Watch Liam Grow- Weeks 4-7

 

Dear Liam,

You continue to grow up right before my eyes sweet boy. I absolutely adore watching your little personality grow. There is nothing cuter than your sweet smiles, our morning coos, and that side dimple. Today I look at you while you are napping and know that within only a few days I will return to work to say my good-byes before I am at home full time with my two love bugs. I'm both excited and anxious as this is a huge step for our little family. I absolutely love teaching but know this is where God is calling me to be. I know days will be challenging but so worth it. Little man we have shared almost 8 weeks together. Our days have been filled with smiles, cuddles and coos, and excitement, but also with tears, pure exhaustion, and moments of complete trial and error. You are my perfect little boy. You are definitely your own little person but I wouldn't want it any other way. It is crazy to think that within a week you'll be two months old. I have loved watching you grow and all the newness you've learned. My prayer for you is that God will continue to grow your body big and strong, that your colicky days will quickly draw to an close, and that you will learn to love sleep during the night. May you never lose that adorable grin. You are my determined little man. You are strong, active, and have an eye for your mama. You do not have a problem to let everyone know exactly what you want. That usually means to be held or fed but it's ok. I know that simply will translate to bigger things in your future. I adore your smiles. You make my heart full and I am so completely in love with you. So while this post will catch us up from weeks 4-7, sorry lack of sleep and not wanting to be put down has not allotted the time to write weekly, but it's ok. I'll continue to enjoy my snuggles as I know babies don't stay babies forever. I'll enjoy it while I can. Happy 4-7 weeks my little Liam love.

Number of weeks: seven weeks & 5 days
Measurements: We will know more at our 2 month appointment
Clothing: You are officially too big for newbie clothes. You are long and lean like your daddy. You fit comfortably in size 0-3 month clothing but can additionally wear 3 month Carters clothes. I cannot believe how quickly you are growing sweet babe.
Diapers: size 1
Eating: You love to eat! (just like your mommy) You are on breast milk but want to eat all.the.time. We are having to supplement a few times throughout the day but are doing well overall. You are showing some signs of reflux but seem to have grown out of your tummy issues that you had a few weeks ago.
Sleeping: As I write this, I do have to celebrate that last night you slept 7 hours straight. I feel like a new mommy! But to be perfectly honest, you are not a sleeper. We learned early on that you had a bad case of colic and your days and nights were switched. When you were a few weeks old, you took pretty good morning naps between 9-11 and then again between 3-5 and not for the full time. Sadly this was only if you were being held and would quickly wake up if you were set down. You have not been the greatest fan of the swing, bouncer, or bassinet. At night you have learned to sleep a 3-4 hour stretch in the bassinet from 8-12 or 10-2AM. Then sadly would wake between 1-2 hours later and would be up for the night. Daddy and mommy have been on survival mode for the past two months but are feeling that we may be turning a corner with your sleep patterns. It has also been challenging as big sister is also going through a phase of sleep refusal.
Activities: coos, more eye contact, opening hands, recognition of our voices, smiles and facial expressions, holding onto toys/fingers 
Likes: being held, fed, cooing with mommy and daddy, pacis, play mat with our fishy friends, riding in the car when it is moving
Dislikes: changing clothing/diapers, being put down, being put into the car carrier, car stops

You truly keep us on our toes sweet boy, but you are an absolute blessing. Parenting a newbie is tough, but we are better parents for it. All our love growing boy!

Our Field of Blue with the Babes

 

I absolutely adored taking family photos in a field of beautiful blue.

 

 Aubrey Rose- 2.5 years old

I have to say my 2.5 year old spunky monkey really enjoyed herself. She may have even picked a flower or two (parent fail) but overall sat pretty well during our little family photo session.

My two week old little man looked so handsome in his bow tie. He may not have been a huge fan of our photos and being put down on the ground, but with paci in hand ready to pull at the right minute, he really did amazing.

 Liam Owen- 2 weeks

Aubrey loves her little Liam. My two little love bugs holding hands. While it may have been a little forced, I am so excited to see their little sibling love flourish.

Our family photo
I love this picture but laugh to myself as I know what the real moment looked like. By this time my two year old was over it and my two week old was shouting at the top of his lungs because he was cold and hungry. Aubrey had also spotted a few ducks in the pond behind the trees and wanted to go feed the "wah-wahs" (her new nickname for ducks as it's the sound ducks make) But in all truth our afternoon was perfectly imperfect. The rain held off and we bribed our two year old with goldfish which later were fed to ducks in the pond. Smiles were had by all and I'm thankful for this sweet moment captured in our field of blue with the babes.

