sister's, he had a major blow-out through both the onesie and jeans. We happened to all be eating at the time. Don't you just love their timing?!?! My sister discovered it when she went to pick him up because 'he was just looking too cute to leave in his bouncy chair.' I guess he showed her ;-)!! Anyways, all in all, we had a fun and enjoyable day and we were smart enough to capture a few pictures at the house before we headed out.

This is the extent of my patriotic decorating! Maybe, I will do more next year!

Mommy and our "little firecracker" posing for the camera!

Nate is proud to be an American!! If he only knew what that means. One day, he will.

I guess the festivities were just too much for him. Here he is crashed out on my sister. Notice the change of clothes ;-)!!

1st Time in Joyland!

I thought this picture would serve as a good closing piece. Daddy was trying to get a picture of me in my overalls, and, God bless him, he was plum acting a fool---and boy was it hilarious. It's amazing how crazy my mommy and daddy will act for a big, toothless grin. Oh and by the way, I do have ears... it's just that these super-size cheeks of mine tend to overwhelm everything when I smile. Take it from me though... they're back there. Thanks mommy and daddy for a successful first trip to the nursery! I look forward to hangin' with my friends every Sunday.

This is my homey Luke. He was already awake when I awoke. Already a veteran at Joyland, he showed me the ropes including who were the hot babes. Look out ladies, don't let his innocent look fool you... that Luke is one smooth operator. He's a good guy though with a great mommy and daddy.

Though it looks like cruel and unusual punishment, they took good care of me at Joyland (our church nursery). My first experience went rather well I have to say. Some of my colleagues in there got quiet loud though... kinda disrupts one's nap. Oh and the diaper changing was a bit awkward since I'm used to mommy, daddy or Grammy, but it was a quality job.

The above photo is in transit to the church. Try as I may, when the car gets a' goin' I get to sleepin'. I think mommy and daddy love that quality about me.

We are about to leave for church in this picture. Daddy is working hard at being goofy (if you can imagine that), so I figured I'd give the guy a break and give him a little grin for his efforts. By the way, the bib action is because I tend to surprise mom and dad with some spit-up every now and then... gotta keep 'em on their toes... also have to let the world know I love my mommy very much!! I couldn't ask for a better one... thank you Jesus.

Special Burp Cloths

I just had to post a picture of a special gift Nathan got from one of Sam's Aunt and Uncle, last week. They are personalized burp cloths with fun pictures on them. As most of you know, we did not disclose his name until he was born, so we have very few items with his name or initials. Therefore, anything that we get personalized is extra special. Isn't it sweet that she used his nickname, Nate?!!!

Happy First Father's Day, Daddy!

Daddy, I am so lucky to be your son. You are so fun to be around and I can tell you really love me. After all, you hold and comfort me when I am fussy and mommy is busy. Also, you are willing to put up with me spitting up and having stinky diapers. Mommy loves listening to you as you talk and play with me while changing my messy diapers. She also thinks it is cool that you take me to the dining room, so that we can both look in the mirror. I am not quite sure what I am looking at, yet, but one of these days I will figure it out. Daddy, I can't wait to grow up big and strong like you. I have been working on my strength, lately. I have alot more head control and I like to stand on your lap. I love it when you and mommy put me to bed, start my mobile and say a prayer, I just wish you wouldn't leave me there once you are done ;-)! Well, I really enjoyed your First Father's Day, and I hope you did, too! I helped mommy pick out your gifts! We hope you liked them! She wanted me to sign my card to you, but she just wasn't quite sure how to do that without you noticing the ink on my hand. I Love You, Daddy! ---Nate

Triple Whammy!!

Nathan had his 2 month appt. this past Thursday. The doctor said he has excellent growth and development. He is now 24 inches long and weighs 13 pounds. He is a big boy registering just above 75% in both categories. As you all know, a 2 month check-up brings with it the first round of shots. Nate had one oral vaccine and 3 shots in the legs. He did very well and he and I both only cried one minute. Yes, I did get a little teary eyed! It was the initial shock of them jabbing it into his legs with such force that got us both. He had calmed down before I even picked him up, which made me a little sad that he did not need mommy to comfort him. He is just becoming such a tough little boy.