Watch Liam Grow: Week 3

Dear Little Liam,

Each and every day is a new adventure. I love watching your sweet faces and love the way they resemble your sister but are definitely your own little self. I love your little dimpled chin and cheek. This week while so special has been a hard one little man. I can tell your tummy is uncomfortable and it's hard for mommy not to be able to fix the problem. You have also become very congested this week which led us back to the pediatrician's office for advice and testing. So far our only thought is overeating which is causing reflux. This then leads to a sour tummy and uncomfortable little boy. I am so thankful Oma has been here this week to spend with us, to help us with these little issues, to cuddle you, and to give mommy and daddy some chances at sleep. We are so thankful for this amazing little bond we have grown and know that you will continue to make progress each day. We love you so very much little guy and cannot believe you are already three weeks old. There is so much excitement to come! Watch little Liam grow!

 

Number of weeks: Three Weeks  

Measurements: 8 lbs 15 oz

Clothing:  newborn clothing and adorable little hats.

Eating: As you can see by the growth in weight you are a champ eater. We have found this week that you may be overeating due to reflux and the comfort of nursing with mama. You are still breastfeeding and breast milk bottle feeding exclusively. Because you may be overeating we have learned this may be the cause of reflux which then leads to upset tummy and pooping issues. This surely leads to fussiness, lack of sleeping, and an uncomfortable babe. This makes you want to be held at all times and do NOT like being put down. You are a snuggler for sure.

Sleeping: Sleep is something of the past and it seems that we may know what it is for quite some time. It has lead to hazy days of pure exhaustion and hard times on mama and daddy. I cannot express how thankful I am that Oma is here this week which has allowed for some daytime napping and an early bedtime until our dreaded wakeful hours of the early morning. I will say that you are a great sleeper in the early morning and throughout the day. The hard thing is that you are typically up from 1AM-5AM. You previously loved the swing but have decided that is not longer an acceptable sleeping place. You want to be cradled in our arms or snuggled up on our chest. 

Activities & Tidbits: You love to eat and to be held. When fed and awake you are such a chill little boy. I love the way you look around. You are a very strong and determined little man. You respond to sounds and stimuli. We have enjoyed days of tummy/back time as you search around for new noises and sights (while I know you can't see too far). 

 

 

 

This week your Oma has come to visit to help your mommy and daddy with the newness of a newborn and parenting two little humans. We are so incredibly thankful to have her here. You have enjoyed snuggling with her. I have to say I know she loves this special time just as much as you do.

 

 

We went to our first Brazilian Steakhouse this week to celebrate your daddy's 32nd birthday. Our pup Mattie seems to be interested in you as she does give sweet kisses, but then quickly tries to nudge you out of the way so that she can get further attention from mommy and daddy. The dog is definitely experiencing some separation issues for sure. I love the way you hold your hands by your head and face. You will hold onto our little fingers when you are eating and pull on our shirts/clothing. 

 

Little Liam we wish you the world. This week we will sadly say good-bye to Oma and continue our little adventure as a family of four. My goal is to get you on more of a "schedule" and to have you sleep more on your own vs being held. While I do love my snuggles, we are going to get you a little more independent as well as work on your tummy issues. Sending love to our littlest. Happy 3 weeks our little Liam love.

Watch Liam Grow: Week Two

Dear Little Liam,

We absolutely adore you sweet boy. Happy two weeks to our little love. Each day we experience a newness as a family of four. Thank you for continually teaching me love, grace, and patience. I love our daily snuggles, the relationship that grows with my little loves, and seeing how God continues to use our lives to show His glory. May He continue to wrap his hands around you sweet boy, to guide our little family, and grow us in Him. Watch little Liam grow!

Number of weeks: Two Weeks  

Measurements: 7 lbs 15 oz (30%), Height 20 3/4 (62%), Head Cir 14 1/8 (53%)

Clothing: newborn clothing, zipper preferred. This week you have adorned not one but two very stylish and adorable bow ties like daddy. I love dressing you up like a little man as well as your snuggly jammies while we are at home. You are not a fan of changing your clothes or being swaddled. You would much prefer being held.

Eating: You are exclusively drinking breast milk and are a champ eater. We give you about 2-3 oz each feeding but you are always in search of more. Sadly you have had lots of gas and tummy issues this week. It has made sleeping at night next to miserable for you sweet babe. Mommy will be changing her diet to see if this can help. We also try tummy meds too to help alleviate your little belly problems, but right now we have not found an answer just yet.

Sleeping: You have a great morning and night time napping "schedule." You sleep the best from 6-9AM and take a feeding and again from 9-12. While this is not always consistent or for the entire time, you are a champ sleeper during the daytime. At night is another story. You will wake from 11-? and then typically will wake within the next hour for about 3-4 hours. Your poor little tummy issues keep you from going back to sleep. At this time all we can do is hold you or have you sleep on our chests. We have tried the swing, bouncer, bassinet, rocker, etc. While one may be hit or miss we have not found anything consistent that you prefer.
Activities & Tidbits: 
This week you turned two weeks old. Sadly we are experiencing some tummy issues and lots of gas. While you may not be a fan of the car carrier you do so very well in the car and on drives. This week you have decided to become a paci baby. I think it helps to sooth the above listed issues. When you are awake, I love looking at those blue/gray eyes of yours. You seem very observant and are a very strong little boy. When it comes to eating I feel you are very determined. You like to lay with your hands close to your face or behind your head like big sister did when she was a baby. 

Little man we love you more than words and this new adventure will take us on some highs and lows, but we are so very thankful for each and every moment that we are grown as parents and as a family of four. Happy two weeks little love.

Watch Liam Grow: Week One

Ten little fingers,

And ten little toes,

The adventure begins.

Where it ends,

 God only knows.

To our little man,

We are filled with such love,

You are part of our heart.

You were sent from above. 

 

Number of weeks: One

Measurements: 6 lbs, 12 oz (9% drop in weight from original birth weight)

Clothing: newborn clothing

Eating: You are exclusively drinking breast milk. We do have formula as an emergency back up (Please know I do not side either way on breast milk or formula as my daughter was all formula from week 9 on. I am just thankful I have a different opportunity this time with Liam.)

Sleeping: What is this? You are a typical newborn and are a pretty good sleeper during the daytime. We sure do love our squishy cuddles. At night you want to eat all.the.time! You love to snuggle and hate to be put down. We are told it is because of your drop in weight. At the end of this week you did decide that you were ok with the swing and bouncer. Each day is part of a process and you are making good progress. Sleep exhaustion is not something you can fully prepare for. So mommy and daddy's prayer is for great weight gain and good sleep from our little boy.
Activities & Tidbits: 
You are a snuggler and are always in a froggy position with your feet due to the way you laid in the womb. You are not currently a paci baby but do love to suck on your hands. You are hungry all the time. You absolutely hate being changed or having your diaper changed. Your chord fell off with in the first few days and it seems that you will be an outie like your sister. You do not like to be swaddled at this time. You make the best old man faces as well as raise your arms like super man when you are picked up and sleepy. You open your eyes quite often and seem like a super strong little man. You have the loudest little squeals.

Likes: eating, sleeping, being cuddled and held,

Dislikes: car carrier, being put down, having your diaper/clothes changed, waiting for food

Happy Week One to our littlest love!

Liam Love- Week Won!

We celebrated our first week with our little Liam love. We enjoyed sweet snuggles, squishy faces, family time, big sister love, an Easter celebration, our first family park trip, a delicious April Fools with my su chef, and amazing visitors. With that we also saw many sleepless nights, baby tears, and a few refusals from our two year old. But with challenges comes wonderful times of exciting celebration. Our adventures in parenting two sweet babes has officially begun.

 {"I shall call you my squishy and you shall be mine!" Dory from Finding Nemo}

During the day, our little man does what every newbie does. Sleep, eat, poop, and of course make the most adorable little squishy faces. Our hearts melt daily! 

 

 

Oh how we adore these baby snuggles. 

Easter, Sunday was our first full day home with our sweet family of four. It included a cinnamon roll breakfast, lots of lounging and bedtime cuddles with the kids, and many Disney/Pixar favorites.

 

 {Happy Easter!}

 

 

After nap time, we found Easter bunny tracks and candy eggs that led into Liam's room. There Aubrey and Liam's Easter baskets sat, filled with holiday surprises and treats. Aubrey loved her pink flower sun glasses, magic wand, and of course the candy. Little Liam did more sleeping then exploring like big sister, but maybe next year he can get in on the fun! While celebrating with themed Easter eggs, candy, and bunny prints is always fun, we are truly reminded of our Easter blessings this year. We are so thankful for God's continued promise of His lamb. Through Jesus we are offered grace and a promise of eternity with our heavenly Father. That is the true gift of Easter.

We've been asked how Aubrey is handling her new role as big sister. To be honest, she really likes to help her little brother. Her current favorite is feeding him. She also gives him sweet kisses on his head, softly pats his face, and greets him in the morning with sweet kisses. With this sweetness she does hold her distance as her brother has some pretty high octaves with his crying. We've had to have many conversations about what his crying may mean and how he can't use his words like she can. We've also talked about feeding him and what baby milk is, as well as reminding her about how to be careful of a newborn.  When asked she will say she likes him and talks about how she's a big sister. I love when she calls him, "my Liam!" Talk about heart melting mama moment. As of now we really haven't seen to many acting out moments as she has her usual schedule. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but do know it will continue to be a process to mold our new "normal."