I met my mom and Nate there from work. It was so neat to see how her and Nate are bonding and getting used to each other after only a few short days together. Sam and I are both confident that we made the best choice in who cares for our son while I am working. Nate loves his Grammy!

At Grammy's after his first round of shots!

Up close look at the damage!

2 Months!!

Isn't it crazy how time flies and our kiddos seem to grow beneath our eyes! It seems like just the other day that our son was born, now he is blossoming into an expressive little boy. His 2 month birthday was this past Wednesday, June 13th. He sure has been busy experiencing new things.

1. He does great during tummy time and lifts his head and chest up off the floor. Great job, Nate.

2. He tracks the lights and colors as the music plays on his bouncy seat. He, also, tracks mommy and daddy ;-).

3. He likes the swing, again. He didn't for a week or two.

4. He sleeps in his own room, now. Mommy misses him but watches him on the video monitor.

5. He smiles when smiled at or when we play with his cheeks.

6. He has giggled once that Sam and I both witnessed.

7. He does great in the car, but when he is hungry he doesn't like to stop at stoplights or the bank! The car needs to keep on moving!

8. He loves to stretch. I have never seen someone stretch so much.

9. He loves being held in a reverse football hold, where he can see out!

10. He has had a few play dates with friends - Luke, Pierce, Avery, Micah, Emmy, London, and Reagan.

11. He coos at us and his toys.

12. He loves watching the red stars as his mobile goes around.

13. He has begun sucking on his hands more, even when he has a full tummy. He doesn't really take a pacifier, but he is never very fussy (Praise God), so there isn't much need. He will probably end up being a thumb sucker--I just hope it won't be to hard to break the habit, since his thumb is always with him.

14. He gets to go play with Grammy every day!

15. He has had his pictures taken professionally.

16. He has had his first round of shots---more on that later!

17. He has grown like a weed and is already 13 pounds! I guess he loves to eat.

18. He still likes to be swaddled at night. He looks like a little burrito!

19. He nurses well, and takes 3 bottles from Grammy during the day. Fortunately, my work provides a mothers room to allow me to keep nursing.

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We Made It!

Well, today marked my return to work. Ugh! Thankfully, little Nate gets to go stay with his loving Grammy every day. Thanks, mom, you're the best! I got up at 5:00 after getting a solid 6 hours of sleep. Thanks Nate, mommy needed that before her first day. I fed Nate after having to wake him up, changed his diaper twice, got myself ready, and gathered all the essentials for his diaper bag, my lunch, and everything needed for me to pump at work. Throw in 2 framed pictures for my desk and my purse and I had quite a load!! I grabbed Nate and we headed out to Grammy's at 6:15. I dropped him off said my goodbyes, took some pictures, and put him back down to sleep. I headed off to work and made it there by 6:50. We did pretty good time wise this morning thanks to no unforeseen spit-ups, diaper leaks, or fussiness. I held myself together pretty good. I had some emotional moments, but I got most of my emotions about returning to work out about a week ago. I just decided to have my melt down a little early ;-)!! Nate did great with mom. He ate, played, and slept well. As a matter of fact, I put him back to bed when I left this morning and returned to get him up from a nap after work. I flew through traffic anxious to see the little man. He was wearing his "What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's" onesie. I thought mom would like that for the first day :-)!

Our biggest incident of the day was after he and I got home. I put him in the swing while I changed clothes, washed out my lunch containers and made bottles for tomorrow. I got ready to feed him and since he had been napping and had a full diaper, I stopped to change it before feeding him. Well, during mid-change, while dirty diaper was off and new one wasn't on yet, Nate decided it was time for a 'code brown'. Yep, I think it was his way of getting back at me for not staying home with him.


All in all, it was a successful day. I will be in good shape if the rest of the week goes that
smoothly!

Heading out, still in PJ's!

Saying my goodbyes!

When I left, he was headed back to finish sleeping! I still swaddle him because it tends to let him know it is time for a nap or bedtime.

When I returned, he was looking so cute! Here he is sleeping after kicking himself free from his SwaddleMe. Very seldom does he fight the confinement, but as you can see, today he wanted freedom!