Our first tummy time experience was pretty successful. We pulled out two mats so that big sister could also be involved. To be honest, while she was aware of him and checked on him several times, she was a bit more interested in her snack and her Hello Kitty stickers. She did check on her little brother but quickly gave him space when he woke up to find out he was on his tummy. The water works quickly began. 

 

 {Sweet conversation with big sister}

We did get this sweet smile before he fully awoke to find out he was laying on his tummy. I don't think he was fully prepared.

 

I absolutely loved having daddy with me all week to love and cuddle baby boy. He's surely a snuggler.

 

To keep with her regular routine, Aubrey went to daycare to be with her friends and keep up her normal schedule. Plus she absolutely loves her gym time and new yoga class she takes once a week through her daycare. 

It is also so nice to let little miss wake up on her on time. We enjoyed breakfast and spent a sweet morning together. Of course with this sweetness the husband and I were both exhausted and pretty delirious from lack of sleep, but we are a team. While I surely missed my big girl during the day, it will be so nice to get little man on a "schedule" before this summer and then I'll have both my babes. Plus I absolutely loved getting to enjoy this sweet time at night. What could be better than to have my littlest babe in my arms, my sweet girl in my lap, and my husband at my side. There's no where else I'd rather be than in this sweet moment.

 
But with going to daycare you do run some risks. In this week alone we've received two emails about children in her room having strep and lice. Scares this new mama to death. At least baby brother will be building up a good immune system.

On Tuesday, we took Liam to his first pedi appointment with his doctor. At birth he weighed 7 lbs 7 oz and after his first weight check he lost about 9% of his weight. My babe was now 6 lbs 12 oz. This could be the one reason he always seemed so hungry. Little man is definitely a determined eater, but through our first week, mama is struggling a bit with feeding this hungry man. The pedi was not nervous at all. Now that my milk was in we knew his weight would increase on his own. He came home with a clean bill of health and of course was perfect just like we knew;)

First Bath

Liam was not at all impressed with his first bath. But I do have to say that a clean baby smells so good. And with all that hair and mama's chapstick kisses, he was due for a bath. Looking at these sweet clothes, it amazes me just how small our little newborn is.

 

 What a wonderful week! Our week was surely WON!

 Happy Week One to our little guy!

Liam's Visitors

We are so very blessed by the sweet words of encouragement and love that have been sent to our family after the arrival of our sweet son. Both Ray and I cannot express our gratitude for each of you. We also loved having sweet visitors come to meet our little guy. We were so excited to share him with the world.

Thursday afternoon, our Fantlet friends came and brought big sister to meet her little brother. The kiddos were so very excited to see our tiny little Liam. It's amazing to think we are adding another little kiddo to our growing group.

 

 {sharing Liam with our Fantlet friends}

 {Kristin snuggling Liam}

 {The kids loved our room with a view. They enjoyed watching the cars and the emergency helicopter that landed next to the hospital.}

 {Aubrey hearts Bryson}

Thank you to our Fantlet friends for loving on our little girl. From sleepovers, play time, jump places, princesses, and Easter hunt fun, our little girl absolutely adored her time away while we were in the hospital with baby brother. 

Friday afternoon, two of my first grade team members came to visit Liam in the hospital. It was such a special treat to have Keri and Tanya love on our boy. They truly have a heart of gold and I am beyond blessed to work with such amazing women. I love my firsty team! I am so grateful for you!!!

 {Keri, Tanya, Liam, & I)

 {Keri's first baby holding experience was a success!}

 {Tanya Love'n} 

Later Friday afternoon, we had a super special visit from Oma, Opa, and Bubba (my older brother). It was so special to see my family and watch them love on our little Liam. After weeks of waiting on this little guy's arrival, we were so very blessed to have him here and celebrate his arrival with our loved ones.

 {Oma's little newborn love}

 {Oma & Opa}

 {Oma, Opa, Aubrey, Liam, & I are enjoying opening presents and visiting}

 {Bubba with Liam}

My sweet friend, Stephanie, came to the hospital to visit Liam. It is always so special to share our love with our besties. Thank you girl for coming and spending special time with us to celebrate our little guy.

  {Stephanie, Liam, & I}

Michael also stopped by the house to love on Liam. I am so thankful for these sweet besties. We are so blessed to know that Liam is so very loved.

{Ray, Michael, & Liam}